Tidbits From LGA

We pulled suitcases down Broadway as employees left from the night shift at Elmhurst Hospital. In the meantime, my boss and his crew set up the market on Roosevelt Island. The Q70 bus waited for us, and 20 minutes after leaving home we were walking into LaGuardia Airport. Voted number one airport in the USA, we marvel at how quickly we’re through security and walking past the dazzling fountain to our gate.

We’re excited to be going to my niece Leah’s wedding, and a little sad to miss the service for Papa Isaac Akinyombo’s retirement from the ministry. Since arriving here in 1998, Papa has been our minister, guidance counselor, and a prayer warrior. He checked in often when Laurence had Covid. We bonded over many worship services and fellowship dinners, at school picnics, communion services, holiday gatherings, and all the heartwarming discussions in Papa’s small apartment. We cried together when Mama left us.

A special service was when some of the writing group I belong to gathered to worship in the mission on Cherry Street in Poughkeepsie before going to a writer’s retreat. That day Papa encouraged us to write, that words, beginning with those Moses was inspired to write, are important in God’s kingdom.

Papa’s contemporaries will be there today -.those wise, grey-haired brothers and sisters. It blessed us to spend a short time with a few of these ordinary people last evening in a picnic shelter beside the Hudson River. Four of us ladies sat on a bench by the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse as the sunset glow reflected off the water. Walking back to the park, I saw Roger Penner and Ed Warkentin (present and past NYC missionary) talking together on a bench by the river while Laurence stood on the lawn visiting with his cousin Rol Loewen. Elmer Swareys and Franklin Wengers had left by then for their motel in Fishkill.

The sun set behind the hills and the lights of the magnificent Tappan Zee Bridge came on as Rodgers and we boarded the Metro North train for NYC.

“Beyond these hills lies Home.” Prepare for takeoff.  Berniece