Pre Field Orientation

Our campus was recently swarming with lots of PFO (Pre Field Orientation) candidates. Many of them are on their way to either Brazil or the Philippines to help with a 3 week project. We also had 2 young German ladies going to help home school in Bolivia and a carpenter for a longer term in the Philippines. As usual we enjoyed getting to know the folks who are interested in helping overseas - whether it be a short project or filling a role for 2-4 years.

We decided to experiment with having our PFO a little later this spring. One advantage is that it would give a little more time for candidates to sign up for the SUMMIT trips - one disadvantage is that the kitchen is closed and most students are away on a short break.

We are thankful that the long week-end turned out well though. A few more did sign up in the extra few weeks and the kitchen staff volunteered to cook meals on their holidays. As I was chatting with one of the men at the dinner table, I asked him how he heard of NTM. He told me that the name was mentioned in a John Grisham book he was reading which sparked his interest and he looked it up. How interesting!!

An evening 'coffee break' at our house.

Those week-ends are so worth it and I need to remind myself of that sometimes when I am in the middle of arranging the schedule, getting ready for the classes or making early morning and late night train pick ups. These experiences are life changing for these young people and we are thankful to be part of it.

3 sweet little girls showed up at our house at the end of that week-end, adding lots of sunshine to our home. A great way to unwind - we'll take that 'therapy' any day.

Spending time with them at the beach, making sand castles, was special, as well as playing in our back yard and quiet times in our home - or was that only after they had gone to bed?!?! Oh yea, I almost forget to mention that their parents were here too!! We loved having the whole family with us and can't wait for their next visit.