After a couple of nice, low key days, we started off the morning with a simulation...I knew it was gonna be tough when they took us into the simulation and told us to leave everything in the lecture hall and go to the bathroom. Essentially we were locked in a room with 20 other participants and given the scenario...
We were to imagine that we were serving in a country experiencing chaotic political turmoil. Bullets were flying and the neighboring countryside was becoming more and more chaotic. Over the course of the next two hours, we were given varying tasks with increasing stress and intensity. We were told we had limited food and supplies and had to organize in order to prepare for a long term period of isolation, as we couldn't be assured as to when it would be over.
As the exercise continued we found ourselves beginning to chip away at the trust of the person who was giving us information. My group had a young man who volunteered to escape as a "spy" but was quickly captured and killed. This person had never betrayed our trust, but was very guarded in regards to information. In fact, a group that we were supposed to be communicating with in the game, caused our communication to break down because they decided to "abduct" their "liaison". We of course attributed this breakdown in communication to the untrustworthy nature of the person giving us instructions rather than the fact that one of the other groups had become a bit restless...an interesting reminder about perspective in communication and trust.
The interesting part was during the debriefing. There are several staff members here who have experienced lived through scenarios like the one we simulated. This is a real threat for many of us heading into the field. Perhaps our danger is minimized because of the relative political stability in Austria, however it is important to think about this type of situation as International Schools often serve as a "lightening rod" for scenarios such as the one described.
Part of our participation here at PFO is that we are required to write a self report...it is due tomorrow night, so many of us have spent this evening working on the paper. It was very hot and humid today so the College Center, which unlike our dorms is air conditioned, became the place to for many of us to sit and write our papers.
Here's Justin relaxing...I think this was right before he headed out to play some ulimate frisbee with some of the younger participants...
Here I am attempting to get started on my paper....
Dan and I, hard at work...well, I am...I think Dan was still playing with his Iphone... trying to figure out how to upload the recording of our worship that we're still waiting on...
And finally...my attempt to post a video for the first time. This is of Dan and his son Dalton, trying to perform some trick with a fork and chopsticks...but hilarity ensues nonetheless. Probably won't be as funny as it was for us, but I hope you enjoy it.
We were to imagine that we were serving in a country experiencing chaotic political turmoil. Bullets were flying and the neighboring countryside was becoming more and more chaotic. Over the course of the next two hours, we were given varying tasks with increasing stress and intensity. We were told we had limited food and supplies and had to organize in order to prepare for a long term period of isolation, as we couldn't be assured as to when it would be over.
As the exercise continued we found ourselves beginning to chip away at the trust of the person who was giving us information. My group had a young man who volunteered to escape as a "spy" but was quickly captured and killed. This person had never betrayed our trust, but was very guarded in regards to information. In fact, a group that we were supposed to be communicating with in the game, caused our communication to break down because they decided to "abduct" their "liaison". We of course attributed this breakdown in communication to the untrustworthy nature of the person giving us instructions rather than the fact that one of the other groups had become a bit restless...an interesting reminder about perspective in communication and trust.
The interesting part was during the debriefing. There are several staff members here who have experienced lived through scenarios like the one we simulated. This is a real threat for many of us heading into the field. Perhaps our danger is minimized because of the relative political stability in Austria, however it is important to think about this type of situation as International Schools often serve as a "lightening rod" for scenarios such as the one described.
Part of our participation here at PFO is that we are required to write a self report...it is due tomorrow night, so many of us have spent this evening working on the paper. It was very hot and humid today so the College Center, which unlike our dorms is air conditioned, became the place to for many of us to sit and write our papers.
And finally...my attempt to post a video for the first time. This is of Dan and his son Dalton, trying to perform some trick with a fork and chopsticks...but hilarity ensues nonetheless. Probably won't be as funny as it was for us, but I hope you enjoy it.
Hi Johnstone Family...I am Dan Basnett's mother and I have enjoyed reading your blog. It is so wonderful the different experiences you have shared as a group since being in Houghton. I know Dan & his family are also enjoying the learning, the studies, time praising the Lord and meeting new people who are doing the same thing. This will be a challenge for all of you as you go forward into new countries and sometimes it won't be an easy task, I'm sure, but the whole reason to go is so much more overpowering as well as rewarding than the reason not to go. Souls will be touched, lives will be changed and you all will come out winners as you give to God's kingdom. We will pray for your family. My husband, Gary and I live in Missouri and have been married 43 years. We are retired and we will certainly miss our children and grandchildren as they journey to Taiwan but God has given us a peace that only He can give. God Bless YOU and your entire family as you go to Austria. Hugs, Janet & Gary Basnett
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