Sing

One thing I've noticed about Port Au Prince is that no matter where you go (or even what time of night or day it is), there is always music playing. All different kinds of music is flowing around the city, making for an interesting kind of theme that plays across all of life. As you walk down the streets you hear sounds of contemporary music coming from radios in homes and shops. Many times the people you pass are singing or humming a melody to themselves, and there are churches meeting every day filling the air with their songs of worship. Music is such a unique way to express ourselves. Although I am not the most musically inclined person, I value the power of music to demonstrate the human spirit in a way that spoken words simply cannot. 

As a part of our daily meetings with the teachers, we begin with prayer and devotions. Recently we have also started the day with songs. It is such a joy to be able to join in with the beautiful and rich voices of these Haitian teachers. They have an amazing sense of harmony and rhythm that I don't think can be easily taught. Below is picture of a small group of the teachers singing a simple worship song with such heart and joy that it filled the room. I only wish I could share the great beauty that comes by being in the same place with them when their voices are united in worship. You can almost feel the love and faith they are pouring out through their song.

One of the teachers shared with us a common saying in Haiti, "When you sing, you are praying twice." We asked her to explain what exactly this meant, but she couldn't find the words to express it in English. To me, being able to join in with the body of Christ in song is a demonstration of the joy which brings us together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though we are separated by language, geography, and many cultural barriers, we are united in Christ. It has been a great honor to be able to learn more about these teachers and spend time working with them. I'm not sure how much I have been able to share regarding pedagogy and the science of education, but I know I have certainly been blessed by their amazing dedication to the children they teach. Even in the most trying of circumstances, they demonstrate confidence that the Lord will indeed see them through. Thank you again for joining along with me on this amazing journey, your words of encouragement and prayers mean more that I can say. Please keep this group of Haitian teachers in your thoughts and prayers as we work through plans to improve their working conditions and prepare for the upcoming school year. Their jobs are very trying and they need encouragement as they minister to these children! Love in Christ, Jessie