writing 10- Packing

2009.10.14 writing 10 –
Topic: Packing
Two weeks until I am backing home. To me 11 months and 6 days in New York are like a dream as Alice in the wonderland. Alice goes to New York, the Big Apple of the world and finds that she looks at things in different ways.

First of all, she saw a group of people who are willing to devote their free time to help foreigners. In the International Center New York (ICNY), many volunteers come here to be conversation partners or writing partners of foreigners; it makes it easier for them to improve their English ability and get used to the Big Apple. Even jobless people come to be volunteers as well; it is so abnormal from the Asian’s point of view.

Second, there are so many free events in New York City. The Thanksgiving Parade, New Year fireworks, Shakespeare in the Park, Museum Mile and openhousenewyork, etc. Though in the economic downturn, many companies cannot donate as much as usual, they still keep the tradition which makes New York has such a colorful culture life.

Third, working in the financial area of downtown Manhattan is a new experience. Wall Street, Trinity Church are no longer the names in a movie. While walking along the financial district, I feel man is so small compared to the skyscrapers. After 9/11, the World Trade Center collapsed, but a new center is under construction. Economic cycles go u p and down, firms open and close, new people will come in anyway. New York is always vivid and energetic.

Fourth, prayer in the city. There are so many churches in NYC. They hold a unified prayer meeting in Times Square, the heart of Manhattan; Manhattan is the center of NY, NY is the center of America, and the USA is the center of the whole world now. It is so meaningful and I am so surprised to see so many people gather on the street to pray and praise God because it is so hard to see this kind of outdoor event in Taiwan. People from different countries, different regions come here only to pray to God together. We pray to the Lord to forgive our sins and pray for the nation and the youth; I feel this country is full of hope and blessing, because from the President, the Mayor to the ordinary people, they pray! Most people know God and have the chance to go to church and learn about the Bible, it makes a difference.

All in all, this is the year of change for Alice in New York. I gained a lot and learned a lot from this city. I have packed all the love from God and people around me, and I appreciate everything I met or encountered to make me grow up and expand my horizons.

ps.Times Square: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Square