The duties for Wednesday kept us in the MNYBA building for most of the day. Anna Ramirez gave us a check list of duties to do around the building. We cleaned the bathrooms on every floor, folded linens, washed and dried towels, bedding and personal laundry, emptied the 4th floor apartment of any items left by John and Anna Ramirez, and moved a few beds around to different rooms. Although it does not seem like much, it was more than enough to keep us busy for the entire morning and afternoon.
As with every Wednesday, that evening consisted of traveling to Harlem for teaching ESL. Katy Aleshire was able to travel with us this week and she thoroughly enjoyed teaching and speaking with Sory, whom I had worked with the previous week. That evening I worked with a lady who knew enough English to speak, but still did not know many words. It was a challenge trying to explain words to her when she did not understand the synonyms either. Thankfully Chris (the missionary who lived in Mali for a few years) was able to explain things to her in either French or their language, Bumbra.
We all left that evening a little saddened, knowing it was our last time to work with the ESL teachers and the people from Mali. However, we were happy in knowing that many more missionaries would bless the doorstep of that building and people of Mali. That whole experience had definitely blessed us and given us new skills in working with people.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tuesday May 24, 2011
Our project for Tuesday morning was to do Soularium in Central Park. Katy Aleshire, Dani Bothe, Jared Doyle, and I headed to the park as a group to hopefully utilize this evangelism tool. We set up in an extremely populated spot, but barely had anyone even look in our direction. We stayed there for quite a while, and even dispersed ourselves across that section of the park to pray and give people the opportunity to stop. No one did. It was extremely discouraging, but at the same time, we almost expected it.
An hour or so later, we saw some of our co-HLGU missionaries and asked them about their time with Soularium. They seemed to be having the same issues that we were encountering. The people in Central Park were not concerned with what others were doing and simply wanted to be left alone.
On our way to look for another location, we heard a band playing and stopped to listen. We learned they were called The Dirty Urchins and actually have songs on ITunes. They had a really neat sound and sang wonderful harmonies.
In our search for another location, we found ourselves at Times Square and at TGIF for lunch. After finishing our food at a leisurely pace, we headed back to the housing.
That evening after supper, Jared and I headed toward the Hudson River to amble through River Park. We walked the boardwalk, watched the sunset, and eventually saw the city lights from New Jersey. As we walked down the boardwalk, we came across a restaurant on the river. It was beautiful and very popular! The atmosphere of the place was incredible and the people were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
We soon directed our paths back to the MNYBA building to end another successful day in New York City.
An hour or so later, we saw some of our co-HLGU missionaries and asked them about their time with Soularium. They seemed to be having the same issues that we were encountering. The people in Central Park were not concerned with what others were doing and simply wanted to be left alone.
On our way to look for another location, we heard a band playing and stopped to listen. We learned they were called The Dirty Urchins and actually have songs on ITunes. They had a really neat sound and sang wonderful harmonies.
In our search for another location, we found ourselves at Times Square and at TGIF for lunch. After finishing our food at a leisurely pace, we headed back to the housing.
That evening after supper, Jared and I headed toward the Hudson River to amble through River Park. We walked the boardwalk, watched the sunset, and eventually saw the city lights from New Jersey. As we walked down the boardwalk, we came across a restaurant on the river. It was beautiful and very popular! The atmosphere of the place was incredible and the people were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
We soon directed our paths back to the MNYBA building to end another successful day in New York City.
Monday May 23, 2011
Monday morning, the three people who journey every day to Graffiti 2 left as they usually do while the rest of us ventured to Jamaica to Ebenezer Mission Church. This church is led by Pastor Jae Lee and has three congregations that are all integrated. They do have separate church services for the Hispanic, Chinese, and English speaking congregations, but all three congregations participate in fellowship activities, picnics, and many other group functions. It was amazing to hear Jae Lee speak about how the church started and how it had grown! The youth in the church are a large part of why so many people attend. They became involved, and in response to their changed lives, their parents began to attend as well. This church seemed to be doing great things in the community, and we were there to serve that church.
Our projects included painting the fellowship hall (bright yellow), moving many items in storage from the basement to be sorted through to throw some things away and put others to use, and cleaning up debris (trees limbs, shingles, etc.) from a recent storm. We all had a blast working that day and we all helped in all the areas needed.
Lacey Colborn, Erin Jeffries, and Kyle Morrison left early to go to the hospital in Flushing to have Lacey’s staples removed from her head. Those of us still there finished the painting, chatted with Jae Lee, and headed out by 3 or 3:30 PM.
Working at Ebenezer Mission Church was truly a great experience. We were able to work at a church that is having an incredible impact on its community and continually growing in its congregation and outreach. I know that God will continue to use this church in many, many ways to glorify and enlarge His kingdom…and I am blessed to know we were able to serve those who serve others so much!
Our projects included painting the fellowship hall (bright yellow), moving many items in storage from the basement to be sorted through to throw some things away and put others to use, and cleaning up debris (trees limbs, shingles, etc.) from a recent storm. We all had a blast working that day and we all helped in all the areas needed.
Lacey Colborn, Erin Jeffries, and Kyle Morrison left early to go to the hospital in Flushing to have Lacey’s staples removed from her head. Those of us still there finished the painting, chatted with Jae Lee, and headed out by 3 or 3:30 PM.
Working at Ebenezer Mission Church was truly a great experience. We were able to work at a church that is having an incredible impact on its community and continually growing in its congregation and outreach. I know that God will continue to use this church in many, many ways to glorify and enlarge His kingdom…and I am blessed to know we were able to serve those who serve others so much!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Sunday May 22, 2011
Several from our group were supposed to attend Park Slope Baptist Church that morning, but after talking with John Ramirez on Friday evening, we were released from that plan. Every single one of us agreed that we were uncomfortable at the church and did not feel it was where we were supposed to be.
Therefore, that morning led to Seth Smith, James Leezer, Jared Doyle, and I traveling to Hillsong Church at 17 Irving Place. This church is a plant from the original Hillsong in Australia and Joel Houston, the son of Brian Houston (starter of Hillsong Australia), presented the message that day! The church was held in either an old bar or dance club (or both). This seemed to be common, seeing as real estate is so hard to come by (and extremely expensive) in New York City! The music was intense and incredible and the people were extremely friendly and welcoming!
After church ended, we headed back to the Upper West Side and stopped at 71 Café for lunch. I ordered Manhattan clam chowder, and when I glanced down at it, I thought it was vegetable soup because it was red instead of white. So Jared took it back to the counter, and they informed us that Manhattan and New England clam chowder are different. Who knew?! It turned out to be delicious, but nothing quite compares to New England clam chowder :)
We headed back to our housing to relax until our next engagement at 5 PM. During our free time, we watched yet another movie (thanks to Netflix online streaming) and simply relaxed.
At 5 PM, Katy Aleshire, Dani Bothe, Jared Doyle, and I made our way to the chapel area on the first floor of the MNYBA building for a prayer meeting with the Russian Church group. Only three people showed up for the meeting (they are still in the very preliminary stages of setting up their church), but it does not say where 500 are gathered in His name…only two or more!
Slova, the leader, played his guitar and sang a few songs. Most he sang one verse in English so we could sing along and another in Russian. It was beautiful! Then the four of us told our testimonies (they were all very similar actually) and Slova began the praying. Before heading out (they had to be out by 6 PM), we tried some of the Russian food they brought. It was interesting and one of my favorites was made from sunflower seeds. I love trying new food!
Around 6:30, Jared and I set out for Central Park with the intention of finding food along the way. We walked through the park and found ourselves on the Upper East Side on 58th Street. On the Upper East Side, we found a really interesting Apple (Mac computers, etc) store. The majority of the store was underground. The only thing on top was a big glass square with the Apple emblem and an entrance with stairs and an elevator heading down. Naturally, we had to go in. It was a really neat store, but we did not stay long.
Once back out on the street, we began our trek downtown towards Time Square (42nd Street). Along the way we grabbed supper (gyros), saw Gucci, Armani, and Prada stores, gasped at the outlandish prices of things, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
The only thing we did at Times Square before heading back to the MNYBA building was buy candy at Toys R Us. We picked our choice and set on our way back, happily enjoying our purchase.
Therefore, that morning led to Seth Smith, James Leezer, Jared Doyle, and I traveling to Hillsong Church at 17 Irving Place. This church is a plant from the original Hillsong in Australia and Joel Houston, the son of Brian Houston (starter of Hillsong Australia), presented the message that day! The church was held in either an old bar or dance club (or both). This seemed to be common, seeing as real estate is so hard to come by (and extremely expensive) in New York City! The music was intense and incredible and the people were extremely friendly and welcoming!
After church ended, we headed back to the Upper West Side and stopped at 71 Café for lunch. I ordered Manhattan clam chowder, and when I glanced down at it, I thought it was vegetable soup because it was red instead of white. So Jared took it back to the counter, and they informed us that Manhattan and New England clam chowder are different. Who knew?! It turned out to be delicious, but nothing quite compares to New England clam chowder :)
We headed back to our housing to relax until our next engagement at 5 PM. During our free time, we watched yet another movie (thanks to Netflix online streaming) and simply relaxed.
At 5 PM, Katy Aleshire, Dani Bothe, Jared Doyle, and I made our way to the chapel area on the first floor of the MNYBA building for a prayer meeting with the Russian Church group. Only three people showed up for the meeting (they are still in the very preliminary stages of setting up their church), but it does not say where 500 are gathered in His name…only two or more!
Slova, the leader, played his guitar and sang a few songs. Most he sang one verse in English so we could sing along and another in Russian. It was beautiful! Then the four of us told our testimonies (they were all very similar actually) and Slova began the praying. Before heading out (they had to be out by 6 PM), we tried some of the Russian food they brought. It was interesting and one of my favorites was made from sunflower seeds. I love trying new food!
Around 6:30, Jared and I set out for Central Park with the intention of finding food along the way. We walked through the park and found ourselves on the Upper East Side on 58th Street. On the Upper East Side, we found a really interesting Apple (Mac computers, etc) store. The majority of the store was underground. The only thing on top was a big glass square with the Apple emblem and an entrance with stairs and an elevator heading down. Naturally, we had to go in. It was a really neat store, but we did not stay long.
Once back out on the street, we began our trek downtown towards Time Square (42nd Street). Along the way we grabbed supper (gyros), saw Gucci, Armani, and Prada stores, gasped at the outlandish prices of things, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
The only thing we did at Times Square before heading back to the MNYBA building was buy candy at Toys R Us. We picked our choice and set on our way back, happily enjoying our purchase.
Saturday May 21, 2011
We (Kate Aleshire, Dani Bothe, James Leezer, Jared Doyle, and I) started our Saturday adventures around 11 AM and met Geumbee, Katy Aleshire’s Korean friend, at the Subway. Geumbee was an exchange student to Katy’s high school several years ago and now lives as a fashion designer in New York! She took us to Korean Town for lunch and it was delicious! Jared and I used our chopsticks like pros!
From there we traveled to the Upper East Side of Manhattan and spent several hours in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When we arrived, the front steps of the museum were cluttered with people, but the line was not extremely long. Thanks to Geumbee’s observations and knowledge of New York, we only paid $1 to get in. The $20 admission fee is only suggested, and therefore, you are not required to pay the full amount. What a deal!
We walked all over that HUGE art museum! It was so incredible to see the many different types of art. We saw pieces by Van Gogh, Degas, sculptures from ancient Greece and Rome, and so much more! Naturally, some of the art we were not fond of and we skipped right over it. However, I do not think it is possible to really appreciate everything that The Met has to offer in just one day. I would love to go back!
We decided to leave The Met around 5 or 6 PM. Upon walking out, we realized it was raining, and rather steadily. We decided not to wait it out because we were tired and beginning to feel the pangs of hunger. Our rain walking finally led us to the Subway and we headed for the one that would take us back to our lodgings. We were wet, cold, and hungry, but we had experienced so much culture and history from the art that our moods were light!
Once we found our way back to the MNYBA building, Jared and I cleaned up before sitting down to a movie to relax after a long day on our feet.
From there we traveled to the Upper East Side of Manhattan and spent several hours in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When we arrived, the front steps of the museum were cluttered with people, but the line was not extremely long. Thanks to Geumbee’s observations and knowledge of New York, we only paid $1 to get in. The $20 admission fee is only suggested, and therefore, you are not required to pay the full amount. What a deal!
We walked all over that HUGE art museum! It was so incredible to see the many different types of art. We saw pieces by Van Gogh, Degas, sculptures from ancient Greece and Rome, and so much more! Naturally, some of the art we were not fond of and we skipped right over it. However, I do not think it is possible to really appreciate everything that The Met has to offer in just one day. I would love to go back!
We decided to leave The Met around 5 or 6 PM. Upon walking out, we realized it was raining, and rather steadily. We decided not to wait it out because we were tired and beginning to feel the pangs of hunger. Our rain walking finally led us to the Subway and we headed for the one that would take us back to our lodgings. We were wet, cold, and hungry, but we had experienced so much culture and history from the art that our moods were light!
Once we found our way back to the MNYBA building, Jared and I cleaned up before sitting down to a movie to relax after a long day on our feet.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday May 20, 2011
Our group of five, who traveled to Brooklyn the two days before, was enlarged by three (Lacey Colborn, Seth Smith, and Lacey Colborn). We left on time that morning and were able to make the egg (yup, egg this time) salad sandwiches and give them to the homeless people on time. While half worked on the sandwiches, the rest of us worked in the clothing closet.
To the homeless, gave several sandwiches and bottles of water. Many in our group were able to chat with the people for a while. Charlie takes sandwiches to these people almost every day, so he has a good relationship already established.
Upon returning, we worked more in the clothing closet. Once finishing in there, all except for Seth Smith, Jared Doyle, and I, left to evangelize. The three of us that stayed behind stamped tracts for the church. We left the church at 1 PM to head back to the MNYBA building.
Once back in our building, we had time to simply hang out. Around 4 PM, John and Anna Ramirez required the assistance of our group in helping them move from the 4th floor apartment to their new 6th floor apartment. After helping them move, John treated all of us to those amazing cookies from that bakery we visited on our first night in Manhattan. The cookies were amazing!! Jared and I had peanut butter chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies.
After our cookie overstimulation (they were soooooo delicious!), Jared and I sat down to finish our movie and watch another one. We were tired and simply needed a bit of time to be rejuvenated. At the end of our movie, we set out for an evening walk around the Upper West Side.
During our walk, we encountered a rather large, fancy building. We soon discovered that it was Julliard, the amazing school for music, drama, and dance. We walked around that area for a while, taking in the beautiful lights and seeing many people dressed in formal attire exiting one of the buildings. We assumed that a performance had just finished and all of the guests were leaving.
We walked around the area for a bit longer, and then began our trek back to the MNYBA building so we could rest before our free day!
To the homeless, gave several sandwiches and bottles of water. Many in our group were able to chat with the people for a while. Charlie takes sandwiches to these people almost every day, so he has a good relationship already established.
Upon returning, we worked more in the clothing closet. Once finishing in there, all except for Seth Smith, Jared Doyle, and I, left to evangelize. The three of us that stayed behind stamped tracts for the church. We left the church at 1 PM to head back to the MNYBA building.
Once back in our building, we had time to simply hang out. Around 4 PM, John and Anna Ramirez required the assistance of our group in helping them move from the 4th floor apartment to their new 6th floor apartment. After helping them move, John treated all of us to those amazing cookies from that bakery we visited on our first night in Manhattan. The cookies were amazing!! Jared and I had peanut butter chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies.
After our cookie overstimulation (they were soooooo delicious!), Jared and I sat down to finish our movie and watch another one. We were tired and simply needed a bit of time to be rejuvenated. At the end of our movie, we set out for an evening walk around the Upper West Side.
During our walk, we encountered a rather large, fancy building. We soon discovered that it was Julliard, the amazing school for music, drama, and dance. We walked around that area for a while, taking in the beautiful lights and seeing many people dressed in formal attire exiting one of the buildings. We assumed that a performance had just finished and all of the guests were leaving.
We walked around the area for a bit longer, and then began our trek back to the MNYBA building so we could rest before our free day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)