On My Bookshelf: Kisses from Katie

I thought it might be fun to occasionally share about the books that I'm reading.  Right now, I am so excited to be reading Kisses from Katie: A story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis.  (Thank you, Ang and Julia!!!)

I first heard about Katie Davis by stumbling across her blog (which I suggest you check out).  Her book, Kisses from Katie, is about her journey as a missionary in Uganda, Africa.  She moved to Uganda when she was only 18 years old.  She is now 22 years old and she is a mother to 14 adopted girls.

The book tells about her challenges, struggles, triumphs, and most importantly her love of God.  It has been particularly encouraging for me to be able to relate to many of the emotions that she writes about.  It is also encouraging for me to see how drastically God has used a young girl simply because she put all her trust and hope in Him.

Progress

Lately, I've been so excited about the progress that I've seen in my students.  We are roughly halfway through the school year, and it is hard for me to believe how much my kindergarteners have learned.

I'm sure you remember me writing early on in the school year about some behavior issues.  After time, behavior management techniques, and just getting a better relationship with my students, they have come SO far.  Now, that's not to say we don't still struggle with behavior from time to time, I mean they are still kids after all.  However, in general my "trouble students" are doing great!

Aside from behavior, I've seen improvements in so many other ways as well.  The students know letter names and sounds for most of the alphabet, their handwriting has improved immensely, they can count, they are understanding lots of English, and even starting to speak a little English.  Their attention span is longer and they know the classroom routine.  Miss Katiana, my helper, has also been noticing all of the improvements in the students.  Since this is my first class, this is all very exciting for me!

Treasured Conversations

After my recent blog post about my frustration and struggles with my "street boys", I just knew that I had to write about something that happened last night.  When I got home from teaching my English class in the evening, one of the boys was standing outside my gate by himself.  It was unusual that he was alone.  Most times, there are at least two or three boys together.

We small talked for a few minutes and then I asked him if he was hungry (that is usually the case when they wait outside my gate).  "Yes, Miss Katie," he replied.  After giving him some food, I sat down on the ground in front of my gate with him.  We ended up sitting and talking for nearly an hour (all in Creole).  It was one of those conversations that gives me joy, hope, and encourages me to keep pushing forward.

We talked about many different things, some serious topics and some just joking around.  He asked me if I love Haiti.  When I told him, "yes, I love Haiti a lot" he responded that he doesn't like Haiti.  I asked him why and he said, "It smells bad, there is trash everywhere, people lie and people steal all the time."  I agreed that, yes it is very difficult here.  I explained that being here is hard for me sometimes and I do miss my family, friends and country.  He asked, "If it is difficult for you, why don't you just stay in the United States?"  I explained to him that God wants me here in Haiti.  I told him that I love the people here, and I want to help them change their hearts and make this country a nice place.  He asked, "People in the United States don't lie or steal?  Everyone there loves Jesus?"  I chuckled and said, "No, there are many people in the United States that do not love Jesus.  There are many people who lie and steal.  The difference is that in the United States people have lots of money and lots of nice things.  On the outside, it looks like they are fine.  In Haiti, people don't have as many things.  But, both places have many problems.  The people in the United States have as many problems in their hearts as the people in Haiti.  Many Haitians think that if they could get to the US and have money then they would be happy and all their problems would disappear.  But, there are many wealthy Americans who are lonely and sad even though they have many material things." After explaining all this, he did not say much.  He nodded and said he understood.  I could tell that he was processing and thinking about everything that I said.

We talked about the way that Haitian men treat white women, and women in general.  I told him how angry they make me when they make kissing noises and cat calls at me all the time.  He said, "Well, that's because Haitian men love American women.  American women are pretty so the Haitian men want to talk to you." I laughed and explained that the way they talk to us is rude.  I told him that if men here would like to talk to a woman, instead of making rude comments or noises they should say, "Good afternoon, madame.  How are you?"  He thought that was funny.  I told him that when he gets older he better not treat women with disrespect.  Maybe if I can teach all the boys this at a young age it will stick once they get older.

We talked about his family.  His parents were killed in the earthquake and he lives with his aunt and uncle.  He said he loves his aunt a lot and she takes good care of him.  He said that neither his aunt or his uncle have jobs.  Sometimes, his aunt sells food on the street to earn a little money.  He said they have no money for food, but whenever they do have food his aunt always lets him eat before her.  He said that sometimes he comes to my gate because his aunt tells him to go ask the white people for money, food, or a job.

It is one-on-one conversations like these that remind me why I am here: its not about what I am "doing".  It is about relationships.  It is conversations like these that give me a glimpse of what life is like for the kids.  It is conversations like these that I can be real with the kids, and teach them.  It is conversations like these that I thank God for.

Sleepover!

This weekend, I invited Claudine and Rosa (two of my little girls from Dorothy's orphanage) over to my house for a sleepover.

When we got to my house, I asked the girls what they wanted to do.  The first thing out of their mouths was, "Manje!" which means, "eat!".  So, I made a little dinner for us (even though I knew perfectly well they had already eaten at Dorothy's with all the other kids).  After dinner, I showed them a surprise.  When I came back after Christmas in the states, I brought my old American Girl Doll from when I was a little girl.  When I was little, most girls my age picked out dolls that looked like them.  I, however, asked for Addy, the little black American Girl Doll.  That works out perfectly now considering that all "my kids" are black.

This is a picture of me with the doll when I was little.

And these are my girls with the same doll.

When I gave the doll to the girls, I explained that they can play with her any time they come over, but she has to stay at my house.  They were very excited and they played with her all night long.

Later that night, we got to Skype (video chat) with my family.

After the girls said hello to my parents, the first thing out of their mouthes was, "Where's Jake??"  If you have been following my blog, you will remember that Jake is the Haitian puppy that I rescued while living at Dorothy's house over a year ago.  The kids and nannies at Dorothy's often ask me how he is doing.

My mom was cooking dinner while we were skyping, and my dad felt the need to show us their pancakes, ha!

Before bed, the girls put on the pajamas and then we watched a movie on my computer until the girls started to get sleepy.

I made a little bed for them on the floor (since I know they still wet the bed occasionally).

I tucked them in and then laid down on my bed.  They were both restless, so I asked them if they wanted me to lay on the floor with them to help them fall asleep.  They responded, "wi!"

It was a little crowded in the space on the floor so I squeezed in between my bed and Rosa.  However, both girls wanted to hold my hands while they fell asleep.  I had to contort my body to be able to hold hands with both of them, but it didn't matter because it was a precious and priceless moment.  When they finally fell asleep, I crawled up into my own bed.

Around 5:45 AM, I heard their little voices giggling and saying, "Miss Katie!"  When I rolled over, they were both standing beside my bed starring at me.  I said, "Girls, go lay back down.  When you see the sun come up, then you can wake me up again."  That worked for about 20 more minutes until the sky started getting orange and the girls said, "Ok, Miss Katie!  We see the sun!  Can we wake up now?"

Parent Teacher Meetings

Today, I had my first ever parent teacher meetings.  The second marking period ended yesterday.  The first  marking period parent teacher meetings were in October while I was in the United States.  So, I was very excited to meet some of the parents that I have never seen before.

After lunch, the parents came into the classroom one by one.  I was able to tell each and every parent that I have seen their child improve from the first marking period to the second...Praise God!  It was very encouraging for me to hear some of the feedback from the parents.  Several of them told me that their children talk about me at home and that they say they love me.  One parent said, "My daughter practices her English when she gets home.  She tells me that she loves you very much and you are her mama."

The only concerns that some of the parents raised were concerning English.  Because none of the parents speak English, and many of them cannot even write their own name, they wanted to be reassured that their children are in fact doing a good job and learning.  One parent said, "my daughter can count really well in English but when she counts in Creole she gets stuck on some of the numbers."  So, I explained that once the students get to 2nd grade, they will start having French class each day.  I also reminded parents that they can practice counting in Creole at home with their kids.  It is an understandable concern.  If my child was going to a Chinese speaking school, how would I know if they were actually learning or not?  Miss Katiana was with me for the conferences, so I think that most parents felt reassured of their child's progress by the time they left.

A few of the students came along in with their parents and it was adorable to see their sheepish grins as I told their parents how smart they are and how well they are doing.  I could tell by their beaming smiles that the students were very proud to have me meet their parents.  It brought back lots of memories of my own parent teacher conferences and elementary school open house.

Please continue to pray for our electricity situation.  The power has been off for over 24 hours again, and neither the generator nor the inverter are fixed yet.  I had to throw out some of my food today.  I am going to have to start grocery shopping one day at a time.   I am currently at Dorothy's house with my laptop so that I could check my e-mail and post this blog.  I pray that you all have a safe and blessed weekend!

Street Boys

Sometimes Most of the time, this country exhausts me physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Don't get me wrong, I love it despite all that.  But, it is difficult.  Lately, it has been especially difficult in regards to my "street boys".

I have a small herd of young boys that come knocking on my gate for me each day.  It all started when I moved into the apartment in August, and I met Peterson on the street.  He and one other boy would come each evening and knock on the gate.  I would sit outside with them and we would talk and just spend time together.  However, since then my group of boys has rapidly grown.  It seems like each day, some new little boy that I don't know sees me on the street and starts calling my name.  Some evenings I have almost a dozen kids relentlessly knocking on the gate.  Sadly, now that the group has grown so much, it seems like they enjoy begging for shoes, clothes, food, kites, and soccer balls more than they enjoy my company.  That is where it gets difficult and complicated.

I have a hard time saying no or just simply turning them away, but I also do not just like giving hand outs.  So, here I sit perplexed as to what to do.  Many people here in Haiti would just tell them to go away or stop knocking, but I can't seem to do that no matter how much of a headache they cause me.  I think that God put them in front of me for a reason.  While I want to help them, I don't just want to be seen as the "white lady who gives them free stuff".  Not to mention, I can't really afford to just hand out free stuff.  I would much rather have a good relationship with them and get to know their stories and their families and show them that I love them and care about them.  But, it seems like once I get to know their families it gets even more complicated.  Just last week, I visited some of their families.  Since then, the boys have not only been at my gate asking me for the usual things, but now they are also saying, "My mom told me to ask you for clothes for her, my dad needs shoes, my sister needs a birth certificate, and the list goes on".  Sure, I could easily give shoes or clothes or a soccer ball to one or two of the boys.  That certainly would not break the bank.  But if I give to one, they all find out.  Then, I have lots of upset boys knocking on my gate wanting to know why I didn't give them something, too.

This is my life.  Some days it seems like all I do is listen to people's long, long, long lists of needs and wants.  They don't understand that everyone else I know needs the same things and have the same problems.  It is overwhelming to say the least, and some days it is just easier to lock myself in my apartment and avoid them all.  I literally cannot leave my gate without one of the boys somehow seeing me and chasing me down the street.  I don't think I have EVER had a conversation with one of the "street boys" in which they did not ask me for something.

While it is beyond frustrating, I understand.  I try to put myself in their shoes.  I've seen where the live and I've seen what they have don't have.  Many of them live in tents and the only toy (if any) they have is a worn out soccer ball.  Some of them go to school.  I have no idea how often they get to eat at home.  While they are not starving, they are clearly small for their age.

So, what am I supposed to do?  God, what do you want me to do?  They are Your children, Lord.  Reveal to me how I am supposed to reach out to these little rascals.

Problems problems

We have been having some inconvenient problems here at the school this week. If things were perfect in Haiti, we would have city power (EDH) 24/7 like in the United States. If things were not perfect but functioning normally, we would have a working inverter and generator as back-up power sources. While we do have both of those things, sadly, neither are in working order at the moment. Our inverter stopped working before Christmas and Nickson has been struggling to find someone to repair it.  Just this week our generator overheated and blew a gasket, and it is now in need of repair. So, we are now solely relying on EDH for all of our power. In other words...we really don't have any electricity. Yesterday it was off all day and did not come on until some time during the middle of the night last night. By the time school started today, the power was out again. So, none of the teachers have been able to make any copies and the students have been doing school work in the dark.

Since I live on school property, that also means that I have been power-less, too. Last night, I made my dinner by candle light.  I actually do not mind going without power.  In fact, there is something very peaceful and relaxing about it.   However, I worry that if it is out for too long all my food in the refrigerator will need to be thrown out.  Right now I'm am typing this blog on my lap top but I have no idea when the power will be back for me to post it.

On top of all the electricity problems, I personally am sick. I woke up in the middle of the night with a very angry upset stomach.  I have case of what we like to call “Haitian Happiness”.  For fear of being more than a few feet away from a bathroom, we decided that I should stay in my apartment and rest today.  So, prayers for my health and our electricity problem would be much appreciated!

Another prayer request is for the victims and families involved in a terrible accident last night at one of the busiest intersections on Main Delmas.  From what I have heard and read, a tractor trailer lost its breaks while driving on Delmas 33 and smashed through one of the busiest intersections.  The truck hit cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, street vendors, and anything else in its path.  It smashed them all through the walls of the Haitian Television station.  I've heard that 55 people have been confirmed dead.  Please, pray for the victims and loved ones of the deceased.  

Orevwa, Kaitlin

I just returned from dropping Kaitlin off at the airport.  I fear that I will crash from exhaustion later so I wanted to get a blog post in before that happens.  It has been a whirlwind the past two weeks.  Honestly, I cannot even believe that Kaitlin's trip has come and gone already.  It seems like you look forward to something so much and then "poof" its over.

We tried to squeeze as much as we possibly could into an almost two week trip.  Since I don't have a vehicle, it seems like a lot of our time and energy was spent walking places or taking tap-taps whenever we wanted to go somewhere.  But, as I told Kate, that is all part of "The Haiti Experience".  During her time here, we spent quality time with my American friends, taught English classes, visited the homes of my neighborhood boys and prayed for them, went to youth group, went to a birthday party for a Haitian friend, got a tour of some historic sights, visited a museum, spent time with Dorothy's kids, went to feeding program, taught kindergarten and helped with pre-k, did grocery shopping with Mr. Nickson, and many other things.  It was nice having a good friend be able to just kinda shadow me and participate in my daily life here.  Although things were a little different with Kate along, I think she still got to see a good bit of what life is like for me.

One thing that I was thankful for was having someone else witness some of the difficult things that I deal with on a daily basis.  She got to spend time with my neighborhood boys and see just how frustrating and exhausting it can be trying to spent quality time with them without just being the person that they constantly beg from.  She got to see how exhausting simple things like getting to the grocery store are.  She got to see how inconsistent the electricity is.  And, most importantly, she got to see how desperate this country is.

I was sad to see her go, and I hope that she will be back again soon.  It seems like God has planted some desires in her heart for future connections to Haiti.  So, I am excited to see what may happen.  I know one thing, my neighborhood boys will surely miss her!  Peterson, one of the boys, begged to ride along to the airport.  When we dropped Kate off, he craned his neck to watch her go until she was out of sight.  As I pulled away from the airport, he said, "I am going to miss her.  I will never forget her.  I am going to make her a necklace and bracelet for you to give her the next time you go to the United States.  I am going to miss her."

I feel very loved and blessed that Kaitlin chose to spend two weeks of her Christmas vacation visiting me here in Haiti.  She will be greatly missed!

Two Years Later

Today January 12, 2012 was the two year anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince.  I was not here when the earthquake hit, but I had a deep love for this country.  It was a somber day for many and it was eerie to imagine what it must have been like for so many people here two years ago.  Homes crumbled, families were destroyed, thousands were killed.  I moved here just nine months after the earthquake.  Since then, I have been witness to the effects of  the goudou goudou (earthquake).  It changed life in Haiti for everyone.

I've heard these statistics more times than I can count, but it still blows me away each time:

• 3.5 million people were affected by the earthquake
• 250,000 people died
• 300,000+ people were injured
• 1.5 million people became homeless
• 4,000 schools were damaged/destroyed  
• 60% of Government and administrative buildings and 80% of schools in Port-au-Prince were destroyed or damaged

Two years later, there has been improvement in many ways.  However, half a million people are still living in "tent cities" scattered all over Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.  If you come to PAP, it is not hard to believe because they can be seen all over.  Despite everything, Haitians remain hopeful and strong.  They continue to make do with what they have an push forward.  Those of us who are here serving and living in PAP are hopeful for the future.  We hold fast to God's promises and His unending love for His people.

Ayiti Cherie, nou sonje.

Adventures of Kaitlin and Katie in Haiti

This week has been very busy.  It is difficult trying to fit in everything that I want Kaitlin to see and do into a week and a half.  I can't believe that she only has a few more days here.  The time has been flying by too quickly.

Kaitlin put together a video of some of the things we've been doing the past few days.  One day, we visited a history museum and got a tour of some historic sights from one of my Haitian friends from church, Bernadin.  On the way home, we stopped to meet his family and see his home.  Bernadin's neighbor and godson, Brad (4 years old), was showing off some of his dance moves.  So, he and Kaitlin ended up having a dance off.  It was hilarious!  She also has some video footage of the pre-k students playing musical chairs and my kindergartners playing "Around the World", a math game.  You can see my students reciting their memory verses.  And, at the end of the movie you can see several of Dorothy's babies at FHLIR.

Yes, we're alive!

I just wanted to post a quick update to let you all know that Kaitlin and I are in fact alive.  The day after we landed, the city power went out.  That is not uncommon, but we usually have a generator and/or inverter.  However, this time our inverter was not working and our generator would not start!  So, we went three days with no power.  It was not a big deal except for the fact that we had to throw out a lot of our food that spoiled in the refrigerator.

Since school did not start back up until today, we had lots of free time.  We visited with Dorothy's kids, visited and museum and went sight seeing with one of my Haitian friends, and spent time with several of my American friends.  I am glad to be getting back to my normal routine of school.

Mr. Nickson is back from his two week trip to the United States (it was his first time leaving Haiti).  His stories are HILARIOUS!  He said, "McDonald's is like magic!  You just drive up to the window, tell them what you want, and it is ready in a few seconds!"  I think my favorite story was that he took a picture of a sign at an intersection that said "push the button to cross".  He was SO amazed that if he pushed the button the traffic would stop so he could safely cross.  Oh, the things that American's take for granted!

The video below is from Kaitlin's first day in Haiti.  She took some footage in the airport.  Honestly, the video is nothing compared to how crazy it actually was in person.  I would also like to make a correction. In the video she said that "Katie got into a fight".  NOT TRUE!  HA!  I told her that I saw someone get into a fight while I was looking for my bags.

Home Sweet Home!

Kaitlin and I are safely back in Haiti and we have already done a week's worth of things in 24 hours.  When we got to the airport in PAP, it was insane.  Now, keep in mind, the airport here is always insane.  But, this time it topped all others.  Typically, the airport can barely handle 2 planes landing at the same time.  This time, five plans arrived all at the same time.  There are only two tiny luggage carousels.  So, hundreds of people were squeezed in wall-to-wall all pushing, yelling, and shoving in  an attempt to get to the carousels.  It took us two hours after we got off of our plane, just to find out suitcases.  Then, Kate and I managed to drag 350 pounds of luggage (4 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, and 2 backpacks) by ourselves...without a cart...and without the help of a pushy Haitian man.  My favorite part was when we were walking out of the airport doors and I heard a Haitian man say, "Wow, look at those white girls carry all that stuff by themselves!"  Yes, our forearms might have been burning....yes, we might have dropped our suitcases multiple times...yes, we might have been sweating to death..BUT we made it!

That night, we visited Dorothy's kids and played with them for a while.  We ate dinner with Dorothy and two guests that are staying with her.  Then we promptly crashed in our beds at 8:00 PM.

Today, we unpacked all of our bags, took a walk through the neighborhood, and visited the Apparent Project where Kaitlin got a special tour.  Then, we visited my friend Ruth at the orphanage where she works.  In the afternoon, we went grocery shopping.  We had a late lunch at my house before getting a ride on a friend's moto to go teach an English class.  After class, we joined two of my good friends for dinner and hung out with them at their apartment.

It is so good to be back and I'm so happy to be sharing my Haitian life with my dear friend!

New Year

As I look back on 2011, I  can smile.  I have gone through some incredibly difficult things this year, but I have come out stronger.  Despite those hardships, this has been an amazing year.  In January, I was living at Faith Hope Love Infant Rescue.  Come April, I was living back in the United States and working two jobs, and by the time that August rolled around I was packing my bags to move back to Haiti to teach at TLC.

This year, I want to press into God more, wait on Him to reveal more of His will for my life and Haiti, and I want to love the people around me as best I can.  I want to have more courage, more boldness, more compassion, and as always...more love.

As I prepare to fly back to Haiti tomorrow, I have hope for a better year.  I have hope for positive changes in Haiti.  I have hope for miracles.  I have hope for His  g l o r y  to be revealed in Haiti.

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Christmas Party at FHLIR

Before I flew to the states, Dorothy invited me over for the annual Faith Hope Love Infant Rescue Christmas Party!  All her staff worked extra hours to grocery shop, decorate the house, and cook their favorite Haitian foods.

When I arrived, the house was bustling!  Jesula and Rose were happily decorating the dinning room with streamers, signs, and balloons.  Richardson was helping them to blow up all the balloons.  I could tell they were very proud of their hard work!

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Admide, Elizianne, Sally, Leonne, and Lucianne were slaving away cooking our feast.  They made a HUGE pot of rice and beans, sauce, pikliz, beat salad, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken.  When I arrived, they asked me to help.

Rosemanie loves to bake, and she is very good at it, too.  So, she worked hard to bake cakes and cupcakes.

Before it was time to eat, the nannies bathed all the kids and put nice clothes on them.  Everyone, adults included, was excited for the Christmas festivities!  We had a blast!

Although, some of the guests could not stay awake long enough for the party.

I feel truly blessed that I was able to be a part of the Christmas celebration at Dorothy's.  Although I technically do not live and work at FHLIR anymore, they are still like family to me and I cherish my time with all of them.  I am so thankful for the amazing people in my life!