After a wonderful send-off from our OSL family, we spent five hours in the bus (no stops) before finally making it into New York City! (We’re praying for our bus driver. We hope he can learn to deal with the stress of the traffic better). Tired, starving, and carrying tons of luggage, we made out way to a nearby McDonald’s, carried our suitcases all the way upstairs, and enjoyed lunch - - at four o’clock! Then we headed for the subway and it was a challenge to get our suitcases through the narrow turnstiles, but at least we didn’t have to carry a palm tree like one of our unfortunate passengers. After a long wait and a longer ride, we took a long long walk and arrived at the CSM site. We got settled and then headed to a delicious dinner at an Indian restaurant called the Taj Mahal. We headed back to the CMS site and attended orientation, toured the church, and learned all of the information for the rest of the week. Key words – be flexible! After planning our VBS lesson for tomorrow, we’re off to get some rest and begin tomorrow’s adventure! Written by Jessica

 

 

JULY 6, 2009

 

 

JULY 7, 2009

This morning we were able to sleep in until 8:00 am - it was so exciting, except when we realized that because we were the last ones to pack our lunch and have breakfast, the other groups had taken all of the good food and drank all of the milk! Oh well. We did a scavenger hunt in Grand Central Station and I'm glad we did because I wouldn't have known about the Market that was in there. We visited the Transit Museum and learned about other cool features of the Station. I also wouldn't have ever looked up at the ceiling to see all of the constellations. Our favorite part was the secret Whispering Gallery where you could talk to your friend at the opposite corner and they could hear you even with all of the other noises going on. Then we went to eat lunch in Central Park where we were ambushed by some rather  bold squirrels who wanted our food. After lunch we did our VBS which ran smoother than yesterday. Then we helped out at Father's Heart Ministry with the youth group from Canadian group. We served families food and played games and did crafts with the kids. After finishing up the clean up, we were treated to  ice cream at their shop called Alphabet Scoops, which helps teenagers learn on-the-job skills. It was delicious! I think the big triumph of the day was when everyone was able to successfully swipe their metro card on the first try, which means that our leader, Shannon, will buy us all an Italian Ice tomorrow night! We all made it through the day safe and happy, so I guess that's all you can ask for! Blessings to our family! Written by Rachel

JULY 8, 2009

Today we started off the day doing a City Immersion Mission. We split into two groups, one with Crystal and one with Mrs. Hambridge. Both groups were given an envelope and sent on our way without our CMS host, Shannon. We had to navigate our way on the subway to different locations as listed on our instructions. Upon arriving at our destination, we had a few tasks to complete, such as finding out how much rent for a one and two bedroom is in the area, asking directions to a park, and doing all of this with no watches or help from Crystal or Mrs. Hambridge. We also had to buy lunch for ourselves and share it with someone who was hungry. The trick was that each person was only given $2 each. We were forced to think outside the box and step outside of our comfort zones. Both groups ended up going to local markets to buy food. The other group sat and shared bagels and cream cheese with a man named Smiley and got to know him a little bit during their visit. My group bought PB&J and bread and made lunch for ourselves and about 8 other people in the park. After negotiating extra bananas from a street vendor, we found our way back to the subway (on time!), met up with Shannon, and went to our VBS. After VBS we went to dinner at Falafel King and enjoyed yummy chicken or lamb wrap/sandwiches. When all was done it ended up being an early night. The other groups weren't back from their projects yet, so we enjoyed the open showers and played games before making a quick trip down the street to a convenience store to stock up on snacks for the night! Written by Emily

JULY 9, 2009

Our first mission this morning was at a church in Brooklyn, where some of us passed out free lunches and bags of food to the homeless or otherwise needy. The people were also allowed to take some items of clean clothing, such as shirts, pants and socks, with them. Meanwhile, a few others walked a few blocks to Sunset Park with the dozen extra lunches we made that morning. We looked for people who appeared homeless or just badly off and offered them a free lunch. Some of the people we approached didn’t speak English, but it was amazing to see how they could still understand that we cared for them and wanted to give them food. We were really touched by how genuinely and deeply grateful all of the people were for just this one simple act of kindness. This afternoon we told the VBS kids the story of the feeding of the five thousand, and taught them how much God cares for them and provides for them. The kids have memorized most of the songs we’ve taught them, and it’s really cool to hear them shouting out praise to God. Tonight we were given free time, so we enjoyed some famous New York pizza, and then took in the flashing lights and blaring music of Times Square!  written by Alicia

JULY 10, 2009

Happy Friday! So this morning we left for a food bank in Brooklyn called “Bread and Life.” It was really cool. Gretchen, Almaz and I stocked food aisles and completed orders as they came through. Rachel, Jessica and Alicia went to the kitchen to help prepare lunch while Crystal and Emily served the lunches. We then headed to our last V.B.S. Horsey, Newton and Nora said goodbye to the kids (from our puppet play) and all of the kids said “see you Monday” because they didn’t quite understand. For dinner we ate an assortment of Vietnamese foods, none contained wheat – yea! We headed to Chinatown to get some souvenirs and I got a little lost but Shannon kept me on the right path. Tonight we’re back at the church, enjoying some cards and packing up. I think this trip has really influenced everyone and I know we’re all proud that we came. Written by Erica

JULY 11, 2009

All nine of us are finally home! We woke up pretty early this morning to clean and say our goodbyes before heading to Penn Station to catch the bus back to D.C. This week has been an incredible journey for all of us. From super long metro rides to speed-walking down every sidewalk, it's all been worth it. The place we've gone to this week, like Father's Heart and St. John's and others who do non-profit work for those in need, were a real blessing and an incredible guide to what we can do, not only as the OSSM Youth, but as individual people. All of us really stepped out of our comfort zones this week. That was one of the things we all mentioned - we were happy we did and that helped our faith in God grow stronger. Our word for today was service and not only did we serve people food and clothing and fun times at VBS, we served God. I think all of us would agree that this week hasn't felt like one week. The days and service projects felt long each day, but I don't think any of us are ready to stop serving. What we learned this week is that we don't have to stop. Even the little things we do for others, like giving away our leftovers to someone who is hungry, or even smiling at someone, shows God's grace. This week has been many things: hectic, tiring, stressful - but most importantly, its been strengthen. I've enjoyed laughing, working and strengthening my faith with these eight girls so much and I cannot wait for all of what God will give us in the future. Written by Gretchen