Tuesday in NYC

Today was once again AMAZING! Our plans were altered several different times only to be replaced with events God has prepared for us ahead of time. At the Taft Houses we walked into a water fight that lasted a good 90minutes. We all were drenched to the bone. As a result we missed the Brooklyn Tab because we had to go back to the hostel to changed clothes. At first a bit disappointing, but we did run into Demetri Martin in SOHO and he chatted with us and signed autographs so that made up for it I suppose.

After dinner we went back to the hostel and Daisy and Johnny 5 shared with the team their "INSIGHT-ONSITE" They both did a great job.

Below I asked the team to share a bit on how God used them today or where they saw Jesus at today. After their thoughts you can see some of the photos from today adventure.

• Pop Stargel- Today, as we were boarding and un-boarding different subway trains, I noticed a tad bit of rudeness in allot of the people we came in contact with, as if they only cared about their own agendas and didn’t want to accept any help, words of greeting, or nice conversation. At the end of the day, we got off at our stop by the Hostel, and as we started walking up the stairs, I saw a tired looking woman trying to lug this huge cart up quite a bit of stairs while people just ignored the fact that she needed help and hurried to be on their way. I immediately turned back around and offered her to carry it for her, and she just lit up and gladly accepted. We both worked together to carry the luggage up the stairs. I didn’t think any of it at the time, but looking back, I realize the relief that covered her face when I offered what I was worth. It seems like a small deed, but I remember the amazing feeling of just wanting to help her in any way I could, not for self-fulfillment, but just for the joy in serving. I really felt Jesus working through me and I hope she will or has already accepted him into her life to give her the same joy in serving that he gives me.

• Noogin Monkey- The Taft house came quick today, and it was hot. The news said that today was supposed to be the hottest day of the week, 93 degrees, and with humidity feels like 100 degrees. We load up our packs, supplies, guitars, and walk. Out of the rooms, down the spiraled stairs, out of the hostel, down the block, into the subway, off the subway, across a street, onto a bus, off the bus, up two blocks, down three blocks, and we’re finally there. When we arrived I set down my guitar and peeled off my backpack. Where the straps were there was a pattern of sweat on my green shirt. Needless to say, we were hot, and pooped. To our surprise, as we returned out to the park outside the building, we entered a war zone of water. In the middle of the park is a green turtle and out of its mouth sprays a stream of water. All the kids were filling water bottles and “wetting” everyone else. After a little observation, one of the kids had me in their sites, declared def-con 4, and rocketed towards me with a bottle of water. I managed to stay dry for a while, but at one point I looked over and saw “Toots”, she was in the arms of a big lady being carried over in front of the turtle. Completely in the mercy of this lady, she is forced in front of the stream of water, becoming entirely soaked from head to toe. There was just something about the look on Toots face that made me think of Jesus, like even though she knew she was about to face total annihilation, she was smiling and laughing. The World disappeared for that moment, and she shined, so I know God was in her.

• Dixie Venus-Today we went back to the Taft house it was great to see the kids again. I feel attached to so many of them already and I think it is going to be hard to say bye to them. It’s amazing to see the reflection of Christ in all of their faces and seeing them smile reminds me of how Christ is everywhere! The students and leaders were so wonderful with the kids today. I saw Jesus everywhere today, everyone was having so much fun hanging out with the kids, loving them, just being like Christ to them, it was so great! Finally, I feel like God has been using me the past two days by allowing me to be open enough to build relationships with these kids. I am normally quite reserved in new situations and uncomfortable but I haven’t felt that way at all at the Taft House, I have just loved getting to spend time with the kids and I know that is all God.

• Picante Muchacha-Today the girls (our students and leaders) had a chance to hang out before going to the Taft house. It was awesome because God presented the opportunity for us to get to know each other a bit better. I personally have a hard time letting people in, but God gave me the voice to share some experiences that have shaped who I am.

• Bebo -Christ was present with us today at the Taft house. When we arrived all the kids were splashing around in the sprinkler and we stood on the sidelines watching. However, it didn’t take us long until one of the kids approached us and the water fight began. Some of us were hesitant not wearing the proper clothing, but soon we all gave in and every one was soaked from head to toe having a grand time. We had come with plans to sing and teach but God had his own agenda today that afternoon. The kids were so happy we returned and you could feel the relationships that God was creating.

• The Fab - Today Christ was present while we were at the Taft House. When we first got there the kids were all so excited to see us there again. They were amazed to hear that we actually remembered them and wanted to be with them. When we were about to leave the kids told us how they didn’t want us to leave and even when we told them that we would be there again tomorrow they said they didn’t want us to go. It’s amazing to see how we’re already beginning to build relationships with the kids there and the impact we’re having on them already.

• Daisy - God had used me today to let a little boy know to be positive. A ball was thrown my way and I picked it up and he wanted it. He kept saying he couldn’t do something and I told him to say, “Yes I can!” He kept saying, “No I can’t.” I told him to be positive. He finally said it and I told him not to think that he can’t do stuff or he can’t. I gave him the ball back and he ran away but I thought God worked through me to let him know to be positive.

• Miss Toots- I have had the opportunity to get to know a 16 year old girl named Olivia. She usually sits on the side benches and watches the kids play. After playing with the kids for a while I went over and sat with Olivia and her friend out of utter exhaustion. They didn’t want anything to do with me. So, casual conversation began and slowly the connections clicked. When coming back today to play with the kids today Olivia and her friends came to greet me. These girls are rough, and I have seen God soften their hearts toward me. Pray for Olivia’s heart, that it may be softened toward Christ as well.

• PT Yooper- I have met a boy named Ronnie. Today we were partners in a water fight, and I have to say we were a quite the team. Anyways, the joy I saw in Ronnie’s face when we completed a “mission” was Jesus to me. Getting to know Ronnie has been one of the best highlights of my trip.

• Elmo - God was present in my life today when we were at the Taft House. While we are building relationships with the kids I think we are leading them in the right direction. The joy on their faces today while we were playing in the water with them was amazing. When we were leaving today from the Taft House all the kids didn’t want us to leave. I think it will be hard to say bye to them when we really do have to leave for good. Getting to know all of these children has definitely had an impact on my life already.

• Johnny 5- God was with us today when we arrived at the Bowery, somewhat unprepared and without music. There, when we walked in the door, waiting for us, was a group of singers who were very talented and really did a great job.

Below are a few of the 120 pictures we took today. The first few pictures are from The Bowery Mission. The next set show the water ambush at the Taft House. Then you'll see some of the crafts we did with the kids and some of the manicures that that our team gave to the girls of Taft. There are a few pictures of our dinner and walk through SOHO. We ran into Demetri Martin... very cool celebrity sighting. The last shot is of us hanging in the hostel sharing our INSIGHT-ONSITEs.

enjoy.