Thursday, July 20, 2006

My adventures in New York City

I am finally able to write about my trip to New York and New Jersey. It's been a crazy few weeks with all the changes in my life, most of which were sparked by this trip.
It was a ten day journey into the heart of inner city life and into the depths of my heart. I learned so much about life and myself. I had to trust my heart and be confident in the things I believe God has called me to do and be. In some ways it was a living picture to me of the strength that God has created in me to make me crazy enough to move to the chaotic, beautiful, dirty, enchanting city. Hanging out in the streets with people from all walks of life, serving the homeless, the druggies, the angry, the hopeless, the kind, made it impossible for me to not be changed. One more lesson in my pursuit of understanding and embracing raw humanity. These pictures are not mine, unfortunately I didn't have a camera and these pictures are from a friend I was with one day in New York, and the ministry websites. I have no pictures of NY or of the activities I was a part of or all the freakin amazing people I met there.
The majority of my trip I was in Elizabeth NJ which is about 20-30 from NYC by NJ transit (which is like BART or rapid traveling subway trains). I stayed with the amazing Yuschak family (Paul (above right), Karen, (left and above) Katy (couldn't find a pic), and Becky
(left). They are a part of City Tribe Church where I spent most of my time. If you want to see what they are all about check out Citytribes's myspace or website. (Watch the video!) They truly impacted my life and kept me sane on my trip. Their story is iincredible, and so are their hearts.
I spent a lot of time with The New York City Relief ministry at the Hope Center and out on the bus. (Read that ;) seeing what a lifestyle of Inner City Ministry is like and learning the ropes. I loved it! There is so much need and tons to do.
I also got to spend time with the foursquare leaders that brought me out there. (Linda Abdoo & Sharon and Art Snow{to the left}) Spending time with such amazing people that share the same heart for ministry made me feel like I was already family. They do sooooo much, I have so much to learn :) Lastly, I got to spend time with my friend from school Beth Anna who moved out there a couple of years ago to plant a church. She lives in the city and we spent a lot of time talking about real life living in NY and moving out there. We had such a good time hanging out and her Dad that just happened to be visiting. :)
My Itinerary :
Friday: Red eye flight to Syracuse NY. Learned how to play Texas Holdem from my neighbors on the plane.
Sat: Arrived at 12 pm picked up by the fabulous Linda Abdoo. Took a much needed nap, went to dinner.
Sun: Sunday Service in Rome NY, Fathers Day with the Abdoo Fam.
Mon: Driven from Rome NY to Roselle NJ, to Elizabeth NJ.
Tues: NYC Relief Bus: Bronx NY, Dinner in NYC Hell's Kitchen
Wed: Hope Center, Patterson NJ church launch with Evy! Mediterranean dinner in Patterson.
Thurs: NYC tours, dinner, back to NJ.
Fri: Chestnut St Church, Chestnut St Community School, NYC Relief Bus Elizabeth NJ
Sat: All Day Speaker Jam Jefferson Park NJ, launch of Hip Hop Church
Sun: Sunday Services (one and two) Chestnut St Community , lunch, Church plant in Bronx NYC.
Mon: Goodbyes and Airports of hell
Tues:Arrive home 24 hours later, no luggage, all kinds of drama.
The End!!!

Of course there is more but I'm done typing!!! I think this is the longest post ever. If your still here thanks for reading! So, all that to say, God willing, I'm planning on moving to NYC after Spain. The city and it's people are calling my name.
Crazy. :) Us usual subject to change....

Danielle Renee at 1:00 AM

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1 Comments

at 4:51 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want to visit you there.

 

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