FunVal- Our Third Class Conclusion

We recently finished teaching our third Fundamental Values (FunVal) group.  This four-month class began in mid July 2016 with 20 young men and concluded with a final gathering class at a local church building.  As we sat together in a circle of chairs, the FunVal training leaders, Basilio Guzman, and Isidro Avelino, lead the guys in sharing their thoughts and feelings of love and appreciation.  The spirit was intense. There were a lot of "thank you so much Elder and Sister Park for what you have taught us" and "thank you to my brothers..."

3rd FunVal Class

It is amazing to us how much you can come to care for and fall in love with people with whom you share a significant part of your life.  Watching their personal growth in testimony, gospel knowledge and ability to speak English has been a special experience and thrill. This group started with less English skills than the past two that we have taught, and have struggled to achieve the level of English they need to be hired in the four months allowed for training. We told them if they have faith, and work hard, the Lord would bless them with the gift of tongues.  He will make weak things strong (Ether 12:27).

 Reflecting back, we marvel at their improvement.

 Each young man has a story to tell of personal sacrifice and hard work as they move forward to receive employment as a customer service, telephone call center employee.  As each one goes their way in life--some we know we will never see again--we feel excitement for them and yet. are touched with feelings of melancholy and sadness.  We will miss them.  They have become eternal friends..  The guys are Ramon, Kelvin (class leader), Wellington, Luis Perez, Yeuris, Davies, Luis Mercedes, Jean Carlos, Enrique, Mateo, Gil. Jean, Milton, John, Jose, Alan, and Steevenson.  It is fun for us to receive a What's App message that says, "Elder and Sister Park, I got a job!"  We celebrate their victories and share their disappointments when they are told to come back again after more practice.

We are looking forward to November 26, 2016 when we will attend their FunVal graduation ceremony with David Clark, FunVal founder.  It will be good to see them again and hope that when we do, they will be employed.

Necktie Exchange with Basilio

After everyone had left the room, I shared a fun and tender moment with my friend Basilio, the local director. As is tradition for eternal friends, we exchanged neckties (corbatas). He received my yellow with small polka-dots tie and I got his red and grey stripe.  Life is good.
Randy

These young men seem like sons to me. They have such a loyalty to us and they share their amazing stories of conversion, re-activation, life struggles and testimony with us. They always give me big hugs and are so glad to see us. How I love and pray for them.  Peggy