Along with all the serious sessions, we also had a bit of time off for sightseeing. It was my first time in New York state, so I’m glad I was able to enjoy some of the scenery!
Walking at Letchworth Park on Friday, June 26
On Sunday, June 28, we went to Niagara Falls.
About to enter Canada at Niagara
Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls
This picture was taken BEFORE the Maid of the Mist took me into the monsoon (aka the Canadian Horseshoe side of the Falls). We came out soaking wet and sat for a while in a Tim Horton’s to dry off.
We managed to get our passports stamped on the Canadian side before returning to the US.
Walking back to the USA
In addition to sight-seeing around New York, we found many ways to amuse ourselves at Houghton during the down-times between sessions. We played Settlers of Catan, Dutch Blitz, Farkle (dice game), Balderdash, Bananagrams, President, and other games. Ultimate frisbee and soccer games happened almost every night after dinner. It rained a lot during the two weeks of PFO, so the field usually had a couple puddles. One soccer game was particularly wet, and I ended up covered from head to toe in dirty water!
On Wednesday, July 1 we had the PFO talent show. The four of us on the left sang “Shout to the Lord” in German, then the three girls on the right sang it in Spanish. We finished by singing the chorus all together in English.
Talent Show: Me, Reesa, Amanda, Katrina, Becky, Peggy, Natalie
On the serious side, we had lectures (overload of power point presentations, but lots of really useful information!), cultural simulations, individual sessions with our advisors, and small group Bible studies.
Small Group: Robin, Amanda (top), Reesa, Katrina, Me, Kristi (bottom)
PFO was definitely an enriching experience. I felt like I connected immediately with many of the other girls. We had unity in the Spirit, and we had a common goal and vision.
I hope to see these friends again. Some will be close, teaching in other cities in Europe. We already have plans to reconnect. Others are not so close, but one day we may end up teaching in the same schools or going to other conferences. Even if email and facebook are our only ways of staying connected, I have been blessed by knowing these friends for two weeks!
