The climax of my job each year comes the first week-end in May, when we have a Pre-Field Orientation for folks heading to various fields to help in support ministries for 1-4 years. All year long I am corresponding with lots of people who are interested in this type of ministry. I help find them a job on a field that is looking for someone to help for a shorter period of time. Then just before they head to their field of service, we have them come here for a long week-end of classes and getting to know each other.
I have been trying to think of another job that it could be compared to - maybe someone who grows Christmas trees - they work all year long planting, pruning and taking care of the trees - then the peak comes in December when the trees are sold. 
Ragnar teaching a class on Traveling Tips, which included everything from 'soup to hay'.
Ragnar teaching a class on Traveling Tips, which included everything from 'soup to hay'.
Mine was on corresponding with those helping you be there. Oh dear, I think I am getting worse in this area, so this class was good for me too!!
A skit to help emphasize the important of how to teach the people we are working with. It high lighted what the teacher was sharing in an excellent way.
The group of people headed out to Brazil and PNG for at least one year of service. There were also 3 other groups going out this summer for projects. Total of 41 attendees at PFO.
Lots of ladies on the campus shared yummy cakes and cookies with us for morning and evening coffee breaks.
One evening we had a 'Cultural Cocktail' - a time of acting out what to expect in other cultures. 
Getting a Driver's License in the Philippines.
Visiting a remote area in Africa.
Warm welcome to join a family for dinner in Brazil.
We joined the group for their meals in the dining room - something that didn't take a lot of twisting of our arms!
A great time to mingle with them and get to know them on a more personal level.
It is also a good time of the year to come to enjoy the beautiful cherry trees spread out all over our campus.
'Hanging out' times in-between all the classes. 
A walk to the beach, in our 'backyard'.
An afternoon of sports. 
Then when it was officially all over - they came to our house for an evening of just chilin' out.
Looking at pictures from the Philippines.
Now it is time for me to start getting ready for May 2011!!
1 comment:
Looks like you had a busy week, and also that it was a huge success! How exciting for you to be such a huge part of connecting so many willing people to places they can serve. :-) Just wanted to thank you so much for the note and sweets you sent over with Markus! It was like mini-Christmas opening the gifts from you and Joanne and Jancy and Anne and then the things that Markus bought for me. I felt so loved. Thank you soooo much! Looking forward to maybe coming that way sometime this fall and if not, then November in Spaina. :-) Hugs to Manong Ragnar!
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