Good day to all, it is an overcast rainy day in NYC. It has been raining daily since Saturday and am about ready for something different. We had been having beautiful weather until the rain began. Was just right temperature to be out and about, and sunny. Will be interesting if the fall tends to be wet here, hopefully not. There is a hint of fall in the air and a few trees showing signs of giving in to the changing seasons. We are expecting some awesome color around with so many trees.

We have been busy with various activities lately. The food pantry’s have been extra busy, so Rachel and I have volunteered more than we have. Always interesting to see who all shows up for food. Some get several bags and some only one. Seems like everyone is watching to make sure they get what others are getting and some ask for other things, hoping to get more. Most of the people who come look as they need what they get and are grateful. Always a few who show the dark side of humanity. All in all, it is a very worthy work.

We are adding another evening service with Bowery Mission. This one is a men’s shelter for those who choose Bowery’s program to get off the streets and into a normal life/work environment. It works well, because it is their choice to start over. So, that will be three services related to Bowery Mission. Hoping it will be as enjoyable as the others have been.

We have had a change at Sugar Hill, Stan and Marilyn have finished their two-year term and have returned home to South Dakota. We so enjoyed working together with them and will greatly miss them here. Todd and Donna Schmidt from Scott City KS are here for a couple months until Roger and Elsie Penner from Maine come for a two-year term. Has been enjoyable getting to know Todd’s better, as we met them when they were in Poughkeepsie.

We also welcomed our new unit boy, Zachary Banman from Hyte Alberta. Another fine boy to join us at the unit. Seems to be adjusting well to the city life and its many facets and work schedule. He was also properly welcomed by the boys in normal fashion. The boys seem to enjoy welcoming the new boy better than their own arrival experience.

We continue to scout out new areas in the city and surrounding boroughs for outdoor activities and picnics in parks. Lawrence and Bernice are well acquainted with options, and we have enjoyed going places with them. Our most recent jaunt was to Fort Totten in Queens, a beautiful park by the water and city skyline in background. Hoping to have more good times together. Other places we have been lately: train ride to New Haven CT to meet Tim Bucks and the couple who is to replace them soon at Hartford. Had an enjoyable lunch together. They are Titus Stutzman’s from Hydro OK. A quick trip to Boston with the boys, lots of early American history to explore. So many interesting places close by. We also plan to go to Levi’s wedding this weekend in Maine. just Rachel and I, Todd’s will take care of the boys.

We have had steady company with friends and parents of the boys and their friends, always seems like something going on. We enjoy learning to know everyone who comes. Preston’s family was just here last weekend, was good to meet them. Also, twenty people from Shippensburg PA for Sunday service and singing in subway station. We were well received and handed out many tracts and some Bibles and children Bible story books to the little ones. Lots of people record and photograph us, one wonders where it all goes??

Wishing you all a pleasant week and continue to remember the work in NYC!