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!