It was June, 2004 when a small group of METS alumni arrived in Jordan for the first work trip in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Middle East-Jordan. Our host? The indomitable Philip Griffith and his multi-national team.

We traveled to Al Himmeh, Jordan, at the edge of the Golan Heights where we spent one week camping in the “Habitat Hilton” and building a new home for Noor and Ahmad and their family. As is often the case with such experiences, we came home feeling we had gained far more than we contributed.

Upon our return, an idea began to emerge in concert with early plans for the celebration of the METS 25th Anniversary. Why not invite the friends of the METS program to reach for something bigger, something which more accurately measures the impact the METS program has had upon the 750 individuals who have participated with the program over the last 25 years! Why not “give back” in a tangible way to a region, which has shown METS travelers such warm and generous hospitality – in good times and in bad? Why not develop further a partnership with an organization poised to make a tremendous impact in the very countries we have so faithfully visited? And, most important, why not honor the leadership of those who created this experience at the same time:

To Pat, our benefactor and visionary, whose inspiration and financial support makes the program possible.

To Max, our architect and leader, whose intellectual curiosity, passion for teaching, and love of the “land that he has shown us” has shaped every facet of every mile of every year.

To Jerry, whose 10 year tenure helped to introduce 200 alumni to the wonders and mysteries of the Middle East.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program, METS alumni initiated a campaign to raise $150,000 to build 25 houses for 25 Jordanian families at $6,000 each. As of October, 2005, 96 METS alumni have contributed $61, 368 toward a generous challenge grant of $50,000 from the Pittulloch Foundation, which will be matched, in turn, by another $50,000 being raised concurrently by Habitat-Jordan.

The overwhelming response of our METS family to this opportunity is clear evidence of the impact this program has had and continues to have in all of our lives. While we know all three of you cringe at the notion of being honored, we know that those who responded have done so as an expression of gratitude for what is universally described as “the experience of a lifetime.”

Congratulations. Thank you.

Bill Garrett (L, ’01)