I guess I will be the first to admit that I haven't done my job in keeping this blog up-to-date this year. With electricity and internet issues at the beginning of the year, it was quite difficult to check my e-mail, let alone, keep up with this thing! But I guess I have realized a different reason for my lack of storytelling, as of late. Things that I would have posted about as odd or strange, now seem normal to me. The craziness of days without electricity, riding a moped as my #1 form of transportation with a haitian driver telling me loves me (and sometimes proposing marriage), jumping over sewage, dodging a donkey on the way to school, and being harassed for candy by the cutest little boy in the world, bendjy, are all common every day activities that I have forgotten aren't part of the "normal" life I used to live.
Gone are the days of driving my car to the Target to run some errands, fast food (actually fast anything), smooth paved roads, and hours of endless entertainment on YouTube. No more ice cream, reliable postal systems, blending in with the crowd (can you imagine this white girl trying to blend in among a crowd of haitians??!!), or Qdoba.
And I couldn't be happier :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Longing for home...
I felt many emotions last year, my first year in Haiti, that I expected to feel and many that I DIDN'T expect. This year, however, I have felt completely at home. I love living here, I love working here, I love BEING here. I really feel at home.
Until today.
My brother and his wife had their first baby today. My first nephew was born today. And here I am, stuck across the ocean and not able to see this sweet little baby. Today, for the first time in Haiti, I am a little homesick.
Don't get me wrong, I am still glad to be here. I can't imagine being anywhere else. I just didn't think missing out on this day would be quite so hard. Only 33 more days until I can squeeze on that little fella, and you better believe I will be counting down!
Until today.
My brother and his wife had their first baby today. My first nephew was born today. And here I am, stuck across the ocean and not able to see this sweet little baby. Today, for the first time in Haiti, I am a little homesick.
Don't get me wrong, I am still glad to be here. I can't imagine being anywhere else. I just didn't think missing out on this day would be quite so hard. Only 33 more days until I can squeeze on that little fella, and you better believe I will be counting down!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
If it isn't one thing...
..it's another. seriously.
our recent news came monday at about 1:55 p.m. sonlight is the only school in pdp that is in session right now. all the other schools are postponed until october 6 because of the "economy" with food prices soaring, etc. well, today the minister of education decided to come to sonlight and talk to carmen. he gave her the speech about the financial situation of the people and she said, "well, all of our students are being paid for, so it's fine." then, he said that wasn't really the reason, he was there because of all the hurricanes. so carmen said "well, all of our students are able to come to school...it didn't really affect them." and then he went into all these other reasons and excuses. basically, he was just mad that we were having school and we weren't doing what they wanted.
so, now, instead of having school everyday, we are having "tutoring" from 8-12. we will be tutoring ALL of our students in reading, math, spelling, etc. and be "testing and quizzing their knowledge." the students don't have to wear their uniforms because we aren't really "in school." so for the next 3 weeks, we will be out at noon.
seriously, where else but haiti would the minister of education tell you that the kids CAN'T come to school??? geez!!!
all i can say is that is completely obvious that good things are happening here in pdp or satan wouldn't be working so hard. keep praying for us.
our recent news came monday at about 1:55 p.m. sonlight is the only school in pdp that is in session right now. all the other schools are postponed until october 6 because of the "economy" with food prices soaring, etc. well, today the minister of education decided to come to sonlight and talk to carmen. he gave her the speech about the financial situation of the people and she said, "well, all of our students are being paid for, so it's fine." then, he said that wasn't really the reason, he was there because of all the hurricanes. so carmen said "well, all of our students are able to come to school...it didn't really affect them." and then he went into all these other reasons and excuses. basically, he was just mad that we were having school and we weren't doing what they wanted.
so, now, instead of having school everyday, we are having "tutoring" from 8-12. we will be tutoring ALL of our students in reading, math, spelling, etc. and be "testing and quizzing their knowledge." the students don't have to wear their uniforms because we aren't really "in school." so for the next 3 weeks, we will be out at noon.
seriously, where else but haiti would the minister of education tell you that the kids CAN'T come to school??? geez!!!
all i can say is that is completely obvious that good things are happening here in pdp or satan wouldn't be working so hard. keep praying for us.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hurricane Madness!
So, I have been told that I should post on here saying that Hurricane Gustav didn't wash us away! Although, it didn't really occur to me to do this because, in Port-de-Paix, we didn't even get any rain because of the storm. Hurricane Hanna is up a little north of us (or she was) and she will miss Port-de-Paix also.
Things are good. Internet bandwidth is more limited than usual and we are continuing to pray that our generator (which was on the fritz) continues to keep kicking, but despite these things, I am so glad to be back. I've seen several of our sweet little kids and given out more hugs than I can count.
The living situation in our house is better than I thought it would be. After some complications with housing, Carmen had no choice but to move two boys into the downstairs part of our house (Emily and I live in the upstairs). I was a little concerned what kind of message this was sending to the community, 2 single girls living with 2 single guys, but we are taking extra precautions to make it appear that we have divided the house into two separate apartments and we don't live "together." We share the kitchen with the boys, but we have also shared a lot of laughs...We've laughed at each other (maybe I should say WITH each other!!), at the things that happen in Haiti, and at the horrible smell that is outside the kitchen window (don't worry, I won't go into detail about that awful stench!).
Since being back, I have also been hit with what I like to all "The Haitian Sensation." Getting my body back on track with the food and schedule here is always fun!(*I don't want to go into gross details, but for those of you who know Ashley, and know her well, will understand when I say that I joined her club this past weekend. blah!)
School starts tomorrow, so I am sure I will have many, many stories in the next few days! Stay tuned...
Things are good. Internet bandwidth is more limited than usual and we are continuing to pray that our generator (which was on the fritz) continues to keep kicking, but despite these things, I am so glad to be back. I've seen several of our sweet little kids and given out more hugs than I can count.
The living situation in our house is better than I thought it would be. After some complications with housing, Carmen had no choice but to move two boys into the downstairs part of our house (Emily and I live in the upstairs). I was a little concerned what kind of message this was sending to the community, 2 single girls living with 2 single guys, but we are taking extra precautions to make it appear that we have divided the house into two separate apartments and we don't live "together." We share the kitchen with the boys, but we have also shared a lot of laughs...We've laughed at each other (maybe I should say WITH each other!!), at the things that happen in Haiti, and at the horrible smell that is outside the kitchen window (don't worry, I won't go into detail about that awful stench!).
Since being back, I have also been hit with what I like to all "The Haitian Sensation." Getting my body back on track with the food and schedule here is always fun!(*I don't want to go into gross details, but for those of you who know Ashley, and know her well, will understand when I say that I joined her club this past weekend. blah!)
School starts tomorrow, so I am sure I will have many, many stories in the next few days! Stay tuned...
Monday, August 25, 2008
Wish List
Several people asked me to make a "wish list" of things my students need and things I need in my classroom. I told them I would post it on here for them to see.
Play-doh
Stickers, Stickers, Stickers!!!!
Uniforms (White Shirts and Navy Skirts/Jumpers/Shorts/Pants)
Children's books
Creamy Peanut Butter (for their snack at school)
Disney/Children's Movies on DVD (you can check with me if you have a specific movie in mind)
Expo Original Dry Erase Markers (NOT Expo 2 or Expo Low Odor)
Any other school supplies can always be used
If you are interested in sending anything, you can send it to the address below. Please place all items in ziploc bags or plastic sacks, in case another box leaks into your box. That way your items won't get ruined.
Lady Lotmore
Alexander/Cady Calvert
3163 NW South River Drive
Miami, FL 33142
Play-doh
Stickers, Stickers, Stickers!!!!
Uniforms (White Shirts and Navy Skirts/Jumpers/Shorts/Pants)
Children's books
Creamy Peanut Butter (for their snack at school)
Disney/Children's Movies on DVD (you can check with me if you have a specific movie in mind)
Expo Original Dry Erase Markers (NOT Expo 2 or Expo Low Odor)
Any other school supplies can always be used
If you are interested in sending anything, you can send it to the address below. Please place all items in ziploc bags or plastic sacks, in case another box leaks into your box. That way your items won't get ruined.
Lady Lotmore
Alexander/Cady Calvert
3163 NW South River Drive
Miami, FL 33142
Saturday, August 23, 2008
home sweet home
just wanted to let everyone know that i am back in haiti. i really feel like i am at home this year, since i know the neighborhood and the people...and the crazy kids across the street who are constantly asking the white girl for candy.
our internet is extremely limited right now, but as soon as i can, i will give a better update.
our internet is extremely limited right now, but as soon as i can, i will give a better update.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Video about Sonlight
i found this video on youtube today when i was actually looking for something else! it was so funny to stumble upon it! it was made by a visitor from colorado that is friends with brice and amanda.
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