nyc: day9.

welcome, day nine!

today was warm and sunny – the most beautiful since our arrival in the city – a perfect day for another adventure.

this morning was my first nycares project, and i was nervous and excited. my volunteer opportunitiy took place in harlem, a place in the city where blonde hair is definitely the minority. however, i knew i had a purpose, and so directions in hand, i boarded the subway all by myself. it was my first attempt to venture anywhere in the city alone – not because i was afraid, but because i was convinced i had absolutely no idea where i was going. today though, there was no one to go with me. i was alone, but not really.

you see, maybe this sounds silly, but i felt like the city and i were a team. we were one. for the first time, i felt like a real new yorker – like i belonged. together, we reached my destination – safe and proud, and yet humbled at the same time.

this really is an amazing place.

the same can be said about the children’s zone in harlem. the building is alive with the laughter of children and the adults that love them. the day’s activites began with a short orientation meeting and then we jumped right in. all twenty-five of us spread out in the gymnasium and began introducing ourselves to the kids. almost instantly, i connected with a beautiful little girl named shenique. her skin was the color of smoothest milk chocolate, and she had a smile that lit up the whole room. much to my delight, we decided to be partners. our first activity was a small group story-time, followed by an art project. the kids were to make a collage depicting all those who had influenced their lives for good. shenique was full of ideas, and all bias aside, our collage was one of the best. our day together ended with hugs and a sad goodbye. i pray that someday i can see her again.

back on the subway, i was headed to broadway. there was much on my mind, and i knew where i needed to be. i grabbed a bagel and made my way back to the drama bookshop. after a few hours there, kim joined me, and we read together for a while. i love the way theater can fill up even the emptiest soul, and the way its wise words can calm a restless heart. its power is proven true time and again in my life, and for that i am so grateful.

feeling back to my old self, i returned to the apartment with another venti chai – just for good measure.

goodnight all. i miss you, tj.