Job satisfaction ... first visit to Caux.

Responding to the tiny advertisement requesting students to work at the conference centre in Caux, Switzerland, was the smartest move I have ever made. Following an interview, where I learnt more about MRA and its objectives, my interest grew. My job was to lead a team of an average of 20 conference participants of various ages, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures, serving meals to the 500 other participants.

It was with some trepidation that I boarded the BA flight to Geneva, and the slightest excuse would have turned me back. My fear of being an outsider was immediately quelled as I was welcomed open-armed into the huge family atmosphere of Caux. For the first time in years, I felt surrounded by people who, despite their own problems, genuinely cared about mine.

I was particularly inspired by a discussion about Europe's need to deepen its spiritual roots. The theme was that political, economic and social problems cannot be resolved without tackling the forces of selfish materialism. This brought home to me sharply a lesson I had learned about the fragility and futility of materialistic values.

Until 1990 my family was typically complacent with a comfortable six-bedroom house, two cars, and a holiday bungalow on the coast. I was happily though naively absorbed in my narrow, self-centred life, oblivious of others.

That was until the fateful phone call in January 1991 when my mother said `the Bank' had taken everything and left us absolutely penniless. Suddenly, the false and artificial existence which had surrounded me was shattered. The childish escapades of university life lost all attraction. In an attempt to do my share to help out, I cut down on food to send much needed money home. Overnight I changed from a vivacious, sociable teenager to a withdrawn recluse and at one stage I was taken to hospital weighing just five stone.

Gradually, however, as we struggled up from what felt like the depths of misery, my views changed. The daily challenge and sense of satisfaction we experienced as we recovered were actually much more exciting and fulfilling than the aimless existence we had previously been swept up in. My relationship with my mother greatly improved and without the passive entertainment of television, cinema or theatre I have, after 23 blind years, begun to appreciate nature. Even in regard to my career, I have to thank what I had looked upon as a tragedy for forcing me to study law--a career I now love--to stand up to the bullying tactics of the bank.

However, it was the wonderful friendships I built at Caux which finally confirmed the importance of relationships and people over materialism.

So what is this magic at Mountain House? I think it is something different to each individual. From the variety of people I spoke to, the unifying factor seems to be some personal would or problem which brings them to Caux, and by being healed they are able to spread the power wider to tackle larger, even national or global, issues.

The service shift itself was a fantastic opportunity to learn management skills and the whole atmosphere of the house, with everyone working together at tasks such as housekeeping, gardening, cooking or serving, contributed to the final result. The four weeks I spent at Caux were physically and mentally demanding but the most stimulating and enjoyable ever.