A few nights ago, as we walked down a bustling NYC street, I had one of those moments. I felt peace. Complete peace, in one of the busiest cities in the world. "I don't want this week to end," I said to Courtney. But all good thing must come to an end. Now, I'm back in Champaign with many memories and much to share.
NYC was amazing: a week full of laughter, prayer, great food, new friendships, and more. God showed up in a very big way. He was there in the van ride, when the week began and I barely knew the people I was with. He was there in the Bronx, where we set up a prayer station and prayed for people that live a completely different life from us. He was there in Central Park and Bryant Park, where we had conversations with New Yorkers and visitors alike about Christ and their thoughts on the biggest life questions. He was there at The Brooklyn Tabernacle, where we learned about how to "stop at the fish" and give our worries to Him. He was there at every meal, every subway ride, every small moment. And he was there on Thursday night, when we debriefed and shared how the week had affected us.
I'm thankful. This week was without a doubt the highlight of my freshman year of college. Not only did I learn from the people I met in the different parts of the city, but I also learned so much from my incredible team. Our conversations were seasoned with salt; Christ was truly at the center of it all. And, what's more, I don't think I've ever laughed so much in my life.
The trip was a blessing. God is good.
NYC via Instagram (@mellystone):
Chili at Momo's BBQ in Harrisburg, PA // View of the city from the Central Park Reservoir // Dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner // Times Square // Gnocchi at Mambo 'Taliano // Sampling gelato in Little Italy // Courtney & me on the Staten Island Ferry // Central Park on Tuesday // Lunch in the park from Le Pain Quotidien // Grimaldi's Pizzeria in Brooklyn // My pretty pink cupcake from Buttercup Bake Shop // The team walking through Queens to our hotel // Beautiful NYC // Courtney's ice cream sundae from the original Junior's in Brooklyn // Lobster club sandwich at the Seaport Café on Pier 17 // A little note
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
-Ephesians 3:20-21
3 comments:
looks like an incredible time - and isn't it wonderful to be able to find manifestations of God in our lives?
i head to nyc this friday and i am so excited!
Hey Melanie - this sounds absolutely sweet. It was fun reading your tweets throughout this week, even though I wasn't entirely sure what exactly you were doing, it sound like you were having a blast. Great to hear that you had a good time being salt and light, loving on the people in your group, and exploring NYC like I'm sure you've always wanted to do. Also, I'm sort of jealous you got to go to the Brooklyn Tabernacle!
It looks like you had tons of fun. What great photos! I've never been to NYC. I must get there after looking at your photos.
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