A place to capture some of the "memorable" quotes....

This first one was made when our groups (1 and 2) were at the Food Bank warehouse separating food. The food was piled in large bins next to a row of metal tables. Our groups were tasked with removing the food (which was not organized in any way) and placing like items into boxes, labeling and stacking them. As we got into a rhythm, the job went better. One repeated problem was when people would place a food into the wrong pile for boxing. For example, someone might put applesause with vegetables. In John's case, people kept putting different types of beans into his "vegetable" pile. He had to repeatedly remind EVERYONE that "BEANS ARE A PROTEIN" and needed to go into that pile...... After a while, as soon as he started to say it, we ALL chimed in.

On the Road AGAIN!!!

Below are some of the pictures taken as we unloaded at the train station, waited for the train and finally, as we were on our way.

Today is "Father's Day" and Cameron's birthday (below you can see Joe and Cameron enjoying the moment .... Cameron was treated with a special "birthday" cookie)

Julie was kind enough to take some of the kids for a final bathroom run.

These next images are us mission members on the LONG train ride home : )

Editor's Last Day

This is our last full day here in NYC. Here are some of my thoughts and an update for our families and friends about our plans for tomorrow. It's late (a little after 9 p.m.), John is providing us with mood music to relax. The adults are ready to slow down BUT the kids are up tossing balls, running around and having a blast. Owen is in the kitchen cleaning up a little. The kids made a banner earlier with their artistic impressions of this trip. There were not real instructions so each kid was able to simply create something from there imaginations. The creations vary wildly. This morning, we got up at 8 and completely cleaned up our stuff, packed our bags and moved everything into a storage room because the Church was having its Saturday luncheon service for the homeless and needy. We helped to set up 17 tables and over 100 chairs. That preparation was completed by 10 and we were free to go on our own until 12. Jenni, Meg and I went to Central Park for a long walk around that was much longer than planned (because I had trouble reading the park's map). Eventually we found the Central Park carousel and we all had a ride! It was really a blast.... From 12 to approximately 4, the kids all served lunch for the Church. The adults had the chance to go out for "dates". The Church staff was appreciative and it all seemed to go well. Dinner was different for everyone. Some groups went for short trips out and around the city. Pam and some others went back to the 9/11 memorial area and the museum there. Carla took some kids for a walk in Central Park. Unfortunately, for the Park goers, we had a severe thunderstorm and by the time they returned, they were all SOAKED!!!!! There was some debate this evening whether or not the kids would "stay up all night" or "be reasonable and get some sleep". I voted for sleep..... we'll see. I need to upload a couple of pictures before bed but that will be all from me. I hope all of our family and friends will take the time to read the posts from our youth. Our bus will pick us up at 5 tomorrow morning. If all goes well, we will be on our way home by 7 a.m.. Keep us in your prayers!!!!
Below are some of the pictures from our last day. I can't label them now (it's really late for me) but I will post some of the ones given to me tonight. ALL of the pictures taken should be available at a later date.

These pictures are from the luncheon service today during which our kids served the clients who came to the Church today. The kids filled all sorts of positions and seemed to truly enjoy themselves.

Kids Thoughts for the Last Day!!!!

Click on the "Comments" link below this post to see the individual comments from the kids!
Also, below are a few pictures of activities on the last full day. These were taken in the famous store "F. A. O. Schwarz" (named for Frederick August Otto Schwarz).

From the Kids today!

Chase Weitkamp said...
hi richmond..we are having a great time here in new york city. The trip has been very rewarding, but I think it is time for us to grace our presence in Kentucky again. Today was our free day and we got to see various things such as the Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, and the Empire State Building. While this was fun, i'm sure most of us missed the senior citizens and the food kitchens. Trips like these really make a person realize how fourtunate they are and makes them realize to not take what they have for granted because there are many people throughout the world who have it way worse than any of us can imagine! Anyways, see everyone soon! (We're not looking forward to the train ride back!)-Chase Weitkamp
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Clinton Weitkamp said...
New York has been a lot of fun. I've enjoyed the work we have done and the places we have visited. I am very ready to come home, even though we have to spend 20 hours on a train.-Clinton Weitkamp
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Sara Byers said...
I guess it's my turn. I love New York!!! It is so much different from Richmond and although I love my old Kentucky home, New York City is the place to be. There are so many people and places it's unbelieveable. At first it was overwhelming, no lie. As the days went by I became very aware that NYC is a very busy place, but everyone has there own schedule. So you either move over...or get run over. Very simple rule to live by. The work we have done has been so hard, both physically and emotionally. Never have I seen so many people out of a home or without something to eat. It breaks my heart to see all different kinds of people such as children, elderly, homeless, working people etc. without something to eat at the end of the day, or on the sides of streets looking for change. It's a whole different world up here. The work has been very fullfilling on a happier note. The smiles of the people are soo contagious. They are so greatfull that we contributed and it really is worth while. I know i'm writing alot...stay with me, i'm almost done.I loved loved loved Times Square! It was so busy and there was so much stuff! I was in heaven. My plan is to move up here and work at Virgin Records and room with the cashier that I met...she is infact my new best friend. I also loved China Town, so much cheap stuff. Oh its great here in NYC and you better believe I will be coming back. Thank you for your time =] We should be back soon...that is if the train isn't delayed ha.peace and love.-Sara Byers

June 13, 2008

I don't have any pictures yet to share. But here's a quick run down of the day. The Today Show was noted earlier. After that, several of us went as a group to the Staten Island and took the ferry. Most of us sat on the uppermost deck and got some good pictures of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. Once we arrived at the Island, everyone MUST leave the ferry and reboard for the return trip. We did this. When we arrived back at the original dock, we went as a group to the 9/11 memorial site. This, for me, was not really what I expected. Primarily, you just can't see anything at the actual site. There is an official memorial museum, but it's $10 and we did not want to pay that. So, we got as close as we could and took a couple of pictures and left. We went via subway to Canal Street (Chinatown) and shopped. We split into smaller groups with an agreement to meet back at the Church by 5 p.m.. We will be serving at the Church's Saturday lunch program 1 - 4 pm and the kids will be able to participate. So..... that's all for now.

UPDATE:

here are some pictures from our trip to Canal Street

Here is our "Central Park" visit.

Today Show

This morning started VERY early..... Several of our crew left to go to the Today Show. They made a poster and were in the crowd during a Kenny Chesney (sp?) show. I heard them getting up but fortunately, I went back to sleep. We watched the show on a television the Church provided for us. I didn't see him, but I heard that John was visible and maybe Cameron. This is a poster that Pam and some of the kids made to hold at the show.