Be in the present

Wednesday on the airplane from Miami to Port-au-Prince

Kelly and I returned from Haiti Sunday night. We were only in the country for 5 short days, but I felt like I've been gone for weeks. Haiti is a powerful place to be.

It was Kelly's first experience with Haiti, and I think it is going to stick with him for a lifetime.

We arrived Wednesday afternoon and left on Sunday morning. Here is a brief overview of our days.

Wednesday:
*We flew into Port-au-Prince (above picture in the airplane)
*We were picked up by Charles and drove the scenic, unique route to Leogane.
*We saw friends at the house and ate Legumes for dinner!

Thursday:
*Kelly ate his first Haitian breakfast; he said he loved the Haitian oatmeal!
*We walked around Leogane, visiting Ma Petite Ecole, the market, Funny Summer, the soccer field at Kay Frere, and other key spots.
*We met with lots of people, kids, and families.
*We, of course, played soccer.

Friday:
*Kelly, Makendy, Kinston, Lovelie and I went to Destra on two little motos.
*We saw lots of kids and families that I spent time with (Mama Emilio, Makendy's family...)
*We swam in the ocean, played soccer, and Kelly climbed his first coconut tree!
*Kelly got his first chance on the Haitian radio station! We were on Darly's show. : )
*At night, Kelly, Makendy, Kinston, Mr X, Darly, Lovelie, and I went to a dance club (porch) and danced to cha-cha, kompa, and Haitian rap music

Little girl in Destra

Saturday:
*Kelly, Makendy, Kinston, Lovelie, Emilio, Nanson, and I went to Jacmel in one of Kinston's friend's cars. It was quite the ride. The route was "like a serpent," Makendy said.
*Lovelie got sick on the car ride, puked mango all over me, and went by the name "Mademoiselle Vomiee" the rest of the day. Poor girl.
*We had lunch at a cafe on the ocean in Jacmel.
*We went to the beach, saw the UN, and enjoyed goat kabobs
*Wisly, Kinston, Makendy, Lovelie, Kelly, and I enjoyed nice guitar music and singing until late into the night.

Street in Jacmel, Haiti

Sunday:
*We left for the airport with Emilio, Nicolas, and Makendy.

Lyrics I'm Humming:

Ayti Cheri as sung by Kinston, Makendy, and Wisly

Restless sleep

Good morning!

Kelly and I are heading out the door for the airport.

I woke up every 30 minutes or so...I didn't want to miss my 6:00am alarm!

Have a beautiful day!

Lyrics I'm Humming:

Bebo Norman's Step Into the Sun (not sure if this is the title)

M'ap Vini

Kelly and I leave tomorrow for Haiti! I am SO excited! My students brought in toys, books, clothes, and stuffed animals for the kids in Haiti. I was so proud of them. They are such wonderful students. I am so happy to be their teacher.

Please have me and Kelly in your thoughts from 12:00pm - 4:00pm as we will be traveling from the airport to Leogane.

I've been practicing my Kreyol and am looking forward to seeing how conversational I will be! I am most looking forward to...

*seeing the conch shells on the beach
*riding a moto
*seeing Makendy and Kinston
*playing soccer with the kids at the school I taught at!
*playing soccer in Destra
*singing and dancing to music at night with Emilio and his wife
*eating mambaa (Haitian peanut butter)
*drinking Haitian coffee with sugar cane
*walking through the market seeing the chickens, goats, and interesting animals!
*visiting Monsieur Duroiseau, the doctor next door

So, Haiti, m'ap vini! (I'm coming!)

Lyrics I'm Humming:

Kote Ti Talona

Beeautiful

Today in class we watched Akeelah and the Bee.

I'm starting a Spelling Bee at my school, so my class watched the movie as a motivator to get involved with the school bee.

My students watched the movie and wrote down every spelling word they heard. Some of my students ended the movie with 100 words written down! Oh my goodness.

I am SO proud of my students. While watching the movie, I got kind of teary eyed while thinking about the potential all of my students carry. Akeelah's story is their story. Akeelah's story could be their story.

I am excited for our school's bee. I think it will be a great way to promote academic excellence in the school. I also think it will be great to have a representative from my school at the district/county bee! I am proud of my students and want them to shine everywhere they can!

Lyrics I'm Humming

I Know I Can...Be What I Wanna Be

Viv Glorya Viv

Alicia and I went to Prince of Peace, a Haitian Mennonite Church, this morning. It reminded me so much of Haiti.

Kelly (my little brother) and I are leaving for Haiti this Wednesday. We're going to be there until Sunday...I wish it was longer. I am SO looking forward to seeing my beautiful friends down there!

Tonight I talked with Makendy and John on the phone. Makendy has learned so much English. I am so proud of him! It was so great talking with them. They are excited to see me.

I am especially excited to show Kelly Haiti. However, I am trying not to put much pressure on myself to show him the Haiti I love. I just want him to experience Haiti for what it is. I want him to come up with his own thoughts and views of the people and the country. I do worry that 5 days is too short of a time to understand a people, but I think it will give him a glimpse.

So, Haiti. I am close! Two more days!!!!! : )

Viv!

Lyrics I'm Humming:

India Arie's Strength, Courage, Wisdom