I went into this trip with excitement, but a very relaxed sense that things would be very different. Other than when my wife and I came here after 911, this is the smallest group I've taken. It really has been a wonderful and blessed mission so far.
Traveling into NYC on the Marathon day looked adventurous, but I had looked over the road closures online and felt I had mapped out a good route. Oh well - it was adventurous. I've never driven in the places we drove this time into Manhattan. God was good to us and we had no issues - it was actually very beautiful and peaceful a drive (for NYC driving).
Arriving at the Bowery was tight for making the 6pm service at Times Square Church, but we made it with minutes (2) to spare. The team did great in the subways too - it helped that most had been on subway systems in NYC, Toronto or London before.
The service at TSC was incredible, but warm. Connie and Mary Beth had to sit by an open exit stairwell because they were so hot. We were in the balcony too - so that didn't help. :) Chris already posted about the service so I'll continue. After touring Times Square we headed back into the mission to get some early rest.
You've already seen the posts for the rest of Monday AM. Once Chris and I returned we headed for coffee and breakfast up at Think Coffee above Houston and then into Washington Square. We walked back down through the Garment District and then somehow I was distracted and we went clear to Canal. After zig-zagging back (no noticed until I told them) we made it to Chapel on time. Charles and I sang together some Hymns and I brought the Word. God was moving - see previous posts.
After lunch we spread out in teams to work around the mission. I am refinishing some oak moldings for the entryway - Chris and Tanner are re-painting some doors (Tanner - himself) and the ladies worked all over the kitchen, pantry and back rooms. It was all our working until dinner time. Felt good to connect and contribute. Everyone is getting a chance to know the men and the staff. Good stuff happening. We need a bell on Tanner, but everyone is keeping and eye on him. He tends to wander off to chat around the mission. :) The men are all keeping an eye on him too - he has 80 big brothers now!
After the even chapel we ate and got some fresh air and coffee. Monday Night Football was next. Great time to hang out with the guys and enjoy an excellent game - at least for Chicago fans. :) Morning came early for me - again 5am. Chapel at 6:15 with John Brudermann.
I can't say enough about John. I love this guy. Four years ago he had a liver transplant and he has lost his ability to read, but he can still see distance. He can see spiritually 20/20! I videoed his message in five minute blocks. I'll post them later. John met our group and we talked for a while. He and 7 of his men are staying in the volunteer rooms with us Wednesday night!
Around 7:30 am Chris and I ran the Brooklyn Bridge. It is so beautiful weather wise here. 65 today! I should have just wore shorts and a t-shirt. Not to fast - not too slow a run - 44:29 from the Bowery. :)
We had a great talk on the run. John's message really hit home to both of us. Chris said that just that message alone from John Brudermann was worth the trip for him! Thank you God.
The team is off on the tour - so I thought I'd catch up on the blog.
We are off on outreach this afternoon and then to Brooklyn Tab for the prayer service tonight! 5pm the doors open. Thank you for praying for us - keep praying.
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