It’s a sunny summer day in NYC. Hoping everyone is having an enjoyable week, as summer is quickly passing by. We have been having good days in the city. Always things happening and yet much is the same. Probably why my posts get farther apart. Other than those who visit us or the city, life has taken on a certain normal routine. We have had a steady and enjoyable stream of company this summer. Some are the boy’s family and others come to see us and the rest are visiting the city. Some have been former unit boys bringing their families to show them around, and others just show up for service on Sunday. Different times the boys have seen our people around and we never hear or see them, which is fine.

We were happy that our children and grandkids were able to visit us, Taylor’s and Barry’s were both here recently. We tried to give them a picture of what we do and some things we enjoy. So, now all our children have been here! Time to start planning the next round.

Our weather has been a mix of hot and really hot, mixed with rain to keep things green. Always amazed how many trees and parks there are in the city. The summer has brought many tourists to NYC, fairly easy to tell who is visiting and who lives here. We are somewhere in between. I am sure we have been labeled tourists many times. The most noticeable is when we walk the Brooklyn Bridge and so many are standing in the way taking selfies and photos of everything. Along with all the vendors hawking their wares, it is quite congested. The city is trying to remove the vendors to clear space, and the vendors are squawking about making a living. Be surprised if anything changes. It is still worth the crowded walk, especially after dark, seeing the lit up city.

Our boys have been busy with the duties of unit life. Some changes have happened with summer activities and post covid, opening different types of work at the pantries. Seems like 6 months go by in a blur, and then time for a turnover. Next week is Cade’s last week and our new boy Zachary from Canada comes to join us. Always curious what the next boy will be like. So far, all have been a blessing to the unit. each bringing their own talents to the work.

Stan and Marilyn Ensz term is ending September 12, they are heading back to South Dakota. We will miss them very much, have enjoyed getting to know them and working together with them. We have had so many good times together, both working together and exploring the city. Couldn’t ask for better people to be with. Todd and Donna Schmidt from Scott City, KS are filling in until Roger and Elsie Penner from Maine come for a term. Todd’s have been in Poughkeepsie NY for a year, Donna teaching school and Todd as a mission worker. Looking forward to making new friends and working together.

This coming Sunday is another Bowery Mission service. Mifflinburg PA is sending a group to help us. We sing in the subway station for a bit and then go to Bowery for a church service. Everyone needs to go there at least once. Gives you a different look at making life choices. Some have lifelong results, yet hope is offered to those who want it otherwise. Not everyone has friends to lean on in tough times. You can feel alone among 8 million people. We have had several troubled ones show up at our door. Some you not sure how to help.

Wishing you all the best as we all try to fill our little place.