by Jori Brink

Guest Writer

As I unpacked the suitcase from my New York trip a few days ago I reflected on the entire experience. I soon realized that I took home much more than ``I Love NY'' t-shirts and postcards. In fact, some of the most important souvenirs from the trip will never fit into a suitcase. New friends, new perspectives and new experiences are just a few of the ``souvenirs'' of Interim 2002.

The interim class I took was titled: ``What do GR and NY have in common? Urban Missions and Race Relations.'' After a 14 hour van ride to New York City of ``get-to-know-you'' games and cards, my class spent ten days living and learning in the city. Every day we rode the subway to various ministries. It was encouraging to hear how God is at work in the city. Our visits encompassed many denominations and races.

My experience in New York changed not only my perspective of urban missions. Ministry is not about giving, but empowering. People are not necessarily the problem that needs fixing. It also changed my perspective on race relations. Not growing up in a very diverse environment may have caused me to casually overlook the blessings of diversity. I simply assumed that as long as races got along when they interacted, things would be fine. This is true, but racial reconciliation goes much deeper than ``getting along.'' Racial reconciliation is about living side by side and respecting and loving one's neighbors for who they are, including their race.

Diversity also adds flavor to worship. Having many races worship together adds something powerful to a service. I will never forget the experience my class had worshipping in at both the Brooklyn Tabernacle and the Harlem Parish for Spiritual Renewal. Without intentionally meaning to do so, the class and the rest of the church sat segregated until the pastor asked everyone to get out of their seats, greet others with a hug, and then sit by someone we did not know. Having to hug literally half the church and saying ``May the peace of God be with you'' was much more personal than a handshake and a ``good morning'' to the nearest four people, which one would experience at my own home church. The enthusiastic worship, which I'm not accustomed to, gave me goose bumps.

In addition to the memorable moments at various missions, my class had many memorable moments in our free time. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Chinatown, Central Park and Ground Zero are just a few of the places that we were able to see. Some of the highlights included eating a meal at Tom's Restaurant (from Seinfield), ice-skating in Central Park, visiting the Today Show and even socializing at a pizza party with the Calvin alumni of the area. We bonded as a class and were able to share many memorable moments together.

In addition, many of us were pleasantly surprised to find the people of New York very friendly. Before going to New York, I expected to see a dirty city with calloused people. I was surprised to find that my stereotypes were incorrect. New Yorkers were more than willing to converse on the subway and share their experiences, even from September 11. We were put a face to something that might otherwise simply be a fact in history books. We were also nicely surprised to find that the city was not nearly as dirty as many have said and that diversity is a celebrated token of the city rather than an enormous problem.

Overall, my interim in New York City was an unforgettable experience. The t-shirts I bought will eventually wear thin and the postcards may eventually fade, but the real ``souvenirs'' of the trip will stay with me the rest of my life.