Every Friday I take my kindergarteners to our church so that they can play on the playground. As soon as we get close the the playground, the kids race to get to the swings because it is their favorite.
Not 30 seconds after arriving, I looked over and saw what looked like water spraying. For a second I thought to myself, "Hmm, that's strange. What is that?" And then I looked again and realized.....
Clavens was standing in front of his swing peeing on the ground....right in front of all the kids. Now, if that had been in the states, the other children would surely be starring, laughing, or yelling "Miiiiiss Katie!!!!" But, here in Haiti urinating in public is completely normal and acceptable since there are not public bathrooms.
Miss Kattiana and I were on the other side of the playground both trying very hard to keep ourselves from laughing. While I was mortified that he just did that on the church playground (I hope no one from church is reading this!), it was also very funny. I called Clavens over, gave him and stern talking to, and gave him a time out. I had to keep myself from looking at Kattiana while I was talking to him because I knew if we made eye contact I would start laughing.
Oh, kindergarteners!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
What's wrong with this picture?
Not sure what you're looking at on my kitchen counter? Ok, look at this picture...
Yes, that is a lizard chillin' on my cutting board. I found him after school just hanging out on my kitchen counter.
Appetizing, right?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Haitian Pikliz
On a whim, I decided to make Haitian pikliz this weekend. Pikliz is similar to coleslaw, but it is spicy and in my opinion much better than coleslaw. You usually don't eat pikliz by itself. Typically, it is served with banan peze (fried plantans). However, I was not ambitious enough to make the banan and I like it on crackers just as much. So, I'm saving the banan for another day!
I've eaten pikliz enough times and I've seen women making it enough times that I was pretty sure I knew the ingredients that were needed. But just to be sure, Nickson's wife, Sophie, told me what I should buy. I just eyeballed the amounts as I was making it.
Ingredients (amounts are just estimates - adjust to your liking):
Finely slice/shred cabbage, carrots, and onions and mix together in a large mixing bowl. Cut up 8 scotch bonnet peppers and mix in with other ingredients. Add more or less peppers depending on how spicy you would like your pikliz. Beware, these peppers are very HOT and you hands will burn..do not touch your eyes after cutting them! I like spice, so 8 peppers was perfect for me. However, most people would probably like less spice.
Next, add in roughly 2 or 2.5 cups of white vinegar and salt n' pepper to taste. Mix and refrigerate. For best taste, wait 24 hours before eating.
I've eaten pikliz enough times and I've seen women making it enough times that I was pretty sure I knew the ingredients that were needed. But just to be sure, Nickson's wife, Sophie, told me what I should buy. I just eyeballed the amounts as I was making it.
Ingredients (amounts are just estimates - adjust to your liking):
- 2 cups white vinegar
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste (preferably freshly ground)
- 1/2 a head of cabbage
- 2 onions
- 8 scotch bonnet hot peppers (but I'm sure others will do if you cannot find these)
- 2 large carrots
Finely slice/shred cabbage, carrots, and onions and mix together in a large mixing bowl. Cut up 8 scotch bonnet peppers and mix in with other ingredients. Add more or less peppers depending on how spicy you would like your pikliz. Beware, these peppers are very HOT and you hands will burn..do not touch your eyes after cutting them! I like spice, so 8 peppers was perfect for me. However, most people would probably like less spice.
Next, add in roughly 2 or 2.5 cups of white vinegar and salt n' pepper to taste. Mix and refrigerate. For best taste, wait 24 hours before eating.
Bon appetit!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Encouraged
It's always funny to my how much my life here is full of ups and downs, joy and sorrow, pain and healing. The day before we had to expel one of the students, I received a note from another student. It was so encouraging to me and almost brought me to tears. This student also regularly attends youth group and Bible study. It was almost as if God was preparing me for the following day (having to expel a student). He was showing me that while I am helping people and making a difference, I can't control what they do. The Lord knew that having to watch our student go would break my heart, but He built me up before hand so that I would not get discouraged.
Dear Miss Katie,
It's a wonderful day for me to write you this letter. I write you this letter to thank you for what you are doing. Thank you for your time to teach us about the words of God, its very important for me because its help me more and to teach another person about it. TLC is a good school and the teachers are very kind to us. I always pray for you so God can be with you everywhere you go. I want to learn God's word more. Every time you are praying, always pray for me. I am living with my grandma and my father doesn't live in the same place with me. I have two sisters and one brother. One day, you will visit my house and you are my friend forever. God is watching over you. I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.
Dear Miss Katie,
It's a wonderful day for me to write you this letter. I write you this letter to thank you for what you are doing. Thank you for your time to teach us about the words of God, its very important for me because its help me more and to teach another person about it. TLC is a good school and the teachers are very kind to us. I always pray for you so God can be with you everywhere you go. I want to learn God's word more. Every time you are praying, always pray for me. I am living with my grandma and my father doesn't live in the same place with me. I have two sisters and one brother. One day, you will visit my house and you are my friend forever. God is watching over you. I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Difficult. Difficult. Difficult.
There is no other way to describe today other than "difficult". I sit here writing with a broken heart.
Mr. Nickson caught an 8th grade student cheating on a test by using a "cheat sheet" that he had made containing the answers to every question on the test. TLC is a christian school teaching christian values, so we are very strict with a no cheating policy. The students are all aware that if they make the choice to cheat and get caught they will be expelled from TLC.
This student was only three months away from his 8th grade graduation. While I love every student at TLC, I happen to know some of the older students a little better than others. This is because I help lead a Bible study and youth group at the church. Many of the TLC students come to youth group and/or Bible study. This particular student came every week to both Bible study and youth group. In fact, just two days ago he was at the Bible study that I lead. He loves Jesus and he knows right from wrong, but he chose to make a bad decision today.
As a mentor and role model for the kids in the youth group and the students at TLC, it is incredibly difficult to watch someone make a bad decision when you know that they know better. I feel like I might have just gotten a little glimpse of what it is like to be a parent. This situation has been a reminder to me that no matter how much time, energy, instruction, and love you invest into a person's life, ultimately it is up to that person to chose to live according to the Word.
The students at TLC come from very poor families and as you know, we provide a free education. So, for this student expulsion potentially means that he might not be able to continue his education at all. It was a tearful decision for both Mr. Nickson and myself as we sat in the school office discussing the situation. This was not the first occurrence that this student has broken school rules, and he has been given multiple chances to change. Both my heart and Mr. Nickson's heart were broken. I know that deep down both of us wanted to just bend the rule and allow him to stay in school. However, we knew that we couldn't. We are here to teach these students, and sometimes that is not always easy. In this case, we had to teach this student that there are consequences for all of our actions in life. Tough love really is tough.
So, I ask you to pray for Mr. Nickson, myself, and especially this student.
Mr. Nickson caught an 8th grade student cheating on a test by using a "cheat sheet" that he had made containing the answers to every question on the test. TLC is a christian school teaching christian values, so we are very strict with a no cheating policy. The students are all aware that if they make the choice to cheat and get caught they will be expelled from TLC.
This student was only three months away from his 8th grade graduation. While I love every student at TLC, I happen to know some of the older students a little better than others. This is because I help lead a Bible study and youth group at the church. Many of the TLC students come to youth group and/or Bible study. This particular student came every week to both Bible study and youth group. In fact, just two days ago he was at the Bible study that I lead. He loves Jesus and he knows right from wrong, but he chose to make a bad decision today.
As a mentor and role model for the kids in the youth group and the students at TLC, it is incredibly difficult to watch someone make a bad decision when you know that they know better. I feel like I might have just gotten a little glimpse of what it is like to be a parent. This situation has been a reminder to me that no matter how much time, energy, instruction, and love you invest into a person's life, ultimately it is up to that person to chose to live according to the Word.
The students at TLC come from very poor families and as you know, we provide a free education. So, for this student expulsion potentially means that he might not be able to continue his education at all. It was a tearful decision for both Mr. Nickson and myself as we sat in the school office discussing the situation. This was not the first occurrence that this student has broken school rules, and he has been given multiple chances to change. Both my heart and Mr. Nickson's heart were broken. I know that deep down both of us wanted to just bend the rule and allow him to stay in school. However, we knew that we couldn't. We are here to teach these students, and sometimes that is not always easy. In this case, we had to teach this student that there are consequences for all of our actions in life. Tough love really is tough.
So, I ask you to pray for Mr. Nickson, myself, and especially this student.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Residence Permit
Haiti is finally cracking down on the requirements for foreigners. Since I moved here, I have not had to do any official paper work of any kind. I just simply bought a flight ticket, showed them my passport, and moved here.
Since I've been here it has been the "rule" that if you stay longer than 90 days in Haiti, you need to get a permanent residence visa. However, no one has been enforcing that "rule" and most foreigners that I know here in Haiti do not have their visas.
Just this month, the government announced that they will be enforcing this rule from here on out. While that is kind of a pain for many foreigners, I think it is a good sign. I think it shows organization and progress within the government.
With all that being said, I have to start getting my paper work together to apply for my permis de sejour. While most of the required documents are not very difficult to get in theory, I know that here in Haiti it will take a while for me to get all of this done. The requirements are:
1. A written letter to immigration requesting an application (in French)
2. A photocopy of my passport
3. A letter from my employer here in Haiti (in French)
4. A medical certificate less than 30 days old
5. A copy of my passport photo and a color photo of myself
6. A photocopy of my boarding pass from my last entry into Haiti
7. A photocopy of my birth certificate with french translation
8. A bank statement from a bank in Haiti
9. A criminal record check
10. A sum of 5,000 gourdes aka about $125 USD
I have been gathering all of my paperwork and preparing to get documents translated into French. Today, I went to Unibank with Nickson to open my very own Haitian bank account! While I don't really plan to use it, I have to have it in order to get my permis de sejour. For some reason, having a bank account here makes me feel so committed and official, ha! It is a little scary in a way.
While we were opening the account, Nickson said, "Well, you might not use the account now, but once you marry a nice Haitian man and have kids then they can use your account." Clearly I can see what Nickson wants for my future, ha...I'm not so sure about that. As we were leaving the bank, Nickson said, "Miss Katie you are pretty much Haitian."
Since I've been here it has been the "rule" that if you stay longer than 90 days in Haiti, you need to get a permanent residence visa. However, no one has been enforcing that "rule" and most foreigners that I know here in Haiti do not have their visas.
Just this month, the government announced that they will be enforcing this rule from here on out. While that is kind of a pain for many foreigners, I think it is a good sign. I think it shows organization and progress within the government.
With all that being said, I have to start getting my paper work together to apply for my permis de sejour. While most of the required documents are not very difficult to get in theory, I know that here in Haiti it will take a while for me to get all of this done. The requirements are:
1. A written letter to immigration requesting an application (in French)
2. A photocopy of my passport
3. A letter from my employer here in Haiti (in French)
4. A medical certificate less than 30 days old
5. A copy of my passport photo and a color photo of myself
6. A photocopy of my boarding pass from my last entry into Haiti
7. A photocopy of my birth certificate with french translation
8. A bank statement from a bank in Haiti
9. A criminal record check
10. A sum of 5,000 gourdes aka about $125 USD
I have been gathering all of my paperwork and preparing to get documents translated into French. Today, I went to Unibank with Nickson to open my very own Haitian bank account! While I don't really plan to use it, I have to have it in order to get my permis de sejour. For some reason, having a bank account here makes me feel so committed and official, ha! It is a little scary in a way.
While we were opening the account, Nickson said, "Well, you might not use the account now, but once you marry a nice Haitian man and have kids then they can use your account." Clearly I can see what Nickson wants for my future, ha...I'm not so sure about that. As we were leaving the bank, Nickson said, "Miss Katie you are pretty much Haitian."
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Two weekends in a row?!
I realize that people are going to start thinking that all I do is go to the beach, BUT I promise that is not true! I was just fortunate enough to have friends invite me along to the beach two weekends in a row. I've lived on a tropical island for over a year now, and today was only the fourth time that I've been able to go to a beach here.
I can't resist sharing my photos of the beach because it is absolutely gorgeous. I don't want everyone to think that the entire country is ugly and full of trash...just most of it, ha.
Today, I was invited with some good friends to go to a beach in the north. It was roughly a 2 hour drive (give or take depending on traffic). I had a great day spent with good friends!
While at the beach, my friend Kati and I discovered that we share the same middle name. Kati Marie and Katie Marie in Haiti..what are the odds?
I can't resist sharing my photos of the beach because it is absolutely gorgeous. I don't want everyone to think that the entire country is ugly and full of trash...just most of it, ha.
Today, I was invited with some good friends to go to a beach in the north. It was roughly a 2 hour drive (give or take depending on traffic). I had a great day spent with good friends!
While at the beach, my friend Kati and I discovered that we share the same middle name. Kati Marie and Katie Marie in Haiti..what are the odds?
Pouvwa Lapriye
I've heard this Haitian worship song many times recently, and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs. Sometimes we sing this song for morning worship with the students.
Translated to English the words say:
Many rocks will roll when we pray.
Many rocks will roll when we pray with faith.
Rocks will roll when we pray.
God always hears the cry of His children.
Many chains will break when we pray.
Many chains will break when we pray with faith.
Chains will break when we pray.
God always hears the cry of His children.
When we pray, lame walk and blind see
When we pray, the doors of heaven open and grace falls
When we pray, sorrow goes and joy comes
Deep prayer, let's pray
Many doors will open when we pray
Many doors will open when we pray with faith.
Doors will open when we pray.
God always hears the cry of His children.
Translated to English the words say:
Many rocks will roll when we pray.
Many rocks will roll when we pray with faith.
Rocks will roll when we pray.
God always hears the cry of His children.
Many chains will break when we pray.
Many chains will break when we pray with faith.
Chains will break when we pray.
God always hears the cry of His children.
When we pray, lame walk and blind see
When we pray, the doors of heaven open and grace falls
When we pray, sorrow goes and joy comes
Deep prayer, let's pray
Many doors will open when we pray
Many doors will open when we pray with faith.
Doors will open when we pray.
God always hears the cry of His children.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Sometimes - Psalm 23
This week in my kindergarten class, we have been memorizing Psalm 23. So far, the students have memorized "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."
While talking to Miss Kattiana, my assistant, one of the students overheard me say "sometimes". He apparently heard "sometimes" as "Psalm 23" because out of nowhere he spontaneously started reciting Psalm 23. Kattiana and I both started cracking up!
While talking to Miss Kattiana, my assistant, one of the students overheard me say "sometimes". He apparently heard "sometimes" as "Psalm 23" because out of nowhere he spontaneously started reciting Psalm 23. Kattiana and I both started cracking up!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Portraits of our Principal
Recently, I did a short social studies lesson on the roles of the school principal. We talked about all of the different things that Mr. Nickson does for the school and for the students. Then as a part of the lesson, I asked all of my kindergarteners to draw a picture of him.
This is Mr. Nickson:
These are my students' portraits of Mr. Nickson:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Prayer Request: Gas Shortage
As of last night, the word on the street is that there is a gas shortage here in Haiti. Traffic was insane last night as people were rushing to gas stations to stock up. Mr. Nickson is on his way to get some for the school right now. I don't know how true this news is, and I don't know how long they expect us to be out of gas. However, I figured that it wouldn't hurt to ask for prayer for this issue. Thank you, friends!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Testimony: A Healed Back
Recently, we held a meeting with all the TLC graduates and their parents. After the meeting, Sadrac's father asked me for some medicine for pain. He explained that he hurt his back. When I saw him try to stand up, I realized that he was in A LOT of pain.
He could barely stand up, and when he tried to walk he had to hunch over and shuffle along. I gave him several Advil and some extra to take home with him for later. Just as he was about to leave, I realized how crazy it would be for me to let go without praying for him. So, I asked him if it was alright. Then, Mr. Nickson, a few other parents, Sadrac, and I laid hands on his back.
After we prayed, they left. Later that day, I was walking in the neighborhood and I saw Sadrac's father slowly making his way down the road with a make-shift cane. I could tell he was still in a great deal of pain, but I still had hope that it would get better.
Five days later, I saw Sadrac at youth group. I immediately asked him how his papa was doing. He responded, "Oh, he's fine." I said, "What do you mean? He's fine as in...healed?" Sadrac calmly said, "Yeah, he went back to work a couple days ago and his back is all better." Needless to say, I was SO excited! Bondye bon! God is good!
He could barely stand up, and when he tried to walk he had to hunch over and shuffle along. I gave him several Advil and some extra to take home with him for later. Just as he was about to leave, I realized how crazy it would be for me to let go without praying for him. So, I asked him if it was alright. Then, Mr. Nickson, a few other parents, Sadrac, and I laid hands on his back.
After we prayed, they left. Later that day, I was walking in the neighborhood and I saw Sadrac's father slowly making his way down the road with a make-shift cane. I could tell he was still in a great deal of pain, but I still had hope that it would get better.
Five days later, I saw Sadrac at youth group. I immediately asked him how his papa was doing. He responded, "Oh, he's fine." I said, "What do you mean? He's fine as in...healed?" Sadrac calmly said, "Yeah, he went back to work a couple days ago and his back is all better." Needless to say, I was SO excited! Bondye bon! God is good!
Let all that I am praise the LORD;
with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.
Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget all the good things he does for me. He f o r g i v e s all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with
l o v e and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.
-Psalm 103:1-5
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Day Trip!
Today, instead of going to a superbowl party like most Americans, I went to the beach with my friends! It was a perfect day. It was our second time going to our favorite beach. We are usually the only foreigners around, and it is never crowded.
While we swam and relaxed on the beach, the local vendors went out in their wooden canoe and caught fresh fish, conch, and lobster to prepare for us (unfortunately, I don't like seafood so I ate fried plantans and pikliz).
Aside from getting stung by jelly fish, what a way to spend a superbowl Sunday!
Aside from getting stung by jelly fish, what a way to spend a superbowl Sunday!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
DIY Wall Hanging
I realize that this blog is not about DIY or decor, but I wanted to share this craft that I did anyway. Recently, I have been enjoying personalizing my apartment and decorating. For obvious reasons I don't want to spend much money on home decor. So, as soon as I found this DIY idea online, I was excited to try it.
I made my own wall hanging using paint swatches (the free kind from hardware stores). Yes, I admit that I felt a little awkward taking more paint swatches from Lowe's than any normal human being should ever need to take. But, it was totally worth it in the end because I love the end product.
Materials Needed: Picture/poster frame, double sided tape, paint swatches, scissors, lettering
Total Cost: $4.99 for the picture frame
Step 1: Choose your paint swatches and cut them apart
Step 2: Lay out the design that you want use
Step 3: Using double sided tape, attach the squares to the paper
Step 4: Choose a phrase or words that you would like to put over top and tape them over the paint chips
Annnnnd the final product.....
(not perfect, but better than a plain white wall above my bed)
Pre-K Photos
Have you ever seen such beautiful children??
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Toilet Eraser
More and more my students keep me laughing. I just thought that I would share this funny little story with all of you.
Today, one of my kindergarten boys came to school with a pink eraser that his papa gave him. He carried it around all day. What I did not notice was during recess, he stuck his eraser inside one of my belt loops on the back of my pants. During snack time, Miss Kattiana looked after my students so that I could quickly go to the bathroom.
Just as I was about to sit down on the toilet, I heard a splash. I admit, it actually startled me. My first thought was "is there a rat or something in the toilet?!" Upon further investigation, I saw something pink in the bottom of the toilet. So, I used a toilet brush to fish out none other than Youloveto's eraser!
As you can imagine, the students thought that it was just hilarious that his eraser was not only hidden in my belt loop, but also fell into the toilet! Kids, kids, kids :)
Today, one of my kindergarten boys came to school with a pink eraser that his papa gave him. He carried it around all day. What I did not notice was during recess, he stuck his eraser inside one of my belt loops on the back of my pants. During snack time, Miss Kattiana looked after my students so that I could quickly go to the bathroom.
Just as I was about to sit down on the toilet, I heard a splash. I admit, it actually startled me. My first thought was "is there a rat or something in the toilet?!" Upon further investigation, I saw something pink in the bottom of the toilet. So, I used a toilet brush to fish out none other than Youloveto's eraser!
As you can imagine, the students thought that it was just hilarious that his eraser was not only hidden in my belt loop, but also fell into the toilet! Kids, kids, kids :)
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