I can't believe that tomorrow will be our last day of sessions...it's amazing to reflect on everything that we have done over the course of our time here. Today was no different, of course. We had the opportunity to learn about meeting the needs of English Language Learners...unfortunately, this is such a vital part of the credentialing process, most of us teachers have been saturated with this knowledge. I must admit, I had some moments where my eyelids decided to drop...it was a very long two hours to say the least.
The session after that was one that I have been dreading the entire two weeks. This session was focused on the topic of "Moral Purity"; essentially the tactics and temptations of a sexual nature that Satan uses to drive missionaries (and others) off the field. The reality of this is very scary; understanding the ramifications of falling prey to this, and the way it could absolutely destroy family, ministry, and self confidence really drives us to protect ourselves.
It was encouraging for me to speak with other men about the challenges we face in this arena. Unfortunately, it seems like this is one of these areas that is taboo within our church culture. Needless to say, this session was a very good one for Rebecca and I. Simply another example of God using the PFO to open lines of communication between not only the two of us, but between us and our fellow participants. Praise GOD for his provision and power during times of temptation!
After this session, we had the afternoon off in order to have our final advising meeting with our Advisers, Edna and Dale Howard. With some time to relax, we were able to watch the first half of the Germany/Spain semifinal, and then spend some time talking and resting in the college center with other participants as we waited for dinner to be served.
As a little aside, we have become good friends with another family, the Smalley's...interesting thing is that they are from Garden Grove. Amazing that we have to come all the way to New York to meet someone who lives down the street from mom and dad (and where we will spend our final days in the states).
After a pleasant dinner (amazingly, the first lunch/dinner in the cafeteria where I didn't have either pizza or french fries, as it seems like these items have played a vital role in filling my plate) we went to the PFO talent show. There were some very funny acts including a synchronized swimming skit, a spoof on one of the songs we've been singing (showers), and a version of Cinderella involving most of the male staff and leaders. These comedy routines complemented some beautiful singing by some of the younger kids, some dancing, and a tribute to a baby who has yet to be born...Very fun and enjoyable...
Please continue to pray for us in these final days of PFO as we prepare to say goodbye to our many new friends that we will continue to keep a open mind and heart so we can grow from the information presented in our sessions tomorrow. Continue to pray that God will continue to pour out his provision. A couple more people have decided to join our support team, including a family here at PFO! This experience has been so humbling for us...Thanks for your continued prayers.
The session after that was one that I have been dreading the entire two weeks. This session was focused on the topic of "Moral Purity"; essentially the tactics and temptations of a sexual nature that Satan uses to drive missionaries (and others) off the field. The reality of this is very scary; understanding the ramifications of falling prey to this, and the way it could absolutely destroy family, ministry, and self confidence really drives us to protect ourselves.
It was encouraging for me to speak with other men about the challenges we face in this arena. Unfortunately, it seems like this is one of these areas that is taboo within our church culture. Needless to say, this session was a very good one for Rebecca and I. Simply another example of God using the PFO to open lines of communication between not only the two of us, but between us and our fellow participants. Praise GOD for his provision and power during times of temptation!
After this session, we had the afternoon off in order to have our final advising meeting with our Advisers, Edna and Dale Howard. With some time to relax, we were able to watch the first half of the Germany/Spain semifinal, and then spend some time talking and resting in the college center with other participants as we waited for dinner to be served.
As a little aside, we have become good friends with another family, the Smalley's...interesting thing is that they are from Garden Grove. Amazing that we have to come all the way to New York to meet someone who lives down the street from mom and dad (and where we will spend our final days in the states).
After a pleasant dinner (amazingly, the first lunch/dinner in the cafeteria where I didn't have either pizza or french fries, as it seems like these items have played a vital role in filling my plate) we went to the PFO talent show. There were some very funny acts including a synchronized swimming skit, a spoof on one of the songs we've been singing (showers), and a version of Cinderella involving most of the male staff and leaders. These comedy routines complemented some beautiful singing by some of the younger kids, some dancing, and a tribute to a baby who has yet to be born...Very fun and enjoyable...
Please continue to pray for us in these final days of PFO as we prepare to say goodbye to our many new friends that we will continue to keep a open mind and heart so we can grow from the information presented in our sessions tomorrow. Continue to pray that God will continue to pour out his provision. A couple more people have decided to join our support team, including a family here at PFO! This experience has been so humbling for us...Thanks for your continued prayers.
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