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