Growing up in what is probably the most segregated suburban area in America, I have spent my whole life participating as an audience member the only way I have seen it done--quietly, laughing when you were supposed to, and listening.
So now I'm in Brooklyn, and I can tell you that being a member of an audience is different! At the Brooklyn Tabernacle, if the spirit moves you: shout it out. The choir is singing and you feel inspired: stand up and wave your arms. If the Pastor asks something: answer out loud! At the movies, if the couple on screen is starting to get romantic: shout out 'oh, yeah!' If the main character is doing something you don't like: say, 'don't do it.'
All this is to say that in Rochester, or Metro Detroit in general, I think audiences are thinking all the same things, and I much prefer to be in a place where people's thoughts and feelings are expressed openly. I love Brooklyn!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Smackdown
It's no surprise that I am now in an environment where I am seeing and experiencing things I haven't ever even thought about before, but when these things occur, I am still shocked. Yesterday at work I witnessed two couples going at it. Evidently, a man bumped a woman in the crowded store and didn't say excuse me. I guess that's reason enough for hair pulling, shoving and name calling. And when I say hair pulling, I am not talking about just the women, although there was some of that. I saw a man pull a woman's hair as well. After the fight was broke up by security, one of the men said, "I'm a woman hitter."
And there I was with my coworkers--me in shock, them lined up to see something entertaining.
And there I was with my coworkers--me in shock, them lined up to see something entertaining.
$$$$
Most of my savings are gone, my job doesn't pay much, and I'm living in a very expensive city. So lately I started to worry about money. This is a habit of mine--turning things over to God, then taking them right back again. As soon as I realized that was what I was doing, I gave it right back to him. I know I moved to the right place at the right time, that I am at my job for a reason, and I believe I am following his will for my life. God knows my bills, rent, expenses. I'll work as hard as I can and he'll have to provide for me.
So when Joshua came, he brought my mail which has been forwarded to his house. And what is in there but a check from a client who has owed me since February of 2008. Add that together with a check I received from canceling my life insurance and my rent is more than covered. And then my work schedule changed from 20 hours this week to over 35 hours. My needs for January are covered! God is good!
So when Joshua came, he brought my mail which has been forwarded to his house. And what is in there but a check from a client who has owed me since February of 2008. Add that together with a check I received from canceling my life insurance and my rent is more than covered. And then my work schedule changed from 20 hours this week to over 35 hours. My needs for January are covered! God is good!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Marcy Playground
One of the benefits of having a son in his mid twenties (he'll be 25 in March, can you believe it!) is being 'hip' to things such as rap music. Well, I guess I can't really be hip to it, which you can probably tell because I use words like hip, but at least knowledgeable about certain artists. One of Joshua's favorite artists is Jay-Z. When I told him I lived in the neighborhood Jay-Z and Lil Kim grew up in, he had me drive around a bit on the way home from the airport. I even pointed out a chicken joint supposedly owned by the rapper.
After driving through a neighborhood heavily populated by Orthodox Jews on their way to temple (large hats, prayer shawls, curls and all) which I am pretty used to and Joshua is not, we hit my neighborhood. The Marcy Projects are just about 4 blocks from my house. Which is where Jay-Z grew up, and mentions in many of his lyrics. To hear Josh comment that he thought it was cool that I am living here, and that he thinks I'll be safe and OK as long as I have God on my side, was a huge relief and a blessing. One of my biggest concerns with him coming was that he would worry about me living in this neighborhood. Thank goodness he arrived during daylight hours!
After driving through a neighborhood heavily populated by Orthodox Jews on their way to temple (large hats, prayer shawls, curls and all) which I am pretty used to and Joshua is not, we hit my neighborhood. The Marcy Projects are just about 4 blocks from my house. Which is where Jay-Z grew up, and mentions in many of his lyrics. To hear Josh comment that he thought it was cool that I am living here, and that he thinks I'll be safe and OK as long as I have God on my side, was a huge relief and a blessing. One of my biggest concerns with him coming was that he would worry about me living in this neighborhood. Thank goodness he arrived during daylight hours!
Staten Island
I was off the day after Christmas and spent most of the day in what seems like another state. Since Harry has been here on vacation, he has traveled a lot of the city and has seen so much of all the burroughs. On Friday he took me on an adventure to see some of the sights. I had no idea where we were going or what we were going to do, I only had to follow along.
We started our day by taking the ferry to Staten Island. It was a great ride and free to boot! It's the closest you can get to the Statue of Liberty without paying to be on a tour. When we got to the island we took a bus (about an hour and forty minutes!) to the end of the island. There we walked along the shoreline. The weather was warm, there was hardly anyone out, and there was quite a while where I could see nothing but water and the beach. No buildings, no traffic, no noise, just seashells and seagulls. Quite relaxing.
Then late in the day we made our way back to Manhattan and Madison Square Park to see the tree huts. Top that off with a burger, french fries and onion rings at a bar/restaurant across the street--Live Bait--and it turned into a perfect day!
We started our day by taking the ferry to Staten Island. It was a great ride and free to boot! It's the closest you can get to the Statue of Liberty without paying to be on a tour. When we got to the island we took a bus (about an hour and forty minutes!) to the end of the island. There we walked along the shoreline. The weather was warm, there was hardly anyone out, and there was quite a while where I could see nothing but water and the beach. No buildings, no traffic, no noise, just seashells and seagulls. Quite relaxing.
Then late in the day we made our way back to Manhattan and Madison Square Park to see the tree huts. Top that off with a burger, french fries and onion rings at a bar/restaurant across the street--Live Bait--and it turned into a perfect day!
Permanent Position
Last week I was offered a permanent position at M's. It is for part-time days, but I gladly accepted. The first printing of my schedule (it tends to change frequently without notice, so you have to check every shift you work for changes) had me down for 20 hours. The second time I checked, I had close to 35 hours. Which isn't enough to cover all my bills, but it is enough to pay most of my bills.
I am very grateful for this job that allows me to develop relationships with so many of my coworkers, (what a great mission field!) and I have faith that something else, maybe even another part-time job, will come along to sustain me. My standard of living has changed, and thankfully, so have my expectations and standards of success.
I am very grateful for this job that allows me to develop relationships with so many of my coworkers, (what a great mission field!) and I have faith that something else, maybe even another part-time job, will come along to sustain me. My standard of living has changed, and thankfully, so have my expectations and standards of success.
New Traditions
I've spent the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, away from home (Home now is NYC for me, but in this post it's Michigan) for the first time in my life. I am so blessed to be surrounded by my Communitas family, as well as my platonic friend I'll call Harry.
On Thanksgiving, we spent the morning serving at St. George's church, and then doing meals on wheels (which should really be called Meals on Heels, since no car is involved.) Then I was invited to join Pastor and his family for dinner. It was a fabulous home cooked meal with their family, along with a few other church members who stayed in NY for the holiday. After dinner we played cards and I had so much fun. I laughed so hard playing spoons. (Can you believe Briggsy had never played spoons before!!)
One of the most memorable parts of the day though is when I asked Pastor's wife if I could bring over my work pants to wash at her house. (I had worked four days in a row, am required to wear black, and only had one pair of black pants in NY. The laundromat was closed for the holiday, so what's a girl to do?) I never would have imagined a year ago that I'd be in NYC for Thanksgiving, eating dinner at my Pastor's house while doing my laundry. How strange!
Christmas, by comparison, was normal. I spent the morning having brunch with two of the women from church (I love girl time), then had dinner at my place with Harry, Briggsy and Jenn. Then off to the K's for dessert in the evening. An all around great day. (I even got a little nap in the afternoon.) And to top it off, I had calls and emails from so many friends and family, they didn't seem far away at all.
Now to plan for New Year's Eve...
On Thanksgiving, we spent the morning serving at St. George's church, and then doing meals on wheels (which should really be called Meals on Heels, since no car is involved.) Then I was invited to join Pastor and his family for dinner. It was a fabulous home cooked meal with their family, along with a few other church members who stayed in NY for the holiday. After dinner we played cards and I had so much fun. I laughed so hard playing spoons. (Can you believe Briggsy had never played spoons before!!)
One of the most memorable parts of the day though is when I asked Pastor's wife if I could bring over my work pants to wash at her house. (I had worked four days in a row, am required to wear black, and only had one pair of black pants in NY. The laundromat was closed for the holiday, so what's a girl to do?) I never would have imagined a year ago that I'd be in NYC for Thanksgiving, eating dinner at my Pastor's house while doing my laundry. How strange!
Christmas, by comparison, was normal. I spent the morning having brunch with two of the women from church (I love girl time), then had dinner at my place with Harry, Briggsy and Jenn. Then off to the K's for dessert in the evening. An all around great day. (I even got a little nap in the afternoon.) And to top it off, I had calls and emails from so many friends and family, they didn't seem far away at all.
Now to plan for New Year's Eve...
Best Gift
Now, apart from Joshua, the Best gift I've received is salvation through Christ my Lord. I feel so incredibly blessed to be where I am at this Christmas season, and I feel his presence with me, more than I have in probably all my life.
This is two days late, but Merry Christmas to all!
This is two days late, but Merry Christmas to all!
Christmas Blessings
Ok, so I know it's two days past Christmas, but today I received the best gift, my son coming to Brooklyn to visit me. (I'm sure he is also recovering from his first semester of law school & will enjoy the non-stress atmosphere of no work and no exams.) Right now he is upstairs in my roommates bed, (A is in Seattle for the holidays) sleeping for a bit before we head to the city--him to meander, me to go to work from 2-6. I can't tell you how overjoyed I am to have him sleeping in the same house I am in.
My Christmas and Thanksgiving looked a lot different than any I have had in the past, not because of where I am (although that is a huge part of it), but because it is the first holidays I have spent apart from Joshua. I hope it is the last as well.
My Christmas and Thanksgiving looked a lot different than any I have had in the past, not because of where I am (although that is a huge part of it), but because it is the first holidays I have spent apart from Joshua. I hope it is the last as well.
Monday, December 15, 2008
A New Job
This week on Tuesday, I get to start my new job. I'll be working part time for the director in charge of volunteer services at TFS helping him out with some administrative duties.
I applied for a job with them a few months back, but never heard from them. When I moved to NYC, I contacted them (as well as another organization which I haven't heard back from) to do some volunteer work. It took some emails, phone calls and interviewing, but my first day will be Tuesday. I'm very excited! Oh, and the best part--I'll be working for free! So not only do I have a retail job where they'd have to double my salary to be underpaid, I have a second job earning nothing.
Funny thing is, right now my life is so good, and I do mean that seriously, I don't deserve it. I have never felt so blessed by where I am and what I'm doing. I feel I am following God's will for my life and will continue to trust Him for all my provisions.
I applied for a job with them a few months back, but never heard from them. When I moved to NYC, I contacted them (as well as another organization which I haven't heard back from) to do some volunteer work. It took some emails, phone calls and interviewing, but my first day will be Tuesday. I'm very excited! Oh, and the best part--I'll be working for free! So not only do I have a retail job where they'd have to double my salary to be underpaid, I have a second job earning nothing.
Funny thing is, right now my life is so good, and I do mean that seriously, I don't deserve it. I have never felt so blessed by where I am and what I'm doing. I feel I am following God's will for my life and will continue to trust Him for all my provisions.
Smells
All of my senses seem to be working overtime in NYC. There is always something going on that stimulates all 5 of my senses. For example, sound. Day or night, sleeping or awake, there are always noises I'm not accustomed to, at least not in my previous life. I am to the point where I am not only getting used to the noises in my house (I love my roommates, but they are young and oblivious to when it should be quiet time--although that probably has more to do with my age and not senses so I'll leave that for another post) but I can even block out the noises (which is good regarding the street noises or I would never sleep.)
But the one thing I don't think I will ever get used to is the smells! Sometimes I'm just walking mmob and I will come upon a smell so vile it is hard to breathe. But no smell will be able to compare to the stench on the train of my previous post. And now I think I know why it was so important for Oliver Wendell Douglass to move his wife Lisa to the country in Green Acres...FRESH AIR!
But the one thing I don't think I will ever get used to is the smells! Sometimes I'm just walking mmob and I will come upon a smell so vile it is hard to breathe. But no smell will be able to compare to the stench on the train of my previous post. And now I think I know why it was so important for Oliver Wendell Douglass to move his wife Lisa to the country in Green Acres...FRESH AIR!
Trains
So I learned some important lessons last week, and this one I will never forget (unlike many lessons where I have to repeat them several times before they stick!) When on a platform and the cars are all full, and you see a car with very few people on it, DO NOT try to get on that car. There is a reason it is so empty and no one else wants to be on it! And if you do get on that car, the next stop will seem like an eternity until you can get off and join all the other people in the crowded car (who probably did the same thing the stop before I got on.)
Which brings me to my next post...
Which brings me to my next post...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Height
Ok, so I know this is a petty type of thing to write about, but I can't seem to stop myself. I have thought about posting this two weeks ago, but again with the worrying about being petty. Since I'm writing it now, I obviously care less about how I am perceived than I am with honestly writing down my observations. So, here goes...
By New York standards, I AM NOT SHORT. Seriously! I tower over so many people it's unbelievable! Now I know what it is to be of 'normal' height. There are those that I can see eye-to-eye with. Now, I'm not saying I'm tall mind you, I'm not delusional, but I no longer stand out as one who is very small.
I LOVE New York!
By New York standards, I AM NOT SHORT. Seriously! I tower over so many people it's unbelievable! Now I know what it is to be of 'normal' height. There are those that I can see eye-to-eye with. Now, I'm not saying I'm tall mind you, I'm not delusional, but I no longer stand out as one who is very small.
I LOVE New York!
Co-Workers
After 4 days on the selling floor, I am really starting to get the hang of it. It feels good to be able to answer at least most of the questions posed by customers.
There is always a sense of frustration I feel towards myself when I don't know something, don't understand something, or make a mistake. I know this is one of my big character defects, rooted in childhood, and the one that I have continually struggled with my whole life. I have made so much progress in this area, (still have a long way to go) but still I have a hard time giving myself credit for those positive changes.
So to be in a place of unfamiliarity is really hard for me. Which makes it so great to have fabulous, wonderful, helpful co-workers! The job I may not be crazy about, but I work with the BEST group of people! I am so blessed to be among such fun people. The days go by so fast, and they are filled with entertainment and laughter. I always believed it's not where you are, but who you're with!
There is always a sense of frustration I feel towards myself when I don't know something, don't understand something, or make a mistake. I know this is one of my big character defects, rooted in childhood, and the one that I have continually struggled with my whole life. I have made so much progress in this area, (still have a long way to go) but still I have a hard time giving myself credit for those positive changes.
So to be in a place of unfamiliarity is really hard for me. Which makes it so great to have fabulous, wonderful, helpful co-workers! The job I may not be crazy about, but I work with the BEST group of people! I am so blessed to be among such fun people. The days go by so fast, and they are filled with entertainment and laughter. I always believed it's not where you are, but who you're with!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Black Friday
Well, I survived my first Friday after Thanksgiving at Macy's. It was crazy! I have never seen so many people in one store at one time. Nevermind that it is the largest retail store in the world, on the busiest shopping day of the year, it was also my first full day of work on the floor. So, basically, I knew nothing.
As I made my way through the store for breaks, I was squashed among all the holiday shoppers. It took me more than half of my lunch just to get my lunch and reach the lounge. If I was not being paid, there's no way I'd be there on that day.
Here's hoping the rest of the holiday season goes smoothly!
As I made my way through the store for breaks, I was squashed among all the holiday shoppers. It took me more than half of my lunch just to get my lunch and reach the lounge. If I was not being paid, there's no way I'd be there on that day.
Here's hoping the rest of the holiday season goes smoothly!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Miracle on 34th Street
I went to a hiring fair at M's on Monday. Not just M's, but THE M's on 34th Street in Herald Square. For all of you who've seen the movie, and I'm assuming all of you have, it is that Macy's.
After 2 hours and three interviews I was hired for part-time seasonal help. There were what I'm guessing to be hundreds of people there. I spoke with some people in my training class on Tuesday who had spent 8 hours waiting to be interviewed. The hiring process in New York is not easy.
So now I am a sales associate. After training all day Tuesday, Orientation on Wednesday morning, they put me on the floor on Wednesday afternoon in Fashion Watches. I spent 3 hours in Fossil, then received a call from my manager to come to her office. I was then moved to the watch section in the men's department. It's away from the other watches and jewelry in a section less busy than where I was originally, which is great. They put me as the point person for !!'s new line of watches, as well as their less expensive line of !. (Which really means that their rep isn't there often enough to keep the displays filled and stocked and they needed someone to help--also, M's can get !! to pay me.) I also get to review their product line and be the 'expert' at M's. I am very happy with the move.
Now, if I can survive my first Black Friday working retail at the busiest store in the country, if not the world, I think I'll be fine.
After 2 hours and three interviews I was hired for part-time seasonal help. There were what I'm guessing to be hundreds of people there. I spoke with some people in my training class on Tuesday who had spent 8 hours waiting to be interviewed. The hiring process in New York is not easy.
So now I am a sales associate. After training all day Tuesday, Orientation on Wednesday morning, they put me on the floor on Wednesday afternoon in Fashion Watches. I spent 3 hours in Fossil, then received a call from my manager to come to her office. I was then moved to the watch section in the men's department. It's away from the other watches and jewelry in a section less busy than where I was originally, which is great. They put me as the point person for !!'s new line of watches, as well as their less expensive line of !. (Which really means that their rep isn't there often enough to keep the displays filled and stocked and they needed someone to help--also, M's can get !! to pay me.) I also get to review their product line and be the 'expert' at M's. I am very happy with the move.
Now, if I can survive my first Black Friday working retail at the busiest store in the country, if not the world, I think I'll be fine.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
I was talking with Jason today, and I discovered that everyone isn't immediately familiar with the novel by Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. There was also a TV movie and a musical based on the book. I thought I was so clever to come up with my blogger name somewhat based on that book/movie.
As I looked online to get the author, (sorry Betty Smith) I discovered that I didn't know the book either! When I remembered A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I actually thought of Barefoot in the Park! (A movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.) The two movies are not similar at all!
Then I read a bit on the description of the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and discovered the following quote:
"She was made up of all of these good and these bad things...She was the books she read in the library...Part of her life was made from the tree growing rankly in the yard. She was the bitter quarrels she had with her brother whom she loved dearly. She was Katie's secret, despairing weeping. She was the shame of her father staggering home drunk...She was all of these things and of something more...It was something that had been born into her and her only." Chapter 8, pg. 71
Now I am more intrigued than ever and am putting this book on my 'to read' list.
As I looked online to get the author, (sorry Betty Smith) I discovered that I didn't know the book either! When I remembered A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I actually thought of Barefoot in the Park! (A movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.) The two movies are not similar at all!
Then I read a bit on the description of the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and discovered the following quote:
"She was made up of all of these good and these bad things...She was the books she read in the library...Part of her life was made from the tree growing rankly in the yard. She was the bitter quarrels she had with her brother whom she loved dearly. She was Katie's secret, despairing weeping. She was the shame of her father staggering home drunk...She was all of these things and of something more...It was something that had been born into her and her only." Chapter 8, pg. 71
Now I am more intrigued than ever and am putting this book on my 'to read' list.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Unexpected Conversations
What cool night I had tonight. After working all day at Macy's (yes, I'm employed part-time seasonal!) I walked to small group. I had a time to stroll, have dinner, grocery shop and have coffee before the meeting started. It was an awesome group, full of great insight.
But my favorite part of the night was the 'meeting after the meeting.' On my way home, I stopped with two Communitas members and one of the guys' friends who also joined our small group this evening. Three of us live in Brooklyn and one rode the train part of the way. On our way, we stopped for pizza. What a lively discussion (debate) it turned into, with me mostly listening.
What made it so cool is that I almost did not go for pizza. I had already eaten, it was after 10pm and I have to get up for work tomorrow at 6am, and still had a 40+ minute commute. I was going when Brigsy said, it'll only take 15 minutes or so to throw down a slice. (Actual time was more like an hour.) So I said ok.
Best decision I made today! I got to sit with three young Christian men, discuss their thoughts and feelings about certain scriptures. It was really such a gift to be with them, and to think I almost missed it because I was focused on 'my task' or what I thought my task should be.
This is one of my biggest struggles that I am really aware of and trying to change. I get focused to the future and forget about the right now, or the divine appointments I'm supposed to have. This is also something I thought would be easier for me to do after moving to New York because I wouldn't have as many responsibilities, family, friendships, etc. that I had in Michigan. Unfortunately, when I moved, I brought myself with me! I know that I must remember the church in Acts, the as he went along he saw idea we're trying to create in Communitas.
Who will I be, Martha or Mary?
But my favorite part of the night was the 'meeting after the meeting.' On my way home, I stopped with two Communitas members and one of the guys' friends who also joined our small group this evening. Three of us live in Brooklyn and one rode the train part of the way. On our way, we stopped for pizza. What a lively discussion (debate) it turned into, with me mostly listening.
What made it so cool is that I almost did not go for pizza. I had already eaten, it was after 10pm and I have to get up for work tomorrow at 6am, and still had a 40+ minute commute. I was going when Brigsy said, it'll only take 15 minutes or so to throw down a slice. (Actual time was more like an hour.) So I said ok.
Best decision I made today! I got to sit with three young Christian men, discuss their thoughts and feelings about certain scriptures. It was really such a gift to be with them, and to think I almost missed it because I was focused on 'my task' or what I thought my task should be.
This is one of my biggest struggles that I am really aware of and trying to change. I get focused to the future and forget about the right now, or the divine appointments I'm supposed to have. This is also something I thought would be easier for me to do after moving to New York because I wouldn't have as many responsibilities, family, friendships, etc. that I had in Michigan. Unfortunately, when I moved, I brought myself with me! I know that I must remember the church in Acts, the as he went along he saw idea we're trying to create in Communitas.
Who will I be, Martha or Mary?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Brooklyn Tabernacle
This past Sunday I went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle for the first time. It was an awesome experience and I was so overwhelmed the whole time I was there. Everything seems to be led by the spirit, and although there were some things that really put me outside what I usually feel comfortable with, it was comforting.
At the end of the service, Pastor Cymbala led us in an amazing prayer after commissioning two young women who gave up their jobs and families to become missionaries in Africa. I can't remember the words of the prayer, but I will always remember the emotions it evoked in me. He asked that if anyone was here today who was ready to give up their family and their lives to come up front. I felt so moved that I went. We were all anointed with water by an Elder.
While waiting at the front of the church, Pastor Cymbala had us pair up in twos (two women or two men)and pray for each other. The woman I partnered up with prayed such an amazing prayer for me--everything that was in my heart. As I prayed for her, I felt a teardrop on my hand. I've never had anyone cry when I prayed for them before. It was unusual and so...I can't think of how to explain it other than that it was holy.
I'm not sure if I'll go to BT every Sunday or not (I'd like to check out some other churches in the area too) but I do know I will be back, and I will remember and treasure that particular service.
At the end of the service, Pastor Cymbala led us in an amazing prayer after commissioning two young women who gave up their jobs and families to become missionaries in Africa. I can't remember the words of the prayer, but I will always remember the emotions it evoked in me. He asked that if anyone was here today who was ready to give up their family and their lives to come up front. I felt so moved that I went. We were all anointed with water by an Elder.
While waiting at the front of the church, Pastor Cymbala had us pair up in twos (two women or two men)and pray for each other. The woman I partnered up with prayed such an amazing prayer for me--everything that was in my heart. As I prayed for her, I felt a teardrop on my hand. I've never had anyone cry when I prayed for them before. It was unusual and so...I can't think of how to explain it other than that it was holy.
I'm not sure if I'll go to BT every Sunday or not (I'd like to check out some other churches in the area too) but I do know I will be back, and I will remember and treasure that particular service.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Home Depot
I have to say there wasn't much going on yesterday during the day, so I volunteered to pick up some paint and supplies for my roomie, A. She has a friend coming in this weekend who was going to paint our living room. So, of course, I said yes.
Now, I love the Home Depot. I spent enough time in that store buying supplies, shopping for and with clients, checking out things for home projects, etc. No store is more exciting to me (well, office supply stores are a close second!) And they have power tools, too; what could be better?
But this trip to Home Depot was different. First, I don't have a car, so I have to walk. I take the large hand cart we have at the apartment to haul back two gallons of paint and supplies. Thankfully, HD is just across the street. But it was my trip there and back that made it interesting.
Walking down the main street, quite busy at 3 in the afternoon, I am about 6 feet away from the gate when I notice a man urinating right there in the corner, inches away from where I need to enter. So I had to just stand there and wait for him to finish before I could get near the store. That is something that never happened to me in MI.
Then walking home, there were a bunch of children, maybe 8 or 9 years old, who just got off the bus. Two girls started fighting--hitting and calling each other some really nasty names. The crossing guard broke it up. What did I do? I stood there saying nothing, doing nothing, staring in disbelief. I spoke with the guard for several minutes after. She is an older woman, a Jehovah's Witness, who I've seen a few times now. I hope to act as quickly as she did the next time I'm faced with a similar situation.
I know there is definitely a lesson here for me. I need to be more intentional, more about action than watching, (although I think I made the right call with the public urinator.) Sometimes I can't help but to wonder if God chose the wrong person to send here. But since I am here, my goal is to learn to be more bold, not an easy goal for me.
Now, I love the Home Depot. I spent enough time in that store buying supplies, shopping for and with clients, checking out things for home projects, etc. No store is more exciting to me (well, office supply stores are a close second!) And they have power tools, too; what could be better?
But this trip to Home Depot was different. First, I don't have a car, so I have to walk. I take the large hand cart we have at the apartment to haul back two gallons of paint and supplies. Thankfully, HD is just across the street. But it was my trip there and back that made it interesting.
Walking down the main street, quite busy at 3 in the afternoon, I am about 6 feet away from the gate when I notice a man urinating right there in the corner, inches away from where I need to enter. So I had to just stand there and wait for him to finish before I could get near the store. That is something that never happened to me in MI.
Then walking home, there were a bunch of children, maybe 8 or 9 years old, who just got off the bus. Two girls started fighting--hitting and calling each other some really nasty names. The crossing guard broke it up. What did I do? I stood there saying nothing, doing nothing, staring in disbelief. I spoke with the guard for several minutes after. She is an older woman, a Jehovah's Witness, who I've seen a few times now. I hope to act as quickly as she did the next time I'm faced with a similar situation.
I know there is definitely a lesson here for me. I need to be more intentional, more about action than watching, (although I think I made the right call with the public urinator.) Sometimes I can't help but to wonder if God chose the wrong person to send here. But since I am here, my goal is to learn to be more bold, not an easy goal for me.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Firsts
There have been so many things I've done for the first time this past week, from moving out of state, to finding a Laundromat, to getting on a new train and finding my way around town. Even finding a grocery store and a drug store [Bed, Bath & Beyond at 1st Ave and 61st has all drugstore items- -I am in love with that store!] where I can find reasonably priced items, (reasonable for NY, anyway) has been a big discovery and a challenge. Some of these firsts are obviously more difficult that others. I mean, you can't really compare moving to NY with finding a Laundromat, can you? But underneath, there is that same step or leap of faith I must take to accomplish each task.
I realize how different my life is now, not because of the move, but because of how much trust and faith I now have to step out of my comfort zone. I used to live in fear pretty much all of the time. I was fearful of the future, scared of the past, and so uncertain of the present. I felt mostly all alone, and even remembering how I was makes me sad; mostly, I think, because I know so many people continue to live in that place of fear.
And now I can honestly say that I no longer live in that place of fear. It is still scary and uncomfortable whenever I step out of my comfort zone, but I no longer am alone. I know I have Jesus with me every step of the way, and I feel confident in his desire to keep me safe.
I realize how different my life is now, not because of the move, but because of how much trust and faith I now have to step out of my comfort zone. I used to live in fear pretty much all of the time. I was fearful of the future, scared of the past, and so uncertain of the present. I felt mostly all alone, and even remembering how I was makes me sad; mostly, I think, because I know so many people continue to live in that place of fear.
And now I can honestly say that I no longer live in that place of fear. It is still scary and uncomfortable whenever I step out of my comfort zone, but I no longer am alone. I know I have Jesus with me every step of the way, and I feel confident in his desire to keep me safe.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Homegroup
This morning I trekked about 12 blocks to the only meeting I've found in my new neighborhood. Things are done a little differently, but I have to say, not so different that I didn't feel immediately at home! I have to say I'll always have a spot in my heart for my Sat. night Rochester club, but I'm happy to have a new home!
Interviews
I had my first two interviews yesterday, both unlike anything I have ever experienced in MI.
1. Project Renewal (shelter for addicted men-would love to work there!) for an administrative assistant and a case manager. (Two positions open.) It was a group interview. 8 candidates, me included, and one interviewer, all in the same room, same time, answering questions. I think it went well, but I think you never know until (or if) you get that call back.
2. Starbuck's in mid-town. Picture speed-dating (no, I'm not admitting that I've ever done speed dating, I just know how it works for some reason!) A hundred candidates all waiting for their three minutes with one of 6 interviewers, who then reads questions to you from an index card. My interviewer said it took him 5 interviews before he got his job, and he had to be persistent. Really?? 5 interviews to work at Starbucks??
1. Project Renewal (shelter for addicted men-would love to work there!) for an administrative assistant and a case manager. (Two positions open.) It was a group interview. 8 candidates, me included, and one interviewer, all in the same room, same time, answering questions. I think it went well, but I think you never know until (or if) you get that call back.
2. Starbuck's in mid-town. Picture speed-dating (no, I'm not admitting that I've ever done speed dating, I just know how it works for some reason!) A hundred candidates all waiting for their three minutes with one of 6 interviewers, who then reads questions to you from an index card. My interviewer said it took him 5 interviews before he got his job, and he had to be persistent. Really?? 5 interviews to work at Starbucks??
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Roommates
I've never actually had roommates in my life, unless you want to count the two times I went to summer camp as a young teen for week. (I don't!) I must say the two M's and A have been wonderful to live with and get to know. They had a chance to make a great impression on me by showing kindness when I was unable to show them anything--or too much, maybe--[see my first blog.] After spending a little bit of time with them each individually, I think I'm going to really enjoy this unexpected place in my life.
Welcome to New York!
I arrived in New York on Sunday, November 9th, 2008 in the evening. Sometime on Monday morning I became violently ill. I honestly don't remember being that sick ever! My first day and a half were spent between my bed and the bathroom floor. Things can only go up from here!
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