This past week has been absolutely crazy! Between traveling to New York City and going sight seeing to getting plugged into the work we are doing here, I kind of lost track of how many days have passed... Until I got a text message from my mom this morning. She kindly reminded me that my phone does work and I do have access to a computer so I should probably take advantage of that while I can because apparently people care what I am up to. Not sure why... ;)
But we are officially in New York City staying with the Salvation Army. Now typically, when I think about the Salvation Army, I just picture the people that stand outside of buildings around Christmas ringing bells and asking for donations and you feel like a terrible person if you ignore them. But really, the Salvation Army is so much more than that. It actually started as a church and went on from there. The location where we are staying offers services like a preschool, afterschool program, a food pantry, and a daily soup kitchen. Needless to say, there is a lot of stuff to keep us busy. The building is three stories so there is always cleaning that needs to be done, food that needs to be cooked, and children that need our love and attention. Due to the size of our group, we do get to float around a lot and have an opportunity to do a little bit of everything which I love.
Both on Saturday and this past Monday, we had all day to do any sight seeing or catch up on any sleep we had missed out on. Saturday I did choose to sleep in a little bit and then went to Time Square for a major tourist moment. We didn't really necessarily do a whole lot. We just did a lot of walking around which was still really cool. I mean I have watched the ball drop in Time Square every year on New Years and it all looks big but I didn't really realize how big and bright everything actually is. Monday was a very relaxing day as well. We had read that there was an MLK day parade but it really ended up not being a thing. So instead a few of us went and saw the Statue of Liberty and did lots more walking. But honestly, walking around really is the most fun. We don't really have a plan and end up either finding really cool things we weren't expecting to or just talking and having a good time.
In all honesty, it still hasn't really hit me exactly what I'm doing right now. It kind of feels like this is a summer camp or something and that I should be going home real soon. But um that's not really the case. In case you weren't aware, I'm going to be gone for several more months. I just like don't even know how to process that fact. It's all too weird. I mean obviously I am loving it and I'm so excited to be here but I am still having problems understanding that my reality is really my reality. I do love my team with all of my heart. They are some of the most surprisingly crazy people I have ever met. It's beautiful being around a group of people that love and support each other so much. And thank you for the support all of you are giving me. I do have my phone for about another week so if you want to text me a little love note of anything I will cherish it forever!
PS if you have never been to New York City before, it is totally appropriate to sing the chorus of the "Empire State of Mind" on repeat
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