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