Day One of the NYC Missions Trip

Today marked the first day of my first missions trip. I've come to the Big Apple with big hopes for my big God.

As with anything, the first day was full of traveling, unpacking, settling in, and adjusting to a new place. Starting off from Central at eight this morning we were on the road for what seemed a very short eight hour trip. The ride was full of good conversation and sleeping.

During the whole trip my anticipation was building; I always love the feeling of driving right up to a big city. Seeing New York City after driving for eight hours was a very awe-inspiring moment for me.

After driving through the city for a bit, we arrived at NYCUM (New York School of Urban Ministry), where we are staying. The accomodations here are a bit rough, mainly because there's no air conditioning. That can't dampen my spirits, though. It is a small sacrifice to pay when I consider all the good things God is going to do this week.

This evening we headed out to Times Square for a bite to eat and to look around at some of the different shops. Just soaking up the lights and sights of Times Square was a great way to start off this trip.

Beginning Again

So my life has turned again. I am no longer living in the robust city Rome. When I am bored, some friends and I can no longer jump on the 90 bus and go wherever are hearts lead. We are, in essence, confined to a small plot of land called campus. We don't have classes in the same two rooms. Our classes are spread all over campus. No longer do I have a small group of about 16 friends. Now I have a large group I can choose from. Overall, this semester is entirely different from that of Rome.

At first the change stole my breath. I saw how my friends had moved on while I was gone. Life continued. Then I had to jump right back in. I have found that I shocked by all the changes. Some friendships have been strengthened whereas others have faded as we begin down different paths.

Now I am beginning to catch my breath. I am beginning to accept the changes. God has given me the grace to move in stride with life. Even though this semester is full of painful adjustments, I want to use it for God's glory. I want to be a blessing for Him. I want God to use me to love others without expecting anything in return. I want to be so real for God that others can't help but notice and be inspired to fall in love with Christ themselves. So I will look past the pain of transition and strive with Christ.