One Week

So I have been here one week. It doesn't even feel like it. Yesterday we went to a local church and helped prepare and serve the meal that is served to feed people that are homeless and those who are poverty stricken. Although I have worked with that demographic before, this just seemed different. I was amazed at all of my other classmates at how comfortable we all felt (or at least it seemed that way). Afterwards we got to talk to the Bishop that is pastor at the church. It was nice that he made time to talk to us about our service for the church. Once we got back to the house we had a session of debriefing. Then we had to go around and say one nice thing, or something we admired about each person. This activity just brought us closer together.
For dinner we decided to go uptown for a change of pace and scenery (someone actually asked me for directions when they got off the train -- and I could give them, the correct directions!!) and then decided to go see Pirates of the Caribbean. Although it was a VERY long movie, it was wonderful. I can not wait until the next one comes out!! Riding on the subway after midnight was interesting, there were a lot more people than I thought there would be. I went to bed really late because I had to plan the devotion for this morning, but I think it went well. Margaret and I went to Starbucks to get coffee so we could stay awake during Wesley 101. I was pleasantly pleased that the session was interesting.
For this afternoon's session we went over the Social Principles of the UMC. We were assigned for or against and had to argue about a current event that had to do with topics discussed in the social principles. It was hard trying to come up with ideas for the opposite side of thinking than I have, but it was a good learning experience.
Tomorrow should be a somewhat easy day and then we have a free day all day Saturday. I think we might go to Coney Island. I am trying to save touristy things to do with my family, since that is what family vacations are all about!!!