A second group went to a place called Baby Buggy on Tuesday. We were greeted by a huge pile of children's clothes and a very friendly person instructed us to sort the clothing by size and by quality. It was very adorable. We were shown a brief film about all of the families that would benefit from the program. Some 5,000 families per month! Worn out and tired, but wanting to take advantage of  being right around the corner from time square, we went exploring. It was hot and crowded but very exciting. We didn't need to stay long though, so we travelled back to YSOP headquarters. We were early so we entertained ourselves with a spirited game of Apples to Apples. Once all of the group's were reunited, we started cooking for a nice little "dinner party" with some local homeless people. Amidst the cooking was a fabulous soundtrack of the youth groups joining together and performing songs from the amazing musical Rent. When our guests arrived, we sat down with them and had some very honest and heartfelt conversations. Checkers, Dominos, Jenga, and other games were also played at this time. Now we are back at the church, and I am tired so my writing is probably a mess. Signing off- Shannon Plankey 10:44pm

Tuesday in New York

After leaving around 8:00 in the morning, our group quickly got breakfast from a nearby Dunkin' Donuts before heading into the subway to get to our assigned location for the day. Two trains and a transfer later, we found ourselves in a more work-related part of a building connected to a decorative Church that has had history in NYC since the late 1800s. When we arrived, we found out the agenda for the day. Our job was to prepare bags of food and clothing for guests that came for their free lunch which they could bring with them to leave. Additionally, we were tasked with helping to serve the guests lunch and aid in cleaning up after. All the other volunteers and workers had enthusiastic and outgoing personalities, which created an open and social workspace. Until 11:30 we prepared bags of supplies that could be brought with the guests after they had finished their lunch. At this time, a crowd of people entered into the room where lunch would be served. Our group and another, different group of volunteers collectively prepared and handed out the lunches while others waited on guests who needed beverages or refills. Throughout the time spent serving lunch, the upbeat and social atmosphere remained unchanged. Eventually all were served, including a woman turning 98, who was given a small cake and sung to for the occasion. This proved how close the community was around there; they knew each other well, and even if they didn't, they did their best to make everyone else feel welcome. After the lunch was finished, we ate our own lunches and had time for a few minutes in Central Park before heading back to the YSOP building for dinner with the other half of our group as well as another staying at the same time as us. We prepared the dinner ourselves and for more guests that we got to talk with over the meal before returning to the church we're staying at.

- Olivia

Early images from the trip

Monday in NYC

To begin our day we went to the YSOP church and they explained what they were all about. After YSOP gave us directions for where to go, our group was sent to the United Methodist church in Queens. We met the head director, Ann Marie, and she gave us a quick tour around the place. First we set up tables and chairs for the people to eat outside. Then Olivia and I were told to make bags of bagels while Keating and Michael were organizing the chicken for people to eat. After we all went to a table outside with clothes and a few toys for the clients and we watched as they came and picked out ones they liked. A few people ended up not listening to the three limit rule and took more than they should've taken. Michael and Keating served food to the people who stayed for lunch. After they served, we all went back inside and handed different breads to people who brought their own bags. Threwout the day we also meet Frank and Belinda who were also their to guide us. After all the clients got food we ate lunch inside and then helped clean up and then went back to YSOP. As we headed back to the YSOP church we saw a client sitting on a bench. She approached us and thanked us for our work we did today. I was surprised that she said that it didn't always run as smoothly as it did when we were there. She said many took advantage of the place and didn't listen to the rules and were greedy and sometimes a few people didn't get meals. I really appreciated how she thanked us so sincerely and told us the problems that happened when we weren't there. 

- Emmy, Keating, Olivia, Michael

Monday in NYC Katherine and Jenna

Salutations!
It's Katherine and Jenna here! Today we went to Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP) headquarters and met another group from Maryland who were serving too. Our group consisting of Nick, Shannon, Jenna, Dr. Jay, and myself went to a church in Brooklyn who was preparing to serve hungry people for Tuesday. First,we met Josephine at the door and she gave us a tour of the church. Next, some people of our group began to unfold boxes for recycling and others prepared plastic bags to hold food packages. A little while later, we packed non perishable food including milk and juice (up to 200 bags!). Our final task was to prepare bags of four potatoes and a few handfuls of onions together.  After packing over 200 bags of those, some of us brought them to the front to be served for tomorrow. We then returned to YSOP for a debriefing session to tell the other groups what we did today. We concluded the day by going to the 9/11 museum and memorial. The museum had many artifacts from the twin towers which was very moving and heartfelt. The pools, where the twin towers once stood, was incredible. Finally, we had dinner at Bill's bar and grill where we had an amazing dinner and milkshakes! Can't wait for another day of service! See y'all soon!

-Katherine and Jenna

A new interpretation of YES!

The group discovered this sign during the trip and felt it was apropos for their trip.

Blessings on the Journey

Here is the group as they prepared to leave.  They were dedicated for their service during worship on Sunday, July 5.