So, we were able to go to the States for the holidays. However, any time a missionary is able to go to the States, it is rarely only for vacation. Most of the time you take advantage of being near supporting churches, supporters, set up meetings with potential new partners and travel A LOT!!! But that is part of the calling. Although we never like the go go go, it does have it's benefits.
You get to catch up with people face to face--my favorite way!
You get to see parts of the country you never would.
You get to meet your supporters on their turf and see their life from another perspective.
You get to eat where they eat.....
and the list could go on and on and on.....
But this year we were lucky to visit New Jersey, specifically GCC- Grace Community Chapel in Bergen. This is a church that has been a big part of our lives since we came to Costa Rica. They were the first team that we got to train with and we are so lucky to have done that.
This church is famous at the Abraham Project because they always bring their A-game when they come and work with us and the daycare kids. They plan together, pray together and work together like a well oiled machine! We are so lucky to have churches like this partnering with us and our ministry.
So here is a recap of our time in New Jersey.....ENJOY!
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| Love this kid! Flying was pretty rough this time, lots of pain in the ears and just being worn out! |
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| Tired little girl |
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| We love to travel! |
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| We borrowed coats. Emme's was perfect and Leyton's was really big, but thankfully he didn't mind. We stopped by Target to get gloves and scarfs. It was COLD!!!! |
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| We got picked up by Dan and Liz--they took us to a PHO restaurant when we got in at like 8-9pm |
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| The next day we got to go into NYC with Danny and Julie (who we stayed with). The kids, and I, were super excited to go through the Lincoln Tunnel--Just like on ELF!!!! |
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| This is us in the Lincoln Tunnel! |
We got dropped off at The Intrepid. The church bought us tickets and gave us two cool tour guides, Dahee and Brian. It was a retired military aircraft carrier. A lot of history and cool stuff that the kids really enjoyed. There was a submarine, an aircraft carrier and the Enterprise and Hubble NASA Exhibition. It was really neat and the kids enjoyed themselves.
Check out the website if you want to learn more!
The Intrepid
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| Waiting outside The Intrepid. We were right on the Hudson Bay area and it was really COLD!!!! |
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| Up on the flight deck |
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| Running to go inside the Hangar--because it was cold! |
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| LEGOS!!!! |
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| This was the replica--ALL legos! Approx 250,000 pieces! |
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| Flying the rescue copter |
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| So cute! |
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| Outside on the flight deck. Really cold but really neat! |
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| Emme shooting the guns! |
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| This is a scary thought! |
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| Us with our tour guides, Dahee and Brian |
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| Experiencing the life of an astronaut! |
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| Brian checking out the sleeping quarters of the sailors....no thanks! |
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| In the air control tower! |
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| Emme checking out the planes |
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| Dahee and Emme! |
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| The city view from the flight deck! |
While we were in New York, I got to meet up with my godfather, Mark. I haven't seen him in years! We were able to meet up for lunch. He met the kids and was absolutely amazed at how much Emme looked like me! I was so thankful that our plans worked out to see each other!
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| Mark and I! So thankful to see him! |
After lunch we did a quick tour of Lower Manhattan. It was really cold and the kids were tired!
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| On the Hudson with the Statue of Liberty behind the kids. Didn't get to go on the ferry, but the kids were still really excited to finally see her! |
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| Saw the World Trade Center Memorial--from a far....sad, but we will be there again! Hopefully not in the dead of winter! |
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| Since Bruce didn't get to run with the bulls this year in Costa Rica, he decided to take on the bull of Wall Street! |
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| Construction is still going on after 9/11 |
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| Leyton tuckered out in the taxi ride up town |
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| And Emme just about did! |
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| Stopped by Top of the Rock. We had tickets, but ran out of time. On my way out, I ran into Jimmy Fallon....well, that was as close as I would get! #ilovejimmyfallon |
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| Rockefeller Christmas Tree |
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| Best picture we could get of the kids in front of the Tree, it was PACKED!! |
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| At Times Square, everything was set up for New Years. The apple was at the top behind us! |
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| Times Square |
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| After our first night in NYC! |
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| They were exhausted! |
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| Bruce and Brian |
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| Dan and Liz (our chauffeurs) and Bruce |
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| It was SANTACON 2014 while we were in NYC. We saw every type of Santa, Mrs Claus, Rudolph, Olaf and every other character in every state of soberness and "UN"soberness! |
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| Got to go to the M&M Store in Times Square. Got to mix our own M&M's for only $13/lb!! |
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| The kids were take to Build-A-Bear by the team and Leyton got Toothless and Emme got Princess Celestia! They were THRILLED! |
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| Leyton watching the man fill Toothless |
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| Emme watching Princess Celestia getting filled |
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| Bath time! |
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| Kids with the group picking out clothes for their Build-a-Bears (or dragon and pony) They were seriously so awesome in buying them. The kids had so much fun! |
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| In front of the Hope Sign. Psalm 147:11 |
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| CHICKEN AND RICE!!!!!!! Famousness and goodness! |
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| This is the Mac Store, yes, it is a glass box (through the box is the hotel from Home Alone) |
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| This is looking down in the box--SO COOL! |
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| The line for FAO literally wrapped around the side of the building! |
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| Lego Movie Life size Emmet |
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| Lego Statue of Liberty |
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| Life size Lego Batman |
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| Life size Lego Santa! |
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Leyton was in Lego heaven!!!!
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| All those Legos wore that munchkin out! |
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| We got to watch the Macy's Light show! |
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| Rockefeller tree again! |
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| Korean BBQ! NOM NOM!!!! |
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| Leyton with his girls. Joy (Brian photobombed), Michelle and Liz. He was in LOVE! |
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| Final dinner. Asian fusion. So good! |
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| Joy and Michelle trying to make bonnets or beards from their hair...trying to be like Bruce!!?? |
I honestly can't tell you how much this part of our trip meant to us. They drove us, provided a place to stay, FED US (too much), loved on us and our kids and took care of us every step we were in their hood. We couldn't have asked for a better beginning of our time in the States. GCC will always hold a special place in our hearts and I'm so thankful God let us cross paths.
Until next time GCC!!! And we can't wait for 2016 when you all come back again!
In HIM,
The Crawfords
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