#LifeInHaiti
School is in session:
Do you remember those back to school jitters? Asking questions like, What to wear?, What will my teacher be like?, Will I have any friends?
Well, my back to school questions were different. What will teaching in Haiti be like? Will my students understand me? Am I going to die in this heat?
As I sat in chapel with my new students, I had an overwhelming feeling of "This is going to be a great year!" So far, I was right. God has blessed me with amazing student who are hard workers, diligent, and competitive-just like their teacher. We love playing games. We play review games for tests as well as fun games to give our brains a break. Students even get to compete against the teacher. While it has been a challenge teaching two separate grades at the same time, it is definitely a rewarding experience.
A Surprise Visit:
One day in class, I received a surprise. Pastor Solvat from The Bayou's sister church Petit Trou, was in Les Cayes along with Magalie and Frannet for eye appointments. Both Magalie and Frannet were blind due to separate illnesses. They were receiving treatment thanks to a Bayou member who met them on our last visit. Magalie received drops for glaucoma and Frannet received cataract surgery.
I mentioned to a RMI staff member that I would like to see them, but I knew it would not be easy due to my teaching commitments and their busy schedules. However, they made it work and brought Pastor, Magalie, Frannet, and a translator so I could spend a precious few minutes with them. What an incredible blessing it was. Magalie beamed as she told me she could see the colors of my dress and Frannet walked around by himself to prove he no longer needed a guide because he could see for the first time in 11 years. How great is our God! We spent a few minutes in prayer and then they left for their appointments and I returned to the classroom. I am so thankful for that experience.
A day at the beach:
We were able to spend a day at Port Salut beach when a couple came to Haiti as potential new missionaries with RMI. It was the first time I went to a beach other than the one at the Retreat Center in Zanglais. We swam in the ocean and enjoyed a delicious lobster lunch; Haitian cooking at its best. It was a great time to spend with the other missionaries and enjoy a relaxing time. I am looking forward to our next beach day for sure!
Struggles:
Life in Haiti has not been without some challenges. I was not prepared for how hot it was when I first arrived. At first, I thought I was being a wimp, then I heard other people talk about the weather being hotter than in years past. I had trouble sleeping the first month due to the heat. I am sleeping much better thanks to cooler temperatures. Also, while I am learning Creole, I still do not have a firm grasp of the language which makes communicating difficult. Even though life is harder in Haiti, I am reminded daily that God's mercies are new every morning and that His grace never runs out.
Partner with me:
If you feel led to join me on this journey by supporting me, you can do it either monthly or a one time gift. Checks can be made to RMI with Joslynn Stakes in the memo line mailed to RMI 5475 Lee Street, Suite #301, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 or you can give online at www.rmibridge.org by looking for my name to designate your contribution.
Do you remember those back to school jitters? Asking questions like, What to wear?, What will my teacher be like?, Will I have any friends?
Well, my back to school questions were different. What will teaching in Haiti be like? Will my students understand me? Am I going to die in this heat?
As I sat in chapel with my new students, I had an overwhelming feeling of "This is going to be a great year!" So far, I was right. God has blessed me with amazing student who are hard workers, diligent, and competitive-just like their teacher. We love playing games. We play review games for tests as well as fun games to give our brains a break. Students even get to compete against the teacher. While it has been a challenge teaching two separate grades at the same time, it is definitely a rewarding experience.
A Surprise Visit:
One day in class, I received a surprise. Pastor Solvat from The Bayou's sister church Petit Trou, was in Les Cayes along with Magalie and Frannet for eye appointments. Both Magalie and Frannet were blind due to separate illnesses. They were receiving treatment thanks to a Bayou member who met them on our last visit. Magalie received drops for glaucoma and Frannet received cataract surgery.I mentioned to a RMI staff member that I would like to see them, but I knew it would not be easy due to my teaching commitments and their busy schedules. However, they made it work and brought Pastor, Magalie, Frannet, and a translator so I could spend a precious few minutes with them. What an incredible blessing it was. Magalie beamed as she told me she could see the colors of my dress and Frannet walked around by himself to prove he no longer needed a guide because he could see for the first time in 11 years. How great is our God! We spent a few minutes in prayer and then they left for their appointments and I returned to the classroom. I am so thankful for that experience.
A day at the beach:
Struggles:
Life in Haiti has not been without some challenges. I was not prepared for how hot it was when I first arrived. At first, I thought I was being a wimp, then I heard other people talk about the weather being hotter than in years past. I had trouble sleeping the first month due to the heat. I am sleeping much better thanks to cooler temperatures. Also, while I am learning Creole, I still do not have a firm grasp of the language which makes communicating difficult. Even though life is harder in Haiti, I am reminded daily that God's mercies are new every morning and that His grace never runs out.
Partner with me:
If you feel led to join me on this journey by supporting me, you can do it either monthly or a one time gift. Checks can be made to RMI with Joslynn Stakes in the memo line mailed to RMI 5475 Lee Street, Suite #301, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 or you can give online at www.rmibridge.org by looking for my name to designate your contribution.
I am so glad to hear how much you are enjoying your students! And that the weather is finally giving you a break :) We miss you, but know that you are creating lasting relationships that will impact the kingdom while you are there. Praying for you, and proud of you!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how special that must have been to see those 2 people who had had so much trouble seeing now being able to walk around and see colors without difficulty! Praise Jesus for His goodness!! Girl, keep on writing! This is great hearing about your experiences. :)
ReplyDelete