Teaching, Learning and Losing Control

About two weeks ago I was asked if I could teach a few of the younger kids some basic English. I tried and tried to say that I was not a teacher, but since I have not been able to do a lot of work on the guesthouse project I figured it would give me something to do. Plus I love being with the kids so it should be no big deal right! I accepted, I planned and said I would teach the class in two Thursdays. After consulting with a few teacher friends and the promise of speaking with a Professor at Penn State (thanks Steve!) I had my lesson plan ready.

I thought it was great! I introduced myself, repeated it creole. I shared class rules, repeated it in creole. I went around the room and had them introduce themselves. Then I said I was going to teach the alphabet...start at the very beginning right. Well guess what, they already know the alphabet, the alphabet song and how to write the alphabet...such scholars these kids are! So I just moved onto games, what can be more fun than games? We played three rounds of an alphabet writing relay game. It was Team Justin Bieber against Team Beyonce! Each team won once and then they tied. I even mixed up the game and they wrote the alphabet backwards. I think they had a good time, the game had them clamoring to come up to the board and finish quickly. All kids like to win!

Next week I am teaching words that begin with A, B, and C and some common introductions. I have to find some fun games to make sure I am considered the most fun teacher on campus!

These kids and the school are really what's getting me through the days here. They are innocent, sweet and loving. They play hard and want to learn. They relied on my to be in control of the class and teach them.

Sometimes I am very homesick and lonely. I miss being social! California Pizza Kitchen, road-trips, hanging out with a friend to have a glass of wine, sitting on the couch on a Sunday afternoon watching TV with someone special just relaxing. Some of the things I miss are simple like seeing someone's smile. Some things are more complex like worshiping in my home church where I see familiar faces every Sunday and Tuesday nights.

I got an email from a friend (which I was so glad to hear from) today who has been kind of down, she asked if I would pray for her so that she would know God was ALWAYS in control. I think we all need that prayer! She is going through this rough patch so that she can give everything to God and he can calm her heart. I am in Haiti because God has control of my life. I let him know "Hey, you got me, you know what you are doing!" But, man, sometimes when I am lonely or miss home it's hard to remember that I need to be just like the kids in my class: hard-workers, loving, faithful, and willing to be taught and led!

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. 

I will advise you and watch over you."

Psalm 32:8