Good day to everyone. It has been a while since I have written of the happenings in NYC. Now that summer is officially here, warmer weather has arrived, and many more people are out and about. The tourists are also visiting the city, making many of local streets more crowded. We are somewhere in between visitors and residents. Different people we meet, comment on our accent, that we are not New Yorkers. We don’t hear a lot of English spoken on the street, but all kinds of other languages. Spanish would be very useful to know here. Just the other day, someone who only spoke Spanish, tried to have me help him find his way, but unfortunately, I couldn’t. Hopefully someone came to his rescue.

Our work here continues to be mostly the same, with a few minor changes. Some of the Pantry’s activities have added more options: serving meals and seasonal fruits and veggies that are available. I have been helping more at times, especially when boys have company. Other businesses and companies are volunteering some of their workforce, interesting to work with other people. The Bowery Mission has been without natural gas for a month now, contractor next door hit a line and they needed to evacuate the building and were closed one day, the first time ever since they opened many years ago. No idea why service hasn’t been restored! They still serve meals three times a day, but any heated food is brought in. A real inconvenience.

The unit has been getting a nice flow of company. With Stan’s and the boys’ friends and family and those who visit us, we have an enjoyable time meeting everyone. Avery and Christine Peters and three children were here and packed as much doing and seeing and walking as we could. Wayne and Denise were here this last weekend and had a relaxing time drinking coffee and visiting early and late. We took a bus tour through Manhattan and a boat ride around the island, which was very enjoyable. Taylor and Joanie are coming toward end of July and Barry’s are scheduled early in August. Excited to have them come see what goes on here. Seems like time has been moving faster than at first. We been here six months now, seems longer in some ways.

We have our new boy, Nicholas Warkentin from Oklahoma. He survived his welcome from the boys and is fitting in very well. Another fine young man. Levi leaves next Friday the 14th. Hardly seems possible that he is about finished with his six months. Our first four boys that were here when we arrived are all gone home. Riley Johnson is the first of the boys we had to get engaged. His wedding is July 23. He is marrying a Kansas girl.

The boys had the fourth off, so they invited the four Hartford unit boys down for night. We grilled steaks in afternoon and then they went to watch fireworks on the East River, Macy’s spend six million dollars on fireworks to celebrate Americas birthday. Stan’s and us went up on our roof and watched from there. Lots to see and hear, some right beside us, and some far away. We didn’t see Macy’s display, to many tall buildings in the way. Boys thought it was a good show. Lots of noise all night long.

We went to Poughkeepsie for their school program and playday. After the program we grilled burgers and then played some games. Hartford was there also and New Jersey tract workers. Was a good time. Hartford came down for night, as they helped with service at Bowery Mission and singing in subway station on Sunday. Tim and Edi Buck stayed with us, had enjoyable time.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe summer!