Life Changing Mission to the Dominican Republic

Wow. I don't truly know where to begin because of how much my heart has truly been changed because of my experience in the Dominican Republic. God has opened up my eyes to a whole new world, a whole new culture, a whole new part of Him, and a whole new part of me. So, let's start from the very beginning. (side note: This is going to be long like the New York one, brace yourselves, but please read)

Let me start of again by saying A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR MONETARY SPONSORS and OUR PRAYER WARRIORS. Without you guys, this mission would not have happened. Thank you for believing in the desire that God placed on our hearts. 

Night before Day 1 (aka 10 pm Thursday Night 6/11/15): 

It's 10pm, I am finishing packing, Seth is napping, and Samantha (the 17 year old youth that went with us on the trip) is on her way over to meet us. I out of the blue have a panic attack like none other. I break out into complete hives and wake up Seth and beg him to let us not go on the trip. I tell him that I think our plane is going to crash. I freak out completely and give myself the hugest head ache on the face of this planet. This goes on for about an hour. Samantha arrives and Seth prays and I get calm again. He tells me that I need to calm down and just Trust God. I do this after a while of having to be talked down. (I am a crazy, this I know) We leave for Charlotte at 12am midnight. We have to be there at 3 am. much more happened, in which I am sparing you. 

Day 1: 

We fly from Charlotte to Atlanta, from Atlanta to New York and from New York to the Dominican. Everything went perfect. The only struggle we had on our flights was the last one. We had to wait about an hour on the runway at the JFK airport because of the busyness of the runways. It did get a little hot, I almost slipped into a panic attack, and Seth got sick to his stomach. However, right before all of that happened, the plane began to take off! Praise God! We arrived in the DR. We met up with the team of about 46 people that we were with. At this point, they were all strangers. Little did we know that they would become some of the best of friends and the closest of prayer warriors. 

We got to our Hotel called Hotel Pegasus. It wasn't a resort, but it was fairly decent. It had terrible WI-FI. The first night I had a horrible time trying to get in touch with my parents. I knew my mama would be worried. I had to keep my phone on airplane mode and only use it when I had wifi. Finally, I found a connection. They served us a dinner and we learned what our teams would be and some of our expectations of the week. Our excitement began to build to a whole new level that I didn't even knew existed. However, I was still oh so nervous. (At this point, some of the students on the trip still thought Seth and I were students. They did not realize we were chaperones. hahahaah) 

Our hotel Lobby where there was horrible wifi :)

Day 2, Saturday, June 13: 

We had group corporate prayer at 5:50 am. We woke up and sang praises to God and prayed for an hour before breakfast down stairs. There were chickens around us as we ate. The roosters woke us up bright and early, along with random car alarms. After breakfast, we went to our designated areas of service. Seth, Samantha, and I joined the team that would be ours for the rest of the week to head out and do Vacation Bible School from 9 am to 11:30 am. We went to a Kid's Ministry called Las Yayas. The Speed the Light Missionary, Debbie Martinez came with us and interpreted for our group. This was run by a Haitian Pastor. (The Haitians have a lot of trouble in the D.R. because of racism and disapproval. The people of the D.R. do not want them in their country. It is a very terrible situation right now in the country. The Haitians are being forced to leave if they not have the correct paper work. Take a moment and pray for the Haitian Churches and Pastors working in the Dominican Republic. ) At this church, we performed a Vacation Bible School for students of all ages. We talked about the miracles of Jesus and John 3:16. The older kids were so excited to use their bibles. We also made puppets with the children. The kids absolutely loved it. We were only here for one day, but just in that one day I had already realized how much our presence was appreciated and needed. The kids were calling out "Americano, Americana!" They wanted our attention desperately and wanted to be loved on!

At 12pm, we met back up at our hotel for lunch to be served. We were given about an hour to relax before heading to our next mission. We went to a church called Rose de Sharon. We walked around and canvased the neighborhood to invite the kids to come to the VBS.

When they came, we did the one time Vacation Bible School for them as well. We made puppets and did the same type of lesson. We also gave a snack and clean water. This was so appreciated by all of the kids. As we continued, more and more students and adults piled in the room. It was overwhelming at the amount of kids who wanted to be prayed over and just wanted to be loved. We did have a small encounter with the children wanting to take the glue sticks home. (We learned from here on out to only let our volunteers hold the glue :) ) 

After we finished at the church around 5pm, we went back to the hotel for dinner at 6pm. The District Youth Director, Bob Sandler (whom SETH AND I LOVE DEEPLY) asked Seth to preach in the middle of park in the Dominican Republic around 9pm. It was Saturday Night, in a park with a lot of different things going on, but we believed that God could still move. The students from a Christian school were supposed to come and do a concert beforehand, but something got mixed up. So, two of the wonderful, talented guys on our team stepped up and decided to do praise and worship before hand. While we were getting ready to go to park, I began to feel VERY sick. We got on the bus and immediately I got sick. (like the throw up kind, sorry from now on when I say sick you know what I mean) Seth was incredibly sweet and held my hair and rubbed my back. They were going to let me stay back, but I didn't want to miss Seth delivering the gospel. So, I went. When we got to the park, I got sick again. The music from the streets were so loud. There was a huge trailer blaring music the entire time the students from our group were playing praise and worship. It was so hard to hear. Mopeds were driving up and down the street. However, when it came time for Seth to preach, the music went away and the mopeds stopped. You could hear a pen drop. Seth was declaring the gospel and the top of his lungs. (at this point I am laying in a lady's lap, I am listening to Seth, but I physically could not sit up) People were stopping in the streets and people were moving closer to hear what he was saying. Four boys got saved that night. It was wonderful to hear my husband be so bold in his Faith. He trusted God to use Him despite the obstacles that the enemy was trying to throw at him. I know I was one of those obstacles, but I am thankful that Seth has an ear and a heart for the voice of God. He knew that he needed to push through and get that message delivered. I know Seth was used by God that night. I am still so incredibly proud of him. God changed hearts that night. 

Day 3, Sunday June 14:

The night before I got sick again on the way home from the park, but a nurse on the trip with us had some Finagin and gave me one. It put me straight to sleep and I woke up completely refreshed and feeling so much better. We woke up at 7:30 and had breakfast. After breakfast, we were broken up into 3 different groups. In those 3 groups, we went to 3 different churches. The church we went to was a small, beautiful, Haitain Church in the middle of a field. We were able to ride in the Speed the Light Vehicle on the way there. (This is a vehicle that is provided by funds that are raised from the Youth of Assemblies of God Churches all over South Carolina) When we pulled up at this church my heart just melted, these people were dressed in the very best clothes they had giving it all they had in their worship. They carried their chairs and their bibles to church in the worst heat that you can imagine, under this incredibly small little white tent. They began to cry out to the Lord in Praise and Worship wither their beautiful songs. Then, we sang "Here I am to Worship" in both English and Haitian. It was one of the most touching and holy spirit filled moments that I have ever encountered in my entire life. The message was delivered by a lady in our group. She gave a wonderful message about Shaderaq, Meshach, and Abednego. She had to be interpreted twice. (once from English into Spanish, and the from Spanish into Haitian). She was so patient and allowed for holy spirit to still move despite the language barrier that was between all of us. She gave an alter call that allowed us to pray with these precious people. They were down on their knees in the mud crying out to Jesus and we were there praying over them. It was such a sacred moment. God was moving under that tent. These people have nothing, but the clothes on their back. However, they were still giving all they had to God. It was such a humbling moment. I will never forget. I cannot fully explain all that God did under that tent, but I know because of that one service I learned the true meaning of sacrifice and devotion to the King. 

On Sunday Night we went to church called The Rails. Seth preached here also. It was another beautiful service. There was no air, but they did have fans and the windows open. The wind blew through that place and kept it cool. We had members from our team share the testimony and then Seth preached. He did a wonderful job communicating the gospel. Many came up for prayer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God moved and it was incredible. A lady that was pregnant was prayed over and many others. People were filled with the Holy Spirit and God just moved through that little church. After the church service, we all met up and went to a little Pizza Place. It was actually quite good, I did not expect to have pizza in the Dominican, but it was the best meal of the whole week! 

Day 4, Monday June 15th: 

On Monday, we woke up and had breakfast at 7:30 am. After Breakfast, we had prayer. During prayer on this particular Monday, I prayed that God would show me the child that I was supposed to invest in this week. I knew that we would have a smaller amount of students in the morning, so I  knew that our team could be one to one with a student. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on this opportunity of ministry. I trusted that God would lead me to the right child. Afterwards, we went to La Vega Christian School. This is a school that the missionaries we partnered with started many years ago. When we got there, we hosted a Vacation Bible School and a Sports Camp that would last for 3 days. 

We started with praise and worship. I saw a sweet little boy standing by himself, so I made my way over to him. I stood with him during the Praise and Worship songs, but afterwards he ran away. I was upset at first, but then I just went on to help the group. After Praise and Worship and introductions we made our way to the Sport''s Camp. We were broken up into teams to practice basketball and skills. We had about 8 to 10 children per team. I was just going about my day helping our kids learn how to dribble. (which I am not very good at, but I was trying :) ) Then, we began a passing drill. A little girl latched herself onto me from there on out. She would not leave my side. Her name was Chaela and she was 10 years old. We became the best of friends. 

After the Sport's Camp, we had Vacation Bible School. She saved me a seat for everything. During the craft time, she made a puppet that looked just like me. She learned my name and repeated it over and over. She also repeated over and over that Mi esposo es Seth. (My husband is Seth). She loved him also. The first lesson of the week was on David and Goliath. The Greenville team did an illustrated sermon and it was amazing. The students loved participating in the lesson. Chaela held my hand the entire time. During snack, she found me and Seth again and sat with us. We were able to communicate a little with my small knowledge of Spanish. I learned that she had 3 brothers, but one of them died. She also had a twin there name Chaelo, who was also incredibly sweet. 

We left that day at 11:30 and she said Hasta Mañana? which means See you tomorrow? I was so excited to say YES! 

Also, our sweet Samantha worked in the library all day with the librarian of that school organizing books and ministering with her! There was no AC, but she did it without question. I Love SEEING YOUNG PEOPLE WORK AND DO IT WITH A HUMBLE HEART!

We went back to our hotel for lunch at 12 pm and went to the next church for Vacation Bible School in   Soto Church. There were at least 150-200 kids at this church. It was an incredible, but overwhelming sight. There was once again no air and very little fans. This was in the heat of day and it was super hot! A lot of our team at this point had gotten very sick. We only had 9 people on our group go with us. You can imagine ONLY us 9, plus our interpreter with 200 kids. It was mass chaos, but some how we still managed to accomplish the VBS. It was a crazy one, but we did it. We taught on The Birth of Jesus and played games, and did puppet skits, and had crafts! One child with special needs had an outburst and began to throw rocks and such. The pastor's wife of church and one of our ladies was able to speak into her and help calm her down. But the kids were terrified of her and it scared our team at first because the half of the team that was inside was doing crafts We only heard screams. Thankfully, no one was hurt. On the way out we gave everyone bracelets and candy. We learned on this day, that we needed to do it one by one for the next day. There were so many kids and not enough workers at that point. But once again, it all still worked out and God is Good. 

Day 5, Tuesday June 16:

We woke up and had breakfast as a group at 7:30 am again and prayer. It was once again wonderful. We went back to La Vega Christian School. We started off with the basket ball tournament with our teams. Chaela came running to me! She began to take down my hair and started braiding it immediately. I did break away from her a little to participate in the basket ball tournament, in which I did manage to score 2 points. :) She played a little, but she made it very clear that she loved el futbol. (soccer) Seth took her and a couple other that were disinterested in basketball and played soccer with them. They LOVED IT! She kept calling me over to watch them play. Meanwhile, our Samantha, made a wonderful little connection with a little girl that was missing her leg. Her and Samantha formed a bond that was sweet and pure and beautiful. Samantha and her played SOCCER AND HOPSCOTCH. This little girl's lack of a leg did not stop her from playing games that she loved. It was an incredibly beautiful sight to see them two. I was so proud of Samantha and her way of reaching out to involve that little girl. My heart bursted with joy!

After the tournament, we had Vacation Bible School! They learned about Shadaach, Meshach, and Abendego. The loved being apart of the lesson again. It was adorable to see them act out what the speaker and interpreter was saying. At the end of the lesson, we gave an alter call. There was an outcry of so many of the children. We prayed over them and with them and formed a prayer tunnel that students walked through and we laid hands on them and prayed over each one. It was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. Some of these kids were wearing the same clothes as yesterday, the clean water we were providing was a precious gift and the snacks were the best thing they had seen. My heart ached at how selfish I had become. I get upset if the grocery store quits carrying my favorite brand of Baked Lays Chips, and these children are just happy to see clean water. My heart was so humbled in this moment. I had to take a step back and ask God for forgiveness of being ungrateful and selfish. 

Once we again, Chalea said, "Hasta Mañana?" I was able to say si, but I knew the next day would be different. :( My heart began to ache, because I knew it was going to be hard to say goodbye to her. 

Seth playing soccer with Chalea 

Samantha and her new friend :)

After lunch, we went back to the church at Soto and did the last day of VBS there. We had the majority  of our team come this time and it was so different. Everything went so much smoother! God answered our prayers of a calmer atmosphere. We still had the same amount of kids, possibly even more. However, the kids were calmer and even more ready to listen and get involved. We split the girls and boys up and did lessons, games, and crafts. It was a beautiful day. The child with special needs came back and she remained calm for the most part. There was one particular lady in our group that was able to form a special connection with her that kept her calm. It was amazing to watch her as she interacted with her. Even through the language barrier, God was able to use her. 

Day 6, Wednesday June 17:

This was our last day of VBS overall. As we got up that morning, I was exhausted, but so very sad for it to be my last day. We got up and went to the La Vega Christian School. It was another gorgeous, but hot day. The Sport of the day was volleyball and el futbol (soccer)! My sweet girl wanted to play both so we spent about 30 minutes doing each. We had so much fun kicking the ball around and practicing serving. She became quite the pro at Volleyball, some might even say she was a bit of a ball hog. :) She was having the time of her life. 

After the Sports Camp it was time for Vacation Bible School, we sang their favorite praise and worship songs and did puppet skits, dramas, and a lesson. After the lesson, we made salvation bracelets. Chaela loved doing this. She wanted to put it on immediately and practice saying all of the colors in English. She got them all except the clear bead. That was a little difficult to explain. :) When it came time to say goodbye, she said "hasta el proixmo ano?" Which means see you next year? My heart broke. I wanted to say yes, but I couldn't lie. At this point, I had no idea where the Assemblies of God missions trip would be next year. I told her maybe in spanish and had the teacher there help interpret that I loved her and that most importantly Jesus did. I told her I would pray for her and her family. We did our secret handshake and she said Adios amiga. My heart sank. I was so sad to leave her behind, I wish I could have scooped her up in my suitcase.

Sweet Chaela changed my life. She taught me to love fiercely without holding back. She taught me to love people that you just meet. She taught me to love no matter what the cost. She taught me to invest in people, even when they have nothing to give you. She taught me to love, even if you will never see that person again. She showed me the Kingdom of God though a Child's Eyes. It was something that I will forever hold on to. 

After we left there, we went straight back to our hotel and packed and they surprised us by taking us a to resort on our free day. We were under the impression that we were going to the beach, but I had no idea it would be a resort with pools and such. It was about 3 hours away from where we were. The whole ride there my mind was still on Chaela and the other people there in La Vega. When we arrived, it was gorgeous. The beach was incredible. We got our rooms and was able to go to the beach for a little while and relax. Dinner was on your own, so everyone kind of broke up into groups. We ate with some of the new friends we had made. It was a gorgeous night. 

At 9pm we were scheduled to meet for our Prayer Service and just to recap the trip with everyone. We all met around a private pool area with the beach in the background. It was breathtaking. The night was dark, you couldn't really see faces, but you could hear the voices and the hearts of everyone. We did a few songs of praise and worship with a guitar and with everyone singing. Then Pastor Jimmy, began to ask everyone to just pray about this week and what was God trying to teach you this week. He asked us to share out loud with everyone. So, different people took turns and God did some amazing things amongst everyone. A lot of what was said were very private things that we all grew close enough together to share. It was a beautiful moment with everyone's hearts on the line. We shared in the confidence of knowing that what we each shared would not leave the circle. It was truly amazing to hear and see God work through all of us and how we all have issues that no one knew anything about. However, at the end of that trip it felt like we had become family with the people around us. People that I will never forget. 

Day 7,  Thursday June 18th: 

The next day was our free day. Our day to do whatever we wanted at the resort. We first went to shop at the little shops down a street that we had to walk to. It was so very hot that we hurried back to the resort to hit the beach. A lot of the youth went snorkeling. Seth and I stayed back and he took in the salt air, which is good for his lungs. We were able to just relax and talk about the trip together. We had lunch and were able to mingle with some of the other youth leaders on the trip in the pool. We also spent about 3 hours talking with Pastor Jimmy and his wife. This was a time of just great fellowship and being able to share our hearts. It was a remarkable free day with an incredible view. 

We met again that night for another time of sharing and fellowship. We also met to give an offering to Pastor Jimmy and his wife for hosting such a wonderful missions trip. They are some of the greatest people that I have ever met. It was an honor to serve under their leadership for that week. At this service, some other incredible things happen that I hope to share with you later in a post. But just know that God was there in the Dominican Republic. He showed up and showed out. I know that He has begun to work something in me that I will never forget. The family unity that was created that week was an experience unlike any other. These people were complete strangers at the beginning of the week and yet they felt like my family. I was in awe of God's ties that bind. and still am. 

At midnight, Thursday night we left the resort and rode in the busses 3 hours to get to the airport at 3 am. Our flight left at 5:45 am. We arrived in New York around 9ish. From New York, we flew to Atlanta. In Atlanta we had to say our goodbyes, because we were all flying separate places. It was tough knowing that we would not face the rest of the summer with these people who had become like family. I am thankful in knowing that these people saw me for who I was and loved me despite my flaws. I will be forever thankful for the experiences I had in the Dominican Republic. 

God has started something in me. He confirmed things for Seth and I that I had been worrying about. But through teenagers and other youth leaders God has confirmed His plan for Seth and I. God is good and I am falling more and more in love with Him each and every second. 

Living to make Jesus famous, 

xoxoxo 

Amy DuVall 


Thanks for reading this far. I love you all. 

Seth and Amy's 1st Mission Trip TOGETHER

Hi Friends!

As yall know, Seth and I have the distinct privilege of leading the youth at Cornerstone Community Church. Our youth group “Carry the Cross Ministries” has been given the opportunity to be a part in changing the lives of many people through missions.  We will join with a team of other youth from all over South Carolina to help reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This year we are traveling to the Dominican Republic to work and help with Street Programs, Community Service, Sidewalk Sunday School, Church Programs, Rebuilding, and Painting a church, and School Assemblies. Although the Dominican is a popular destination for vacationers, many people continue to live in poverty throughout the country.  The Dominican Republic is a truly a place who’s people need to be touched with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The vision and purpose behind this trip is to help fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 I am asking for your assistance in 2 areas:

First, agree with us in prayer.  Prayer is the whole force behind this mission that will cause it to happen.  We believe in praying like it all depends on God, and working like it all depends on us.  Second, we would ask you to consider making a contribution to help cover the expenses of our trip.  Each day in the Dominican will cost us about $190 each.  I am asking you to consider purchasing a day or part of a day for this trip. (This amount also reflects airfare.)

1 Day $190 ½ Day $95 ¼ Day $48

We have still have $900 total to raise before May 18th.

The dates of our trip are June 12^th – June 19^th.  Could I please count on you to be one of my “partners”?  If so, please simply write a check payable to Amy DuVall, with AIMS trip in the memo line. I will glady share my address with you in a private message or a text message. Seth and I would be more than willing to pick up your check or cash and bring you a letter for your taxes.

Thank you so much for considering to be a part of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through this opportunity.  Your help will enable us to minister to those in great need.  May God bless you for your faithfulness and compassion for reaching the lost.

Living to make Jesus famous,

Seth and Amy DuVall
xoxoxo

***All of your donations are tax deductible. You will receive a letter for your records.

New York for New Years

I apologize in advance for this being so long....Hope you read all the way through, but if not I understand! :) This is basically for me, so that I don't forget a single detail. It is so much easier to type it all here, than write it all down in a journal. (even though I do love to journal) <3

New York was so fun. We ate fancy, we ate off the street vendors, we shopped fancy, shopped of the street vendors. We did New York the best way we knew how and it was a trip to remember forever. The time that we spent there was so precious to me. It wasn't perfect, but it was our perfect. Seth made our first anniversary one for the books that I will always hold close to my heart. I want to write it all down before I forget it all....so here it goes from the beginning:

On Sunday Morning (our anniversary), Seth woke up with A HORRIBLE CASE OF PINK EYE. He looked like someone had punched him in the eye. It was terrible. I could tell he was in much pain and it was irritating him bad. After church we went to eat, then went straight to the Doctor's Care. She prescribed him some eye drops, but those didn't seem to work.....

On Monday morning, December 29th (the day before we were set to leave for NY) my phone went off at 5 am. I was scared to death. That is when I know something is wrong when someone calls that early. I rushed to open the text and my heart immediately sank. My best friend was in the emergency room with a terrible headache and an abnormal CT scan. We both watch all the hospital shows you can name, so you know my brain skipped to worst possible thing...tumor. I woke Seth up immediately and he was in shock too. I prayed and waited. I had already promised to keep my niece that day, I was suppose to be there to get her at 7:10 am. I could not go back to sleep, so I stayed up and waited and waited.

I arrived to get Caroline Grace at 7:10, and waited for her to wake up. Around 8:15, my best friend's mom called and asked me to come and get her baby, so that he wouldn't have to stay up at the hospital all day. So, I woke up CG and we went to the hospital. Still unknowing what was going on. In my mind, I was trying to figure out New York. I did not want to go with my best friend in so much pain and possibly having surgery. However, the distraction of CG and the baby was enough to take my mind off things for a bit. :) We kept them all day, even though Seth had pink eye. (Praise the Lord neither got it) We played, laughed, celebrated and sang.

Finally, we got news from the hospital that it was not what I thought. It was one of two things. A terrible migraine caused by her abnormally small blood vessels in her brain or by spinal fluid leaking into her brain from her epidural. She will have a follow up appointment soon, but as for now she is okay and there is no brain tumor! Praise the Lord. My heart was so heavy and worried, and in that instant God reminded me of who was in charge. Always.

After the Caroline Grace and the baby went home, we finally started to pack. Another one of my best friends came over and helped me. I am terrible at packing and thinking ahead on what I need. We went to bed at about 1 am. At 4 am the next morning, we woke up and were finally ready to take on to the airport to head to our DESTINATION! We got to the airport and everything went so smooth! It was like a dream. We got on the plane fine, no delays, everything was perfect. We did forget Seth's pink eye medicine going through security, but besides that we made it through just fine!

We arrived in New York at about 9:30 am. It was awesome. We found our bags and hired a cab to take us to our hotel. We got to our hotel and at first I was scared to death. Because our cab driver pulled up to this:

Thankfully, Seth knew what our hotel was suppose to look like and clarified with the man that this was not it and we arrived at this, The Lexington Autograph Signature Hotel:

It was amazing. The lobby was gorgeous. We could not check in until 3, so they let us drop off our bags and off we went! To explore the big apple! Our hotel was right in the center of everything, so we walked immediately to Times Square. We were in awe. Everything was moving so fast! We were starving and were overwhelmed by all the choices......hahaha...so we settled with one of our faves from home and went with Olive Garden. We know, We know, we were in the big city we should've eaten something different...I promise you, we ventured out on every other meal. That particular one it just was nice to sit down and get warm! :) Our waiter was super helpful in trying to telling us the must dos for New Years Eve.

After we ate, we went and explored Rockefeller center, the NBC studio tour, the Disney store, Forever 21 (which is so big it's insane), lots of little souvenir shops, the Hershey's store, the M&M world, and much more. Once it hit about 2:30 we were exhausted....our bodies were running on 3-4 hours of sleep and it was freezing. (Keep in mind we are wearing same clothes that we left in from South Carolina, except we added our coats, hat, and gloves, but at this point no layers) We ended up calling the hotel to see if our room was ready and it was. So we walked back, checked in and took a 2 1/2 hour nap. Once again, I know, I know, we were in New York. We shouldn't have wasted time. But I promise you. It was WELL WORTH THE NAP. We were able to stay up late that night and get prepared for the longest day ever that followed. :)

When I woke up, Seth was still asleep, I made us dinner reservations at a restaurant in Rockefeller center called "Pulse". It overlooked the ice rink! It was perfect. :) We got all dressed (layered this time) and went out to eat! Then, we did the Top of the Rock tour! It was so pretty! We went all the way to the top and enjoyed every minute. Seth was making me laugh hysterically, the "selfie stick" is very popular in New York and Seth and I could not get over it. The New York lights were beautiful. Everyone should go and experience the Top of the Rock at night time

 

On Wednesday morning (New Year's Eve, our bucket list moment), we woke up and headed out to Time's Square to get our spot. When we got there I was very upset , it was already getting crowded. ( I had a flesh fit, because I wanted to see Taylor Swift up close. I was told getting there at 11 would suffice. Ask Seth. I was a brat for a good hour, he might even say more haha) Once we realized we were not going to have the best spot we went into McDonald's to grab a super small lunch, because we knew once we had our spot we were going to be locked into the spot. and by that I mean ABSOLUTELY NO BATHROOMS. We both ate small and barely drank anything. As we were in McDonalds, the manager shut down their bathroom  because it was already getting over crowded. The fire marshall made them. It was insanity.  We walked out of there and went to find our spot.

We ended up moving like 2 times and then we saw some people jumping the gates to get in where the stage was. It did not cost anything to get in there, but you did have to go through security. They had already shut down security at this time. So Seth started saying let's just jump it's our only hope. haha. So  at first I wouldn't, but then we met these people from an Asian background. She said, "no cops, no cops, come in". So I did it. I got jumped over the gate. I figured this is our bucket list moment. Let's make it worth it. :) We made it in there at 12:30ish  and did not leave until after midnight. It was crazy fun. Although it was kind of gross seeing bottles of human "waste" (because there were not bathrooms anywhere) and seeing adults wearing diapers under their clothes, and it was freezing cold and I could not feel my toes at all,  it was still so much fun! We laughed, cried (of pure exhaustion), slept against people we didn't know, shared hot hands with people we did't know, sang our hearts out with people we didn't know, danced with people we didn't know, and just had a blast with strangers from around the globe.  I was able to see all the performers! They passed out mittens and hats to everyone! IT was so cold, but IT WAS PERFECT. IT WAS A BLAST. IT WAS A BUCKET LIST MOMENT!

When it hit midnight, I was so excited. We made it! We accomplished our bucket list moment. When the ball dropped, the music played and we had so much fun! Confetti fell and everyone just celebrated! :)

Afterwards, we rushed to find food. BECAUSE WE WERE STARVED. We had not eaten for 12 hours. So we went to this small little restaurant on a side road called Colombian Food. (It was Mexican, very good) They were playing the Disney World Celebration of New Years. I knew it was meant to be! :) We went back to the hotel and fell asleep for what seemed like forever...

On Thursday Morning (New Years Day), we slept in and got dressed and went to eat at Tom's Restaurant. That was what Seth wanted to do the most. For those of you that don't know, that is a famous restaurant that the characters from Seinfeld always eats at. Seth loves Seinfeld. So we took a taxi because it was not within walking distance. He had a blast taking a picture and drinking his coffee, pretending to be Kramer.

Afterwards we went walking through Central Park. We walked and walked and walked. We looked at all the beauty that God put right in the middle of that gorgeous city! It was amazingly beautiful. :)

Once we finished through Central Park, we went and searched for the Plaza Hotel--New York's most finest hotel experience! We are in love with Home Alone and quoted it all the way through the Plaza Hotel. The Plaza Hotel was amazing. It was so much more than I expected. Tons of shopping, food, and beautiful architecture! :) Although we could not go into the lobby, we were able to peek in. It looked just like the movie! Loved it!

Then, we explored more of the street. We saw Trump Tower and had Starbucks inside of Trump Bar, FAO Schwarz, Tiffany's, and much more! Then, we started getting super cold! :) So we grabbed a taxi and headed toward the hotel! I made us restaurant reservations at Don Antonio's. ​We had a very unique style calzone and it was delicious! :) Afterwards we walked to Rockefeller center and waited in line to ice skate. It was a very long line, but it was totally worth it. It was another once in a lifetime experience! When we finally got to the spot where we were to pay, it was even crazier busy inside. We paid, got our skates on and headed out there! It was so much fun and we didn't fall one time! :) :) :) We got someone to take our picture and then we kept on going! It was such a dream. I felt like a little girl in a movie. I looked up and saw all of the people looking down at everyone. It was perfect. Then at 10:00, the employees told everyone to get off the ice. So we started rushing off, and I noticed this one couple in which the girl kept trying to get off and the guy kept on pulling her out. Once everyone was off the ice except them, he got down on one knee and proposed in the middle of Rockefeller center. It was beautiful. :) Everyone was screaming for them. It was like for that moment everyone in New York was a family. I loved it. Absolutely loved it.

After we went ice skating, we started walking towards the closest CVS to get some medicine for Seth's eye and for his chest. He was very congested. The air in New York was awful for Seth's lungs. :( We were trying to get some Nyquil. While we were there I got a poster and markers  to take with us to go see Good Morning America the following morning. We bought the meds and headed back to the hotel. Seth went straight to sleep and I stayed up and made the poster. The next morning I woke up super early to get dressed and guarantee us a spot on Good Morning America. Seth would not wake up. He felt awful. He was very sick. (This is the stuff that you didn't see in my pictures on facebook) I was so sad that we could not go and sad that he did not feel good. I felt hopeless for him, because nothing could relieve his lungs. While he slept, I finished school work on my lap top and read (still being very bitter).

Seth finally got up and going at about 11:00. We went and had lunch at the restauarnt across the street from the hotel called Ashley's Fine Foods. I could tell that he still did not feel 100% but he was trying. I still was a little annoyed and he could tell it. It was just not our best morning, but hey those happen in marriage. We forgive. We move on. So thankful that Seth loves me despite my countless flaws. We enjoy the rest of the day. We took a cab to the Statue of Liberty viewing area. It was the first time Seth had ever seen it. It was great. Then, we got on a ferry ride to Staten Island. This was breathtaking. The New York city skyline that you get to see on this was amazing. I took a 1000000 pictures and snapchatted a bunch. I couldn't help myself. Seth could breathe so much better because of the ocean water. It was like we were both being refreshed. Just everything....It showed that once we took a step back  from the chaos, there was peace. Despite the craziness of the city and the people, and the bad air, we could find peace. God works the same way. We have to step back and search for Him. HIs voice is still there even in the busy streets and bad air. (sorry starting to preach a little bit, I just get so excited seeing how God can use metaphors like New York City to teach us something).

We had to hurry back from Staten Island to our hotel room to get dressed and changed for our fancy schmancy dinner before Broadway! We went to Spark's Steakhouse and it was delicious! It was so fun and different than what we are used to. They changed our tablecloth after every course. It was just too fun. This was recommended by a wonderful friend of mine's mom. Then, we went to see Broadway's The Lion King. IT WAS PHENOMENAL.  Seth and I both just loved it. We were sitting next to the little boy that played the little Simba's family. Our seats were perfect. My parents gave us that as a gift for Christmas/Anniversary. It was so worth it. Anyone that has the opportunity must go see it.

After Broadway, we walked the streets of Time Square and met some crazy folks.........Seth loved every minute of it.

I just died laughing. I had so much laughter on this trip. It was the best.

On Saturday Morning, we woke up and went to the 9/11 memorial Wow. is all I can say. Such a way with everything that took place that on horrible day in history. It took my breath away. It brought tears to my eyes. It hurt my heart. The museum has a place where you can click on their pictures and hear voice recordings from their families telling about them. You can see where they were on that day, what were they doing and why they were doing it. The memorial also has a beautiful timeline that depicts the whole day explaining what was happening around the nation. My words will not ever do it justice. Seth and I loved it so much. YOU MUST GO SEE IT. EVERY ONE SHOULD.

After we went to the 9/11 memorial, we took a taxi to Little Italy. In Little Italy, we ate a restaurant that I cannot remember the name of, but it had delicious pizza! We ate and laughed about the fact that we felt like we were in the mafia. :) It was very good though! After we ate in Little Italy, we walked to Chinatown. This particular day it was pouring down rain...not to mention cold. :) We walked through Chinatown and we just kept on laughing. People were walking closely behind us whispering, " Louis Votoun, Micheal Kohrs, Coach, Prada". We were not about to follow them. I did that once before and about had a heart attack, (ask my mama or Brandi White). This time we just stuck to what they had in their shops or in bags in their shops! I still got some great deals on some beautiful pieces without going behind walls. hahahaa. ​After we went to Chinatown, we headed back to the hotel to change clothes and get ready for dinner!

When we changed clothes, we went and walked and shopped some more in Times Square.Then we walked to MACY'S and Madison Square Garden!  Macy's was to die for. It was so many floors. It was never ending. I could have stayed in there for hours upon hours. :) Then, we went and walkt through Madison Square Garden. There was nothing happening there that night, so were actually able to do a little small self guided tour just to see what it looked like! That was pretty interesting. We had never seen it before. After we shopped, we went and ate at the one and only Ellen's Stardust Diner. It was amazing. I had eaten there with my mom once before, but it was during lunch time, so this time was a lot different. Ellen's Stardust Diner is a 50s diner that is set up for people who are trying to make it on Broadway. They sing and dance the entire time during your meal. I hope each of those sweet people get their chance to make it big! It's just so fun. I adore it. :) It stays packed in there...all the time…

After Ellen's we walked some more through the Square, bought some more souvenirs at a little shop. We went back to the hotel and hung out in the lobby. Seth got a smoothie from his favorite place! We started packing a little bit of our stuff.


The next morning we woke up and packed up all of our stuff. It was so sad. I didn't want to leave. We checked out at 12:00. Our hotel let us keep our bags there until we were ready to head back to the airport. Then, we went to eat at Planet Hollywood. After Planet Hollywood, we walked towards Macy's to take another look around. Then at 1:40, we headed towards the church. We were so excited to go attend Hillsong's New York City Campus Church. The campus is located in the Manhattan's city ballroom. We had to walk up 7 flights of stairs, because the elevator was so packed. It was so worth it though. The worship was amazing. I loved all of the songs and just the presence of God that they ushered in. It was so great. After worship, Jentezen Franklin gave the message. It was all about how every deed produces a seed, and  we can either store seeds of mercy or seeds of iniquities for our family and children. The message was talking about where you came from and who sowed those types of seeds for you. It was awesome. He referenced King David and how he sowed seeds of mercy for his descendants and God showed them favor because of David. (Jeremiah 32:18, 2 Corinthians 12:13, Hosea 4:6, Psalm 103:17) Check those verses out. It was a wonderful message. I felt renewed and refreshed by the Spirit when I walked out of those door!

After church, we walked around some more and headed back to the hotel to get our stuff together to head to the airport. Then, we got a text....our flight was delayed. So we waited around a little while longer and got a snack and some drinks. No big deal. Then, we got another text, we had another delay. i started panicking. big time. (the enemy was having a party I'm sure)  Then, about 5:30 we got a car for the airport. We got to the airport, made it through security with everything (or so we thought) and went to get some dinner. After dinner, we walked to our gate and saw the most dreadful thing ever. FLIGHT CANCELLED. I had another flesh fit. (ask Seth) It was pretty bad. I was not very nice. I was not very friendly. I was not very helpful. I was sad. I was mad. I was upset. I was frustrated. Finally, it was our turn in the help desk line. I had already searched every flight on my phone to Augusta, Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston. I thought everything was booked. Thankfully, the man in front of us did not want the last 2  seats on the Charleston air plane.! :) The help desk lady was very nice and we laughed, because as we were standing in line a man walked up and asked "Is this Laguardia?". We all looked at him and just busted out laughing. It sounds like he had a more serious problem than we did. Seriously, we all just paused for a good 2 minutes and just laughed. It took the pressure off and just helped a lot. (I promise he walked away before we all started laughing)

Then, once we got our bags and everything switched to go to Charleston we went to the Charleston gate. At this point, we were still very unsure of how we were going to make it to Columbia (where our car was). I was sitting on the ground next to an outlet trying to charge my phone and computer. Then, Charleston had a delay. I started really freaking out. I thought this flight was going to get cancelled too. Seth was in a chair across the airport trying to find us a way back to Columbia. As soon as a sweet friends offered to come and get us (which was so nice, that's just how awesome they are), Seth had just finished paying for a taxi/limo service to take us home. So, we told our friends not to worry about it because he had already paid and we didn't want them driving late anyway, plus we were still having delays, so we really wouldn't know an exact time. Then, we had another delay until 9:40 pm. At 9:45 the plane arrived, we were the first ones to load the plane. They gave us first class tickets. Our flight attendants were hilarious. It was a long flight,  but it was a fun flight. The flight attendant was an retired homicide cop and was telling all kinds of crazy stories. They gave us unlimited of everything we wanted. It was crazy. Then, when we landed we were the first people off of the plane. We went to meet the man to take us home. He was a sweet older man who drove us to Columbia. We were able to catch a little sleep, but not much. Then, we drove from Columbia to home! We made it home at 2:52 am!


We headed straight to bed and each woke up the next morning to be at work at 6 am and 7am. I would not trade one thing for it. It was the most perfect 1st anniversary I could ever ask for. God has richly blessed me with the most amazing husband ever. He fights hard through cystic fibrosis. That air was hard for him and his pink eye was acting up, but he pushed through just so that I could have a trip of a lifetime. We checked off a huge bucket list moment for him. (and me) I am thankful for these memories we are making. We don't have it all. We don't have an easy road ahead of us with expanding our little family, but we have each other and for right now...that is just perfect with me.


If you read this far, you are amazing. I love you.


Like I said, this was mainly for us to remember everything we did, but I hope somehow and someway you were able to enjoy it too. We are praying for you. We believe in you. We love you.


xoxoxox


Living to make Jesus famous,



Amy and Seth DuVall