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.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday May 19, 2011
Our group of five (the same that had gone the day before) set out that morning a little behind schedule due to a short meeting with John and Anna Ramirez. We arrive in Brooklyn at Park Slop Baptist Church at 10:30 AM, about 45 minutes to an hour behind schedule.
Upon arriving, we split up, with some making tuna salad sandwiches, and others tackling the mess of a Clothing Closet. Charlie’s wife told us that a group of poor/homeless women had recently worked their way through the Clothing Closet and left it a bit unorganized. We spent most of that morning hanging up shirts and pants.
About half way through organizing the Clothing Closet, we stopped to take the tuna salad sandwiches to the homeless. Because we were so late in arriving, most of the people had already gone, and we only gave out seven bags and bottles of water.
We soon started on our way back to the church, and took up our posts in the clothing closet once again. We organized and hung and placed size tags on the shirts/pants until approximately 2:30 PM. We left shortly after due to a lack of things for us to do.
Back at the ole homestead, Jared and I made supper. Well, we opened a box and put the food in the oven…haha. After eating, we ventured down to 14th street for a bit of adventure and exploration. After walking around Union Square, visiting a few stores and simply spending time together, Katy Aleshire and Dani Bothe joined us.
We explored the area further and soon found ourselves on what appeared to be a movie set. The big give away…HUGE lights being set up in the streets at 10 PM. We asked the lighting crew which movie was being filmed and we were present with the title, Fiona’s Tale.
Dani, using her sophisticated phone with internet capabilities, searched until she found out that Fiona’s Tale was actually an alias for the new Spiderman movie (The Amazing Spiderman)! We snapped a few pictures to document our discovery and soon began on our way. We ended our excursion by stopping at Wendy’s for a late night snack before heading back to the comfort of our beds.
Upon arriving, we split up, with some making tuna salad sandwiches, and others tackling the mess of a Clothing Closet. Charlie’s wife told us that a group of poor/homeless women had recently worked their way through the Clothing Closet and left it a bit unorganized. We spent most of that morning hanging up shirts and pants.
About half way through organizing the Clothing Closet, we stopped to take the tuna salad sandwiches to the homeless. Because we were so late in arriving, most of the people had already gone, and we only gave out seven bags and bottles of water.
We soon started on our way back to the church, and took up our posts in the clothing closet once again. We organized and hung and placed size tags on the shirts/pants until approximately 2:30 PM. We left shortly after due to a lack of things for us to do.
Back at the ole homestead, Jared and I made supper. Well, we opened a box and put the food in the oven…haha. After eating, we ventured down to 14th street for a bit of adventure and exploration. After walking around Union Square, visiting a few stores and simply spending time together, Katy Aleshire and Dani Bothe joined us.
We explored the area further and soon found ourselves on what appeared to be a movie set. The big give away…HUGE lights being set up in the streets at 10 PM. We asked the lighting crew which movie was being filmed and we were present with the title, Fiona’s Tale.
Dani, using her sophisticated phone with internet capabilities, searched until she found out that Fiona’s Tale was actually an alias for the new Spiderman movie (The Amazing Spiderman)! We snapped a few pictures to document our discovery and soon began on our way. We ended our excursion by stopping at Wendy’s for a late night snack before heading back to the comfort of our beds.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday May 18, 2011
Our schedule for Wednesday was relatively light, for in the morning we were to clean our housing area and then tackle the mounds of laundry, both ours and the linens and towels of the MNYBA. After cleaning up our kitchen/hang out area, Erin Jeffries, Katy Aleshire, Jared Doyle, and I headed out to the Laundromat to do our laundry while Matt Lange stayed at the MNYBA to conquer the rest (for he had done his a few days before). The Laundromat was small, but it more than satisfied our needs. We cleaned our clothing and made it back to the building before noon.
That afternoon, John Ramirez took our group of five to a church in Brooklyn. We would be working there the next few days, and John wanted to introduce us to Charlie, the pastor of Park Slope Baptist Church. The travel time to Charlie’s church was approximately an hour, and while on the way, we were caught in a downpour of rain! Once we arrived, Charlie gave us towels with which we could dry off, which was great! Once seated in the lounge area of the church, Charlie told us the entire story of Park Slope Baptist Church. It was really long…
Once leaving there, we only had a short time to change our clothes and prepare to leave for Harlem to help with the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching. That night I worked with Sory. He had been in the States for approximately six years and had a wife and children still in Mali. He had been working to save money, both to help support them and to hopefully bring them here. Because Sory has been in the States for so long, he spoke English relatively well. I only had to help him with some word pronunciations and a few small grammar mistakes. He told me much about Mali, and it was extremely interesting to listen to him share. Sory speaks French and Bumbra fluently, and was a history and geography professor at a university in Mali. He had also studied philosophy, and was an all around brilliant man. As like the week before, around 8 or 8:30, all of the people, including Sory, left to attend the Muslim prayer time.
After leaving Harlem and arriving back in the Upper West Side, Jared and I stopped in at Trader Joe’s for a few more groceries. We soon made our way up the five flights of stairs to our common area and relaxed for a few minutes before finally heading to bed.
Days in New York City are exciting and exhausting, no matter the work!
That afternoon, John Ramirez took our group of five to a church in Brooklyn. We would be working there the next few days, and John wanted to introduce us to Charlie, the pastor of Park Slope Baptist Church. The travel time to Charlie’s church was approximately an hour, and while on the way, we were caught in a downpour of rain! Once we arrived, Charlie gave us towels with which we could dry off, which was great! Once seated in the lounge area of the church, Charlie told us the entire story of Park Slope Baptist Church. It was really long…
Once leaving there, we only had a short time to change our clothes and prepare to leave for Harlem to help with the ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching. That night I worked with Sory. He had been in the States for approximately six years and had a wife and children still in Mali. He had been working to save money, both to help support them and to hopefully bring them here. Because Sory has been in the States for so long, he spoke English relatively well. I only had to help him with some word pronunciations and a few small grammar mistakes. He told me much about Mali, and it was extremely interesting to listen to him share. Sory speaks French and Bumbra fluently, and was a history and geography professor at a university in Mali. He had also studied philosophy, and was an all around brilliant man. As like the week before, around 8 or 8:30, all of the people, including Sory, left to attend the Muslim prayer time.
After leaving Harlem and arriving back in the Upper West Side, Jared and I stopped in at Trader Joe’s for a few more groceries. We soon made our way up the five flights of stairs to our common area and relaxed for a few minutes before finally heading to bed.
Days in New York City are exciting and exhausting, no matter the work!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tuesday May 17, 2011
Our morning started out early, as we traveled to Union Square (14th Street) to meet up with Susanne for a tour of NYU (New York University). Although it was raining, we were still able to see the beautiful buildings and even saw the arch that was in the movie August Rush!
Once inside of the buildings of the University, we sat in a lounge and listened while Susanne told us all about her chaplain position at the school and how God has used her in that place. After hanging out for a while, our group traveled down a few flights of stairs to the Christian office/department and had a prayer time before heading back out to find our lunch.
Our group split up for lunch, with the majority of people (including Dr. Brown) stopping at a pizza place. However, Jared was craving Mexican food, so we stopped at Qdoba, the closest to Mexican food that we could find.
From there, John Ramirez took our group to Queens to a Hispanic church, Iglesia la Palabra. They had some extra food from their lunch that they fed to us and it was delicious! Before heading out and leaving three of our team members there to work (Lacey Colborn, Seth Smith, and Kyle Morrison), our group prayed with the pastor, Winston, for his church and the community.
Promptly after praying, our group began our long journey back to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. We had just arrived back at Grand Central Station when Jared received a call from Kyle that Lacey had hit her head on a low hanging iron bar and needed to go to the emergency room for stitches. After hearing that, Dr. Brown corralled those of us left (Matt Lange, Erin Jeffries, Katy Aleshire, Jared Doyle, and I) and we quickly headed back toward the area from which we had just come.
On our way to the hospital, we learned that Lacey was okay, and that we were traveling to Flushing, a stop farther north than where we had previously been. However, we were not sure which hospital to go to or how to make our way there, but thankfully a nice woman on the subway informed us that she was going that way and would show us! The people of NYC are so willing to offer help when anyone seems even a slight bit lost!
So, we exited the train and followed her to our bus. She showed us which stop to get off and viola, we were at the hospital. We soon learned that we were at the wrong hospital. After quickly learning directions to the correct hospital, we were soon on our way. Upon our arrival at the correct hospital, we tried three different entrances before we found the right one and were soon taken to Lacey, and then to the waiting room.
I have no idea how long we were at the hospital, for Jared and I both fell asleep. As soon as Lacey was released (with staples!), we all headed back toward Manhattan. Jared and I stopped off at 34th Street for supper and a stop at K-Mart (since again we had no time for laundry), and then headed back toward Times Square to meet up with the rest of the group.
After arriving back at our housing, Jared and I went out for a dual purpose, ice cream and to check the hours of the Laundromat. We were determined to do laundry one way or the other! Before heading to bed, we learned that the five members of our group that did not have previous assignments were to work in the MNYBA building, freeing us to do laundry all day if we needed that much time.
The day was a long one for everyone and we were all glad that it was nearing its end.
Once inside of the buildings of the University, we sat in a lounge and listened while Susanne told us all about her chaplain position at the school and how God has used her in that place. After hanging out for a while, our group traveled down a few flights of stairs to the Christian office/department and had a prayer time before heading back out to find our lunch.
Our group split up for lunch, with the majority of people (including Dr. Brown) stopping at a pizza place. However, Jared was craving Mexican food, so we stopped at Qdoba, the closest to Mexican food that we could find.
From there, John Ramirez took our group to Queens to a Hispanic church, Iglesia la Palabra. They had some extra food from their lunch that they fed to us and it was delicious! Before heading out and leaving three of our team members there to work (Lacey Colborn, Seth Smith, and Kyle Morrison), our group prayed with the pastor, Winston, for his church and the community.
Promptly after praying, our group began our long journey back to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. We had just arrived back at Grand Central Station when Jared received a call from Kyle that Lacey had hit her head on a low hanging iron bar and needed to go to the emergency room for stitches. After hearing that, Dr. Brown corralled those of us left (Matt Lange, Erin Jeffries, Katy Aleshire, Jared Doyle, and I) and we quickly headed back toward the area from which we had just come.
On our way to the hospital, we learned that Lacey was okay, and that we were traveling to Flushing, a stop farther north than where we had previously been. However, we were not sure which hospital to go to or how to make our way there, but thankfully a nice woman on the subway informed us that she was going that way and would show us! The people of NYC are so willing to offer help when anyone seems even a slight bit lost!
So, we exited the train and followed her to our bus. She showed us which stop to get off and viola, we were at the hospital. We soon learned that we were at the wrong hospital. After quickly learning directions to the correct hospital, we were soon on our way. Upon our arrival at the correct hospital, we tried three different entrances before we found the right one and were soon taken to Lacey, and then to the waiting room.
I have no idea how long we were at the hospital, for Jared and I both fell asleep. As soon as Lacey was released (with staples!), we all headed back toward Manhattan. Jared and I stopped off at 34th Street for supper and a stop at K-Mart (since again we had no time for laundry), and then headed back toward Times Square to meet up with the rest of the group.
After arriving back at our housing, Jared and I went out for a dual purpose, ice cream and to check the hours of the Laundromat. We were determined to do laundry one way or the other! Before heading to bed, we learned that the five members of our group that did not have previous assignments were to work in the MNYBA building, freeing us to do laundry all day if we needed that much time.
The day was a long one for everyone and we were all glad that it was nearing its end.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday May 16, 2011
Monday was an informative and exploratory day. Our group traveled with Leslie, a semester missionary staying at the MNYBA, to Graffiti 2 in Mott Haven (the Bronx). When we arrived, we were introduced to Chris and his dog Proof (who are a part of the New York VBS mission curriculum for 2011!) and he told us the history behind Graffiti 2 and the work that the church does in Mott Haven. According to data, Mott Haven is the worst borough of New York City to raise children, and over half of the population of Mott Haven is children.
After a quick introduction, our small group split up to prayer-walk the area for approximately 30 minutes. It sprinkled the entire time until the last few minutes where it completely poured and we were all soon soaked through. We rested a bit and were preparing to leave when we were asked to help unload carpentry tools and housing items and carry those up to a second floor apartment. We quickly tackled the job and soon had the truck unloaded and the apartment full.
Our group then set out for the MNYBA building so we could obtain our afternoon assignments. Upon arriving, we were told that we were to spend the rest of the afternoon doing Soularium. Due to the rain, Jared, Katy and I decided to find a coffee shop in which we could set up. Starbucks is the most common coffee shop and can be found every couple of blocks (no exaggeration either). However, also because of the rain, every Starbucks near 72nd and Broadway were full with no empty tables.
With that, we set out for 34th street (Herald Square) where we knew of many more Starbucks locations. But alas, every single one was once again full! So, for about two and a half hours, Katy, Jared and I walked around in search of a place to set up with no avail. It was a disheartening afternoon.
We traveled back to our housing after a while and relaxed until supper time. When we became hungry, Jared and I traveled back to 34th street to eat at a Chinese restaurant. It was delicious! We spent a bit of time walking around the area and then headed back to our housing.
After arriving back, we realized that laundry was a must. However, it was 7:30 PM and the Laundromat closed at 8 PM. We realized we would simply have to wait until the next day.
Dr. Brown (our sponsor) arrived for a two night, one day stay in New York around 7:30 PM. At 10 PM, we had a small worship service with Brett, Lacey, and Matt leading the singing and Dr. Brown giving a word. It was greatly needed and well timed. He spoke on knowing God’s plans for us, and that we should realize that we do not deserve to know. God always tells us what He knows we need and what we can handle. Nothing more, nothing less.
After a quick introduction, our small group split up to prayer-walk the area for approximately 30 minutes. It sprinkled the entire time until the last few minutes where it completely poured and we were all soon soaked through. We rested a bit and were preparing to leave when we were asked to help unload carpentry tools and housing items and carry those up to a second floor apartment. We quickly tackled the job and soon had the truck unloaded and the apartment full.
Our group then set out for the MNYBA building so we could obtain our afternoon assignments. Upon arriving, we were told that we were to spend the rest of the afternoon doing Soularium. Due to the rain, Jared, Katy and I decided to find a coffee shop in which we could set up. Starbucks is the most common coffee shop and can be found every couple of blocks (no exaggeration either). However, also because of the rain, every Starbucks near 72nd and Broadway were full with no empty tables.
With that, we set out for 34th street (Herald Square) where we knew of many more Starbucks locations. But alas, every single one was once again full! So, for about two and a half hours, Katy, Jared and I walked around in search of a place to set up with no avail. It was a disheartening afternoon.
We traveled back to our housing after a while and relaxed until supper time. When we became hungry, Jared and I traveled back to 34th street to eat at a Chinese restaurant. It was delicious! We spent a bit of time walking around the area and then headed back to our housing.
After arriving back, we realized that laundry was a must. However, it was 7:30 PM and the Laundromat closed at 8 PM. We realized we would simply have to wait until the next day.
Dr. Brown (our sponsor) arrived for a two night, one day stay in New York around 7:30 PM. At 10 PM, we had a small worship service with Brett, Lacey, and Matt leading the singing and Dr. Brown giving a word. It was greatly needed and well timed. He spoke on knowing God’s plans for us, and that we should realize that we do not deserve to know. God always tells us what He knows we need and what we can handle. Nothing more, nothing less.
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