T.I.H.

A few summers ago after experiencing some of the unique qualities of life in Haiti, we came up with a quick phrase to help us explain all of those happenings that didn't fit our prior life experiences.  "This is Haiti" quickly was shortened to "T.I.H."  You could hear the refrain many times during the day as we experienced so many things beyond our realm of exposure.  These past few days we have had quite a few "T.I.H." moments...

I've been sleeping in the hammock on the roof the past few nights due to more overcrowding in the visitors' rooms.  Sunday night was complete with smoke from a local garbage burning, distant gun-shots, and multiple noisy church services including one that started up at about 3:00 A.M.  Thankfully the Lord allowed me to wake up refreshed and ready for the first day of summer school.  Here's a picture of J.W. playing in the hammock.

This afternoon, I walked into the market to buy mangoes with Patrick, who is one of the teachers at CLS. Normally a walk through the small side streets of Port au Prince means people pointing and calling out to me as an obvious foreigner.  The two of us walked through the market and purchased 20 mangoes out of the back of a truck.  Tonight I'll cut them up to serve for a snack during teacher training tomorrow.

Jovenel and I sat together this evening and just sang praise songs for about an hour.  I don't know many other 11 year old boys who are so excited to get copies of the lyrics of praise and worship songs.

A mouse joined me in the shower yesterday. I think that's all I need to say about that...

We paused teacher training yesterday to get the score of the World Cup game.  Apparently some of our teachers are major Argentina fans.  Needless to say, there were some very happy people by the end of the afternoon when Argentina walked away with a win!  Here we are on the roof with the big kids watching the U.S. team playing.

In all these T.I.H. experiences I am being reminded of my need to rely on the Lord, in both big and small things.  Whenever I'm in Haiti, I'm confronted with my selfishness and desire for comfort and an easy life.  I am also brought face to face with the amazing, grace-filled truth that Jesus did in fact come to bring a new, full, and deep life.  I am so thankful for this experience, including the open-air markets, the precious children, the amazing Haitian teacher colleagues, the city-wide love of soccer, and even the laughter with new friends that comes after meeting the rodents (some of unusual size).

Thank you for taking time to let me share this experience with you.  What a blessing it is to know that I am a part of such a loving family and community of believers!  Your thoughtful words and prayers are a continual encouragement to me!  Love in Christ, Jessie