We spent most of the last three days getting to know New York City. It was quite the experience with a wide range of emotions, memories, and insights...
The first day we were really nervous, a bit stressed and completely unsure of what to do, how to get around, where to go... Oh boy! The kids were pretty relaxed, they must trust us a lot! We found the train and a parking lot, finally found a person to get our tickets and instructions so we didn't get lost and then we were on our way to NYC ( we drove from Pennsylvania and parked in New Jersery). Once we get there, we figured out the street system and made our way through the very cold streets 18 blocks or so to where we were taking a bus tour. Everyone was excited, and perhaps still a little nervous when Tim realizes he left his wallet in New Jersey in the van!!! I don't think I can explain the emotions that he and I had at that moment... We had our printout ticket but no ID and no... Wallet! Ahhh...
After praying, we went inside and kept praying that they would let us still have our tickets. Praise God, after some talking and lots of praying ( did I mention the praying!) they gave us our tickets! We had a wonderful day seeing many sights. I highly recommend a tour bus ! Very informative and fun! Just remember to bring your wallet for saving unneeded stress! We found our way back to the van with help of very friendly people and made it to our town again. We stopped for a couple of groceries and a drink at McDonald's and ended up getting the drink for free! We all slept well !
Day 2
We returned again ( with a 48 hour pass) and had a great time again on our tour ( with ID and wallet! :) We took the night tour through the city and saw a completely different view of what was around us. As we were on our way back to Penn Station to get the train we realized... We forgot our backpack on the bus! They run every 20 minutes, so we knew it would already be gone for a loop around town again, we had to leave without it. Thankfully there wasn't much in it, just a few snacks. We made it home again only slightly concerned about the loss of the backpack...
Day 3
Tim and I took a third day with just the two of us in the city. We went to McDonalds on the way to get a drink, when we went to pay they told us it was free! I couldn't help but laugh! Tim just reminded me of Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
God has given us some funny blessings and good gifts!
We continued on, safely made it to the city again, and felt very comfortable this time! It was not at all stressful or nerve wracking , in fact it was so much fun! We first went to check if there was a lost and found at our tour place, and got our backpack back! Then we picked up tickets for Voca People. We walked around town and found a ton if music stores!! It was amazing going from store to store trying out different instruments :)
After this we had a lovely dinner at a Japanese restaurant, then went to a diner for cheesecake!! Mmmmm, I will add pictures when we get home! The show was so great! Very funny, and entertaining!
Among our *mishaps this past week, we saw God's hand through it all. I was overwhelmed more by His blessings than the sights and sounds of the city. We had a good time for sure but we serve a GREAT, AWESOME God!
