Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sack Lunch
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cookie, apple, chips, juice box, and a chocolate candy. Sounds like what you would pack for a child's lunch. In fact, I'm sure my mom made me a lunch just like this many times as a child (except for the juice box--they weren't invented yet--so we had to settle for a small carton of white milk for $0.03 or $0.05 for chocolate milk. And where is the cent key on my keyboard!!!) Also, I don't think I had that many snacks. Come to think of it, I probably did--June Cleaver my mom was not!
Anyway, tonight seven of us from my small group got together and put together 30 of these sack lunches. At 10pm we got to Penn Station, split into two groups, and looked for people to pass them out to. At first it was a little hard. The station was pretty busy with plenty of people still traveling to LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)and NJ Transit, but as we walked on, we started to notice some homeless people beginning to gather. Per my Pastor's earlier visit there, the police allow the homeless to sleep in certain areas late at night when there are not many travelers.
This is another one of those things that is definitely out of my comfort zone. Never sure how to approach someone. I'd hate to insult someone by assuming they are homeless, when they're not. So I came up with a pretty good line that goes something like this, "Hi, how are you doing?" It works, too. The first guy I used it on said back to me "Do you have any food?" I also used this line, "Are you hungry? Would you like a lunch?" That worked too. I guess the thing to remember is to just be genuine. And keep it simple.
My biggest surprise, though, was how those we fed looked out for each other. They would tell us their friend would like a lunch too, and they would go get them and bring them to us. Or we would go to them. I hardly ever see that type of caretaking among those of us who are housed. I think that is what stuck out most in my mind.
We could have handed out 100 lunches, I'll bet, and still not been able to feed everyone. And this was just one place, on one day. I wonder how many people are going to bed hungry tonight?
Anyway, tonight seven of us from my small group got together and put together 30 of these sack lunches. At 10pm we got to Penn Station, split into two groups, and looked for people to pass them out to. At first it was a little hard. The station was pretty busy with plenty of people still traveling to LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)and NJ Transit, but as we walked on, we started to notice some homeless people beginning to gather. Per my Pastor's earlier visit there, the police allow the homeless to sleep in certain areas late at night when there are not many travelers.
This is another one of those things that is definitely out of my comfort zone. Never sure how to approach someone. I'd hate to insult someone by assuming they are homeless, when they're not. So I came up with a pretty good line that goes something like this, "Hi, how are you doing?" It works, too. The first guy I used it on said back to me "Do you have any food?" I also used this line, "Are you hungry? Would you like a lunch?" That worked too. I guess the thing to remember is to just be genuine. And keep it simple.
My biggest surprise, though, was how those we fed looked out for each other. They would tell us their friend would like a lunch too, and they would go get them and bring them to us. Or we would go to them. I hardly ever see that type of caretaking among those of us who are housed. I think that is what stuck out most in my mind.
We could have handed out 100 lunches, I'll bet, and still not been able to feed everyone. And this was just one place, on one day. I wonder how many people are going to bed hungry tonight?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Funniest Commercial
You must check this out. Hilarious!
http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/2971/
And if anyone knows how to post a link other than cutting & pasting, feel free to school me.
http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/2971/
And if anyone knows how to post a link other than cutting & pasting, feel free to school me.
Chicken Bones
The street nearest me with the least amount of chicken bones tossed on the ground is Lafayette, between Nostrand and Marcy. Ok, you're probably wondering A) Why do I know this, and B) How do I know this.
Moving to New York and being unemployed has left me more open to doing different things for money. This week I'm walking my fellow community member's dog while he is out of town. And I have to walk him on the streets in my neighborhood.
I had visions of when I used to walk my dog as a young girl. It would be so relaxing strolling along, getting to know the streets and people of my neighborhood; right? Wrong. It is more like watching Moby every second so he doesn't eat chicken bones off the street, then choke and die. I knew the streets in my neighborhood weren't exactly clean, but I never realized how many chicken bones are tossed all over the place. And I don't even want to mention the carrying the plastic bag and picking up doggie poop.
But what can I say. It's a living.
Moving to New York and being unemployed has left me more open to doing different things for money. This week I'm walking my fellow community member's dog while he is out of town. And I have to walk him on the streets in my neighborhood.
I had visions of when I used to walk my dog as a young girl. It would be so relaxing strolling along, getting to know the streets and people of my neighborhood; right? Wrong. It is more like watching Moby every second so he doesn't eat chicken bones off the street, then choke and die. I knew the streets in my neighborhood weren't exactly clean, but I never realized how many chicken bones are tossed all over the place. And I don't even want to mention the carrying the plastic bag and picking up doggie poop.
But what can I say. It's a living.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
As He Went Along
Tonight on my way home from church, I decided to ride the train with James and Amanda to Amanda's apartment for a late dinner. I almost didn't, but something said to go. On the second transfer (the trains, the last few months at least, have been under constant repair, uggh) there was a woman sobbing on the next bench.
So I'm standing thinking to myself, and expressing to Amanda, should I go over there and see if she's ok? I really don't want to. I'm always afraid that that person doesn't want me intruding in their business. I don't want to step out--it's hard for me be the first to approach. I'm shy. The list of reasons I should just mind my own business goes on and on.
Well, I become bold and sit down next to her. We have common bonds and ties. We have a conversation that lasts at least 15 minutes (and another transfer.) We share our lives and exchange numbers. I am not afraid to mention the name Jesus. I even mention church and serving. It seems very natural.
From watching her sobbing in the corner of the train, to laughing and smiling, I was incredibly blessed. I hope she calls me or I reach out and call her. If not, I feel that I have made a friend, if only for a short time. I hope other people on the train watched me reach out to her and have the courage to reach out to someone else when they have the opportunity.
This to me is why I'm here in New York. Scattering seeds. Letting others know they count. They matter to me and to God. No one needs to hurt or suffer or be alone. I am so blessed to be able to be used by God. And if he can use me, he can use anybody. And that means you! I encourage each of you to look around as you are going and be prepared to be blessed by who he puts in front of you.
So I'm standing thinking to myself, and expressing to Amanda, should I go over there and see if she's ok? I really don't want to. I'm always afraid that that person doesn't want me intruding in their business. I don't want to step out--it's hard for me be the first to approach. I'm shy. The list of reasons I should just mind my own business goes on and on.
Well, I become bold and sit down next to her. We have common bonds and ties. We have a conversation that lasts at least 15 minutes (and another transfer.) We share our lives and exchange numbers. I am not afraid to mention the name Jesus. I even mention church and serving. It seems very natural.
From watching her sobbing in the corner of the train, to laughing and smiling, I was incredibly blessed. I hope she calls me or I reach out and call her. If not, I feel that I have made a friend, if only for a short time. I hope other people on the train watched me reach out to her and have the courage to reach out to someone else when they have the opportunity.
This to me is why I'm here in New York. Scattering seeds. Letting others know they count. They matter to me and to God. No one needs to hurt or suffer or be alone. I am so blessed to be able to be used by God. And if he can use me, he can use anybody. And that means you! I encourage each of you to look around as you are going and be prepared to be blessed by who he puts in front of you.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Town Tavern
I just had the most fun I've had in a long time. I attended a dance competition/ fundraiser two of my roommates had for Nomi Network, which was co-founded by my roommate Alissa. The organization is involved in stopping sex trafficking by giving women in Cambodia alternative ways to make a living. Check out this link: http://www.nominetwork.org/
There were many in my community represented, as well as members of local churches. Excellent turnout. I am so proud of these girls for not only putting on such an organized, fun event, but for their passions to make a change for the kingdom. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of their lives.
Plus I got to dance like an idiot with friends. What more could I ask for?
There were many in my community represented, as well as members of local churches. Excellent turnout. I am so proud of these girls for not only putting on such an organized, fun event, but for their passions to make a change for the kingdom. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of their lives.
Plus I got to dance like an idiot with friends. What more could I ask for?
Working Again
I have another retail job, this time in Brooklyn. I'll be working at Trader Joe's, along side of Briggsy. I start on Monday the 23rd. Don't know what it pays (seems funny, but I never thought to ask), but at least the uniform is simple--shoes with your toes covered. Seriously, that's their dress code! I am walking a friend's dog for 4 days the next week for some extra cash (yes, I have to do the carry around the plastic bag and pick up poop!) and hopefully spending as much time as I can enjoying my last week before working again.
I must say, all things I NEVER would have thought I'd be doing at my life stage! My life rocks!
I must say, all things I NEVER would have thought I'd be doing at my life stage! My life rocks!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Happy Monday
I had another really good Monday (at least until I wrote this post and it completely disappeared and now I have to start over! Oh, well, that's a small thing!) I had a great date that left me smiling all day (actually, I'm still smiling); I don't have bedbugs--a very real problem in New York; the warm weather makes the 6 block trek to the laundromat doable; I went to the laundromat with a friend; my roommate shared a glass of wine with me; I had three friends stop over for visits; I have an interview tomorrow; and I have another possible job opportunity.
God is awesome! I am continually amazed at all the blessings in my life. And the only thing I have to do is spend time with Jesus each day, in his word and in prayer. Easy. When I concentrate on my relationship with him, the rest of my life simply works. Now if only I could be consistent...
God is awesome! I am continually amazed at all the blessings in my life. And the only thing I have to do is spend time with Jesus each day, in his word and in prayer. Easy. When I concentrate on my relationship with him, the rest of my life simply works. Now if only I could be consistent...
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Six in the City
Ok, I just wanted a catchy title, what I mean is Sixty in the City. I think that's how warm it actually got on Sunday. And sunny. There is almost always sun in NY--huge contrast from MI.
I arrived in NY in November, and it was already pretty cold outside. So this unexpected spring weather, and the changes it brings about in the city is a new experience for me. People are everywhere. Walking around, hanging out. (I, of course, was one of them!) And in my neighborhood, they are loud. I am just now getting a sense of what it'll be like in the spring and summer.
Dorothy, we are NOT in Kansas anymore!
I arrived in NY in November, and it was already pretty cold outside. So this unexpected spring weather, and the changes it brings about in the city is a new experience for me. People are everywhere. Walking around, hanging out. (I, of course, was one of them!) And in my neighborhood, they are loud. I am just now getting a sense of what it'll be like in the spring and summer.
Dorothy, we are NOT in Kansas anymore!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LOST=Crack
I have heard it said, but now I have experienced it. Or at least I'm beginning to experience it. Lost is addictive. I've never had crack, so I can only imagine, but really! One of my roommates has all the seasons of the TV show on DVD and I borrowed season one. So far I've watched over 5 hours in a row of it. I need to go to bed but can't stop watching! I'm hoping to finish all past seasons' episodes before next week. Hi, my name is Kate, and I'm a Lost addict!
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