More PFO and some Photos

The first week of PFO is now finished, and it has been a great experience. We have been given a lot to think about as we prepare for the emotional and mental adjustments of moving to a new culture and discover more about understanding and relating to the kinds of students that we will have in an international Christian school. I didn't think that spending a week sitting through over 20 sessions/activities in rural New York would be a great time, but it has been amazing. Just being able to meet 130 other people who are going to teach in Christian schools throughout the world has made it worth the trip by itself! It's encouraging to see so many other people who care so much about education, students, and other cultures. We've met so many great people and have gotten to bond with them on a deeper level in the semi-isolated environment. Now we have another week left before the end of PFO, and I am already beginning to feel sad at the thought of not being with the friends that we've made in just one short week!

Below are some photos from the past week (the top two photos and the group picture were taken by our friends Seth and Laura):

This is of an Arabic tea ceremony that we did one evening, conducted by a couple who lives in Northwest Africa.

Me drinking my tea (it really is tea and not just a tiny beer stein:-P)


A photo of the middle falls at Letchworth State Park. A group of people from PFO went to the park Friday night. The falls are over 100 feet tall and the view is spectacular!



These are our friends Seth and Laura. They are going to be teaching in the Philippines!

A picture of our small advising group of us and three other couples from PFO. From left to right are Bob and Janice, Amanda and I, Seth and Laura, and Lisa and Jay and their two children.

And one last picture- this one looking down from the top of the falls:-)

-Matt