My Time in New York

Well, it's that time. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll be flying to Johannesburg, South Africa, by way of Atlanta. It has been an amazing time of serving in New York, and it seems like ages ago that my team first arrived. I confess that I initially thought of this part of the trip as a very short prelude to the "real mission experience."

But throughout the time here, I realized a few things. I realized this was over two weeks, which is longer than any mission trip I've been on before. I also realized how much needs to be done in the U.S. I've learned how to minister to the poor by getting to know them and forming relationships.

During my time in New York, I've been taken out of my comfort zone in many situations and I've grown as a Christian and as a person.

The first week, I served at the Harlem Temple Salvation Army, where I helped with the soup kitchen and after school program. I was able to sit down with the people who came in for the soup kitchen and have a real conversation about what they're going through. One man was living in a closet after being laid off, another was concerned about finding shelter for the large snowstorm coming. Something that surprised me was how many of them were educated, well traveled, and just like many of us. They just had some bad breaks, or made a few mistakes that led them to this point. It was then that I truly saw them in a way I believe Jesus wants me to see them. I saw people just like me, I saw how easy it would be for me to end up in the same position as them. 

The second week, I served at the Manhattan Citadel Salvation Army. I helped pack and move some of the things they had there to the new location. I also helped out with a prayer booth during the soup kitchen. I was able to play guitar during that, but also talk and pray for several people there. I also got more comfortable working with kids while I was at both locations and by the end, they loved me!:)

As I go to bed now, preparing for a full day of travel tomorrow, I'm excited for what God is going to show me in the next five months! I do still ask for your prayers for safe travels and for my relationship with God to grow deeper.