New York , New York

Well, I have officially experienced my first visit to NY. Did you notice that I said my first visit? That's because I definatly am going back! What a whirlwind of a trip. I have never experienced anything like it. London and LA have such a different feel to it. Anyway, Bryant, Brendan and I packed in as much as we could in 3 1/2 days. We saw the Empire State Bldg, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty, NBC tour, many museums, STOMP, concert, ate good food, shopped and walked through Central park to name just a few things. We also had a incredible opportunity to visit Carnegie Hall and see Brendan be recognized for his Scholastic Art Award. It was a very emotional night for me! When we were walking around, it was so interesting to people watch and wonder what their lives are like. I kept wondering how they could afford to live in such an expensive place! We ran into some very interesting types around town and we found that New Yorkers weren't rude, they were actually quite helpful. We also witnessed some very needy people who were strung out and sleeping on the streets. I felt so helpless to do anything for them. So I did the most powerful thing and prayed for God to save them. We pointed them out to Brendan and told him that no matter what, to always come home. No matter what he gets himself in to in his life, no matter how bad it is, always come home. We made some great memories with Brendan and I know that we will try to do the same thing with all of our kids. I am very thankful for the time we had with him. Megan and Ethan had a great time with the grandparents while we were gone and Collin had an awesome time in Florida. I know that God had me where I needed to be but I sure missed my time with my girls at the beach. It sounded like an incredible trip and I am so thankful that it was. I am very interested to see what God does with the youth group this summer and how He will change things this next year. He is at work all around us, and I am trying to be more aware of what He is doing, the little things and the big. Being aware....not just coasting or blindly living on auto pilot. Being fully aware and awake. That's all for now....