Acorns in the Big Apple Friday

Our last full day in NYC was pure play!  We began with a double decker bus ride around Manhattan.  Then we went in a few different directions to try to cram in just a bit more sight seeing.  We divided into four conquering groups with Central Park's "Strawberry Fields" as HQ and Chip as Presiding General: Shopping in SoHo, an attempt to visit Ground Zero and Nikoli Tesla's apartment in the New Yorker Hotel and a very successful ride into Queens to see "Five Corners", a several block long series of graffiti murals.

We met back in Central Park "HQ" and had one last NYC dinner together before Worship and Passing the Peace.  Tonight we really found closure and solace after an especially emotional week.  The hole left by Rob has been palpable but we've worked extra hard to make him proud, both through our service and Agape love that has been demonstrated at all levels as we soldier on to live in the way that he taught us to.

Most of all we have our faith,

A faith that offers community, guidance,

A shoulder to lean on, and Agape.

While we are still recovering, we stand together, 

Remembering and continuing on,

Unified as a community -

Remembering that we are loved!

Acorns in the Big Apple Thursday

This was our last day of service here in New York. Maneuvering the New York transit system was hard at first but we are all old hands at it now. Spreading out over 4 of the 5 boroughs here in New York has given us ample training. Today we were at the Children's Garden up in Jamaica Queens, the Immaculate Conception Church down in Brooklyn and St Peters Episcopal Church out in the far end of the Bronx.

We were surprised with a visit from Chip and Z! When we came up from the subway back at the Hostel they were there to greet us. We had a pizza party at the Hostel.  New York pizza is the bomb!

Tonight was Senior night.  A warm send off to our departing Senior class that offers encouragement and love to the oldest members of our community. It's an emotional night that is the culmination of 5 years of mission trips, retreats, service to others and the love of the community. Mark Ivy, Sam Geiger, Mike McGuire, Katy Zatt, Kim Aldworth, Savannah Horstmann, and George Wozniak have meant so much to us, and we wish them the best of luck as they carry on the spirit of Agape.

Tomorrow is a sight seeing adventure in Manhattan and all things New York, followed by Worship,  before we jet back to Chi town on Saturday. It has been a non-stop week and we are all growing a little more worn out each day but the excitement of the city keeps us going!

Acorns in the Big Apple Wednesday

Day three brought us beautiful weather for our travels and work.  We are learning that so much good that touches the daily lives of the truly needy stems from grass roots efforts of motivated individuals and small groups.  We are collecting a sampling of examples of how different these grass roots efforts can look.  We have worked with a strong minded woman who is determined to teach the urban children in her neighborhood where a carrot comes from; we have met French nuns who have vowed always to serve and never be served.  We have also seen how changing neighborhoods create territorial feelings and animosities even though the needs of individuals as humans is the same.

We are tired and grateful for our experiences and ability to have these opportuinites to be able to affect, for a few minutes, someone's life; it is inspirational.

After debriefing at the YSOP Headquarters we did a 180 - Off to Times Square - the Mecca of conspicuous consumption!!  We had dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner where the singing waitstaff crooned as they served.  Next we roamed (always chaperoned) up and down Broadway and witnessed the bright lights and colorful characters of one of New York's most famous scenes.

It is beginning to hit home for our Seniors that their time as Youth Community members is coming to a close.  After our last day with YSOP tomorrow, we will have dinner here at the Hostel and commence "Senior Night" where each of our wonderful young adults will be individually recognized and loved by the group.  This has become a most precious tradition and it is indeed, a bittersweet event.

Acorns in the Big Apple on Tuesday

Today we were on our own and took off from the Hostel instead of from the Quaker Meeting House, home of YSOP.  Using the transit instructions from YSOP we ventured to the subway station and headed in different directions to serve and to learn.  Opportunities included a visit by another group to the community garden in Jamaica Queens, a soup kitchen in an Off Broadway theater in Hell's Kitchen Manhattan, a food pantry near Flatbush Brooklyn and more!

We met back at YSOP to debrief and prepare dinner for some special guests.  At 6 pm about a dozen very wonderful gentlemen from DOH, a transitional program that provides subsidized housing, job training and classes, joined us for a festive evening.  As dinner was cooking we enjoyed games and fellowship with our new friends.  We capped the night off with a terrific meal made solely by the teens!

Back to the Hostel by 10 pm after another VERY long

and amazing day in NYC!  Tomorrow's agenda includes service work, time with the YSOP staff then off to Ellen's Stardust Diner and Times Square.  What a week...so far!