Tuesday, 1/29/13

Today was a typical day in Haiti-with readjusting and more readjusting of our plans but finally being able to enjoy our work. We taught our preschool lessons yesterday and today we were blessed to have a translator. The preschoolers are gradually learning their colors (in English) this week with our team through a variety of activities. This is a pilot program of teaching English that is hoped to be expanded in the future. My favorite part of going into each class (especially after recess) is seeing how many kids are asleep in each class-today's record was seven! 

The eye glass team distributed 150 eyeglasses at the clinic in La Croix. Additionally the medical and construction repair team went off to La Coupe to see children with medical needs and repair solar panels.

medical team tending to the needs of a newborn

After school let out we got to teach the English club. Eleven of us each took a small group and prompted them with questions that they could answer in full sentences about their family and school. My group had 9 older boys and two young girls, and the girls were thoroughly timid and scared to make a mistake. Instead of mocking the girls, the boys helped the girls come up with the words they needed to complete their sentences. This all reminded me of the great sense of community here. 

Elsie working with eager students in the English club

After all of the kids went home except for the ones who lived up the road, we taught the girls (and kitchen staff) the Cupid shuffle. Doing this in the courtyard, we were watched by many from the balcony and the area was filled with laughter.  

hanging out with friends in the courtyard before dinner

Tomorrow 95% of the team is heading to the village of Paul to do medical work and teach. I'm excited to not only get off the compound but to work with a new set of students.