Baseball

In the afternoons I have been working with a small group of Haitian teachers on English reading comprehension.  Today we finished reading a biography of Jackie Robinson.  

What conversations this little book led us to!  From the history of segregation in America to the rules of baseball, our book group has 
been full of interesting discussions.  We even took some time out of our studies to learn about baseball firsthand...

Mr. Olritch, one of the high school teachers, showed particular 

skill at pitching.

That's right, I even took a turn at bat.  I think they took it easy on me though, as I managed to get on base!

Mr. Richard, the Bible teacher, has really enjoyed learning different cheers for baseball.  The whole time we were playing he was shouting, "Swing batter, batter, batter!"

Bernaldo, one of the 11th graders, joined in the fun to help balance the teams.

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Although we have had a lot of fun together, our reading group has also discussed some very deep and challenging topics.  Today we wrote and talked about justice...

What do we, as Christians, do with the injustice we see in the world?  We observe unfair treatment and violations of human rights.  What do we do with hate and the actions that are brought about by hate.  What does Christ teach us about these issues?  Something inside us cries out for justice when we or the people we love are victims of injustice.  When we see people suffer, we are moved with compassion.  This isn't the natural human response, instead it seems like the natural response is to repay hatred with hatred and mistreatment with more mistreatment.  But this isn't true for the believer.  For us, we take these evils and are free to respond with Christ's love.  We look in the eye of injustice and find peace and even joy in the knowledge that He is working to make all things new.  After all, didn't He, our perfect Savior, suffer more injustice than any of us will ever know?  He suffered physical pain, emotional anguish, and the overwhelming shame of isolation, abandonment, and false accusations.  In all this, He suffered as the only perfect and innocent One.  He did so for love, so that He could be glorified in the redemption of His fallen creation.  What do we, as Christians, do in response to injustice, segregation, and hatred?  We cling to the hope that Christ has overcome with justice, unity, and love.

Many, many thanks to my friends and family for your continued prayers.  With less than a week left here, I'm praying that Christ could use me to be an encouragement and support to these dear friends as you all have been to me!  Thank you for following along with me on this journey!  Love in Christ, Jessie