Skyscrapers & Gucci

The next few post are going to be by Ashley Gonzalez, from 12Stone Church. This was 12Stones first year serving with us in NYC, they served July 3-10. These blog post are a great perspective into a week serving in NYC!

July 4, 2010

"After sitting for so many hours between carpooling, waiting for our terminal to be called, just watching for Jonathan to be one of the million people checked by airport security, and almost a 2 hour flight later we arrived safely to New York City.

Upon arrival we were less than fanatic about city life than we were about showering, orientation, and sleep.

We took a bus, the first time for most of us, across the city to Manhattan which is where our Hostel and Bobbi Jo were waiting for us. Strangers had no shame staring us down with our obvious fascination of graffiti, local garage shops and homeless men smiling and feeling completely comfortable in their disparity.

Erin's loud amazement of every, single gas station we passed only drew more stares as if in Atlanta we rode around in horses and buggies.

There are drunk, homeless men, broken bottles and trash on streets. Loud conversations, immodest dress, and daring looks of opposition on many sides. There is a fear, and a spiritual poverty over this place. Sure the building are bright and shiny and tall. People walk around with Dolce, Gucci, Prada, Coogi, and the latest sneakers and fashion. Some spend carelessly, while others haggle desperately.
As much fun as we as a team have and dedication to this trip before this weekend, I believe the precise moment of this mission began at orientation. Sitting on a balcony eating New York pizza and learning of four other young women who were joining the team here allowed the purpose to set in. In silence we all reflected on why we were here and just how great this could be for us.

We raised questions, concerns, curiosity and then, like the children you know us to be, scampered all over the Hostel and across roof tops. There were a few ambulance sirens, a questionable SUV at the corner street, people sitting in their doorways, and helicopters above in the sky. But even with those elements like we see in the movies and hear about from New Yorkers nothing could explain the peace felt just laying on the rooftops and watching the city.

We cruised through Time Square, shopped and dined in China Town, and took the wrong train towards Brooklyn, instead of Manhattan. We ended up almost in Queens. Ooops, did I just tell you that? It was an adventure.

Tired, full, and anxious we all forced ourselves to rest and sleep. Despite our preparations we do not know what to expect on Monday. And as great as surprises are, sometimes just not knowing can drive you crazy.

With prayers and thanksgiving to God we have released all power and Glory to Him. We just focused on flexibility and openness to whatever may come."