Why is it that we never realize how great experiences are until we are looking back at them? At this point they seem so great it seems like it was someone else experiencing it and not you.
Looking back there is nothing I wish I had done or wish I hadn’t done. Now that my time here is coming to an end I can’t imagine my life without these awesome people that God has put in my path. I pray for them daily and even if I have only known them for a short time I will not forget what I have learned from them.
I have had a lot of time to reflect lately because I recently joined the convent. Obviously, that was a lie but the place I am staying is the closest thing to the convent that I have seen since Sister Act 2. The Hephzibah house is a brownstone on the Upper East Side and people have been staying here for over a hundred years. There is no cable, no Wifi, and no air-conditioning. It is obnoxiously quiet so sleeping has become a problem. In Brooklyn the train was on an elevated platform right outside my apartment so I go used to sleeping with noise. On the Upper West Side there is a $350 fine for honking so it stays pretty quiet.
This house used to be a private residence and I’m staying in the room that used to be the nursery. There are pictures of people praying all over the walls and there is a journal where previous guests can write messages to future guests. I know this sounds like I just set the scene for a terrifying horror movie.
Despite how creepy it sounds it has been an awesome place to stay. The people here are wonderful and I always have the option of enjoying afternoon tea in the parlor.
I feel like I have gained so much from this entire experience. I have decided to compile a list of some of the things I have learned.
Never is it acceptable to have a conversation with someone on the Subway at a volume anyone else can hear unless you want to be labeled the infamous “Tourist.”
Everything is only a Subway ride away so exploring is encouarged. Getting lost is the best way to learn your way around…unless it is late at night.
If you are listening to music that you aren’t proud of keep the volume low. There is nothing more damaging to some thugs image than the entire subway car knowing that he is listening to the Mama Mia soundtrack.
Always Give People the Benefit of the Doubt. It is New York, and there are crazies but don’t automatically assume that everyone has bad intentions.
Having a conversation with someone is sometimes an awesome gift for you and them. Showing them dignity might be more than what most people do. Be the Exception!
Don’t ever let fear keep you from doing anything! (Check out Psalm 23:1-6)
I’m not sure I have become completely New York tough but I have learned that being desensitized or cold does not make you tough. The day that it becomes normal to see people suffering and in pain is the day that I need to step back and re-evaluate what I’m doing to help these people that I am walking beside.
I hope that you all have gained something very small from this attempt at a blog. I appreciate all of your support and prayers and though I will be leaving the convent soon, I will continue to pray that God blesses your lives daily.
