SEED Orientation

Sorry this post has been a long time in coming. Well, without further delay, let me fill you in on our first experience with MCC's new program, SEED.

This group of young people had planned to have orientation in Akron, but because some couldn't get visas to the US, MCC asked if Bolivia wouldn't mind hosting the group. Carl was asked if he would be the in-country coordinator and he accepted.

Carl arranged the schedule along with Dan from Winnipeg and Amy from Akron. The plan was to have sessions and visit the churches on the first 3 days they were here, then head off to Moro Moro for three days, then finish up the last 2 days with closing sessions and a dedication service.

Arli Klassen also came with the group and led many of the sessions. She also spoke to the MCC staff here about herself, her role as Exec. Director of MCC Bi-National, and the changes that MCC is facing. On a side note, we had the privilege of having Arli over for supper, and quite enjoyed visiting with her. She is a very interesting woman and we shared many stories and encouraging words. Joel, Kezia, and Asha enjoyed her visit as well, and were happy to give her candy and stickers as a parting gift.

The orientation group was a mix of Canadians, Americans, Bolivians, Guatalmalans, and Columbians. Some only spoke Spanish, some spoke both, and one only spoke English. So Carl had to arrange simultaneous translation using headsets from the English church. I think it worked pretty well, but one of the girls, who had a few sessions translated into Spanish, said that her head hurt from concentrating on the Spanish, but still hearing the English.

I, as well as the kids, really enjoyed having the group around. It was exciting to see these young people prepare to serve for 2 years. Joel and Kezia enjoyed having stories read to them as well as chatting with their new friends, some in English, others in Spanish. I had a hoot with them, especially towards the end of their time. We made pizzas together, visited, and I learned a lot of new Spanish words from them.

Carl took care of all the logistics of in-country arrangements, and so I didn't really have a lot of responsibilities, except for getting the rooms ready and doing the orientation to the grounds. He did all the shopping for their food, and scoped out places to go for lunch and supper. He ordered the water and booked the micros, he packed all the necessary supplies for the trip to Moro Moro, he took care of passports and money for the group. He arranged all the people and equipment for the translation and the airport pickups. Carl did a lot of work the two weeks before the orientation, and was always on the go while they were here. I was proud of how well he took care of them, and that despite the busy schedule, maintained his collected and cool self. That's my man!

Unfortunately, on the way back from Moro Moro, Carl got Dengue and was laid up in bed for the final days of the orientation. That meant that I took over the arrangements and helped Amy continue the orientation. I was glad that Carl was so organized, because it wasn't hard to find the information that I needed. And Amy was great to work with. She led parts of our orientation in Akron, as well as had contact with us as we were looking for a placement with MCC. So it was really nice to reconnect with her again. She was glad to hear that we are very happy with where we had come; Amy had a big hand in presenting Bolivia to us (she was an MCCer here 8 years ago).

The final day of the orientation was very meaningful. The group planned their sending service, which was unique but very similar to our sending service in Akron. The group wanted to share in communion and foot washing together. Arli spoke a few words, we sang, we prayed over them and then presented them with their pins and potholders. My heart was stirred as I was reminded a few months ago, Carl and I and the kids, making our dedication to service with MCC. How exciting to be involved in this sending service!

That night, we sent them on their way to their new 2 year assignment. It was great to be involved in their orientation, although it was unfortunate that Carl, plus two of the girls got sick. They arrived safely at their destination, and we were relieved. Now, that's all finished, and we have 18 hours before the next groups arrives.......