One Week

A week from today I will marry the most amazing man I know. Wedding planning is really not my cup of tea, so I'll be relieved when all the wedding is finally over. Mostly I'm looking forward to Arold moving into our apartment and being able to share all of life with him. I love him so much and I'm ready to merge our lives into one.

One Week

A week from today I will marry the most amazing man I know. Wedding planning is really not my cup of tea, so I'll be relieved when all the wedding is finally over. Mostly I'm looking forward to Arold moving into our apartment and being able to share all of life with him. I love him so much and I'm ready to merge our lives into one.

Preschool Christmas Party

Each year, the preschool teachers put together a Christmas party for the preschool students on the last day of school before break. (If you click on a picture, you'll be able to see it in a larger size.)

This year we had some pretty awesome donations and were able to give the students some pretty awesome gifts.

 They try to do something a little different each year, but they always have food and a gift to give to the students. This year they had cake, pate, palme (something sweety and flaky), cheese puffs, popcorn, candy, and various types of pop to drink.

 Unfortunately I left before they opened the gifts and didn't think to leave the camera with someone else. :( Sorry for not having pictures of the most exciting part!

Preschool Christmas Party

Each year, the preschool teachers put together a Christmas party for the preschool students on the last day of school before break. (If you click on a picture, you'll be able to see it in a larger size.)

This year we had some pretty awesome donations and were able to give the students some pretty awesome gifts.

 They try to do something a little different each year, but they always have food and a gift to give to the students. This year they had cake, pate, palme (something sweety and flaky), cheese puffs, popcorn, candy, and various types of pop to drink.

 Unfortunately I left before they opened the gifts and didn't think to leave the camera with someone else. :( Sorry for not having pictures of the most exciting part!

In the meantime...

I keep thinking of things that I should blog about, but I never get around to actually doing it. So you'll have to make do with some pictures. Maybe after Christmas and the wedding (just a few days left!), I'll have more time to sit down and write out some thoughts. Until then enjoy these pictures of the preschool Christmas party.

In the meantime...

I keep thinking of things that I should blog about, but I never get around to actually doing it. So you'll have to make do with some pictures. Maybe after Christmas and the wedding (just a few days left!), I'll have more time to sit down and write out some thoughts. Until then enjoy these pictures of the preschool Christmas party.

Grab Bag

Some days are a "grab bag." You just never know what you are going to get.Yesterday was one of those days for me.
Here's a sampling of what I was up to yesterday:

• teaching students how to make a PowerPoint presentation (only it was with OpenOffice software, not actual PowerPoint), which was really above their competency level but they enjoyed inserting pictures
• helping two students fill out applications for the YMCA Ambassador's Program in English and writing references for them
• coloring some full page letters for a banner
• learning about networks and CSSIP, both of which are computer stuff that goes way over my head!
• verifying student data for our current class rosters
• discussing school policies and spiritual gifts with Beth
• taking pictures of some friends before they went off to meet Oprah

Grab Bag

Some days are a "grab bag." You just never know what you are going to get.Yesterday was one of those days for me.
Here's a sampling of what I was up to yesterday:

• teaching students how to make a PowerPoint presentation (only it was with OpenOffice software, not actual PowerPoint), which was really above their competency level but they enjoyed inserting pictures
• helping two students fill out applications for the YMCA Ambassador's Program in English and writing references for them
• coloring some full page letters for a banner
• learning about networks and CSSIP, both of which are computer stuff that goes way over my head!
• verifying student data for our current class rosters
• discussing school policies and spiritual gifts with Beth
• taking pictures of some friends before they went off to meet Oprah

Video from a team member

There was a small  medical team of about 10 people here from Nov. 28th to Dec. 5th. This is a video one team member put together that shows what it's like to work in the clinic. He did a great job. Check it out!

If you are ever interested in coming to Haiti to help in the clinic (we need lots of non medical people to make the clinic function) or in some other way, please contact me!

Video from a team member

There was a small  medical team of about 10 people here from Nov. 28th to Dec. 5th. This is a video one team member put together that shows what it's like to work in the clinic. He did a great job. Check it out!

If you are ever interested in coming to Haiti to help in the clinic (we need lots of non medical people to make the clinic function) or in some other way, please contact me!

Guest Teacher

Last Monday a computer guru arrived at the guest house to volunteer his time with MTM. Not only was he enthusiastic about sharing his computer knowledge with the students, he also speaks French fluently! He provided a great opportunity for our students, and I'm thankful for his time here. The students are very sad to see him go.

End of the semester exams started on Tuesday, so the schedule for computer class was not consistent. The high school students were quite occupied with studying and preparing for their tests. However, each afternoon the majority of the class joined us in the lab after they finished their exams. The boys especially were eager to jump back on the computers.

Thomas taught the students how to create a folder on the computer and also reviewed the basics of word processing. The students worked hard each day to re-familiarize themselves with the computer, and he even created a friendly competition several days to test their knowledge. I am so excited for the jumpstart Thomas has given to my "advanced" computer students.

Guest Teacher

Last Monday a computer guru arrived at the guest house to volunteer his time with MTM. Not only was he enthusiastic about sharing his computer knowledge with the students, he also speaks French fluently! He provided a great opportunity for our students, and I'm thankful for his time here. The students are very sad to see him go.

End of the semester exams started on Tuesday, so the schedule for computer class was not consistent. The high school students were quite occupied with studying and preparing for their tests. However, each afternoon the majority of the class joined us in the lab after they finished their exams. The boys especially were eager to jump back on the computers.

Thomas taught the students how to create a folder on the computer and also reviewed the basics of word processing. The students worked hard each day to re-familiarize themselves with the computer, and he even created a friendly competition several days to test their knowledge. I am so excited for the jumpstart Thomas has given to my "advanced" computer students.

YUM!

These beauties were delivered to my doorstep today, along with 15 eggs. 

I paid $4.50 for everything you see, and a few you don't see. There are two mirliton (the green squash), a small bunch of carrots, an onion, four bananas, and 15 eggs. The eggs cost $2.50 on their own, so the veggies were CHEAP. But I gave the delivery boy, one of my awesome students who needs a job, another $3.75 for his services. That brings my marche total to $8.25 for this week, which seems a little high. But now that I see how this is going to work, I have a whole list of things for him to get next week!

YUM!

These beauties were delivered to my doorstep today, along with 15 eggs. 

I paid $4.50 for everything you see, and a few you don't see. There are two mirliton (the green squash), a small bunch of carrots, an onion, four bananas, and 15 eggs. The eggs cost $2.50 on their own, so the veggies were CHEAP. But I gave the delivery boy, one of my awesome students who needs a job, another $3.75 for his services. That brings my marche total to $8.25 for this week, which seems a little high. But now that I see how this is going to work, I have a whole list of things for him to get next week!

Computer Lab Rules

Yesterday was the first computer classin Gramothe for the 2011-2012 school year. The kids were ecstatic! I was so happy to see their beautiful faces that I just wanted to stand and look at them all. However, we got down to business right away. After greeting the class, I presented the rules. First we had to discuss what "rule" means, and then I give them the list of rules that will keep their teacher happy.

1. No food in the computer room.
2. Put your chair away before leaving.**
3. Put your bag on a hook or your lap. No bags on the table.
4. No listening to music without permission!!
5. Clean your shoes before entering if they are dirty.

There are several other procedures we'll work on in the weeks to come, but if they can do these things for me--especially 2, 3, and 5--I will be a happy woman. I can't tell you how much I hate when there is no room for laptops because the table is full of bags. It drives me crazy about as much as drumming pencils on the desks.

**Unfortunately, there were two girls who failed to put their chairs away last class. Their punishment is that they don't get a chair next class. The other students think the girls won't forget to put their chairs away again. I agree.

Computer Lab Rules

Yesterday was the first computer classin Gramothe for the 2011-2012 school year. The kids were ecstatic! I was so happy to see their beautiful faces that I just wanted to stand and look at them all. However, we got down to business right away. After greeting the class, I presented the rules. First we had to discuss what "rule" means, and then I give them the list of rules that will keep their teacher happy.

1. No food in the computer room.
2. Put your chair away before leaving.**
3. Put your bag on a hook or your lap. No bags on the table.
4. No listening to music without permission!!
5. Clean your shoes before entering if they are dirty.

There are several other procedures we'll work on in the weeks to come, but if they can do these things for me--especially 2, 3, and 5--I will be a happy woman. I can't tell you how much I hate when there is no room for laptops because the table is full of bags. It drives me crazy about as much as drumming pencils on the desks.

**Unfortunately, there were two girls who failed to put their chairs away last class. Their punishment is that they don't get a chair next class. The other students think the girls won't forget to put their chairs away again. I agree.

So Happy Together

So Happy Together

Morning Procedures

Every school has a morning procedure. In the States we often say the Pledge of Allegience. In Haiti they sing the national anthem. Here's a little snippet of what that looks like in Gramothe.

Morning Procedures

Every school has a morning procedure. In the States we often say the Pledge of Allegience. In Haiti they sing the national anthem. Here's a little snippet of what that looks like in Gramothe.

In the Land of Rice and Beans

Ah. It is such bliss to be back in Haiti...other than the needing to unpack and put everything away part. I really loathe unpacking. Maybe I'll just live out of my suitcases for the next week and then unpack.

 New construction on the waiting room building has gone up while I've been away. The second floor wasn't even started when I left 5 months ago and now it's nearly complete.

My college friend Beth is in Haiti this week helping in the clinic. She came with me back in April of 2010 when this chapter of my life started. :)

My good friends Porcupine and Mouse. We had a lot of fun talking after clinic finished today. I've missed them!

In the Land of Rice and Beans

Ah. It is such bliss to be back in Haiti...other than the needing to unpack and put everything away part. I really loathe unpacking. Maybe I'll just live out of my suitcases for the next week and then unpack.

 New construction on the waiting room building has gone up while I've been away. The second floor wasn't even started when I left 5 months ago and now it's nearly complete.

My college friend Beth is in Haiti this week helping in the clinic. She came with me back in April of 2010 when this chapter of my life started. :)

My good friends Porcupine and Mouse. We had a lot of fun talking after clinic finished today. I've missed them!

Flying the Friendly Skies

Today I am flying to Haiti. My first flight leaves Chicago at 8:50 am EST. I'll spend a few hours in Miami's excellent* airport, and then I'm off to Port au Prince. If all goes accordingly, I should arrive in PaP around 4. By the time everyone gets their luggage (I'm flying in with a medical team) and we get through customs, we should be on the mountain by 6pm EST. It will be a long day of travel, but it will be good too.

If you think of me today, please pray for safe travels. I'd appreciate it!

*Using the word excellent is extreme sarcasm. I loathe MIA more than I loathe unpacking.

Flying the Friendly Skies

Today I am flying to Haiti. My first flight leaves Chicago at 8:50 am EST. I'll spend a few hours in Miami's excellent* airport, and then I'm off to Port au Prince. If all goes accordingly, I should arrive in PaP around 4. By the time everyone gets their luggage (I'm flying in with a medical team) and we get through customs, we should be on the mountain by 6pm EST. It will be a long day of travel, but it will be good too.

If you think of me today, please pray for safe travels. I'd appreciate it!

*Using the word excellent is extreme sarcasm. I loathe MIA more than I loathe unpacking.

Thankful

I have much to be thankful for this year.

Unfortunately I don't have much time to write about it here.

I'm headed back to the land of rice and beans in just a couple of days. In the mean time I am packing my suitcases (apparently a little too well since one of them is much heavier than 50lbs... I'm having a hard time taking things out though!), and I'm also cleaning my room at my parents. I'm not sure how one person can collect so much junk in such a short time. I thought I was being intentional about not keeping things I don't need, but it turns but I just made lots of piles of junk in my bedroom. Apparently now I feel compelled to stuff as much of it as possible into my suitcases!

If you think of me in the next couple of days please say a little prayer for safe travels and a smooth transition back to life in Haiti. Pray for my family as they transition too.

Thankful

I have much to be thankful for this year.

Unfortunately I don't have much time to write about it here.

I'm headed back to the land of rice and beans in just a couple of days. In the mean time I am packing my suitcases (apparently a little too well since one of them is much heavier than 50lbs... I'm having a hard time taking things out though!), and I'm also cleaning my room at my parents. I'm not sure how one person can collect so much junk in such a short time. I thought I was being intentional about not keeping things I don't need, but it turns but I just made lots of piles of junk in my bedroom. Apparently now I feel compelled to stuff as much of it as possible into my suitcases!

If you think of me in the next couple of days please say a little prayer for safe travels and a smooth transition back to life in Haiti. Pray for my family as they transition too.

I saw this the other day and really liked it. It reminds me a lot of what Jesus said in Matthew about losing our lives to gain something better.

I saw this the other day and really liked it. It reminds me a lot of what Jesus said in Matthew about losing our lives to gain something better.

Fun Mail

I sent out wedding invitations a couple of weeks ago. (There are only 7 weeks left until I marry the most amazing man I've ever met! I can't wait.)  Anyway, at the last minute I added two couples to our guest list. One of them has already sent a response: an 8x10 photo with a message from both the Mr. and the Mrs. Here it is:

Fun Mail

I sent out wedding invitations a couple of weeks ago. (There are only 7 weeks left until I marry the most amazing man I've ever met! I can't wait.)  Anyway, at the last minute I added two couples to our guest list. One of them has already sent a response: an 8x10 photo with a message from both the Mr. and the Mrs. Here it is: