Teaching some lessons at the Kindergarten.

       On Monday when I got to school the principal asked me into his office and he gave me a schedule of what he would like for me to teach each day for the time I am here.  Along with assisting in teaching a lesson a day, they asked me to lead a seminar on March 3rd and 4th to inform the teachers on child psychology and how to decorate a classroom.  I couldn't wait to start planning and teaching the students. 

       Tuesday I got to teach my first lesson of the Hooky Pooky.  This was a challenge because they don't know English.  The songs that they sing are more of a chant where the teacher says about 3 words then they repeat. When I taught them the Hooky Pooky I did it the same way. I would say a line from the song and they would repeat after me.  The four year olds did well following the actions, the three and two year olds just watched and joined in every once and awhile.  We did the song about 4 times and by the 4th time they were all starting to understand it. :)

        On Wednesday we practiced our shapes. I wanted to get the students interacting more so I got string from the supplies I brought and gave each students a piece.  I then had then use the string to form the shapes of a circle, triangle, square, and rectangle.  At first it was fun watching them as they got the sting because they had no idea what to do with it.  Some were putting it around their head and wrists.  Once I modeled to them what they should do and the teacher translated my instructions we started practicing our shapes and they did a great job.  After I gave them paper and crayon options to practice drawing the shapes.  The four year olds could do most of the shapes.  The three and two year olds mostly did circles and some squares.  

        On Thursday the topic was visual perspection of colors so we played I spy.   When explaining this to the teachers they didn't quite understand so we did a modified version of "I spy the color blue" and the students then walked around the room and pointed out blue objects. Then continued spying different colors. We also did finger painting with the colors red, yellow, and blue.  I don't think they had ever done finger painting before.  When I showed them they had to touch the paint with their hands they looked at me like I was telling them to do something they would get in trouble for.  But once they started they all loved it, as they had huge smiles on their faces.  As they mixed the colors they got to see other colors form.  

       Then today, Friday, I got to teach them the game of red light green light. The challenge with this was that the running area by the playground is so hot with the sun that we decided to do it in the classroom area and clear out the tables and chairs.  Even then the area was pretty small for the game of red light green light. The teacher also didn't quite understand the instructions of the game. Again we had a modified version of an activity but the students seem to really enjoy it.  Lastly before we left for the day we sang the Hooky Pooky.  All 4, 3, and 2 year olds we following along with the actions and some of the 4 year olds were repeating after me trying to sing.  It was so exciting seeing that they remembered it from Tuesday and were catching on and starting to sing :) 

       Along with teaching just being with the children is blessing me.  Showing me how loving and caring they are for each other.  I say this because if a student is crying there is at least one other student that goes and comfort him or her.  There is often a student that doesn't have a snack/lunch and the students are able to see and share their own food with them.  Even if they only have four crackers for the day they share.  I have found out that if anyone is hungry or thirsty and you have something, the culture and way they have grown up is to share it even if you don't have much.  I am learning to be selfless, sharing and doing all I can for others through Gods love.  

About half of the students starting to line up for the end of the day. 

The top view of the school. 

First week and so much to say :)

       Wow its hard to believe I have been here in Haiti for a week already. God has been doing so much in my life.  During this last week I was able to take my time settling in and getting to know and see the area. I started teaching the English class right away, last Wednesday.  Then was able to meet the principal of the school that I have started helping at yesterday (2/11) and visit with a lady that teaches English and got some advice and suggestions on teaching English from her.  

      The area here in Gressier/Port-au-Prince is truly amazing.  There is still clean up from the earthquake but a lot of rebuilding taking place.  Al and Cassie took me up the mountain to a place that over looked most of Haiti.  It was beautiful.  Really made me realize that there can be much destruction but also much beauty and new things going on to.

      The English Class that I am helping at has be wonderful.  I work with Almondo's (Al) brothers Odnee and Daniel how know a good amount of English.  I lead the lessons and they assist me when I am having troubles relaying a meaning of a word to the class. I have taught 3 days so far. The main things during English class that we focus on is the pronunciation of words and making a correct and complete sentence.   The first day I introduced myself and told them about myself.  Then they went around and shared about themselves.  Second day Daniel and I taught a song "Mighty to Save".  We went over the meaning of the words, opposites of words, pronunciation, and sang it.  That night we didn't have power so it was really cool seeing how much they really wanted to learn as they got out their flashlights and I was teaching them in the dark.  The third day we went over their workbook that has sample conversations written in it and new words.   Focusing again on pronunciation and meaning of words.  I'm finding that while here I have to be very easy going and just pick things up and go with it.  Each day for English class I have been told what to do for class as we are walking there.  The students that come to the class range in age.  There are about 5 adults and 10 middle school aged students.  

The school I teach English Class at. 

      The day that I got to go meet the principal at the school I ended up meeting the assistant principal because the principals son had gone to the hospital for a burn on his face.  (He was being watched by his grandma who was boiling hot water and the little boy pulled it off the stove and landed on his face. The burn is pretty bad so extra prayers the boy is greatly appreciated.)  Even though he wasn't there I was able to see around the school and go into the area that I am helping in.  The preschool room which consist of 2's,3's, and 4 year olds.  There are about 20 preschoolers in the area and two teachers.  The school is a brick square building that is half roofed where the classrooms are and the part not roofed is where the classrooms are.  The classrooms are not sectioned off by walls but plywood and chalkboards, so you are able to see and hear all the other teachers and students.  It is a very different learning environment than what we see in the states.  

     During my first days it has been great and challenging because I am still learning creole and they don't know much English so we communicate and interact with actions.  I do my best to help with the children to keep them focused on the teacher and joining in with the songs.  I can already tell that this school is a prefect spot for me because the teachers are being very patient and working with me, helping me and teaching me creole and the kids are already telling me they love me :) God is going to do some amazing things here at this school.  

     Sister Mona and Christine were two wonderful ladies that talked to me about teaching English.  They suggested using songs and some alphabet books and lots of patience.  What I really took away from it all is that doing what I am doing is not easy it is going to be a challenge but it is going to make a difference in the students lives.  Even if you don't know it, you are doing a thing that will make an impact on them.  

Sister Mona, Britteny, and Christine

        Lastly my host family that God has blessed me with. Almondo, Cassie and their baby Bityah.  They have taken me in and made me feel at home.  They made a little area for my room and have been there for me when I am feeling homesick.  Taken me out and about to see Haiti, explained many things to me and teaching me new skills.  Living here in Haiti is different than the states.  The city power runs randomly though out the day and some days not at all.  So we have to us an invert-er and generator to have power.  There isn't hot water unless the water heater is on so typically you have cold showers.  To wash your dishes you go through a process of soapy water, bleach water, and dry.  When you need water or wash vegetables to eat you cant use the running water, we instead use a 5 gallon jug of water that typically gets changed out once a day.  I am getting use to all these changes.  Now I have come to appreciate many things I took for granted before.  

My home away from home :) 

The Wonderful Host family!

  God has been working in my heart so much this last week.  Really learning to trust him in all I am doing.  I have also been able to step back and see things differently and more thankful for what I have and the people in my life that have influenced me to be who I am and where I am today!  

Anxious to Leave!

As the time for me to leave for Haiti has drawn near I have clung to this verse. 
Philippians 4:6-8  ^"6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

I know God has an amazing plan for me while I am there but the fears and nerves have been setting in.  Fear of the unknown, being on my own, and not being able to speak the common language of Creole.  Even though I have these fears and nerves I am comforted by the knowledge and trust that God has my back and is in control.   
I am beyond excited to see how I am changed and each person I encounter is also.  After being away from teaching for this last month and a half, I would have to say I am most excited about being able to get back into teaching and interacting with students.  I will be working with preschoolers and learn to connect and teach them on a different level due to the language barrier.  I get to help teach English to Haitians with the Shining Star English class and also learn the language of Creole. I can't wait to share with you my experiences and how God shows up in it all! 

As I leave tomorrow I ask for extra prayer for safe flights, health, and comfort that everything is going to turn out great! :) I thank you and God bless.

Bonjou

Bonjou, 
         As I start my blog, I invite you to follow me on my journey before, during and after my trip to Haiti. I would like to first tell you a little about who I am and why I am going to Haiti. My name is Britteny Wolterstorff. I was born and raised in Minnesota with amazing and loving parents and family.  Growing up I have always loved helping others, working with children and doing what I can to help make this world a better place.  I have been blessed to be able to go and do what I love on three different mission trips that brought me around the world.  In return these experiences helped me grow in who I am and what I believe.  While on these trips I got to share the love of Christ with others through teaching vacation bible school, teaching English to Czech students, volunteering at soup kitchens, nursing homes, feeding the homeless, etc.
         I just recently graduated from University of North Dakota College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and minor in Special Education. Before I begin my career in teaching I will be going to Gressier, Haiti. In Haiti I will be sharing Christ's love while teaching preschool along with teaching English to the community.  The reason I chose to serve in Haiti was because I knew it was an area that is in need of any extra help after the earthquake in 2010.  I also personally know Cassie who got married and currently lives in Haiti. She works for a mission organization called "Praying Pelicans".  When I shared with Cassie and her husband Al about what God had put on my heart they willingly set me up with opportunities to serve through teaching.  They have also opened up their house to me and I will be living with them and their baby Bityah.  I am truly blessed to have so many loving and caring friends and family that have helped me and allowed me to go to Haiti.  I am excited to do something I love for the Man Above that loves me.