We Love NYC!!

We've made it back safe and sound and are thankful for the fun we had along the way! Thanks so much to everyone that prayed for our travels. The flight there was a bit nerve racking for me at first but by the end of our 5 day trip, I had discovered a new found confidence and peace which helped to make the flight home stress free for the most part. We had a really turbulent landing and most people got sick. It didn't even phase me! Praise God for this!

We had such a wonderful time and did not want to leave!! We are so thankful we got to go experience NYC the way we did. The people that we traveled with were so much fun and we laughed pretty much the entire week! This is a long one with lots of pictures.... hope you enjoy!!

This is the group before our flight on Wednesday morning. Because I don't remember ever explaining why we went to NYC, I'll do that briefly. Jon was the coach of 2 teams from his law school who were competing in a moot court competition where they argued against teams from all over the US. He competed last year and decided to be a coach this year. So that is who all of these people are.

Our first view of the city from the taxi

The court house where the teams argued

The view from our hotel room

Another view from the hotel room- we stayed at a Marriott- it was so nice. I think it's important to have a homey place to come home to when you stay in NYC b/c it's crazy everywhere else around you. 

Jon approves!

It's always so cool to see God's blessings. We had to put everyone's hotel room on our credit card b/c the school gave us the money. Because we did this, the hotel gave us access to their concierges lounge. It was a beautiful suite on the 23rd floor that had drinks and snacks available all day and then hot meals everyday. One could essentially stay the entire week without ever paying for a meal! It was such a blessing b/c Jon got a per diem for food but I did not. Plus, it had an amazing view of Manhattan!

Another view

The view of the Statue of Liberty

The is the court house where we argued. Isn't beautiful!

We never found out what this building was but it looked like a mini White House in Brooklyn.

The first night after getting settled, we decided to head to Times Square. Here it is!! It's so overwhelming- all the lights and people- yet so fun!

We ate a chop house in Times Square and had a great meal with some great conversation. 

Jon and I- and Andy trying to fit right in!

The majority of the group in Times Square

A picture I screwed up but actually turned out really cool

Andy and a drunk spanish speaking Elmo

Awwww

Mamma Mia! We didn't have time to see any shows but we saw a lot of theaters.

A cool piece of art!

The next morning we reluctantly got up early to see some more of the city and we were thankful we did. We had such a great day! This is Jon and Jon in front of the Wall Street Journal. Not really sure what the pose is all about! :)

This was an interesting sign- The national debt

A cool picture

This is the skating rink in Rockefeller Center- this is where the big Christmas tree is

Okay- I know these next few pictures are blurry and silly but it was one of the highlights of the trip for me. I love the today show! So..... I really wanted to go and try to get on tv. We ended up getting on during the Kathy Lee and Hoda portion of the Today show. We were in the back ground. It was so fun!! So this picture is of Anne Curry- even though it is impossible to tell! Ha!

The studio- we are seeing all of this from outside 

This is Hoda Kotb- the host

And Kathy Lee Gifford- this one was for my mom. She loves her!

Some cool jockey store in Rockefeller Center

If you look clear down the street, you can see the start of Central Park

Aw! A guy from Indiana actually made this!

Central Park- it is so huge! I am sure it is absolutely beautiful in the summer and fall. I think we found out it was 50 blocks long. It's crazy to see this little oasis in the middle of the city.

A view from the park

The skating rink in Central Park- it really is as romantic as "Serendipity" makes it seem!

The Trump Towers

Andy and his new friend

CHINA TOWN! The open markets that flower the streets!

Getting into Little Italy

The restaurant we ate it- it was delicious!

JOn in the subway- he looks little sleepy here!

That night after a successful night of competition, we went to an Irish Pub near by and had a fun, unique dinner. Once again, the people we went with were such a riot that we were never bored.

On Friday, Jon and I took a day away from the group and volunteered with a ministry that our church in Indiana helps to support. It is the New York City Relief Bus. They go to 4 different sites through out the city two days a week and serve hot soup, bread, and hot cocoa to those in need. They also have resources to help them find apartments, jobs, shelters, and training. We were in Harlem. Fortunately, we didn't see too many little kids, but it was still pretty upsetting. Talk about getting outside of our comfort zone- when we got off the subway, we realized we weren't in Kansas anymore! Our bus was late and we had to just walk around b/c if you stood on a corner, you would be approached or yelled at. I almost gave up and said lets go b/c I just felt like crying I was so afraid. But, Jon encouraged me that God does not want us to be comfortable and 5 seconds later we saw the bus. It was such an awesome experience. God allowed us to pray with some amazing people who were aware of their sins, their need for a savior, and their addiction that kept getting in the way. We will forever be changed.

I didn't feel comfortable taking pictures of most of the people b/c we were often questioned as to why we asked them their name (too pray for them)- they thought we were after them. However, Angel was happy to be apart of our memories. He sat on the bus with us all day drinking hot cocoa. He was hit in the head by his brother at age 7 and suffered a traumatic brain injury and has remained at the mental age of 7 ever since. He is homeless and spends time with the relief bus every Friday.

Now it's Saturday- this is the view of Brooklyn from the court house. What a distraction!! :)

The group- all dressed up and ready to argue! Both teams did awesome. One team made it all the way to the final round and just barely lost.

That night we all went out to celebrate. We ate at a really neat Mom and Pop restaurant and then toured Union Square. Apparently this is the place to be on a Saturday night. We went to a club and danced the night away and therefore dreaded the time change all the more!!  :)

Jon and his dancing face! :)

Well, that's it!! A wonderful week with some great friends! Love you all!! J&H