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!