In the mornings we have culture and language classes from 8 until 12. But how do I spend my afternoon? Every afternoon we have what is called Practical Training Class (PTC) which takes on many different forms. It used to be called work detail, but the heart of PTC is not just work but learning new skills and helping keep up the campus. I have been on a crew that is constructing new staff housing. I have never built a house before so this is definitely a chance to learn new skills. When my crew started only the basement had been poured, it has been our job to frame the house. The next group will take over in a month or so and continue on. Hank Demark is the leader of my crew, he used to serve in Guinea so I enjoy having the chance to quiz him about his experiences there. The building that Debra and I live in was completed just this last May by Hank and many students, I didn’t get to help with that building so I am thankful for the chance to get involved this time. Debra has an even more important job and just as busy an afternoon - she looks after our little one and works at home. I am very thankful that she gets the chance to be home with Canaan, though it is a lot of work - a tough afternoon with a baby can be much more trying then the worst of afternoons on PTC. Thankfully she absolutely loves her job :o)
~ Norm
Speaking as someone who has cut rebar for a Work & Witness Construction team and as a mother of twins, the construction job is MUCH easier but the mothering job is more rewarding.
Kathy