Just because I like to confuse all of you and make things more difficult, I'm moving my blog over to wordpress. Just more interesting.
Here is the link:
http://andreainhaiti.wordpress.com/
You can subscribe to my posts and you will receive new posts by email. Also, new posts should appear on facebook.
Si ou pa konprann...mande m'.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
What a Thursday!
After a few days of waking up at 6am to run, I slept in late. Woke up to no one in the house. No big deal. Liz had gone to school early to collect sponsorship information and then decided to just stay until class.
Valentin came back and we were heading over there a few hours early. I drove. It was about half way to Fond Parisien that we watched a red car swerve off the road and slam into a tree and a relatively high speed. I pulled over and we all got out and ran over. The driver and rear passengers appeared fine, but Valentin and Dessalines extricated the woman in the passenger's seat and carried her to a "somewhat" flat dirt ditch. I tried to summon up the information I had learned in EMT class. I held the woman's hand, asked her where it hurt. She said her back, her neck, and her head hurt. I pressed on the quadrants of her belly. She didn't scream, but the upper left quadrant did seem a little harder than it should have been. Valentin called an ambulance and we waited...about 20 minutes. I basically held her hand and yelled at anyone that tried to move her (including her.) I held C-Spine as the ambulance arrived and prepared to load her onto a gurney. When the doctor did the same belly test, she screamed at the upper left quadrant which might indicate some sort of internal bleeding. The gurney loading was definitely not the way I would have recommended. I offered a suggestion to the doctor, but he just said that he wanted to pick her up, trying keep her neck and spine in line, and lift her onto the gurney. About 10 hands grabbed various parts of her body and pulled her up. I really think it would have been best to log roll her onto the gurney. I held one end of the gurney (which was very heavy and difficult getting up a small slope) and we loaded her into the ambulance. I had Valentin drive the rest of the way to school. In the car, Valentin asked me if I was scared. And I was glad to say I wasn't...I was calm. I was dirty from kneeling in the dirt and I couldn't feel my toes, but I was calm. But it has been a while since EMT class and I wish I could have remembered and done more. Asked more questions...something...I don't know. I sat there thinking how different that situation would be in the U.S. But there really is no point in that...you have to work with the situation you are handed, no matter what it is or where you are. I hope she is okay.
It was a good day at school though. We have an exam on Monday, so we have spent the last few days reviewing. I think (and really hope) they will do better on this one. A new student came up to me after class and said, "I am grateful for what you are doing. I do not have words to thank you." That is always good to hear as I am in a constant struggle with how I am doing as a teacher. Later I heard from Jon's practical class (the room across the hall) the question: "If I marry a woman and she doesn't want to have babies, what can I do?" I started laughing...realizing it was one of my students. Jon just told him it wasn't the time or place to answer that question. The student said: "You said we could ask anything!" Haha.
Jon and I are going in today for tutoring. I have a feeling it's going to be packed.
Valentin came back and we were heading over there a few hours early. I drove. It was about half way to Fond Parisien that we watched a red car swerve off the road and slam into a tree and a relatively high speed. I pulled over and we all got out and ran over. The driver and rear passengers appeared fine, but Valentin and Dessalines extricated the woman in the passenger's seat and carried her to a "somewhat" flat dirt ditch. I tried to summon up the information I had learned in EMT class. I held the woman's hand, asked her where it hurt. She said her back, her neck, and her head hurt. I pressed on the quadrants of her belly. She didn't scream, but the upper left quadrant did seem a little harder than it should have been. Valentin called an ambulance and we waited...about 20 minutes. I basically held her hand and yelled at anyone that tried to move her (including her.) I held C-Spine as the ambulance arrived and prepared to load her onto a gurney. When the doctor did the same belly test, she screamed at the upper left quadrant which might indicate some sort of internal bleeding. The gurney loading was definitely not the way I would have recommended. I offered a suggestion to the doctor, but he just said that he wanted to pick her up, trying keep her neck and spine in line, and lift her onto the gurney. About 10 hands grabbed various parts of her body and pulled her up. I really think it would have been best to log roll her onto the gurney. I held one end of the gurney (which was very heavy and difficult getting up a small slope) and we loaded her into the ambulance. I had Valentin drive the rest of the way to school. In the car, Valentin asked me if I was scared. And I was glad to say I wasn't...I was calm. I was dirty from kneeling in the dirt and I couldn't feel my toes, but I was calm. But it has been a while since EMT class and I wish I could have remembered and done more. Asked more questions...something...I don't know. I sat there thinking how different that situation would be in the U.S. But there really is no point in that...you have to work with the situation you are handed, no matter what it is or where you are. I hope she is okay.
It was a good day at school though. We have an exam on Monday, so we have spent the last few days reviewing. I think (and really hope) they will do better on this one. A new student came up to me after class and said, "I am grateful for what you are doing. I do not have words to thank you." That is always good to hear as I am in a constant struggle with how I am doing as a teacher. Later I heard from Jon's practical class (the room across the hall) the question: "If I marry a woman and she doesn't want to have babies, what can I do?" I started laughing...realizing it was one of my students. Jon just told him it wasn't the time or place to answer that question. The student said: "You said we could ask anything!" Haha.
Jon and I are going in today for tutoring. I have a feeling it's going to be packed.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
M' leve bone (left accent on the e)...Yikes!
Finally...a little exercise. Unfortunately, it requires a 6am wake up.
The last couple of days, Luke and I have done a little morning run with some push-ups and sit-ups on the roof. It's really pretty up there when the sun is rising. My abs and arms are sore, but I love that feeling! I think we are the morning entertainment for the Haitians living in the area...crazy white people running by...one breathing like an 80 year old with emphysema.
Groups start coming down in a couple of weeks, adding to the stress of it all. It is difficult figuring out how we can have enough staff for the groups and still continue with the language school. I think we have figured most of it out, but time will tell. Liz is going home for 4 weeks for her sister's wedding, so that makes it more complicated.
We've decided to add an extra day on to the week at school. Instead of having Friday off, we'll go in for a couple hours for an optional "tutoring" session where students can ask questions they have on the material. We're starting this Friday, because we are having an exam on Monday. I think it will be good.
Ok...mwen fatigue. Mwen pa kapab ekri plis. Se two (accent on o) bone (accent on e) pou mwen. (I need to figure out how to put accents on this thing.)
The last couple of days, Luke and I have done a little morning run with some push-ups and sit-ups on the roof. It's really pretty up there when the sun is rising. My abs and arms are sore, but I love that feeling! I think we are the morning entertainment for the Haitians living in the area...crazy white people running by...one breathing like an 80 year old with emphysema.
Groups start coming down in a couple of weeks, adding to the stress of it all. It is difficult figuring out how we can have enough staff for the groups and still continue with the language school. I think we have figured most of it out, but time will tell. Liz is going home for 4 weeks for her sister's wedding, so that makes it more complicated.
We've decided to add an extra day on to the week at school. Instead of having Friday off, we'll go in for a couple hours for an optional "tutoring" session where students can ask questions they have on the material. We're starting this Friday, because we are having an exam on Monday. I think it will be good.
Ok...mwen fatigue. Mwen pa kapab ekri plis. Se two (accent on o) bone (accent on e) pou mwen. (I need to figure out how to put accents on this thing.)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Too Many White People!
Bonswa tout moun!
So we've been home, for the most part, since Tuesday night. We didn't go to school on Wednesday because they were supposed to announce the candidates for the runoff election...which they didn't. Then we stayed home Thursday just to play it safe. But, thankfully, there were no demonstrations on the streets and everything remained calm. Hopefully things stay calm when the runoff election is held at the end of March. Cross your fingers!
We've just been doing puzzles, reading, and getting a little too obsessed and too intense with Farkle (a dice game) to pass the time.
Friday was Nadege's birthday. Liz, Luke, Jon, and I got up early to make her breakfast in bed. Liz did coffee cake, Jon did eggs, Luke did bacon, and I made crepes. Everything turned out well...although we learned that the concept of laying in bed while eating breakfast was foreign here. I hit an all time low that day when I ate coffee cake wrapped in a crepe. That does not make one feel very good about herself.
This morning we went to English speaking church where there were just too many white people. It was weird. I felt uncomfortable. Liz and I got to play on the playground before the service, though. We realized how to tell if you are too old for the swings: if you're out of breath and have motion sickness while swinging. But they had this awesome bouncy thing.
Now I'm listening to Stellecy screaming her lungs out and doing my best to keep my sanity. Oye!
So we've been home, for the most part, since Tuesday night. We didn't go to school on Wednesday because they were supposed to announce the candidates for the runoff election...which they didn't. Then we stayed home Thursday just to play it safe. But, thankfully, there were no demonstrations on the streets and everything remained calm. Hopefully things stay calm when the runoff election is held at the end of March. Cross your fingers!
We've just been doing puzzles, reading, and getting a little too obsessed and too intense with Farkle (a dice game) to pass the time.
Friday was Nadege's birthday. Liz, Luke, Jon, and I got up early to make her breakfast in bed. Liz did coffee cake, Jon did eggs, Luke did bacon, and I made crepes. Everything turned out well...although we learned that the concept of laying in bed while eating breakfast was foreign here. I hit an all time low that day when I ate coffee cake wrapped in a crepe. That does not make one feel very good about herself.
This morning we went to English speaking church where there were just too many white people. It was weird. I felt uncomfortable. Liz and I got to play on the playground before the service, though. We realized how to tell if you are too old for the swings: if you're out of breath and have motion sickness while swinging. But they had this awesome bouncy thing.
Now I'm listening to Stellecy screaming her lungs out and doing my best to keep my sanity. Oye!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Happy Groundhog Day!
It's been a while since I last wrote. This internet stick is a pain and it's really hard to get this blog up and rolling. Once we get the inverter batteries installed in the house, we should be able to get satellite internet.
Let's see...I don't believe anything spectacular has happened since I last wrote. Class has gone on as usual. If there were any funny anecdotes I wanted to tell you, I have already forgotten.
I have now driven a few times. It takes me longer to get to our destination because I am a little more cautious. Rules here are different....or non-existant.
Oh, Valentin got a washing machine. It's the kind where it does half the work and you do the other half, but having a wash cycle cuts down laundry time by a good amount.
Today they are announcing who will be going into the runoff election, so we are staying home to avoid any potential street demonstrations and road blocks. Hopefully we don't see a repeat of what happened after the elections.
I smashed my toe into a bucket and now can't wear shoes...so, needless to say, the mosquitoes are loving the access to my feet. Exciting news, I know!
Oh, and Liz and I received a virus from Valentin's computer that infected her external hard drive and my thumb drive. We still haven't really figured out what our plan of action will be.
That's about all the news I have for now. Take care all!
Let's see...I don't believe anything spectacular has happened since I last wrote. Class has gone on as usual. If there were any funny anecdotes I wanted to tell you, I have already forgotten.
I have now driven a few times. It takes me longer to get to our destination because I am a little more cautious. Rules here are different....or non-existant.
Oh, Valentin got a washing machine. It's the kind where it does half the work and you do the other half, but having a wash cycle cuts down laundry time by a good amount.
Today they are announcing who will be going into the runoff election, so we are staying home to avoid any potential street demonstrations and road blocks. Hopefully we don't see a repeat of what happened after the elections.
I smashed my toe into a bucket and now can't wear shoes...so, needless to say, the mosquitoes are loving the access to my feet. Exciting news, I know!
Oh, and Liz and I received a virus from Valentin's computer that infected her external hard drive and my thumb drive. We still haven't really figured out what our plan of action will be.
That's about all the news I have for now. Take care all!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Ki sa mwen sonje?
What do I remember about what has happened since I last posted? Hmmmm....
A new intern, Jon, arrived. He is very nice. He'll be with us until July.
We had class as usual this week. I think I have a stalker in one of my classes. I forced one student to read like a girl and his nickname is now "Mrs. Green." Another student's nickname became "Very Good," because he repeats it every time I say it. I learned other nicknames my students have: Tilala, T-Wes, S.O.N, Noky....great stuff.
We have played countless games of board Scrabble and Speed Scrabble...Luke is addicted.
Friday, Liz and I had a great idea to have a puzzle war where we each try to finish a 500 piece puzzle first. We both got so stressed out that we agreed the whole purpose of relaxing with the puzzle was being defeated and we gave up. We still haven't finished them. But that night we did make a cake! Oh how the KitchenAid would have been so nice. The stirring of butter and sugar took (literally) 1.5 hours in the metal bowl with a wooden spoon. We rotated stirrers...though I, myself, only had the strength to last about 30 seconds. It was delicious, though, and all the labor made it taste that much better.
Today was a really great day. We went to the BEACH! We had a rocky start with Nadege calling Valentin so he could try to convince us not to go and then the car not starting, but it all worked out. It was a gorgeous hour drive to Kaliko Beach and it was perfect beach weather. We swam in the blue water and lounged on the beach...we had a buffet lunch...and hung out at the pool. It was a really great time and just absolutely beautiful. It was so different than the Haiti we experience every day and it was just nice to have a day away from the house.
Tomorrow we'll go to church, I grade quizzes, and hopefully I can get some laundry done.
That's about it for my exciting Haitian adventures for today! <3
A new intern, Jon, arrived. He is very nice. He'll be with us until July.
We had class as usual this week. I think I have a stalker in one of my classes. I forced one student to read like a girl and his nickname is now "Mrs. Green." Another student's nickname became "Very Good," because he repeats it every time I say it. I learned other nicknames my students have: Tilala, T-Wes, S.O.N, Noky....great stuff.
We have played countless games of board Scrabble and Speed Scrabble...Luke is addicted.
Friday, Liz and I had a great idea to have a puzzle war where we each try to finish a 500 piece puzzle first. We both got so stressed out that we agreed the whole purpose of relaxing with the puzzle was being defeated and we gave up. We still haven't finished them. But that night we did make a cake! Oh how the KitchenAid would have been so nice. The stirring of butter and sugar took (literally) 1.5 hours in the metal bowl with a wooden spoon. We rotated stirrers...though I, myself, only had the strength to last about 30 seconds. It was delicious, though, and all the labor made it taste that much better.
Today was a really great day. We went to the BEACH! We had a rocky start with Nadege calling Valentin so he could try to convince us not to go and then the car not starting, but it all worked out. It was a gorgeous hour drive to Kaliko Beach and it was perfect beach weather. We swam in the blue water and lounged on the beach...we had a buffet lunch...and hung out at the pool. It was a really great time and just absolutely beautiful. It was so different than the Haiti we experience every day and it was just nice to have a day away from the house.
Tomorrow we'll go to church, I grade quizzes, and hopefully I can get some laundry done.
That's about it for my exciting Haitian adventures for today! <3
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 12: Nou sonje!
Ok...let's see what I can remember from the last couple days. If I don't write immediately after things happen, I tend to forget.
Tuesday, we had an argument in class about whether men can be nurses. I wrote on the board: "Is he a nurse?" and they were supposed to make it plural. Straly said: "Andrea, why do you write 'he' and not 'she.'" I said: "Men can be nurses too." He disagreed and he and Nocky (I just learned this nickname) continued to quietly argue about this after I had moved on to something else. Sorry dad, apparently you are not allowed to be a nurse according to Straly. I'm struggling with having them write their first name (prenon) first and their last name (non fanmi) last. When I wrote my name on the board, they told me my first name was Nissley. I went around and asked every student what their first and last names were, so I'm hoping we will make progress. Then, in my last class, I taught them dates. I asked everyone their birthday. When I came to one student (an older man) I asked: "What is your birthday?" He said: "Flanguins" (his name.) The whole class started cracking up and, terribly, I was trying not to laugh too. He figured it out after some prompting.
Wednesday we took off school because it was the one year anniversary of the earthquake. Camp Hope was having a 6am-6pm memorial church service. I spent the morning reading Toni Morrison's (or as Liz calls her "Toni Boringson") book, A Mercy. Around 4, Liz, Henery, and I headed to Fond Parisien. There were a ton of people in the Camp Hope church tent with a band up front. Everyone was singing and dancing. I saw Thomas and Straly and we stood together. Yes, mom, Thomas asked about you, you cougar! : ) When the same time came when the earthquake hit one year ago, we all had to squat/kneel down. I had a cute, but very dirty, child on my lap and my surgeried knee could barely handle the stress. But, when I thought about how my few moments of discomfort were nothing compared to what these people had suffered, the mind can do crazy things and it wasn't quite as painful. I also got to see my little buddy, Tito, who cried when I left in September. He was looking quite snazzy in his church clothes and wore a giant smile. We stayed about an hour and a half and then headed back home.
A pita! <3
Tuesday, we had an argument in class about whether men can be nurses. I wrote on the board: "Is he a nurse?" and they were supposed to make it plural. Straly said: "Andrea, why do you write 'he' and not 'she.'" I said: "Men can be nurses too." He disagreed and he and Nocky (I just learned this nickname) continued to quietly argue about this after I had moved on to something else. Sorry dad, apparently you are not allowed to be a nurse according to Straly. I'm struggling with having them write their first name (prenon) first and their last name (non fanmi) last. When I wrote my name on the board, they told me my first name was Nissley. I went around and asked every student what their first and last names were, so I'm hoping we will make progress. Then, in my last class, I taught them dates. I asked everyone their birthday. When I came to one student (an older man) I asked: "What is your birthday?" He said: "Flanguins" (his name.) The whole class started cracking up and, terribly, I was trying not to laugh too. He figured it out after some prompting.
Wednesday we took off school because it was the one year anniversary of the earthquake. Camp Hope was having a 6am-6pm memorial church service. I spent the morning reading Toni Morrison's (or as Liz calls her "Toni Boringson") book, A Mercy. Around 4, Liz, Henery, and I headed to Fond Parisien. There were a ton of people in the Camp Hope church tent with a band up front. Everyone was singing and dancing. I saw Thomas and Straly and we stood together. Yes, mom, Thomas asked about you, you cougar! : ) When the same time came when the earthquake hit one year ago, we all had to squat/kneel down. I had a cute, but very dirty, child on my lap and my surgeried knee could barely handle the stress. But, when I thought about how my few moments of discomfort were nothing compared to what these people had suffered, the mind can do crazy things and it wasn't quite as painful. I also got to see my little buddy, Tito, who cried when I left in September. He was looking quite snazzy in his church clothes and wore a giant smile. We stayed about an hour and a half and then headed back home.
A pita! <3
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"You make me fly. You make me cry. 'Cus you're an angel!"
"Hocks" Update: Definitely a great idea! Go Liz! The bites on my hands and wrists, due to the nighttime pests, has greatly decreased. But when my earplugs fall out in the middle of the night, removal of the hand socks and re-hocking is kind of annoying.
My new favorite pick-up line from Liz's student learning the conjugations for "to fly": "You make me fly...You make me cry...'Cus you're an angel!" (Not delivered to me...but if it were...I'd be a goner! : ))
My favorite writing exercise quote: "I'm a Haitian because I am a black boy."
.............................................................
Yesterday morning I did a couple hours worth of hand shriveling laundry. It's always a pain to do, but when it's all done, it does feel like an accomplishment. In the afternoon, Liz and I went to a wedding with Nadege. It was interesting...yet confusing. First, a woman wearing a fancy silver dress walked in. Both of us thought: "Ok, so maybe the bride opted out of white." But then the bridesmaids in violet started walking in. Confusion. Then a woman in white gown and tiara came walking in. Both of us thought: "Ok, so this is the bride." Nope. Wait. Everyone stands up and the actual bride, also wearing a white gown and a tiara with a veil, comes walking in with her father. Confusion! After all of that, I'm not really sure what happened. I couldn't see over heads very well and I couldn't understand anyway. So, anyway, it was interesting to see what a wedding here is like...it's confusing for us Americans!!!
Just recently, Liz and I had an "episode." Both of us detest spiders, but they keep showing up above our beds. We pulled out the paper towels with the determination to take care of business ourselves. We even sang "Eye of the Tiger" to pump ourselves up! When the radio turned on, Shania Twain's "From this Moment" provided a less inspiring background. First, the spider above my bed moved when I went to crush it and I started screaming and almost fell off the bed. Liz put socks on her hands and was ready to get her monster of a spider. That was also a disaster. It started running along the wall and we were both screaming our lungs out, me running out of the room with tears running down my face laughing and searching for someone else that could do the job for us. Claudmay, Nadege, and Mani just laughed at us and got them all down with a broom. Wow. Us "blans" can't do anything! I'm cracking up as I type this just remembering how ridiculous the whole situation was.
That's about it for our wild, crazy, and embarrassing adventures...for now. School tomorrow. Wednesday is the one year anniversary of the earthquake, so I'm sure it'll be a tough day for everyone here. Keep Haiti in your thoughts.
My new favorite pick-up line from Liz's student learning the conjugations for "to fly": "You make me fly...You make me cry...'Cus you're an angel!" (Not delivered to me...but if it were...I'd be a goner! : ))
My favorite writing exercise quote: "I'm a Haitian because I am a black boy."
.............................................................
Yesterday morning I did a couple hours worth of hand shriveling laundry. It's always a pain to do, but when it's all done, it does feel like an accomplishment. In the afternoon, Liz and I went to a wedding with Nadege. It was interesting...yet confusing. First, a woman wearing a fancy silver dress walked in. Both of us thought: "Ok, so maybe the bride opted out of white." But then the bridesmaids in violet started walking in. Confusion. Then a woman in white gown and tiara came walking in. Both of us thought: "Ok, so this is the bride." Nope. Wait. Everyone stands up and the actual bride, also wearing a white gown and a tiara with a veil, comes walking in with her father. Confusion! After all of that, I'm not really sure what happened. I couldn't see over heads very well and I couldn't understand anyway. So, anyway, it was interesting to see what a wedding here is like...it's confusing for us Americans!!!
Just recently, Liz and I had an "episode." Both of us detest spiders, but they keep showing up above our beds. We pulled out the paper towels with the determination to take care of business ourselves. We even sang "Eye of the Tiger" to pump ourselves up! When the radio turned on, Shania Twain's "From this Moment" provided a less inspiring background. First, the spider above my bed moved when I went to crush it and I started screaming and almost fell off the bed. Liz put socks on her hands and was ready to get her monster of a spider. That was also a disaster. It started running along the wall and we were both screaming our lungs out, me running out of the room with tears running down my face laughing and searching for someone else that could do the job for us. Claudmay, Nadege, and Mani just laughed at us and got them all down with a broom. Wow. Us "blans" can't do anything! I'm cracking up as I type this just remembering how ridiculous the whole situation was.
That's about it for our wild, crazy, and embarrassing adventures...for now. School tomorrow. Wednesday is the one year anniversary of the earthquake, so I'm sure it'll be a tough day for everyone here. Keep Haiti in your thoughts.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Let's Play Checkers!
Ok, so I need to vent about the trauma my hands are undergoing.
They look like flippin checkerboards! I currently count 29 bites between my two hands and wrists.
Mosquitoes...ants...you name it, it's biting me.
In my sleep, nonetheless!
I will be following Liz's advice and wearing "hocks" tonight...that is: hand socks.
Wish me luck!
They look like flippin checkerboards! I currently count 29 bites between my two hands and wrists.
Mosquitoes...ants...you name it, it's biting me.
In my sleep, nonetheless!
I will be following Liz's advice and wearing "hocks" tonight...that is: hand socks.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Bon Ane Zanmi Mwen Yo!
I haven't posted since before the new year so I feel obliged to wish you all a "Bon Ane!" (Happy New Year!) I hope you had fun, but not too much fun, of course!
So I have to admit that it was a little difficult readjusting to Haitian life, those first few days here. I don't know if those are the words I really want to put to my feelings, but it's the best I can come up with right now. The fact that I put up all of my pictures of friends, my parents, and my cat and dog made it a little more difficult. I look at them every night before I go to sleep and I feel a little homesick, missing everyone. I know it's only natural being this far away. But, as the days pass, it gets a little easier. I wish you could all be here with me though.
Liz and I graded the exams the students took before we left and the results were a little discouraging. The main problem is that most students don't attend regularly. Those who do did much better. And the last few days, we have only have a few students for each class. It messes up lesson plans and I feel bad when I don't have much to do with the couple who come. I've been bringing books and having them read aloud. Woo-hoo. Today, I wanted to work on conversations about family a little, so I wrote on the board: "What is your _____'s name?" "My ____'s name is _____." So I asked one student: "What is your sister's name?" She said: "My sister is dead." I asked her: "What is your father's name?" She said: "My father is dead." What do you say to that?! It's times like these that I'm reminded where I am and what the disasters this countries has faced and continues to face.
But, I've been able to play soccer for a few minutes after class the last two days! That always gets me revved up. I am so out of shape it is ridiculous. (I will admit that last night I walked up one flight of stairs and a ladder and was tired. Don't laugh.) I failed one of my students several times during the game for blocking my shots and causing me to fall on the dirt playing field. I miss exercise! I might just have to start running around the house or sneak out since Valentin will be in the states for a few weeks. Don't tell!
I'm just about to head up to the roof to watch some "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" with Liz. The generator ran out of gas so I'm typing in the dark...but it's all good!
Orevwa.
So I have to admit that it was a little difficult readjusting to Haitian life, those first few days here. I don't know if those are the words I really want to put to my feelings, but it's the best I can come up with right now. The fact that I put up all of my pictures of friends, my parents, and my cat and dog made it a little more difficult. I look at them every night before I go to sleep and I feel a little homesick, missing everyone. I know it's only natural being this far away. But, as the days pass, it gets a little easier. I wish you could all be here with me though.
Liz and I graded the exams the students took before we left and the results were a little discouraging. The main problem is that most students don't attend regularly. Those who do did much better. And the last few days, we have only have a few students for each class. It messes up lesson plans and I feel bad when I don't have much to do with the couple who come. I've been bringing books and having them read aloud. Woo-hoo. Today, I wanted to work on conversations about family a little, so I wrote on the board: "What is your _____'s name?" "My ____'s name is _____." So I asked one student: "What is your sister's name?" She said: "My sister is dead." I asked her: "What is your father's name?" She said: "My father is dead." What do you say to that?! It's times like these that I'm reminded where I am and what the disasters this countries has faced and continues to face.
But, I've been able to play soccer for a few minutes after class the last two days! That always gets me revved up. I am so out of shape it is ridiculous. (I will admit that last night I walked up one flight of stairs and a ladder and was tired. Don't laugh.) I failed one of my students several times during the game for blocking my shots and causing me to fall on the dirt playing field. I miss exercise! I might just have to start running around the house or sneak out since Valentin will be in the states for a few weeks. Don't tell!
I'm just about to head up to the roof to watch some "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" with Liz. The generator ran out of gas so I'm typing in the dark...but it's all good!
Orevwa.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Mwen te rive nan Ayiti (I arrived in Haiti)
I arrived yesterday morning safe and sound.
It was a long night though...and day for that matter, with the lack of sleep. We left for Long beach airport at 6:30 last night. I had never been there before and it was kind of crazy busy. But, I got on the plane and headed for Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale I had to claim my bags and recheck them and I had no idea how heavy they were. Of course I had to walk to a different terminal where I faced more frustration. Spirit made me buy a return ticket (for March) which means I will lose another 11o dollars. Of course, if I hadn't lost my FFP badge the day I left, I might have been able to avoid that. Then the security line went wound wayyy around the corner and I wasn't sure I would make my flight...I did. I stayed awake for both flights, so I was exhausted. When I arrived in Port-au-Prince, I warded off all the people trying to take my bags (to carry them out for money) and waited for Valentin in the scorching sun for a while. We ran a couple errands and then went back to wait for Liz to arrive. I slept about 30 minutes in the car waiting, which would be my only sleep for 36 hours. When we came back to the house, Stellecy was very excited for us to be back...and to be able to watch herself dance in front of our mirror again. The stuffed caterpillar my mom got her caused her to scream and run away, though. We set up all our stuff and are now happy to not have to live out of suitcases for the next 8 months. Liz and I reunited with the awesome roof and vibrant stars that we just can't see from our respective light and smog polluted cities. Too bad we weren't here for the lunar eclipse a couple of nights ago.
Sleep came easily last night. And, unfortunately, I slept until 11pm...I guess that's only 8am San Diego time. But that means that there is only a few more hours of sunlight. I had my first ice cold shower since I've been back...that was lovely...psych! Also, the mosquitoes bites are just great to have again. They seem to have enjoyed feasting on my arms, hands, and fingers last night. But, all those little complaints whined about, I'm glad to be back in the great country.
I have no idea what the plans are today, so we'll see. I'll let you know if there are any interesting New's Years festivities that occur.
Missing everyone already! <3
It was a long night though...and day for that matter, with the lack of sleep. We left for Long beach airport at 6:30 last night. I had never been there before and it was kind of crazy busy. But, I got on the plane and headed for Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale I had to claim my bags and recheck them and I had no idea how heavy they were. Of course I had to walk to a different terminal where I faced more frustration. Spirit made me buy a return ticket (for March) which means I will lose another 11o dollars. Of course, if I hadn't lost my FFP badge the day I left, I might have been able to avoid that. Then the security line went wound wayyy around the corner and I wasn't sure I would make my flight...I did. I stayed awake for both flights, so I was exhausted. When I arrived in Port-au-Prince, I warded off all the people trying to take my bags (to carry them out for money) and waited for Valentin in the scorching sun for a while. We ran a couple errands and then went back to wait for Liz to arrive. I slept about 30 minutes in the car waiting, which would be my only sleep for 36 hours. When we came back to the house, Stellecy was very excited for us to be back...and to be able to watch herself dance in front of our mirror again. The stuffed caterpillar my mom got her caused her to scream and run away, though. We set up all our stuff and are now happy to not have to live out of suitcases for the next 8 months. Liz and I reunited with the awesome roof and vibrant stars that we just can't see from our respective light and smog polluted cities. Too bad we weren't here for the lunar eclipse a couple of nights ago.
Sleep came easily last night. And, unfortunately, I slept until 11pm...I guess that's only 8am San Diego time. But that means that there is only a few more hours of sunlight. I had my first ice cold shower since I've been back...that was lovely...psych! Also, the mosquitoes bites are just great to have again. They seem to have enjoyed feasting on my arms, hands, and fingers last night. But, all those little complaints whined about, I'm glad to be back in the great country.
I have no idea what the plans are today, so we'll see. I'll let you know if there are any interesting New's Years festivities that occur.
Missing everyone already! <3
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Photos
I've updated photos for both the Haiti and Dominican Republic albums.
Check it out.
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/RepublicaDominicana2010
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/Ayiti20102011
Check it out.
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/RepublicaDominicana2010
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/Ayiti20102011
Friday, December 17, 2010
SD Livin'
I arrived back home on Wednesday night after a long day of travel.
It's nice to be home with my family for a couple weeks before I go back for 8 months.
Warm showers...electricity...fast internet...electricity on demand...KI SAAAAA??!!
But I do miss my Haiti family too.
It's nice to be home with my family for a couple weeks before I go back for 8 months.
Warm showers...electricity...fast internet...electricity on demand...KI SAAAAA??!!
But I do miss my Haiti family too.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Past Few Days
Going a little stir crazy...or a lot. Election results were announced Tuesday night and the aftermath was not pretty. There have been protests all over Haiti, including right here in Croix-des-Bouquets. All flights were canceled from Wednesday until this coming Tuesday. Wednesday morning we went up to the roof and could see black smoke (burning tires) in every direction.
Despite the chaos outside our walls, Wednesday was a pretty fun day. Henry, Dessalines, Luke, Valentin, Corey, and I played small 2x2 games of soccer and we spent the rest of the day doing a puzzle.
Thursday, again trapped in the house. Corey and Luke headed to Santo Domingo so that he could fly out from there. Liz and I spent hours finishing the puzzle and Pastor Valentin tried to figure out how to get Kirstin home from Love a Child safely. The road was blockaded in many areas and even police were, supposedly, unable to pass. I was allowed a few minutes out of the house to go see the roads with Valentin. It was crazy. You could see where tires and various other things had been burned, blocking the road, nearly every 100 meters down the road. Crowds of people congregated down the road, but Valentin wouldn't take me any farther. When we heard the string of gunshots, we decided we should head back toward the house. UN tanks and police rolled by toward the commotion. Kirstin was escorted home by police (Valentin has friends everywhere!) We came back home and even from here, we could hear more gunshots. Don't worry, though, we are safe! We sat outside in the dark for a long time, trying to conserve gas in the generator in case we really needed it.
Friday the boredom seriously settled in. I got in the shower that morning only to discover we were out of water. We're all going a little nuts. We watched a movie in the morning and then got out with Valentin to buy oil for the generator. The roads were covered in ash where the bulldozer had just spread it all across the roads. We saw burnt shells of cars on the side of the road. Even if it was a short excursion, at least we were out of the house for a few minutes. We got back and had no idea what to do to fill the time. Later that night, we watched "Cool Runnings." Then, we were entertained by the wonders of Haitian film making. Classic. When I walked into our room to go to bed, I saw a GIANT moth hanging out on the clock. Valentin was called to save the day. His first attempt to shoo the creature was a double clap...obviously wasn't effective. He left and returned with a giant machete which he used to coax the thing onto the wall and then proceed to flatten it, smearing it and gauging the concrete wall. A good laugh to end the day.
Today, Saturday, we'll sit inside again. I'm looking forward to going home on Wednesday. Warm showers, no mosquitoes, electricity, internet! Hopefully nothing happens with the flights. I'm expecting chaos at the airport since all of last weeks people will be trying to get out too.
That's all the news for now!
Despite the chaos outside our walls, Wednesday was a pretty fun day. Henry, Dessalines, Luke, Valentin, Corey, and I played small 2x2 games of soccer and we spent the rest of the day doing a puzzle.
Thursday, again trapped in the house. Corey and Luke headed to Santo Domingo so that he could fly out from there. Liz and I spent hours finishing the puzzle and Pastor Valentin tried to figure out how to get Kirstin home from Love a Child safely. The road was blockaded in many areas and even police were, supposedly, unable to pass. I was allowed a few minutes out of the house to go see the roads with Valentin. It was crazy. You could see where tires and various other things had been burned, blocking the road, nearly every 100 meters down the road. Crowds of people congregated down the road, but Valentin wouldn't take me any farther. When we heard the string of gunshots, we decided we should head back toward the house. UN tanks and police rolled by toward the commotion. Kirstin was escorted home by police (Valentin has friends everywhere!) We came back home and even from here, we could hear more gunshots. Don't worry, though, we are safe! We sat outside in the dark for a long time, trying to conserve gas in the generator in case we really needed it.
Friday the boredom seriously settled in. I got in the shower that morning only to discover we were out of water. We're all going a little nuts. We watched a movie in the morning and then got out with Valentin to buy oil for the generator. The roads were covered in ash where the bulldozer had just spread it all across the roads. We saw burnt shells of cars on the side of the road. Even if it was a short excursion, at least we were out of the house for a few minutes. We got back and had no idea what to do to fill the time. Later that night, we watched "Cool Runnings." Then, we were entertained by the wonders of Haitian film making. Classic. When I walked into our room to go to bed, I saw a GIANT moth hanging out on the clock. Valentin was called to save the day. His first attempt to shoo the creature was a double clap...obviously wasn't effective. He left and returned with a giant machete which he used to coax the thing onto the wall and then proceed to flatten it, smearing it and gauging the concrete wall. A good laugh to end the day.
Today, Saturday, we'll sit inside again. I'm looking forward to going home on Wednesday. Warm showers, no mosquitoes, electricity, internet! Hopefully nothing happens with the flights. I'm expecting chaos at the airport since all of last weeks people will be trying to get out too.
That's all the news for now!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday and Wednesday: December 6 and 7
I had under four hours of sleep when we left Santo Domingo at 5:30am Tuesday morning. The car battery overheated and smoke came out of the radio, Valentin was harassed by Dominican cops, and we had some trouble with customs at the border, but we made it home safely. Because the election results were scheduled to be announced at 2pm, we stayed home and I took a nap instead.
Last night it was announced that Celestin and Manigat will participate in a runoff election. There was a call for demonstrations and it was answered. This morning we went up to the roof and we could see black and white smoke in every direction we looked. People are burning tires on the roads and who knows what else. We have not left the house, so we are safe. Don't worry! Unfortunately, Betsy and Josh were supposed to fly in, but their flight was canceled. Corey, Luke's boss, is driving to Santo Domingo tomorrow to be able to fly out. Pretty crazy stuff happening here. But, this morning, we played 2x2 soccer within the gates of the house and have spent the rest of the day doing a puzzle. We're trying to finish it by candlelight tonight. All in all, it was a pretty fun day even though what is happening outside of our walls is far from it.
Last night it was announced that Celestin and Manigat will participate in a runoff election. There was a call for demonstrations and it was answered. This morning we went up to the roof and we could see black and white smoke in every direction we looked. People are burning tires on the roads and who knows what else. We have not left the house, so we are safe. Don't worry! Unfortunately, Betsy and Josh were supposed to fly in, but their flight was canceled. Corey, Luke's boss, is driving to Santo Domingo tomorrow to be able to fly out. Pretty crazy stuff happening here. But, this morning, we played 2x2 soccer within the gates of the house and have spent the rest of the day doing a puzzle. We're trying to finish it by candlelight tonight. All in all, it was a pretty fun day even though what is happening outside of our walls is far from it.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday: December 3
Today Valentin, Liz, and I drove about 7 hours to Santo Domingo. We have lots to do. Tomorrow is a full day of cooking for a postponed Thanksgiving Dinner. We also need to do some shopping for the house and stuff for school. And get the brakes on the truck fixed. Yikes. But...we have 24 hr. electricity for a couple days and fast internet!
I put some photos on my picassa page. Check it out.
Here's the link again:
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/RepublicaDominicana2010
I put some photos on my picassa page. Check it out.
Here's the link again:
http://picasaweb.google.com/107031682907817075033/RepublicaDominicana2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday's Classroom Quotes
Straly: (after I call a student by the wrong name)
"You shouldn't forget Nadia. She has an amputation."
Lyonel: (as I was trying to end a class early because Valentin didn't want to drive in the dark)
"The class is not satisfied. The time is small."
Liz: (I hear from a few rooms down: "Every thirty days, a woman...")
(Liz runs past classroom)
In car report- the student asked what sounded like "what is menstruate?"Liz attempts an explanation with hand motions then runs to Valentin to find out how to say the word in French. She runs back to her classroom to write it on the board and give a more thorough explanation. Class confused and taken aback. Student restates the question as asking for the pronunciation of "Main Street."
"You shouldn't forget Nadia. She has an amputation."
Lyonel: (as I was trying to end a class early because Valentin didn't want to drive in the dark)
"The class is not satisfied. The time is small."
Liz: (I hear from a few rooms down: "Every thirty days, a woman...")
(Liz runs past classroom)
In car report- the student asked what sounded like "what is menstruate?"Liz attempts an explanation with hand motions then runs to Valentin to find out how to say the word in French. She runs back to her classroom to write it on the board and give a more thorough explanation. Class confused and taken aback. Student restates the question as asking for the pronunciation of "Main Street."
Monday, November 29, 2010
Words of Reassurance
As you may know, Sunday was election day here in Haiti. I don't know the complete story, just bits and pieces, but many of the candidates are calling for any results to be voided and promoting demonstrations. Widespread fraud was suspected, etc., etc. With that, there is a lot happening here, especially in Port-au-Prince. Yes, we did come upon a roadblock of burning tires in Fond Parisien this morning, but everything is fine and we are safe.
I don't know what they are showing on the news, but I can assure you that it isn't as bad as whatever is being said.
We, here, are all safe and well.
I don't know what they are showing on the news, but I can assure you that it isn't as bad as whatever is being said.
We, here, are all safe and well.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Week 2: November 23-27
As the days lump together, so do my posts.
After hours and hours of grading, placing, creating excel spreadsheets, etc., Liz and I planned for our first day of class on Monday. But...in Haiti you have to expect the unexpected and I forgot that for a moment on the car ride there when I had a near panic attack. Almost everything seemed extraordinarily unorganized for being the first day of class and the stress got to me for a moment. That, along with the fact that we were nearly an hour late. But everything worked out well, considering. We got most people in the appropriate classes and accommodated time preferences as best we could (a week in and people still continue to come at varying times though.) I spent a few minutes trying to explain a few rules to each of the classes and then we planned to push our lesson to the next day.
Tuesday was the first official day of class. In the morning, we went out to deliver water purifying tabs to a community with a single water source and many cholera related deaths. We went around with a small group of guys working for Luke and the University of Chicago, which included my buddies Thomas and Lamy. Liz and I entertained ourselves for a good amount of time narrating a horse's thoughts. I was designated photographer of the mission so I did my best to keep up with the long-legged distributors. When we arrived at shool, I had my lesson plan to teach commands and identifying objects. I have students that don't speak a word of English and some who are able to ask me questions. My first class is very small (around 12,) the second around 15-20, and the third about 25. The last class, though crammed into the little room, is the most fun and the most eager to learn. One student told me that I shouldn't speak Creole at all in the class, so the class turned on him and told him he spoke too much English to be there. I was all too eager to send him to Liz's intermediate class. By the end of the class, my voice was squeaking and my hands raw from the chalk. We are in tiny classrooms with a cork-board like chalkboard, Peptobismal pink cement walls with holes for windows, shaky wooden benches for the students, and an unfinished rocky, dirt floor.
Wednesday morning Valentin wasn't able to pick us up for school, so Dessalines showed up with a Tap-Tap that took us in to camp. School was similar to the day before. We delivered our lessons plans and called it a day. By the end of those three hours, though, nou fatige. We picked up ice cream on our way home, so that made everything better. We still spend a couple hours on the roof every night. I'm not used to seeing so many stars. And I saw a meteor thing. It was awesome.
Thursday morning plans took a little longer than usual, so what was going to be lunch out turned into lunch from the side of the road in cardboard boxes with Tampico. Chicken, rice, and beans on Thanksgiving is another good alternative. We had to cut class a little short, which stressed me out, but things happen. One class is farther behind than my other two now, so I need to figure out how I am going to handle that. On the roof though, Liz and I saw 4 shooting stars combined, so that was cool. We're still working on identifying constellations.
Grading homework I see lots of basics like capitalization and periods missing that I need to work on. My first assignment was to write a conversation between two people. I got one back that was between me and the student where I asked for his name, he anwered with "did you forget me" and, obviously, I responded with "come in and kiss me." I wrote "Please be respectful" on the paper with my oh-so authoritative red pen.
On Friday, Wendy flew in. We were waiting for her for a couple hours at the airport, but we had a lot of fun trying to speak Creole with a policeman. The running joke here is that they are going to sell me for 1900 US dollars so that the house can have satellite. We got a picture of the transaction going down.
We got an internet stick at the house, but it is super slow. I have pictures, but I can't upload them from here. When I go home in December, I will be sure to add them.
After hours and hours of grading, placing, creating excel spreadsheets, etc., Liz and I planned for our first day of class on Monday. But...in Haiti you have to expect the unexpected and I forgot that for a moment on the car ride there when I had a near panic attack. Almost everything seemed extraordinarily unorganized for being the first day of class and the stress got to me for a moment. That, along with the fact that we were nearly an hour late. But everything worked out well, considering. We got most people in the appropriate classes and accommodated time preferences as best we could (a week in and people still continue to come at varying times though.) I spent a few minutes trying to explain a few rules to each of the classes and then we planned to push our lesson to the next day.
Tuesday was the first official day of class. In the morning, we went out to deliver water purifying tabs to a community with a single water source and many cholera related deaths. We went around with a small group of guys working for Luke and the University of Chicago, which included my buddies Thomas and Lamy. Liz and I entertained ourselves for a good amount of time narrating a horse's thoughts. I was designated photographer of the mission so I did my best to keep up with the long-legged distributors. When we arrived at shool, I had my lesson plan to teach commands and identifying objects. I have students that don't speak a word of English and some who are able to ask me questions. My first class is very small (around 12,) the second around 15-20, and the third about 25. The last class, though crammed into the little room, is the most fun and the most eager to learn. One student told me that I shouldn't speak Creole at all in the class, so the class turned on him and told him he spoke too much English to be there. I was all too eager to send him to Liz's intermediate class. By the end of the class, my voice was squeaking and my hands raw from the chalk. We are in tiny classrooms with a cork-board like chalkboard, Peptobismal pink cement walls with holes for windows, shaky wooden benches for the students, and an unfinished rocky, dirt floor.
Wednesday morning Valentin wasn't able to pick us up for school, so Dessalines showed up with a Tap-Tap that took us in to camp. School was similar to the day before. We delivered our lessons plans and called it a day. By the end of those three hours, though, nou fatige. We picked up ice cream on our way home, so that made everything better. We still spend a couple hours on the roof every night. I'm not used to seeing so many stars. And I saw a meteor thing. It was awesome.
Thursday morning plans took a little longer than usual, so what was going to be lunch out turned into lunch from the side of the road in cardboard boxes with Tampico. Chicken, rice, and beans on Thanksgiving is another good alternative. We had to cut class a little short, which stressed me out, but things happen. One class is farther behind than my other two now, so I need to figure out how I am going to handle that. On the roof though, Liz and I saw 4 shooting stars combined, so that was cool. We're still working on identifying constellations.
Grading homework I see lots of basics like capitalization and periods missing that I need to work on. My first assignment was to write a conversation between two people. I got one back that was between me and the student where I asked for his name, he anwered with "did you forget me" and, obviously, I responded with "come in and kiss me." I wrote "Please be respectful" on the paper with my oh-so authoritative red pen.
On Friday, Wendy flew in. We were waiting for her for a couple hours at the airport, but we had a lot of fun trying to speak Creole with a policeman. The running joke here is that they are going to sell me for 1900 US dollars so that the house can have satellite. We got a picture of the transaction going down.
We got an internet stick at the house, but it is super slow. I have pictures, but I can't upload them from here. When I go home in December, I will be sure to add them.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: November 15, 16, 17, 19
Oh where to begin.
This weekend Liz and I made up 4 versions of English placement tests for the language school at Camp Hope. Come to find out, they were probably too difficult. We had an interesting time trying to come up with culturally and situationally sensitive questions for the writing assessment portion.
MONDAY: NOVEMBER 15 (first day of language school)
Today, we went into Port-au-Prince to make copies of the tests. After waiting for a while, Liz and I went to market down the street and hung out in the air conditioning while Valentin did all the work. Here, the electricity is unpredictable, so it took longer than expected because the electricity went out and all the machines had to be restarted. Liz and I, however, had time to come up with many wise things to share about different foods and their packaging. To give you a taste (pun intended,) anything with body builders on it is good for you, but anything with chickens that look like drug dealers is not.
By the time we made it to Camp Hope, we were 45 minutes late for class. We separated all the students into different classrooms and handed out the exams. Liz and I kept watch over our pupils. It is very strange for me, especially, because I am supposed to be their teacher, but I am so much younger than almost all of them. We were able to pick out the troublemakers very quickly. After a few hours of testing, we were wiped out and hungry. We did, however, discover that the 75 students we thought we had had morphed into over 100. We also have no idea to go about teaching a beginner class with a book completely in English and without adequate Creole skills. Yikes! When we got back, we ate dinner and then fell asleep on the beds for a quick cat nap. It was an early night.
TUESDAY: NOVEMBER 16
Today, we woke up early to the live chickens in the backyard being made into lunch...they didn’t sound happy. The mosquitoes must have mated and multiplied during the night too, because the air was thick with them. I got bit on the butt a couple times at some point…just lovely! Liz and I spent the morning grading tests and in near tears every time we came across one with an actual answer on the writing assessment portion. Letters written to family and friends, words of hope for a job to be able to help their families….
I rode Kellcy’s bike around the house which, to say the least, is a little too small for me. But it made for a pretty funny camera video. The car broke down, so Valentin wasn’t able to take us to Camp Hope. So, Liz, Dessalines, and I took a Tap-Tap. That was quite the experience. Both the dust caked to my face and upper body and the feeling of a prolonged near death experience make for a good time. We did make it to Camp, however, but 45 minutes late again. Today, we did “oral exams.” We took one student at a time and asked them a few questions. Almost all of my students spoke basically no English at all, so it was very quick. A couple did okay and a couple were very proficient. When I asked one guy to explain what was in the room, he said “Well, there is a blackboard. It’s not really a blackboard, more like cement…..” Ok, you speak English. This went on for about 45 students each.
And I saw Thomas, Serge, Ritha, and Lamy today. Yes mom, Thomas asked about how you were doing.
Liz and I hung out on the roof for a little while. It is gorgeous up there at night. I gazed at the stars for a little while and then brought up my iPod and we danced like goofballs. We’re trying to come up with a way to string a sheet so we can project movies up there.
As I write, Stellcy is roaming around our room cracking up at her self in the mirror and walking around removing various items of clothing as she gets hot. I wish it was still socially acceptable for me to do that, since I am so temperature challenged!
WEDNESDAY: NOVEMBER 17
Today we woke up really late, had our usual carbo loaded breakfast, and got to work inputting results of the written and oral English tests into excel. There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered about how we are going to organize the classes and execute the lessons.
It took me around an hour and a half to do my laundry by hand today. Three buckets: wash, rinse, fabric softener. My hands were so cramped up by the end. Then the line was too high for me to reach to hang my clothes so it took me, Dessalines, and Marceline to complete the job. Come to find out, my hand washing skills aren't up to par...I need lessons.
When Liz and I tried to take a quick walk down the road by ourselves, Dessalines came running up to us after about 20 paces. We weren’t scared until he startled us. So, apparently unsupervised walking is a no-no...unsupervised anything for that matter.
A “One Love” each on the roof and some fuzzy cell phone radio tunes and it was time to call it a night. Apparently, the sun here didn’t get the memo on when to rise and set. Up at 5:00am and down at 4:30-5:00pm. It makes the night hours pass a whole lot slower.
FRIDAY: NOVEMBER 19
We spent the morning in Petion-ville trying to find a way to get internet here, but that didn't work out too well. Super expensive. So for now we will be getting online only when we can make it to the internet cafe.
I don’t usually say this kind of cheesy thing, so I think that I’ll take this opportunity to do so. When I was in the Dominican Republic, Julian said something to me that really made me think. He asked how I could be friends with Fernelis, who speaks only Spanish. He said: “you do not even understand each other. You do not speak the same language.” And then I came to Haiti, and I am living with and among more people with whom I cannot really communicate in the normal, easy way. For example, Stellcy and I are buddies and I cannot figure out a word that comes out of her mouth. But then I realized that this is the beauty of it all. Human connection doesn’t require verbal comprehension. Friends don’t require words to form bonds. We have the capacity to understand, to love one another with no more than a friendly demeanor, a smile, and a little effort. It really is an interesting and amazing thing to consider.
Until next time...<3>
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