NYC days 4 & 5

 On our last full day in NYC we spent the morning at The Bowery Mission. It is the oldest mission in The United States.

 They have several locations but we spent our time at the men's program in Harlem.

 We met the most amazing lady there named Gretchen. She runs the entire kitchen alone, 3 meals a day, 50 people, all the cooking, cleaning and prepping! She was a true example of selfless acts done daily for God's people.

 Makayla and I were on the team of people cleaning and organizing the pantry. We also did some serving in the lunch line.

 After a great morning at the mission we took the Subway to Grand Central Station. Once again we had entertainment.

 Grand Central was beautiful!

 This is the ceiling inside...

 After sightseeing there we walked to Bryant Park.

 It sits behind the famous New York City Public Library.

 They have a huge Christmas tree, ice skating and an outdoor Christmas market.

 After an hour or so there we walked the few blocks to Times Square. We all had NY cheesecake.

 I love this picture of Makayla just sitting in the middle of Times Square eating NY cheesecake, which by the way was so good!

 That night we had dinner inside of Rockefeller Center at Bill's Burger.

 Makayla drinking her cookies & cream shake.

 We walked out of one side of the building and we were facing this beautiful old church.

 Another side of the Rockefeller Center building.

 Then to the right was the Saks Fifth Avenue building at night. The lights were timed with music!

 Then with just a quick right turn stood one of my biggest Christmas dreams in all it's glory... the tree at night!!

 It was breathtaking, I felt like a little kid taking it all in. I am so grateful I was able to make that memory with Makayla.
Our last stop for the day was The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes! We were so excited about this. Makayla and I love stage shows and musicals and this was a big one!

 Part of the show is in 3d.

 It was fabulous, I really didn't want it to end.

 The next morning we all had breakfast at a diner close to NYSUM. Makayla was always impressed with the pigeons, they were everywhere and not at all phased by people.

 This is the view from the roof at NYSUM, which is located in Queens.

 The rest of our day was travel time but God provided us a beautiful view from our plane seats.

 I was so happy to be back home with all my guys and James did an amazing job holding down the fort while we were gone. We made memories to last a lifetime, bought back some great souvenirs, bonded with our team and church members and allowed God to change our view of this world and soften our hearts for the homeless.

I know I left a part of my heart in New York City.