May 10, 2002 -
I've had some request to post some of my journal entries while I was in New York in December.  I'm going to add one for right now, and may add more later. I don't know what these all hold, but this one hold true, raw, emotion as I sat in front of what used to be the World Trade Center.
             - JP

December 19, 2001 -NYC    I'm down on Chambers Street right in front of Ground Zero.  I've been sitting around watching people as they go about their life.  Some people go around jokingly like nothing has ever happened. Others walk with fear and sadness in their eyes and on their faces.  I'm waiting for the school here to release students so we can begin 'hanging' out with them.  There's an absolute gorgeous view of the sky......it's just sad that it had such a great price.  I remember thinking last night as we entered into GZ if the Statue of Liberty meant anything to the city on September 10th.....I don't think it's meaning on the 12th can ever be relived again. It's been a very emotional week and I'm beginning to think this journal is helping me keep my sanity.  Our main job is to be there and listen to those people who are working.  Listening to these stories, to their hearts breaking....it's tough.  Some bodies were recovered last night, and it seems that it gave them more energy to keep digging through the rubble, yet there was silence throughout those 64 acres.          Well the school just let out.....the streets seem to be more lively now with the usual commotion of life.  These students that we have been hanging around and ministering to are just amazing.  They've opened their hearts to us and told us what they saw as they were late for school.  One student was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge when the first plane hit the building.  Other students aren't so 'excited' about us being around.  I've had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, drug dealers, gang members, etc...the same people I think Jesus would be surrounded with if He was here today. They may not be receptive of the gospel, but they know someone cares.  They think we're crazy that we drove all the way from "Hick Country" North Carolina to hang out on the streets with them. OK so my thoughts are having to stop right now.  I'll write more tonight after we work in GZ and have our daily dose of pizza around 2-3am in Harlem.