Another One???

Finding a dentist shouldn't be a problem really, then again...when you absolutely have to have one, no way around it, its almost impossible. And we were too far away from Macy's to ask for directions this time (another story).

I'd chipped a tooth. Oh so tiny but my tongue had decided it has to be the size of a major rock slide. So this chip had to be repaired at the earliest possible moment...our last emergence guy, well, he was not going to be the one that was for sure.

After scouring the neighborhood and calling the major dental schools (all the students turned out to be on holiday!), I was depressed in addition to having a chipped tooth.

Not to be denied, late in the night, I through my eye sight to the side and scoured the Internet one more time. TADA--a local dentist, not five blocks from me who services everyone? Eureka!

The chip is repaired, no cavities and he loves my teeth and all the former dentists who have ever done work on my mouth. Obviously he has a great chair side manor.

Fast forward to this week. While eating breakfast, one cheerio will not chew properly. Much to my chagrin I know immediately that the tooth immediately next to that tiny chip has chipped. The backside of the tooth is now in my hand. No rough tongue this time.

An immediate call to my great new dentist--he is not in the office today.

Ring Them Bells

No, they weren't dancing Santas, amazing Rocketts, prancing reindeer or even Macy's window displays. Outside Grand Central Terminal on the northeast corner, the hopping bellringers surrounding the Salvation Army Christmas red kettle was the most amazing spontaneous happening I've seen this season...thus far. And I've seen some very amazing things.

I have to be super honest here, I am saving up sights for Christmas Eve. Still, the season around here can not be ignored. Try as I might, it will not be silent, in the night or otherwise.

There I was, minding my own busy business of heading for the next subway train. Just like uncounted other New Yorkers. Imagine our surprise...

People were stunned, shocked, dancing and actually stopping before ducking into the Terminal to catch the next transport. Oh and cameras were flashing of course. Enough cameras to add a line to "The 12 Days of Christmas". (Hey, when was the last time you didn't see a digital camera or phone flashing?)

Okay, what did I enjoy so much? There was one lone uniformed Salvation Army volunteer ringing his bell...and dancing to the bell's ringing. Beside him was a group of around 15, ringing bells accenting hiphop dance steps.

The corner was packed with people, holiday spirit and down right fun.

Ring them bells.

Brain Freeze + Christmas Vender Across The Street

Its official, all the amazing tree lighting ceremonies are happening downtown; Rockefeller Center, South Street Seaport, Union Square, Central Park and today the Christmas tree vendor opens up today across the street. Wow--the holiday spirit is upon us!

And I have to admit it, I have terminal brain freeze. Honey and I have major brain freeze and gone through a case of eye drops. Being on the computer until 2 AM several nights in a row will do that to a person! The results will be outstanding as physical boldness tends to lead when covered by prayer. But sometimes, the physical has to get a tad weary! (At least I understand what I just wrote...)

Time for our morning Bible reading, off for now dear readers.

Super Surpise by Friends and New Yorker... and no so much by fingers

Yesterday a surprise overnight visit from a friend, Cindy, resulted in an amazing journey through our NYC neighborhoods, memories and a special favorite--street food. But Cindy had a treat up her sleeve. She insisted on taking us to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular! And who are we to refuse???

Time cut her trip short so she got tickets for us to go later. And by now dear reader, you have learned every thing becomes a story with us! Our ticket clerk was eating Reese peanut butter candy when we came up. Hand over mouth, she gestured for us to wait. I giggled that only if she gave us some candy too would we wait! Immediately she hustled over to her stash. Likewise, we were screaming, nooooooo--kidding---but she was having as much fun as we were. And of course the line for tickets had not grown any shorter.

Speaking of shorter, lets bring this adventure to a close. She gave us a discount on the tickets and we are going to see the show next Monday.

New Yorkers are so full of life, they love doing things for other folks.

On another subject, not so much fun, why does drying fingernail polish take longer watching a pot of water to boil?

This fabulous Passion Pink shade drying on my too short nails has finally had the ultimate in drying technique. Most of you know this one. After waiting plenty of time, we get thirsty, go to the frig, open the door, bump a nail and a white chip appears.

Well, of course I did this. And of course I proceeded to the ultimate treatment. Using the back of my tongue to push the remaining not-yet-cured polish over the chip. It is vital not to use the taste bud side.
Enough color moved over to cover the white, not the hole of course. But I don't care. I am not redoing this.

(I am typing with wet nails. I am far too impatient to wait any longer.)

I do hope to see the Rocketts with dry fingernails.

The Moment

Life changing moments happen so often that we have stopped seeing them. Our watches tick them off for us second by second, or rather our cell phone clock digitally show the timing these days. Yet last night and today, two memorable events have shaped my living memory and life.

Our first baptism at Everyday Christian Church was a grand celebration last night. In a portable baptistery in a favorite restaurant here on Broadway in Inwood (Manhattan), Carina put on our Lord in baptism last night. She danced before Him in a marvelous tribute, pure and holy, her worship to him. As she stepped into the water, we all held our breath. It was about 50 degrees. Yes, she was brave indeed!

A single mom with two brilliant, beautiful kids who works very hard, she is in the situation of so many in our area. The culture of single moms, supporting the kids and household and frantically running in circles to make a life. Please pray for all the moms in this area.

Please pray for your new sister.

The other life changing moment was another celebrating. At the 9/11 Memorial, it was revealed to me that rather than a lives-lost memorial, it was a lives-living celebration in all the surviving children now the legacy of those who past away. Children were at the Memorial, talking on cell phones, playing in just another park and acting like children do.

Life changing moments are celebrations.

I like that.

If You Open It, They Will Come...and Bond

Boy, do I have a lot to learn. Evidently, no matter the weather, even blizzards are no match for New Yorkers in search of candy.

Two events held last Halloween weekend proved to me that NYC kids and their parents are more than ready to attack the cold and wet of an early "Nor'easter". (Hurricanes, not so much.) But the early October snow storm was so much of any oddity that all had to go out and see for themselves. Why they didn't turn right around and go back in for a nice cup of coco is beyond me. Or why I didn't do likewise is still a mystery.

It was a clear, breezy afternoon. Friday's "Fall Festival" put on by ECC saw all the small smurfs, evil doers, heroes, spidies, princesses and other taller versions crowded into the cramped office building. Arts and crafts, games, theater and candy treating took place. It was a vertical delight taking place on several floors.

RDF3 came as a Texan, western boots and hat made him 7' tall. I was a gypsy dressed in blue, quite stunning. The blue finger nail polish continues to get compliments as I've not removed it! Raymon registered the families and directed traffic while I pretended to do arts and crafts. (It was too hard for me, so I let the kids do it!)

ECC volunterred to assist doing the whole thing over again at the elementary school the next evening. Their celebration was called "The Monster's Ball." And the October surprise blizzard was in full swing.

The snow was supposed to have stopped early that afternoon. Evidently it wanted to come to the party as well so it hung around until 8 PM. Trees split in half, electrical wires were dancing in the street in other areas, branches were bent to the ground and mush was everywhere. But the children kept coming.

The entertainers were late as the Subway backed up. The children kept coming.

The entrance area set-up for wet things was waist high. The children kept coming.

And it finally stopping snowing. And the children finally stopped coming.

We didn't want to be around when the families leaving hit the pile of wet coats, boots and umbrellas! A quiet exit was call for and cowards that we are, we took it!

My favorite costume? The Korean Princess in authentic garb. Although the Texan in the western hat and boots came close.

The families of Inwood will go through a lot to have safe quality time with and for their children. Physical comfort for them or their children is not primary as the kids don't seem to care. It was with couriousity that I watched the parent wriggle these kids out of wet coats and boots and put on dry wings or capes finishing off costumes both seemed extreemly proud of.

I was at the wet clothes dump area. Through observation I learned what many of you parents have known for many Halloweens. The costume didn't matter--the fact that the parent and child did it together did.

For a milisecond, the child looked at the parent for permission, not to go play but to show the world what they had built together--then go play!

Now I know that Halloween has a deep meaning to parents as well as exciting anticipation for the child.  There is that millisecond bonding that they are both aware of that joins them together against the world. How many bonding seconds are there between parents and offspring?


I'm going to start looking.

You Gotta Do This!

Do you know a couple who have been married and believers together for a long time? Then they gotta do this!

We came to serve but our mission has changed. The folks here feel it is their mission to serve us! And that we let them! 

 

It seems we are an inspiration for them and others.  To  witness an older couple, married and still together for a long time is one thing. For this same couple to be worshiping together is another shocker. And finally to see them doing any kind of service together is flat out dumbfounding. Frankly, what is second nature to me is a miracle to some of these younger adults.  And vital to the maturing of this Body.

I had no clue.

Hubby likes to talk. And we both like to greet folks, at least say hello. And that's a big deal. Just talking to folks, making eye contact evidently is really huge. Who knew? Oh, lets back up, I knew saying hello was important. What I didn't know was being aware of feelings was important. Again, second nature takes over.

What we had planned to do really didn't matter. What we really are is what is making a difference here.

God knew.

We had no clue.

Can you imagine what wonders could happen if other older married folk could move to less populated Christian areas. No matter what you might "do", the fact that you are married for a long while, worship together and actuallly show people that God is in you life in some way, will do more than you will ever more.

He will do it all. You don't have to do a "spritual" thing. 

Just go.

WOW--you gotta do this.

Community Established!

Today, God has been praised in a very unique way.  Today, the Inwood Academy school named an outdoor painted area The Everyday Garden.

We at ECC are shocked, thrilled and humbled. First of all we thank God and next we thank all of you.

Why the name? It seems that they are appreciative of all the relationships started and continued by the ECC folks. Also, they received a glorious outdoor hand painted mural for the kids inspiration. It covers two walls. And the area was cleaned up.

The ECC could not have done this alone. A profession artist, The Hills teens and other church groups from around the nation came and volunteered their talent and bodies for the effort.

The principle and pastor will be planning more events soon.

School has begun for the Inwood Academy and for The Hills teens. The students are studying and doing school things. But there is a difference now.

Everyday at Everyday Garden, a child can go to a place that is painted because he is loved. And he knows.

A Cup of Coffee

While taking a breather from walking from store stairs and metro stations, Raymon parked me at Starbucks while he walked on to Whole Foods. All was wonderful until I determined that I was freezing!

Easily corrected, I'd just order a cup of coffee. And thus, shuffling bags under a bench, yes I had found a place to sit, I rose and stood next to a lady who ordered a SB's beans. The barrista made a slight error, adding my coffee to her bill. As he began to address the error, laughingly I joking started to say, "Don't you want to buy me..."

But she cut me off, "Put that on my bill, I'll buy you a cup of coffee."

Again, a perfect stranger gave me a gift on the streets of New York City.

Apartment Furniture

If I wasn't 100% sure before, I am 1000% sure now that Inwood is the place for us.

Once you have had Lindsay's coffee, Alex's yuca fries, the best hamburgers in the world (you have to come here to learn where), likewise for the best chicken, some bus rides to vertical malls as well as gourmet grocery stores and thrift stores beyond your widest dreams, then you can imagine the Inwood environment.

Of course I leave out the beautiful rock cliffs, hills, trees and parks. Note the plural for parks.

Where are the people? In the parks, the thrift stores, the subways and buses. Many go to the Bronx, much closer than lower Manhattan to shop. Family life is the most important thing here, thus you never see unescorted children but families. Programs for children and children in the parks. Lots of children.

Where are we when it come to goals? Finalizing things for you, serving ECC and establishing a presence in the neighborhood. While I realize these images continue to be all about us, we've had so many requests for the apartment doings...besides, I want show you what you have done...

Most of the furniture to date we were able to get on Craigslists, Ebay and thrift stores in town. But for the bed and pull out sofa, we purchased high quality and new. Wow.

Things like dishes, a toaster, pots and pans we did Macy's and Penny's Internet sale. Then we had them delivered (free, yipee!).

My sister shipped all the stored art and furnishing. With lots of help from God, family, the Hill's CoC teens, the ECC bunch and your prayers, we now have a home open for hospitality.

We are ready to host up to 4 - 6 guests. So far we have had two at one time. We do want to set up a more private situation for our guests and are working on that. Plus we are looking around for more dinning chairs, bedroom stuff and this and that.

Updates coming on jobs / volunteer activity, doctor and new individuals in the area.

That's it from 3G for now.

Love you for reading...

Opps

I didn't feel the earthquake and slept through Irene. Really, I'm missing so much excitemnet.

The air smells so clean right now that we have the windows open. And it is more windy now than during the storm!!!

Truely the earthquake was for a select few. And for those few, it was a disturbing and confusing experience.

Hurricane Irene was much much more disturbing and much much more than a confusing time for those that let it be. It produced election sound bites and amazing governmental statewide agencies cooperation.

For those in the powerful hands of God, no mighty wind could cause the heart to fear. Prudent preparation was wise of course but fear was not in the mix.

Knowing your countless prayers were supporting our hearts and carrying our safty to God, we were so aware of the entire Body's focus. Poor Irene didn't have a chance!

Thank you all.

By now you know the small impact Irene had in NYC. What you may or may not know is the complete inconvience she has left behind. Fortunantly for many, flooding is not the issue it was predicted to be, however airline flights will be backed up for days, the Metroline will be somewhat delayed and many are without power.

We have service except for transportation. But since no one else does...

The amazing NYC spirit came to the forefront as strangers took in strangers, helped others in their building get out and stories yet to be told.

We are fine here. Others on the East Coast will be dealing with Irene for years to come.

No Idea

There doesn't seem to be anyone either on broadcast news or residences who know anything about hurricanes up here. Coming five days after an earthquake, a hurricane seems to catch everyone's attention in a big way.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thank You Lord

He is so good! God is good!

Last evening God send a visitor. And not just any visitor...our first long term guest.

This is one reason we came to apartment 3G, to be here for you.

What an entrance he has made--on a day of an earthquake. Raymon is now showing him the ins and outs of the Subway.

And speaking of soon, in a few days we are to receive the remnants of a hurricane. Our guest arrived none too soon!

Don't wait for an earthquake or a pending hurricane. Plan to come and stay a while. But do call first, we may be stuck in the Subway!

How is NYC Treating You?

A dear friend asked, "How is New York treating you?"

And I responded that as always, it allows you to do whatever you think possible.

Then it hit me. We always think of New York City as an individual, not as a city. And it is alive. Even its residence call it The City. No one thinks of it as a city in the way we think of say Los Angels or Chicago, Austin. Those are amazing cities, made up of fabulous populations served by their city.

New York is a fabulous city served by its population. And what a fabulous population. Millions of immigrates come to hundreds of neighborhoods and make up cities within The City. The wealthy visit The City but don't live here. They are permanent tourist. There are many permanent tourist; college students, interns, assigned workers and folks who don't want to be here.

How is NYC treating me? Not at all. Sadly, this time it really is all about me. What I do determines how I treat New York. How I serve her residences is the treatment. Her residences will ignore me, that's a given, I'm just another body taking up space on the subway. However, I make a difference, give up my seat for no reason, smile, something positive, give a cup of water in Jesus' name... then I will have treated NYC.

Check us out later to see how I'm treating The City.

Birthday Blinds

We now have Mini-Blinds! And not just any mini-blinds...birthday mini-blinds.

Monday was RDF3's birthday. The ECC started a grand celebration Sunday evening with a pizza party. Not everyone was in the know about the upcoming event. Most came for a party of fun fellowship. But our hostess knew of the special day ahead. So with a wink, she served us birthday pizza.

The next day we attacked the blinds once again. Did I mention that RDF3 had previously used every tool in the kit to no avail. With pleading, he arranged for Larry to bring his tools and help put them up.

Larry came from the church office, fed the parking meter and came on up to 3G. Once on the step ladder, he quickly installed all four blinds without hesitation. We stood back in amazement.

With a smile and a grin, he jestered, Happy Mini-Blinds Birthday!

Too bad my birthday isn't until May.

Humbling Hamburgers

As I dwell on the joys of last week and the amazing fellowship with the teens from The Hills, you will read more about our journey together.

Last week we met at Piper's Kilt, the best burger joint in these here parts.

Who you ask? 60 kids and sponsors from The Hills Church of Christ on a mission trip to Inwood, that's who. And we all met at the Piper's Kilt for diner after their bus got unstuck out of the Lincoln Tunnel traffic.

They had been traveling 30 hours non-stop. And those were some hungry teens. Of course they made the dutiful meal stops, but nothing like this. PK is a real restaurant with seats and booths and stuff.

After sufficient time, an assortment of hamburgers, fries and soda were devoured. Then chocolate cake ended the meal with a bang.

Much to the kids surprise, there was still more traveling to do before they could colapse into a much desirved coma for the night. Off they went for orientation and then to the Manhattan Church of Christ to bunk down for the night.

MCoC was headquarters while our neighborhood was the target zone. And getting here from there was no small task. But that is their story to tell, as is all of the exciting experiences they gleened while here.

But they provided a lesson in fellowship and humility for Raymon and I that I will atempt to embrace for the rest of my life. Total giving of self no matter the cost, total focus on another's circumstance putting my own circumstance to the side no matter how tired I am or how difficult the job and the complete and total dependance of the unity of a body one with another.

Using every means of communication at their disposal, they kept in constant contact with the group. Utilizing the talents of the body, not just this one or that one but the one best able to do the tiniest job--the lesson of unity and the blessings of talent used were not wasted.

How much they have learned and can share simply by doing together what they love, reflecting the blessings of Christ.

Humbling hamburgers can go a long way. Who knew God could use the Irish settlers of this area ions ago to influence some folks to start a restaurant which feed some hungry teens one night.

Still Aglow

The exterminator, plumber, building superintendent, chaperon and about 85 teens popped in at 3G this morning. Of course you realize that I am exaggerating the number of the teens, there couldn't have been more than 80.

By the way, all three men where several days late. And they each came separately but 30 minutes of the other. And all arrive at the exact time the teens were doing God's working in 3G. 

After the bugs were sent packing, two leaks were fixed, another leak discovered and then magically disappered, the teens divided into working groups. One trekked into the neighborhood dragging furniture from one apartment to ours, 10 blocks away. The second group stayed and began to scrub--everything. And planned an impromptu wedding after designing a lovely bridal vail from shelf paper remnants. The bride was lovely, we have pictures to prove it. The dress, that's another story.

The kids next task was to join forces on the street to pick up trash around the neighborhood. Once complete all were to return for back packs, lunch and to strike out for their next assignments.

Being Christ reflectors is the happiest lifestyle possible, just ask these people. They are here because they want to be. And they are doing the dirtiest, smelliest, unbelivable tasks for people they don't know--who really don't care, yet.

Their actions, smiles and happiness can not be forgotten. They are but a raindrop in the ocean. It's indentation never goes away but effects the entire ocean body. God may use that rain drop to turn a wave into a tsunami, or a piece of water that carves an ocean cave that one day may save a drowning man, or that single rain drop will be the single bit of oxygen that the next fish needs to live. No matter God's purpose, it is our purpose to let Him.

Thanks kids for living your all.

What’s Cooking?

Everyone I suppose.

I know the dust is rising in every bowl in Texas.

The heat wave in the North is like nothing I’ve experienced.

My buses (yes, note plural) broke down yesterday due to the heat. The subway's announcement clocks failed, praise the Lord operational systems are on separate relays. Our Internet modem crashed and who knows why? The company hasn’t a clue, but I think I do… outdoor workers well adapted to heat wore wet bath towels over their entire backs.

Eating is not possible, no one wears make-up (or not for long) and some have even stopped sweating—that is scary. Isn't heat stroke next?

So where is God’s hand in all this misery? Easily found.

Pointing to a lady’s fan on the bus, I gave her the ‘okay” sign, followed by the comment, ‘Smart’. She gave me her fan as she exited the bus. Quietly she pointing back at me and said ‘For you’.  Neither of us spoke the other’s language enough to converse but she gave me the most beautiful fan you have ever seen, a stranger on a previously broken down bus. I came to reflex Christ yet on this hot day, a stranger was Him to me.

We found a brand new invention—regular sunglasses that fit over eyeglasses (not "clip-ons")—perfect for those of us who prefer not to spend hundreds of dollars for an additional pair.  Did God lead us to that exact spot or what???

And at the eyeglass stand, who should call but Raymon’s cousin. They talked over much needed family happenings. Yet I was too pooped and had to go home—only one block away! Thank you again God for such a perfect location.

And what should I find but a delivery at our door! The real dishes had arrived.

All in all, it was a day of miracles.

Shopping, doctors, air conditioners and carts...

Last night was a time of great fellowship -- in my mind! I offered our futon and air conditioned apartment for any of the ECC fellowship in need of a cool space to sleep. Wasn't that sweet of me?

Then the A/C froze up. So I've spent the day trying to figure out why a new window unit would play games during my well intentioned intensions. Nevermind. Its defrozen and working again.

And it is hotter outside.

Yesterday was spent establishing doctors and labs. Step one accomplished in that department. Steps 400 to go...

Raymon has taken the Bennett kids to a summer activity and shopping while I was to do the same here. Well, I braved the A/C and then tramped outside with shopping cart in hand. (Oh yes, one wheels a sturdy shopping cart on the streets of NY while shopping lest your arms give out. The movies leave that part out. Swinging Macys and Blommingdale bags skyward doesn't happen very often, nor does one emerge from a taxi while shopping...ever.)

Where was I, oh yes, tramping in the heat a la shopping cart. Declared defeat and scurried back home. Shopping in this area for anything other than groceries really isn't a great idea, most things are overpriced and understocked. Internet shopping or bus ride and delivery is the way to go. It just takes time, particularly if you have to take something back.

Oh, I thought we were getting off too easy...saw a roach last night. The NYC variety are thinner, longer and less roach-looking that our Texas house breed. But a roach is a roach. Til we meet again dear roach family, you aint heard the last from me...

God is good folks. We are beyond blessed.

A New Day

This is the day the Lord has made.

Some how that takes on new meaning everyday.
Each morning begins with, "This is the day...uh, so why does my back hurt..
The Lord has...yuck, its hot again....
oh but God made it...so I will rejoice...
Just 5 more minutes of shut-eye...okay, okay, I'm up.
But God has been up for hours, yeah 24 hours make this day just for me. And my back hurts?

Okay, He gets it.

Did I tell you how fabulous yesterday was? La Bennett style Chipotle and Saul's conversion...I learned more about Saul's conversion and Barnabas' presention to the Apostles than I ever knew. I am but a babe in Christ.

Gotta Tell Ya

Thanks to most of the Everyday Church, a solid piece of furniture got moved into our apartment. Five guys, four girls, the ladies that sold it to us, those praying that the loaner dolly, traffic and generous drivers plus the elevator would decide that this event should happen. Actually the elevator stopped in protest and we girls decided to wait in the apartment in order to supervise. And most just wanted to see the new folk's apartment.

It was fun to the extreem!

Especially the ice cream after...

What if?

Today Chris spoke about baptism. In particular, what is keeping you from it. His communication was really thought provoking, plain speaking and utilized the Ethiopian eunuch as his example.

A scant off topic, his words made me think, what prevents me from anything? Not so much actually. I allow others to suggest action but always, from day one, I have been the one making the decisions. Um.

Then again, perhaps that is the point for me. I made the final choice to believe and walk with Jesus. He hung around until I made the decision. We've been quite a pair every since.

Tomorrow is moving day!

Indeed the day has come. After all the sweat and no tears, we will be dragging baggage down the street and up the elevator to apartment 3G.

No moving truck is coming. And oddly, it appears that we are short of furniture too! After securing a futon and delivery date, all is well! Oh, that reminds me, we scheduled the cable guy but need to cancel because we wont have a TV!

Air conditioners, gotta get thoses today. Yep, two and a fan is a good idea. Okay, gotta run dear readers.

Lets see, Raymon is off running errands regarding delivery and other goods. Yep this was my task...

oh, btw, i will be moving over some earlier blog articles regarding the beginnings of our journey.

Thanks be to God for the Larry Bennett family and their hospitality during these last two weeks.