In the past few years, I've come to learn that whenever starting at a new place (i.e. college, job, or city) there are new acronyms one must learn. The past two weeks in Southaven, MS (near Memphis) I learned many, many new acronyms, terminology and information to prepare me for my transition to Pyongtaek. I know that I'm blogging even though I'm not even in Korea yet, but this transition time is part of the experience and I want to share with each of you the highlights of my time at PFO (Pre-Field Orientation).
PFO started as many camps or church retreats do: awkwardly. Everybody was a new face. I did my best to make the rented cot in a classroom my temporary home. I then wondered around trying to find where the first meeting was held. Thankfully, this awkwardness didn't last long because by the first night I had met three different groups with which I could identify myself. I met the six other new staff members that I will be working with at ICS-Pyongtaek next year. Two of whom I will be rooming with in an apartment. I was also put into a small group for Bible study and debriefing with four other girls who are in the network but will be working at various schools around the world (Singapore, Indonesia, and Suriname). Within the first day or two, my PFO roommates and I quickly became friends; we are all going to different countries too. That's us in the picture below!
Building relationships was a great part of PFO, but the reason I was there was to be 'orientated' before being sent out to the mission field. I was impressed with the topics, comprehensiveness, and organization of the speakers and sessions I attended during the two weeks. In the beginning of PFO everyone took the DiSC and FIRO-B personality assessments. Individually and with my future coworkers, I reflected on my strengths and weaknesses and how it will affect me while transitioning to a new culture. After learning about myself and my school team, the next sessions where dedicated to learning about the profile of students I will be teaching.
The students who attend international schools are fondly known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs). A TCK is a child who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside of their parents' passport country. Under the broad umbrella of TCK are Missionary Kids, Army Brats, kids of international businessmen, etc. These kids grow up with rich experiences in different cultures. However, they struggle with building an identity, knowing where to call home, and endure much grief. The TCKs are my mission field. Learn more at tckworld.com
The sessions that had the greatest impact on me were the ones on the transition experience because it's what I'm going through right now and will be for the next year. The transition model is applicable to anyone who is facing a transition. I am in the leaving stage right now, and it is full of mixed emotions. This is the best way I can describe it: "I can't wait to go...but I don't want to leave." I am following the acronym RAFT to handle the sadness of leaving my home, friends and family. RAFT stands for Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewells, and Thinking/Talking, and this is the process I am going through as I spend my final 14 days in the states.
The second week of PFO was focused more on how to adapt teaching methods to a cross cultural environment. I learned about the Christian philosophy of education, biblical integration, ESL (English as a Second Language), and assessment in a cross cultural setting. Having these things as extras layers on my first year teaching is a challenge I am looking forward to!
I learned more than I had expected at PFO, and it has prepared me well for what is coming. Besides the learning and the sessions I attended at PFO, I would not do this post justice if I didn't include a little bit of the fun memories of PFO. With large groups of young adults there of course are many games, such as volleyball, Mau, charades, soccer, and Scramble with Friends (check out the app!). The highlight of the week was the Almost Talent Show! My school team and I choreographed a dance, rehearsed, made costumes and went all out for the performance! We danced to the music of Lies by Big Bang, Gee by Girls Generation, Sorry Sorry by Super Junior, and Fire by 2NE1. These songs are K-Pop...please YouTube them now. Here we are after the performance!
Every moment I am getting more excited to leave for Korea. Before I leave on the 27th, I have a lot preparing, packing and goodbyes I must say. Please pray for me in this transition RAFT-ing process. If I leave well, I will be able to enter well.
PS- I received my Visa confirmation number last Friday, and am expecting my visa to come early next week! Praise God for the answered prayer! : )
* Translations
NICS = Network of International Christian Schools (the organization where I am employed)
PFO = Pre-Field Orientation
SBEC = Southern Baptist Educational Center in Southaven, MS (It's a K-12 school and huge church all in one big campus)
DiSC = A personality test that stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness
FIRO-B = I have no idea what this stands for, but it is a type of personality test to determine one's expressed and wanted behavior with respect to inclusion, control and affection.
TCK = Third Culture KidRAFT = Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewells, and Thinking/Talking (The process I am going through as I prepare to leave the country.)
ACSI = Association of Christian Schools International
DAC = DeSoto Athletic Club (the gym/pool where the PFO participants had a temporary membership)
K-POP = Korean Pop Music (Check it out!)
ICS = International Christian School
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