Reflections

So I've had a little time now to adjust to being back in the states.  I still have an ache in my heart as I think of a whole year without seeing the amazing friends I made in Haiti.  I so miss walking out the door in the morning and being tackled by a giggling Rosemika and Ivona, or having James or Woobens ask when we can start tutoring.  I recognize that these connections the Lord has made will certainly last for a long time.  I'm praying for direction about next summer and how I can be used again in Haiti. 


As for reflections on the trip, I still don't know if a quick paragraph on a blog would be sufficient to express the thoughts and emotions from this past month.  While I was in Haiti I was reading the Heidelberg Catechism, a confession of faith that is used by my home church.  Each day this confession asks a question about some aspect of the Christian faith.  There was one day that I kept coming back to when I was in Haiti, and I think it may be the best and most brief summary of my thoughts about this experience...

What do you understand by the providence of God?

Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand,

heaven

and earth

and all creatures

and so rules them that,

leaf and blade,

rain and drought,

fruitful and lean years,

food and drink,

health and sickness,

prosperity and poverty-

all things, in fact, come to us

not by chance

but from his fatherly hand.

-Lord's Day 10, Question 27, Heidelberg Catechism

I don't know if I can live each moment of each day with faith that our loving God does indeed give us all things (both those that we perceive as good and bad) from his fatherly hand, but this summer has certainly made this truth a more present reality in my heart and mind.  I am so thankful for this experience and for those of you who supported me with words of encouragement and faithful prayers.  I'm hopeful that this is only a brief pause in the commentary about interactions with Haiti, and sometime soon the words and thoughts will again flow.  Until then...  Love in Christ, Jessie

Travel

It has been almost 3 days since I climbed in the truck to head to the airport at Port Au Prince.  After many special detours and delays, I finally arrived home to New Hampshire this evening.  In the many hours of waiting in the various airports I have had time to think and reflect on my experiences over the past month.  I am amazed at how God has used this experience to teach me and remind me of some of the essentials of the life of faith that I had previously pushed aside.  I'm still trying to find a way to put into words the invaluable shift that this trip has brought in my heart and mind, so for now I'm letting you know that I've arrived safely at home and will be sure to make one more post shortly to share my reflections.  Maybe with a little bit of sleep and some time to think in the quiet of rural New Hampshire I'll be able to put into words all that I am feeling and thinking.  Thank you for your care and support during this journey!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Celebrate

Our last day of summer school was Tuesday.  We celebrated the hard work and learning with a little field trip to the beach on Wednesday.  The older students enjoyed this last field trip immensely!  They had been to the public beach before, but none of the students had ever seen the resort beaches that are scattered around Haiti's beautiful coast.  They were so excited to have a day of fun.  Below are a few pictures of the students (Ivona, Acange and Shenider, and Wilna) enjoying the beauty of Haiti.

It has been so important this month to expose these students to the diversity of their country. As they grow and become Christian leaders in their country, it is so important that them to have an appreciation for all the potential that can be found in this amazing place.  It was a highlight of the trip being able to experience this place with the students.  Thank you for continuing to follow along with me on this quickly ending journey! Love in Christ, Jessie

Abundance

After the earthquake most of the supplies for the school and orphanage were destroyed.  Sherrie has been working for a long time to rebuild the resources.  Yesterday, after months of planning, packing, and waiting, the shipping container that has been sitting in port since early spring finally started to arrive!  There were many hands willing to help as large trucks arrived with the first supplies from the large container.  Furniture, electronics, building supplies, playground equipment, books, clothing, shoes, and numerous other supplies were crammed into the container, and yesterday the students finally were able to see all the resources they had been waiting for.

After the boxes were unloaded to different classrooms and offices, we all settled in to unpacking things.  Sherrie put Bernaldo, a very talented young student who loves to read, in charge of the library.  We sorted through books until it was too dark to see, the power stayed on until about 5:00 which was a blessing!  I loved watching the students dig through hundreds of books, taking turns stopping when one would catch their attention and reading for a few minutes.  In Haiti the public libraries are for paying customers only, so most of the students and teachers at the Christian Light Mission have never been into a real library before. Bernaldo especially would get excited when he would spot a text by a familiar author or a topic of interest.  Sherrie said, and I agree, that they will have the best library in all of Port Au Prince when we are done.  Above is a picture of Bernaldo digging into a book of interest during our sorting yesterday.

All of the children, even the very youngest were helping.  Above is a picture of Acange and Woobens trying to walk into the office.  With all of these supplies it is good that there are so many helping hands.  These are the times when it is helpful to have 36 children in your family!  With big smiles on their faces the children helped lift and sort through countless supplies.  The fun will continue today as there are still more truck loads to arrive and more supplies to be put to use.  After a long wait it is exciting to be here to witness these children experience a glimpse of the abundance that God desires for them.  They continue with their thankful spirits and with each cheer at a new pair of shoes or a microscope I am reminded of the God who promises to provide exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that we could ask or imagine.  More lessons to think about and take to heart... this is a great place for pushing my ideas of what is possible and challenging my limited view of God's grace. Thank you again for sharing in this journey with me!  In Christ, Jessie

Communication

One of the primary goals of this summer was to teach English classes for the students at the Christian Light Mission.  Over the past four weeks the students have participated in a variety of experiences to build their English language skills.  As Haitians, their native language is Haitian Creole, which makes finding quality academic curriculum or books difficult as Haitian Creole was not put into print until fairly recently.  Sherrie has the students taking English and French language lessons through the school year because of the importance of being able to communicate and the quality academic resources in these languages.  The older students are also learning sign language, this is a picture of Emmanuella practicing her sign language in church last Sunday for the large deaf population.

After living in Haiti for over a decade, Sherrie is well aware of the cultural differences which make communication difficult in Haiti.  Beyond language differences, the Haitian culture is very different from the American culture, which can present a variety of extra challenges.  It has been a learning experience trying to communicate with students who take all words literally.  For example, "Hop in line" doesn't look quite the same here for my students as it does in New Hampshire...  It has been fun laughing together with the students when we misunderstand each other. 

Other times it has been frustrating as cultural barriers make it difficult to get close to people in the community.  Every Sunday on our 15 minute walk to church through town we still get called "blanc", which means white in Creole.  It's difficult feeling like an outsider on these walks, but sitting in church with the students and praising God together makes those barriers fall away.  Language and cultural differences are not apparent when we recognize we were created and are sustained by the same God.  I'm prying that when I return home in a few days that I'll be able to keep this same perspective, that we are all the same before God.

Only a few days left of this journey, thank you for sticking with me and sharing your thoughtful words and prayers!  Love in Christ, Jessie 

Home

Yesterday we woke up at 4:00 and packed 25 children, 5 adults, and multiple boxes and bags into the truck to set off for Gonaives.  Most of the children that live at the Christian Light Ministries Orphanage are originally from the Gonaives area but came to live with Sherrie in Port Au Prince after the floods of 2008.  Although it was a very early morning and we had little extra space, everyone was excited to go visit.

After three hours of fairly good driving (the road to Gonaives has recently been repaved by a group from the Dominican Republic), we arrived at the home and school of Pastor Genada and his wife Rose (pictured below with their youngest daughter DJ who was born one day after the 2004 floods- Rose told us she almost delivered her on the roof as they escaped from the rising waters!).  This amazing couple and their children came to Haiti from the Philippines 16 years ago.  They have survived two floods, in 2004 and 2008, and have amazing stories of courage, friendship, and God's grace in keeping them safe and helping them rebuild both times. 

When we arrived in Gonaives most of the children had family members ready to take them home.  Older brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles were happy to see the children return home for a visit.  Many of the children who have family members were originally taken to the orphanage in Gonaives because there wasn't any food or money to support the children.  The families knew that sending them to Pastor Genada and Rose would give them security, and opportunities for education that would otherwise be out of their reach.

Above is a picture of Jovenel (left) and Lydger with their father.  Jovenel and I have been playing a Scrabble-like game each afternoon to practice his English.  He is a very bright student, only in 1st grade but he is reading on a 6th grade level in English.  He was telling me earlier this week that he was looking forward to visiting with his family.  On the ride back I showed Jovenel the picture of his father and he sat for a long time just looking at it.  I told him that his father was so happy to see him and that he must be very proud of his boys.  It was a heart-breaking moment thinking of the families who love and care for their children but simply have no means of supporting them.  The long drive and the cramped quarters didn't compare to the pure joy in Jovenel's eyes as he looked longingly at his father's smiling face.

As the days seem to fly past I realize that soon I will be returning to my home.  Life in New Hampshire will be different for me now, not because of any great thing I have accomplished, but because of the amazing lessons these children have taught me about faith and hope.  The reality that God is our perfect Father who loves and cares for us is more true to me after seeing these children live this reality each day.  This knowledge gives them comfort and I pray that I too would grow to find complete peace in His unfailing love.  Thank you for following along with me, I am so thankful to be able to share these amazing adventures with you! Love in Christ, Jessie

Provision

It is always good to take some time to thank the Lord for the ways that He provides for us.  I don't think I have ever been so aware of the grace that He shows each day in sustaining life.  Of course this provision looks very different in Haiti than it does in New Hampshire.  For example, each morning Beverly and I go out to the well to fill up the buckets for washing water.  In this unique way God provides for this basic need.

As I have noted earlier, everything in Haiti is subject to change.  We make plans with the understanding that the only certain thing here is that anything can happen.  For example, every afternoon during our "tutoring" sessions with the older students we have been trying to give them some time on computers to explore the world through technology.  They enjoy researching their favorite soccer players or looking at pictures of far away places.  These plans are often changed as the power will go off sometimes for days at a time.  And still, the Lord provides for our needs.  When there is no power we enjoy playing large card games or just sit around practicing our English by talking together with these amazing teenagers. 

Here in Haiti I have been so impressed with the constant spirit of thankfulness that these children demonstrate.  After living through multiple disasters and being left at an orphanage, they have been blessed with an inner power that allows them to show thankfulness for even the smallest of blessings.  What an important perspective- to be thankful for each moment, each interaction, each display of God's grace and mercy.  Below is a picture of the sun setting over Port Au Prince, and again I am thankful for this provision of beauty in creation.  Thank you for your continued love and involvement as the Lord provides more occasions to grow and learn from Haiti!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Power

Each week we have been taking the older students on a field trip to explore more of their country.  Last week we went to a sugar cane museum.  The students walked around beautiful grounds and learned more about this part of Haiti's history.  As a French colony, Haiti was once a prosperous land of sugar cane plantations filled with slaves from Africa.  Later these slaves demonstrated great strength and led a revolt against the French. In 1804 Haiti declared independence.  Over time many other challenges have faced this land and its people. During this field trip we were able to see the wealth and beauty that had once blessed this place.  Below is a picture of some of the older students (Desline, Wilna, Octaline, Kervens, Emmanuella, and Woobens) sitting in a meeting room at the museum.  Behind them are colorful images of the heroes of Haiti's past who demonstrated great strength to earn Haiti's freedom.

This Friday we went on a very different field trip.  Most of the older students have not explored Port Au Prince as they are originally from Gonaives which is 90 miles away from the city (about a 4 hour drive).  We drove into the center of the city to see the Palace.  Although we have been surrounded by the devistation of the earthquake throughout our travels, seeing the building which had once been the center of Haiti's government in pieces was very shocking.  The students climbed out of the truck and just stood in silence looking through the gate at the strength of the earthquake.  Then they joined hands and prayed for strength from God for their country and their leaders.  A crowd of people roaming the streets joined hands with the students and prayed in Creole, which was very moving.

I am thankful to find peace in the knowledge that God has made a way to overcome the sorrow and destruction of this life.  His self-sacrificing love is the greatest kind of strength that we can find and it is in Him that we all, Americans and Haitians, can find hope for the future.

Tears

Along with the joyful laughter, we have also experienced many tears in the past week.  Keeping in mind that the Haitian people have experienced such deep loss is difficult to do when they are so full of joy and hope for the future.  Sherrie talked with Beverly and I the other night and was sharing some about her experiences after the earthquake.  She was living in a large house with the orphanage kids and she said that night after the quake there were hundreds of people with injuries coming to her.  She said it seemed like they believed since she was a foreigner that she would know what to do.  Sherrie has a friend who is a nurse who was able to get to a mile away with her truck to drive those with serious injuries to the nearest emergency hospital.  By the next morning Sherrie said there were 300 injured in her yard.  The following days sound like a terrible nightmare.  Trying to provide for the needs of the children was difficult.  They survived on a diet of Poptarts for a long while.  Sherrie said she even has a hat with Poptarts on it to remind her of the ways that God provided during that time. 


We asked Sherrie if she had been able to mourn after the losses experienced in the quake.  The earthquake killed 1 in 10 of the people in Port Au Prince.  Sherrie said the Lord saved the school families as out of the 200 students, they lost three children, including Peterson who died in the collapsed orphanage.  Sherrie said one day she went out for a walk in the woods, many months after the quake and cried out to God.  This great sorrow is not something that is easily healed.  It seems clear that the only peace to be found here (or indeed anywhere) is in the arms of our loving Savior.


Last week we met one of Sherrie's teachers, Lizette.  As a teacher of four-year-olds, Lizette is full of positive energy and has a beautifully joyful presence.  Lizette was telling us that during the earthquake she was buried under rubble from a collapsing building.  Her feet were badly injured and the doctors told her they need to take them, but Lizette told the doctors that she had faith that God would save her.  After a long time fighting a painful and dangerous infection, her feet were healed.  With a bright smile on her face Lizette told us that she knew God had saved her for a purpose.  She is trying to live each day to its fullest. What a powerful and impressive message for me, with scars on her feet she takes steps each day to make a difference in the world around her!  Thank you for your patience as the power is less and less reliable and the posts are few and far between!  In Christ, Jessie

Laughter

Sorry for the delay in writing, we have been without electricity, internet, and water on and off for the past few days.  Please pray for Sherrie's solar panel system as the inverters have all blown so we are now relying only on city power, which is not reliable, and the generators for emergencies.

The past few days have been filled with lots of laughter.  Beverly and I moved into a new room for long-term boarders.  The room is very comfortable.  However, we have to walk through the dark to get water. The other night we were joined by an extra large, eight-legged friend.  Beverly and I fought with the spider with a banana-leaf broom for a long time and finally declared victory.  We were bent over with laughter after taking out some of our frustrations on the spider.  The older students thought it was very funny that their teachers had fought with the spider, they imagined all kinds of different outcomes where the spider won the battle! 

Spending time with the kids always leads to laughter.  They are so bright and positive and love to have fun.  In the afternoons during tutoring sessions we play games with the older students.  We talk and the room is filled with laughter.  Tcharly likes to say "WOW!" in a really goofy voice when anything even a little bit interesting happens, which has become a funny on-going joke. 

Every time we walk down the stairs the younger students are eager to play and visit.  This is a picture of two snuggly friends, Rosemika and Rosmarline.  It has been such a treat getting to know each of these children.  They all have something so endearing that I can't imagine leaving them now.  I'm so thankful that the Lord has brought us together, these friendships are enduring because they are built on the enduring foundation of Christ our Redeemer and Friend.  Today at church Pastor Lenny spoke about our common identity in Christ and how we will all be united in heaven to celebrate for eternity.

Education

School is in session!  When I have felt out of my comfort zone so often in Haiti, it has been a nice change to walk into a classroom each morning and be back in the teacher space.  I pick the fifth graders up at the gate and we walk to class together.  They are so friendly and happy to be at school, full of "good morning miss" and other sweet greetings.  We spend time working on reading comprehension as well as conversational English.  I try to mix traditional academic activities with some exciting language practice games. Below is the fifth grade class hard at work on editing their reading response for the day, they all want their English to be perfect!

The second grade comes in after I walk the fifth grade down to their French lesson and the fun continues until lunch time.  Below is a picture of Desaline, Angelica, and Wilderson drawing and writing about what they would bake in their oven after reading "Cookies" a story about Frog and Toad's baking adventures.  Not surprisingly kids in Haiti love the same stories and characters that kids in the states enjoy!

In our classroom I find comfort in the familiar interactions as students ask questions, share answers, and eagerly dive into their learning. 

After lunch the older students meet together on the porch for "tutoring".  Today I was working on grammar, science, and writing with different students.  Beverly and I would also like to expand their horizions so we have also worked on some computer skills during this time.  These teenagers are eager to learn more about the world around them and enjoy looking on Google Earth to travel around the globe. 

In a country that has a multitude of challenges, it is certain that the educated youth will be the ones to start and sustain the rebuilding of Haiti.  The students here are not only learning how to think and use their abilities, but also hear about the faithful love of the God who made them.  They can rely on their God to carry them through the inevitable storms of life.  Being here is a daily blessing filled with unique challenges and opportunities, and I am so thankful to be able to both learn from this experience and help educate these amazing children. Thank you for following along with me! Love in Christ, Jessie

Obstacles

When the earthquake struck Haiti in January, 2010, the building that the Christian Light Ministry orphanage and school was located in was damaged to the point that it was no longer liveable.    The physical loss was compounded by the loss of one of the young boys who was killed in the collapsing house.  His brothers and mother (who works as a cook and lives on the property) are amazing examples of the peace that comes from Christ alone. 

Since that time, it seems like one obstacle after another has faced the mission in their efforts to rebuild.  The system in Haiti is slow (what Beverly calls "island time").  They have been waiting for a shipping container that has been sitting in port since May that is full of school supplies, playground equipment, and other essentials for a safe and comfortable home for the children.  Although the efforts to rebuild have been slowed down by inefficiency, there are signs of great progess.  After the earthquake they purchased a property on the same street as the first building and have put up an impressive structure in a limited amount of time with less than organized help (random American mission trips and unreliable Haitian workers). 

Today, we were confronted with our own obstacle, that is, our own obstacle course.  Below you will see pictures of some of the big boys, Franciscot, Marc, and Tcharly, helping Sherrie and Beverly to take down the questionable workmenship of the Haitians who are working on the facade of the building.  Different times in the past few days we have been shut out of our bedrooms and  classrooms by their unorganized work.  Today we would take a deep breath and climb akwardly through the scaffolding to get to the red metal doors so we could access our supplies and our rooms.  Thankfully these physical barriers are temporary as the structure is steadily getting closer to completion. 

Although the physical barriers may come to an end one day in the near future, the cultural and political obstacles that hinder the growth and development of Haiti seem much more complicated.  Things which just seem like common sense to me are complicated here by a system tainted by a long, troubled history.  Although a peaceful and prosperous Haiti doesn't seem like something that will come quickly, I can see a Haiti filled with hope based on the love of Christ as a daily reality.  For people who  experience obstacles to complete daily tasks (find food and water, provide shelter for their families, and clothe and educate their children), many Haitians find peace and joy in Christ.  What a wonderful reminder as we face our own daily obstacles! 

Tonight Beverly and I were sitting down in the courtyard with the kids before devotions.  Beverly was playing pattycake with Misline and I found myself surrounded by the babies (the kids too young to go to school).  Magdala (age 4) was sitting with me singing, "Jesus Loves Me This I Know" at the top of her lungs.  Her little giggles were contagious and before long I was laughing hysterically along with this sweet little orphan child.  She was brought here a year ago, near death from malnourishment.  At age three, she was wearing infant-sized clothing.  Today she is full of sunshine- always smiling and always playing!  What a testimony to the power of God to transform lives faced with even the greatest of obstacles!  Thank you for your kinds words of encouragement and for following along on this journey with me!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Giving

Our first day of school in the new classrooms was great fun!  The fifth and second grade classes were hard working and respectful and the morning went by quickly.  After lessons I pulled out a few boxes from a large shipment of pillowcase dresses that were sent to the orphanage from the states.  There are hundreds of adorable dresses in this shipment, all made by hand.  When we opened the boxes the girls were beside themselves with happiness.  They were dancing around the room holding these beautiful little creations up to themselves.  What a simple way to give to those in need!  There are many, many dresses left which we will hopefully be able to give out to the local community.  Here are Carmelle, Wilna, and Rosemarline posing with their new dresses:

In the afternoons Beverly and I are offering English "tutoring"  activities for the older students.  Today we went on the balcony to play card games and use the computer to do some research.  Tcharly and Marc played Uno with me for a while, happily winning many rounds and rubbing it in my face.  After this Kervens asked for help in translating some of his French poetry into English.  This was a big step for a teenage boy who is extremely reserved generally.  He came to Christian Light Ministry's orphanage after his orphanage in Gonaives (northern Haiti) was destroyed by a flood in 2008.  His poetry was all about the enduring nature of love, and it was so pure and thoughtful I was so amazed at his willingness to share with me.  He asked if I wanted to make a copy of the poetry, which I said would be a great blessing.  This giving nature, the ability and desire to give of self is so humbling to me.  If only I could do this all the time, to give of myself and live fully with others around me in such a quiet and caring way.  Again the students are teaching me more than I could hope to give in return!  Thank you for continuing to follow along with my adventures in Haiti!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Overload

Sunday is church day in Haiti.  All over, the Haitian people were getting ready to go to church.  At the Christian Light Mission we were also on our way out this morning.  The little kids and the big girls get to ride in the truck to church while the big boys walk about 15 minutes through Port Au Prince.  We American teachers walked with the big boys through the streets/paths/puddles of Port Au Prince today.  I didn't take any pictures as I was simply overloaded and didn't think about how useful these might be for others to share in the experience.  To help you visualize the walk, picture twisted rubble-coated paths filled with stinking garbage everywhere and people of varying degrees of cleanliness with curious eyes for white foreigners.  The buildings are either fallen down cement or make-shift tents made from pieces of scrap metal and random tarps.  This was the basics of the beginning and ending of the walk to church.  Right in the middle we walked through what the locals call "The Ravine".  This is basically a trickling stream that flows down into the city from the mountains.   All along the Ravine are little shacks and houses and people crowd the water for drinking and bathing.  The water is dark with filth and you can almost smell the sickness.  Contaminated water has been the source of Haiti's cholera outbreak that has impacted thousands upon thousands of families.  Needless to say, by the time I got to church my mind was spinning!

I chose "overload" for the title not just because I have been struck today by the poverty I am surrounded by, but also because of the amazing positive experiences that stuck with me today.  As we walked into church the kids and volunteers spread out across the room.  Shenider, an 11 year old boy who came with his brother to the orphanage after being abused followed me in and sat beside me.  Shenider started the sermon by translating from Creole to English for me.  Then he started looking through the pages in my Bible and reading different notes that I have left in there.  By the end of the service he had fallen asleep on my shoulder (a no-no in Haitian culture- but I certainly wasn't going to disturb a peaceful child!)  Seeing a child who has had such a troubled life find quiet and peace while the pastor speaks about a God who loves us was another source of overload for me. 

In America where we so desire peace and comfort, it is difficult to process the extremes of the Haitian culture.  Although I am overloaded today, I am thankful for this experience and think that I should feel this way more often as life certainly seems fuller to me here!  I'm looking for depth of experience instead of looking only for peace and comfort all the time!  Anyway, thanks for continuing to follow along on this journey! The following pictures are from my newly painted and tiled 2nd and 5th grade classroom.  A few kids, and Snoopy the dog, were helping us settle in for tomorrow's lessons!  In Christ, Jessie

Contradictions

This morning we saw Christ in action in a creative way.  Amy, another volunteer from the states, started the day by washing the kids' feet and painting their nails. Their devotions last night was about Jesus' washing His disciples feet, and this morning Amy wanted to put this message of service into action.  When I stopped by, the bigger girls were already following Christ's example and serving the little girls. Emmanuella is helping Rosemarliene in this photo.  Needless to say the girls were all full of smiles during this special activity!

This afternoon we were able to experience two very different sides of the Haiti. The teachers went for a "field trip" to the beach.  Although it might not be your first thought, Haiti is an island with beautiful beaches.  It was a really fun time swimming in warm ocean water and enjoying some beautiful scenery. 

We stopped along the way and picked up David, Beverly's "adopted" Haitian son, who she keeps in close contact with since her first visit to Haiti.  On the way back from the beach we dropped David off at his job at the Samaritan's Purse cholera clinic in Cite Soleil (one of the poorest areas around Port Au Prince).  Going from a tourist resort to a clinic neighbored by a tent city was a contradiction in my mind.  How a country with so much natural beauty and people with such warm hearts can have so many challenges is hard for me to think about.  Trusting that God sees and cares for the people of Haiti as He cares for us in America is difficult to think about in terms of physical needs.  I so want to understand why things work the way they do in the world.  I desire justice and equality for these people and can easily question God in these times. I am praying for wisdom to know and remember that God is good all the time, and that my judgement is terribly flawed by a sin-tainted heart.  It is certainly a learning experience for me! Thanks for following along on this journey with me! In Christ, Jessie

Firsts

So today the "big kids" packed into the truck and we headed out for a new adventure- to ride on an elevator.  We drove through crowded streets (although I use this term very loosely) up into the Petion-Ville district to visit the Giant Supermarket.  We had a list of supplies we needed to get for our special cookout on Sunday (in celebration of the fourth of July for all the American teachers and volunteers here).  The kids did an amazing job navigating the store looking for hot dogs and s'more ingredients.  The following are a few pictures of them in the elevator enjoying the ride.  A few kids wanted to walk back down the stairs because they said it made them feel dizzy, but most of them had big smiles on their faces and rode up and down multiple times!  It was a very positive experience helping expose these students to a larger world than they are used to.  I'm so looking forward to seeing how these amazing young adults grow up and how they transform their country.  I have hope that they will do great things for Haiti!  Thanks for following along with me! In Christ, Jessie

Teaching



Today was the first day of real teaching.  Beverly has pretty much organized the summer school program.  The main goal is to give the students practice with English, and they are broken into three groups not necessarily by age, but by English language abilities.  We had the "first grade" class from 8-10 this morning.  These kids are anywhere from first to third grade levels, but have a common English language ability.  Keeping in mind that this is a group of orphans and a few local kids from one of the poorest cities in one of the poorest countries in the world, I was amazed to see how many similarities they shared with kids in New Hampshire!  They had fun, forgot to raise their hands, had difficulty focusing, bickered with each other, helped each other, and did pretty much the same things that we see in our American first grades.  One big contrast to New Hampshire was the hot cement classroom we worked in today.  We also had the Haitian cooks come in to serve the students breakfast and lunch.  The "second grade" came from 10-12.  They were more advanced in their English and had also developed more school-smarts and reminded me strongly of my fourth graders in New Hamsphire.  After a lunch break we had the "big kids" which was basically any ages from 12-17.  This groups was a lot of fun!  Beverly has assigned them a essay in English about the field trip we are taking tomorrow- to an elevator at the big grocery store.  The students did a wonderful job writing about their feelings and concerns about this new experience.  It is times like this that I remember that I am in a very different world!  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures as I'm sure this will be a memorable experience!

The following are a few pictures of the kids at play today.  Summer vacation is the same for Haitian kids, and once class is over they certainly know how to have fun!  Thank you for your continued prayers and support with this trip! In Christ, Jessie

Transitions

The alarm sounded a little before 4:00 am and the journey began.  Thankfully Mom was willing to start the journey with me to the Manchester Airport!  From there brief stops in Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale led to the descent into Port Au Prince.  I can't exactly explain how, but I have never felt such a peace in the midst of chaos as I did walking through that airport.  The Lord starts day one of the trip showing His faithfulness.  My friend Beverly, who is teaching here, said that I should pray for an awareness of God's presence during the journey.  I kept closing my eyes during difficult moments (I'm not a big fan of flying) and picturing almighty God demonstrating his sovereignty by watching over me.  I have met most of the orphans that live at the school and can't begin to explain how amazed I am.  I expected to feel nervous and uncomfortable, but I felt welcomed and loved from the moment I stepped off the bus!  I'll send pictures and details soon, but for now I'm off to bed after a long and peace-filled day!  God bless you and keep you! Love in Christ, Jessie

Baggage

With one day left until I'm Haiti-bound, life is filled with suitcases and supplies for the trip.  Thank you to my friends and family for help in getting ready!  I have one bag full of supplies for the school, including jump ropes, picture books, kid's clothing and peanut butter (for malnourished children).
These preparations remind me how blessed we are with an abundance of physical supplies.  Lord help us to remember these blessings as a gift from you!

While the physical supplies are all prepared and ready to go, I'm focusing on the emotional and spiritual baggage I will bring with me to Haiti.  I'm a fear-filled person who is praying for faith to rely on God's consistent grace.  I know He is faithful, and pray that this truth would be an ever-present reality in my heart even during the challenges to come. 

I'll attempt to update as often as I can, depending on the unreliable electricity and internet situation.  Thank you for following along with me on this journey!    In Christ, Jessie

Planning

Being a teacher is a large part of my identity.  I love being able to pour out my life in the hopes of seeing children grow and reach their greatest potential. Working in a public school has been a struggle as I am often conflicted between doing the "job" and sharing the ultimate hope I know in Christ.  I am eager to step outside of my box and see what the Lord has in store beyond my little New Hampshire life.  


So, here's the plan- spend one month in Haiti teaching and learning at the Christian Light School and Orphanage in Port Au Prince.  My hope is that I might be able to share the love and hope of Christ with the people I meet there, although I have a sneaky suspicion that the Lord will use this experience and the people I meet to teach me far more that I could ever hope to share in return! 


As a way of sharing what the Lord is doing in Haiti, my goal is to keep updating this blog regularly during this summer's adventure. Thanks for sharing in this journey with me!  In Christ, Jessie