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.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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.
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!
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.
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!
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