What do you do?

After one month in Mexico, I returned to Pennsylvania for a two week orientation at the MCC offices in Akron, PA.

The first week was a general orientation for all new workers (40) in the organization. It was great to be able to see the scope of the work of MCC; those working in the thrift stores in Canada to those working in the communication department in Akron to those working with partners in Uganda. I participated in a variety of sessions including an overview of the process for restructuring MCC and a discussion on peace theology and power in relationships. I have great memories of celebrating a Phillies win with the some folks from the West Coast office, watching the Akron Halloween parade, ripping up old books at the Material Resource Center (trust me, it was a difficult task for me), and making smores and talking by the campfire. However, as always, what I will remember most are the people.

The 14 of us who would be working internationally were privileged to have a second week of orientation specifically designed for international development work. At times it felt like Development 101, but I found it valuable to talk with the directors of the international programs and with others who would be in the field with me. I am proud that MCC has quality people working internationally in Uganda, Sudan, Burundi, Cambodia and Bolivia. I left Akron on Friday appreciating the thoughtful and dynamic people involved in MCC. Love it!

I was thankful to have the weekends to visit family and friends. I ate ice cream and tasted wine with family at Sandhill Berries, watched the Steelers to victory and donned a swine flu costume in Halloween celebration. Throughout the time, I was asked, “What do you do?” It is an elusive answer. The first month on assignment, I read a lot of documents describing the history of MCC’s presence and work in Guerrero, talked with the workers about their impressions of the work, and visited communities where MCC has worked and is currently working. It was a time of listening and learning.

The presence and work of MCC in Guerrero is going through a transition. We are in the midst of an impact assessment to evaluate our efforts in the communities. In the next few months, I will be part of a team in deciding if MCC should continue to work in the area, and if so, in what way and how. If MCC decides not to work in the region in the future, I will work on a transition and exit strategy for the work.