July 8, 2010 by Ashley Gonzalez
Have you ever noticed that when you pray to God in the morning and allow peace to completely settle within you, your day goes much smoother?
When I woke up this morning I had a little chit chat with daddy God and let him know my desire for today and my complete trust in His power to make everything happen.
Maybe it was just us, or because it is the end of the week, but for the most part today went a lot smoother. They cooperated a lot more with the activities we planned and with the tutors and us, the volunteers. There is a girl who has become really close to me and was crying a bit on and off today because she said she was “triste”, or sad that we were leaving. She has come to love us and respect us and does not want us to leave. After that a few of the other kids asked why she was crying and when I explained to them we we’re leaving quite a few of them had these looks of surprise and confusion on their faces.
While most of them speak English fluently as a second language, the rest speak Spanish whenever possible as a comfortable habit, leaving 2 new girls who just came from the Dominican Republic to struggle in the English world. But in the realistic news that in two days we would be back at home as they were getting ready for bed seemed to crush all of them. Despite language barriers, they all understood of our departure.
It is so awesome to see happiness light up their faces and pride of their good work pump up their day. Yes, there is a tiring amount of reprimanding, scolding, teaching, and rebuilding being done, but there are more than a handful of joyful moments in all of the chaos that we are reminded why we are here.
Today one of the team and I were leading praise time for the middle school kids. After a ridiculous amount of time spent on hushing everyone and trying to gain some control my teammate closed the bible, and got up, and with what I mistook as giving up, actually turned around and shared his story of his faith. His past, his lack of direction and purpose, and the hope he had found. He openly and loudly preached his story, which is now God’s glorious story. I was fighting back hot tears at the courage and leadership shining through him. But not everything comes with a fantasy ending.
The kids were disruptive still and loud and rude and disrespectful to what he was saying. They acted as if they could care less. Which caused the both of us to fight back some serious tears and control all the emotions raging inside of us. Their parents came to pick them up and as we gained control over ourselves we stayed silent. I gave him the biggest hug I could because my brother, my brother in Christ, showed so much love and compassion in his actions that my heart couldn’t help but break and then swell with joy and pride for him. As we chatted not too long after, we both agreed that maybe we planted seeds and even if we didn’t see it we hoped that his decision to be open with them would help some day, in some way.
And it was in that moment I felt the strongest bond in this place and for these people. My heart reached out as we walked across the streets and wove through a community so undeniably rich. Not in money or clothing, but the soil here is so rich, ready for righteousness and goodness, faith, joy, and life to be planted. We may not be here to see it grow, yet I trust that we are doing our part in Gods plan for this place and these people. And that He will have them rise in His name.
Showing posts with label daily thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily thoughts. Show all posts
Monday, September 6, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
We Went to China
July 7, 2010 by Ashley Gonzalez
No, no, no we did not go to China, as in the country, but we did head our way to China Town. All 140 of us.
Just imagine taking all the kids on a train that we had to transfer about 4 times just on the way there due to service issues. And for any of you with doubts, the answer is no. We did not leave not one, single kid behind at all today. When we finally reached our destination we split into two groups. One was going to eat at the Chinese restaurant first and the other the park and then we switched. It was hectic and chaotic. But delicious.
As the kids passed fish markets, baskets of odd produce and an Asian community completely unbeknown to them, they walked and stumbled in amazement at a culture completely not their own. Surprisingly, these kids have lived in New York all of their lives, but rarely stepped out of the borders of their own neighborhoods. To them, everyone was Chinese and lived by the laws of a monk. Bowing, always peaceful, and full of old age wisdom.
But whether to their disappointment or pleasure they were greeted by a culture similar to their own. Food markets, loud yelling, another language other than English, and adults who sat in their doorways and bargained over fruit.
The park was diversified and they had a blast getting wet in a fountain, jumping all over the playgrounds, shooting some hoops, and kicking the ball around.
At the restaurant I could not help but stay silent in thought watching these kids. Their restaurant manners for their age could use help. Afraid of sesame seed chicken and fried rice they loudly criticized the food and one or two even flat out said, “i’m not eating that!” So used to their culture, their world, they already show signs of being offended of others not of their same kind. After awhile they struggled to learn how to eat with chopsticks and eventually were licking their bowls and taking leftovers back with us.
At the end of the day I had the pure pleasure of watching one of the kids in my class get ready to take her and her 6 year old sister home. They walk home alone, or rather the little on is carried on a hip. All the kids in my class, more so the boys, cooed and ahhed over her and made every attempt to be her best friend. They were so kind and sweet that I was blessed with seeing a beauty I’m sure they would not even recognize.
No, no, no we did not go to China, as in the country, but we did head our way to China Town. All 140 of us.
Just imagine taking all the kids on a train that we had to transfer about 4 times just on the way there due to service issues. And for any of you with doubts, the answer is no. We did not leave not one, single kid behind at all today. When we finally reached our destination we split into two groups. One was going to eat at the Chinese restaurant first and the other the park and then we switched. It was hectic and chaotic. But delicious.
As the kids passed fish markets, baskets of odd produce and an Asian community completely unbeknown to them, they walked and stumbled in amazement at a culture completely not their own. Surprisingly, these kids have lived in New York all of their lives, but rarely stepped out of the borders of their own neighborhoods. To them, everyone was Chinese and lived by the laws of a monk. Bowing, always peaceful, and full of old age wisdom.
But whether to their disappointment or pleasure they were greeted by a culture similar to their own. Food markets, loud yelling, another language other than English, and adults who sat in their doorways and bargained over fruit.
The park was diversified and they had a blast getting wet in a fountain, jumping all over the playgrounds, shooting some hoops, and kicking the ball around.
At the restaurant I could not help but stay silent in thought watching these kids. Their restaurant manners for their age could use help. Afraid of sesame seed chicken and fried rice they loudly criticized the food and one or two even flat out said, “i’m not eating that!” So used to their culture, their world, they already show signs of being offended of others not of their same kind. After awhile they struggled to learn how to eat with chopsticks and eventually were licking their bowls and taking leftovers back with us.
At the end of the day I had the pure pleasure of watching one of the kids in my class get ready to take her and her 6 year old sister home. They walk home alone, or rather the little on is carried on a hip. All the kids in my class, more so the boys, cooed and ahhed over her and made every attempt to be her best friend. They were so kind and sweet that I was blessed with seeing a beauty I’m sure they would not even recognize.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Looking Beyond a Face
July 6, 2010 by Ashley Gonzalez
The day just finished, or part of it at least, and looking at the clock I realize many of you will be worshipping, learning, and praising God tonight at Waters Edge. At this same time were all in the Heights exhausted from rounding up the last of the children and sending them home before it gets dark or handing them over to equally exhausted parents.
Day 2 with the kids was a lot better than yesterday and I must say we headed off to a great start. Yesterday night in our private, team meeting we discussed what could have gone better and how we could try various approaches in the different parts of the day to engage our groups and interact with them. To be honest, after only three days of being in New York the last thing I wanted to do this morning was get out of the bed. Simply because I was sore; and not just physically.
I woke up with aches and pains in my emotions and my Spirit that I had not really had the bittersweet pleasure of dealing with before. I may have been stubborn, ignorant, and maybe even a little heart broken now and again, but nothing, and I mean nothing, could top this. After only one day with these kids I walked away, as I’m sure everyone did, with such a deep and sincere love for these kids. A respect for how far most of them have gotten and their dreams.
So today I said, “God, please, please, let me do this in YOUR name. Let me show them to you, through me. Allow me to connect with them.”
I remembered that throughout the day in the classroom, the whole 2 hours were watching over one-hundred children in an inner city park full with strangers, as we did the activities and big ideas the team worked so long on and still keep advancing on every moment. These kids are so mature in more ways than they should be and their personalities are so strong, that as Deidrick mentioned in the Exodus devotional this morning, they are being torn in a Spiritual battle. And they do not even know it.
They fight, they argue, and boy do they have some mouths, they have these thick walls barricading any slip of emotion other than anger and annoyance and a forcefield around their minds. Or so they think. They are so strong, sometimes I think too strong because they are trying so hard at only 6-13 years old to be in complete control of their lives.
But we see the Hope and Innocence in them. We see it in their moments of laughter when they forget about other responsibilities and the fear they have when they actually voluntarily open up. They cast looks around the room as if challenging someone to criticize or oppose them when in reality they are all wondering the same things.
It was when I was sitting talking with my group of 6th grade children, putting all activities aside and delving into a conversation God prompted me into. There was one girl who talked about her home life and how she felt alone and pretty much not loved. Another talked about a girl in his class who he tries to stand up for, but often ends up on the other side joining in on the abuse, criticisms, and jokes about her. And they all started with the same phrase: “How do you expect us to…..(basically stand up and away from the crowd and stand up for the cause of righteousness)”.
I just stared at them with a smile and told them that I cared for them, and shared stories of my youth explaining the truth of their reality and how they have more than enough moments in the day to choose right and wrong. And right before we started that talk it occurred to me that I have heard so many times in the last two days do not do this/do that, that is wrong/right…but never have I heard the reasons explained to them or seen them move forward in understanding. They are stuck.
I made it a point to explain, not just demand. Their personalities, as I mentioned, are fiery and its a pleasure to be with a youth who are so passionate. They just need a direction and some help along the way.
Please pray over these kids. They are difficult at times.
Frustrating.
Argumentive.
But so extremely loving in their own way.
Expressive.
Beautiful.
And above all, they have a Hope in themselves that they try so hard not to believe in because they have been not just told, but shown, that they are to be like everyone else, when it is so clear they are called by God to change their world. Not just the Heights, but themselves, their families, and anywhere they shine their light on.
The day just finished, or part of it at least, and looking at the clock I realize many of you will be worshipping, learning, and praising God tonight at Waters Edge. At this same time were all in the Heights exhausted from rounding up the last of the children and sending them home before it gets dark or handing them over to equally exhausted parents.
Day 2 with the kids was a lot better than yesterday and I must say we headed off to a great start. Yesterday night in our private, team meeting we discussed what could have gone better and how we could try various approaches in the different parts of the day to engage our groups and interact with them. To be honest, after only three days of being in New York the last thing I wanted to do this morning was get out of the bed. Simply because I was sore; and not just physically.
I woke up with aches and pains in my emotions and my Spirit that I had not really had the bittersweet pleasure of dealing with before. I may have been stubborn, ignorant, and maybe even a little heart broken now and again, but nothing, and I mean nothing, could top this. After only one day with these kids I walked away, as I’m sure everyone did, with such a deep and sincere love for these kids. A respect for how far most of them have gotten and their dreams.
So today I said, “God, please, please, let me do this in YOUR name. Let me show them to you, through me. Allow me to connect with them.”
I remembered that throughout the day in the classroom, the whole 2 hours were watching over one-hundred children in an inner city park full with strangers, as we did the activities and big ideas the team worked so long on and still keep advancing on every moment. These kids are so mature in more ways than they should be and their personalities are so strong, that as Deidrick mentioned in the Exodus devotional this morning, they are being torn in a Spiritual battle. And they do not even know it.
They fight, they argue, and boy do they have some mouths, they have these thick walls barricading any slip of emotion other than anger and annoyance and a forcefield around their minds. Or so they think. They are so strong, sometimes I think too strong because they are trying so hard at only 6-13 years old to be in complete control of their lives.
But we see the Hope and Innocence in them. We see it in their moments of laughter when they forget about other responsibilities and the fear they have when they actually voluntarily open up. They cast looks around the room as if challenging someone to criticize or oppose them when in reality they are all wondering the same things.
It was when I was sitting talking with my group of 6th grade children, putting all activities aside and delving into a conversation God prompted me into. There was one girl who talked about her home life and how she felt alone and pretty much not loved. Another talked about a girl in his class who he tries to stand up for, but often ends up on the other side joining in on the abuse, criticisms, and jokes about her. And they all started with the same phrase: “How do you expect us to…..(basically stand up and away from the crowd and stand up for the cause of righteousness)”.
I just stared at them with a smile and told them that I cared for them, and shared stories of my youth explaining the truth of their reality and how they have more than enough moments in the day to choose right and wrong. And right before we started that talk it occurred to me that I have heard so many times in the last two days do not do this/do that, that is wrong/right…but never have I heard the reasons explained to them or seen them move forward in understanding. They are stuck.
I made it a point to explain, not just demand. Their personalities, as I mentioned, are fiery and its a pleasure to be with a youth who are so passionate. They just need a direction and some help along the way.
Please pray over these kids. They are difficult at times.
Frustrating.
Argumentive.
But so extremely loving in their own way.
Expressive.
Beautiful.
And above all, they have a Hope in themselves that they try so hard not to believe in because they have been not just told, but shown, that they are to be like everyone else, when it is so clear they are called by God to change their world. Not just the Heights, but themselves, their families, and anywhere they shine their light on.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
We Can Handle This…Wait…Did I Sign Up for This?
July 5, 2010
By: Ashley Gonzalez
It is the first day at Exodus, the organization we’re working with. Some of you may be wondering, “So what exactly is my daughter/son, loved one, friend, etc doing over there?”
Well we’re working with the children of the organization ranging from grades K-8 in the summer day care program. The majority of the children know each other and the tutors from the after school program held during the school year. So we have the sweetness of seeing everyone befriending someone, but the headache of finding and stepping into our roles here.
This place is like a family where everyone works together and everything is done for the primary goal of being a light and helping hand to the kids. When the kids get here we join in Assembly, basically attendance, separate into classes, the tutors teach on different topics, lunch, two hours in the park, come back to Exodus, all the kids have a snack, which is a small portion of an actual meal, and then creative time and praise time which is where all of our planning comes into play. We all drop in exhaustion, have a meeting with Ashley, our go-to gal, eat, clean, make our way back to the Hostel, have a team meeting, and then disperse for the night. By then its getting pretty dark and all we want is a shower.
It is tiring work and even though the schedule is repetitive, the experiences most definitely aren’t. When we went to go meet at the park, we were recruited in a detour to make almost 150 ham and cheese sandwiches for the Exodus branches in Washington Heights and in Endwood. And packed ours to take to the park. Its been a hot day and extremely stressful.
None of us really know what we expected, if anything, but nothing prepared us for the next generation filled with sass, pomp, and a defensive nature. We did our best and the day was in no way a waste, but we all agreed we need to revamp ourselves and our mission and try some new techniques.
These children threw us off compared to the kids we deal with back home or on other mission trips some of the team have been on. But with disciplined Spirits and pure hearts we are going to sleep to wake up to new opportunities tomorrow.
By: Ashley Gonzalez
It is the first day at Exodus, the organization we’re working with. Some of you may be wondering, “So what exactly is my daughter/son, loved one, friend, etc doing over there?”
Well we’re working with the children of the organization ranging from grades K-8 in the summer day care program. The majority of the children know each other and the tutors from the after school program held during the school year. So we have the sweetness of seeing everyone befriending someone, but the headache of finding and stepping into our roles here.
This place is like a family where everyone works together and everything is done for the primary goal of being a light and helping hand to the kids. When the kids get here we join in Assembly, basically attendance, separate into classes, the tutors teach on different topics, lunch, two hours in the park, come back to Exodus, all the kids have a snack, which is a small portion of an actual meal, and then creative time and praise time which is where all of our planning comes into play. We all drop in exhaustion, have a meeting with Ashley, our go-to gal, eat, clean, make our way back to the Hostel, have a team meeting, and then disperse for the night. By then its getting pretty dark and all we want is a shower.
It is tiring work and even though the schedule is repetitive, the experiences most definitely aren’t. When we went to go meet at the park, we were recruited in a detour to make almost 150 ham and cheese sandwiches for the Exodus branches in Washington Heights and in Endwood. And packed ours to take to the park. Its been a hot day and extremely stressful.
None of us really know what we expected, if anything, but nothing prepared us for the next generation filled with sass, pomp, and a defensive nature. We did our best and the day was in no way a waste, but we all agreed we need to revamp ourselves and our mission and try some new techniques.
These children threw us off compared to the kids we deal with back home or on other mission trips some of the team have been on. But with disciplined Spirits and pure hearts we are going to sleep to wake up to new opportunities tomorrow.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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."
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."
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