Thoughts on the Summer

I could write for ages about Haiti and how much I enjoyed it and learned. This will be my last blog post about my trip, but of course if anyone has questions or wants to chat about it, you are welcome to email me at: shelbytaylorrudy@gmail.com. I want to thank everyone once again for your consistent prayer and support leading into this trip and throughout the summer. I could not have done it without all of you, and you are very appreciated.

At the beginning of English Camp, like I wrote about a little before, I was helping out wherever I was needed. Working in the kitchen, running around and handing out coloring pages, and getting daily counts were all entailed in that. Although I knew I wanted to interact more with the kids, I really enjoyed working in the kitchen as well. But the second week of camp, my routine was changed as I was placed to teach younger Science (5-9 year olds). I was incredibly nervous at first. Science was never my strongest class, public speaking has never been something I am comfortable with, I have never taught a class (not to mention forty young children), and the kids do not even speak my language. I was confronted with the fear of failure, although I complied without a complaint. Coming into English camp I had the mindset that whatever job I was placed in I would serve to the best of my ability and if it turned out it was a poor fit, then we would readjust. I was able to get advice from people who had taught the few weeks before and the older Science teacher and I would often collaborate and talk out our lessons. The first few days were kind of shaky, but by the end of the summer I found I really enjoyed it.

Aside from being nervous about teaching, the summer had its other challenges. Throughout the summer I had three different translators, all varying in knowledge of the English language and in enthusiasm. I ended up getting into a rhythm with each of them, but the inconsistency proved to be challenging at the beginning. Each class had around 40 kids in it and that combined with being in a third world country led way to the challenge of doing experiments. I was not always able to do an experiment because either I did not have the supplies or the kids just would not understand. I did them when I could, and we were able to do some fun ones like testing the five senses, creating a raincloud in a jar, making ecosystems, creating the water cycle, and demonstrating digestion with crackers and water.

I enjoyed working with the kids much more than I thought I would. Seeing them explore their curiosity by asking questions and being intrigued by experiments was a really cool part of teaching them. Also just seeing them remember me, want to participate in class, and seeing them laugh and have fun was a great encouragement to me. I loved greeting them with a kiss in the morning and playing with them after camp.

Three weeks later, though, what is still impactful to me? Upon reflection, what do I hope to take with me? I expected to be confronted with poverty and to feel very materialistic, which to an extent I did. But maybe because I was expecting it, it did not hit me as hard as I thought it would. I was challenged to be more thoughtful with where I spend my money and less wasteful with water and food and such, but also coming to the realization that me cutting something out of my life does not necessarily mean that I am helping someone else. Rather, I was encouraged to carefully think about how I can help and how it will actually be helpful in the long term. Before I left for Haiti, I read a small part of When Helping Hurts, which I know has mixed reviews, but there were some really solid points that I took to heart. I think taking tidbits from that book, combined with the knowledge that I will not be changing a country in 9 weeks, helped my heart from being shattered by the things I saw.

Something I did not expect, but was confronted with, was how much these kids needed love. Of course I know that every child needs love and that is a huge part of children’s ministries in the States, but in Haiti it just hit me so much harder than it ever has here. To think that from infancy some kids have not had the love and devotion we often take for granted blew me away. So it was a joy to just love the kids, even if they were clinging onto you or acting out to get attention, to let them know that they were loved and treasured was a huge part of our ministry there.

Along with working with the kids, there was a great team of interns there. We had so much fun and worked really well together. Each one of us brought something unique to the camp and it was cool to see God work in each of us. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Thank you all for sharing in this journey with me and for your encouragement and prayers along the way! It was such an adventure and I am so glad I had the opportunity to go. For those of you who are wondering, I have moved to the Oregon Coast to work, which starts next week. I am excited for this new adventure and would appreciate your continued prayers as I begin training and learning lots for this new job. Thank you all again, I am excited to see what God does!
PS-Pictures are coming soon, I promise!

A Day in English Camp

     The Tlucek family have been serving in Haiti for 10 years and it has been a wonderful privilege to be a part of their ministry. During the school year they run a preschool and an after school program, and during the summer they host English Camp. This has been a part of their ministry for at least 7 years and from what I have heard it has grown a lot. After the many years of directing and hosting English Camp, the Tluceks have made it a well oiled machine. A lot of work happens in many different places and we all work hard so that everything can run smoothly. Along with the people working together, all the supplies have to come together. Things are not as easy to get or as cheap as in the States, so a lot of prayer goes into everything getting here. Sometimes it is just a matter of having bread for sandwiches, or bananas for breakfast. Other times it is praying someone from the States will come and bring supplies for all the backpacks we give to the kids, or even the backpacks themselves. We completed English Camp by being flexible on what we could be, and God answering our prayers.
      A day of English Camp starts for the employees at 7 am. We gather around the pool to hear a Haitian hymn that the employees sing, have devotions, pray, and discuss what needs to be done. There are probably around 50 of us gathered each morning. Then I would always head to the kitchen to help peel boiled eggs or cut bananas, while others would set up tables and sweep. Usually around 10 of us were in the kitchen so we could get all 300-400 peeled and cut within 30 ish minutes. Then at 8 they would open the gate for the kids to come in. From 8-8:55 they hand out (ideally) a banana, an egg, and a bag of water to each child. This time I was either outside greeting kids or handing out food, or preparing things I needed for my lesson that day. After the kids get their food, they sit down with their group around the pool, which is marked by tape on the ground. Their group leader will then put their name tag on their back (so they do not pick at it) and they will eat their breakfast.
     After breakfast is done and all the trash is picked up, assembly starts at 9. It begins with calisthenics, which are just stretches and movements to get blood flowing, singing, both in English and Creole, and a Bible story, which the staff helps act out. At 9:45 they head to their first class which is a rotation of English, Bible, PE, and Science. Each class is 40 minutes. They have two classes in the morning, a break for lunch and activity time, and two classes in the afternoon, ending with a final assembly and dismissal at 2 pm. All the kids go into the carport and wait either for their parents or a younger sibling so they can go home. During this time the employees get to hang out with the kids. At around 2:30 the employees have a meeting to go over how we did that day and what we could do better. We pray and that wraps up a day of camp.
     On Fridays we have what is called Friday Funday. It is a normal rotation of classes but instead of class there are different games at each station. So for the Science classes which are outside there are running games like soccer or tag. In the Bible classes they have Bible trivia reviewing the week. At the PE classes it was either water games or dancing. And in the English classrooms which are more contained, there were games like heads up 7-up, tick tock, and poison dart frog. At each station there is a teacher leading it.
     Throughout the week, the kids are competing for a pool party on Friday. The way they win is by getting points which are rewarded by group leaders, teachers, and Andrew Tlucek. They got points for good behavior, participation, and obeying. After the camp day on Friday, the winning team will have their pool party complete with hot dogs and koolaid.
     The kids are split into two main groups: older and younger. From there they are split by specific age and gender. The groups are:
Orange- 5-7 boys               Yellow- 5-7 girls
Green- 8-9 boys                 Pink- 8-9 girls
Blue- 10-12 boys               Purple- 10-12 girls
Guitar- 13-14 boys          Rainbow- 13-14 girls

      Each group has a group leader and a handful of junior counselors to help. Yellow group only had one junior counselor this year, whereas green had four. So it varies based on who the group leader is and the age group of the kids. Along with this, there are translators for all the American teachers. We all work together to help teach the kids and help them behave.
      Every day is full and feels long, but at the end of the week it feels like it flew by. I cannot believe how quickly 6 weeks went by, and yet it feels like I have been here a long time . Thank you everyone for your continued prayer and support. I look forward to seeing many of you soon!

Haiti from a Foreigner's Eyes

     I want to start by apologizing for not posting more often. To say that it has been a busy five weeks is an understatement. This blog will be in many parts, so please bear with me. I want to paint a mental picture of what the city of Port-Au-Prince looks like, what a day of English Camp entails, and talk about my experience. But to include all that in one post would be a small book so I am going to split it up.
      Haiti is extremely different than America, which is of course common knowledge. But one does not really realize just how different they are until it becomes your reality. First of all, in the city many things are in a compound. Cement walls often lined with barbed wire or broken glass, completed with a large metal gate greet you pretty much everywhere you go. The distinct pang of someone knocking on the metal with a stone is a sound I have become familiar with. There is not much grass, it is mostly rocks, dirt, trash, and trees.    
      The streets are busy and traffic laws are non existent. If someone is going slower than you, simply pass them, who cares what the yellow lines say. Intersections? Just keep going and pray for the best. Motorcycles are weaving in and out of traffic, people are walking in between cars, and tap taps are stopping on the side of the road. The only reason the vehicle stops moving is because of traffic, not because of stop signs or lights. Tap taps are kind of like a bus, except it is just in the back of a truck. A person will flag the driver down and hop in. Their siding is metal painted in bright colors often with people painted on the side, common ones are Rihanna, Jesus, and Legolas. Also phrases like “merci Jesus”, “maranatha”, or different Bible verse references are common.
      You pull on to the main road and see people just walking on the side of the road, often carrying large things on their head. There are sidewalks but many of them are populated by street vendors. What they sell is various, like food, clothing, and hygiene products. They are usually under sheets of metal or umbrellas to keep them from the sun. Buying things from street venders includes bartering which I am not good at. The places we have gone that have street vendors start off expensive and you have to be insistent on your price. It is not a talent I have possessed. Luckily, there are people here who are good at that to help me.
       Along with the many people are skinny little dogs and goats, which are scrounging around the trash for food. The buildings that are not in compounds are generally colorful cement and different businesses like pharmacies and barbers. The streets have trash in the gutters and occasionally you will see a large trash pile by the road. Much of the trash here is burned because there is nowhere else really to put it.
       Going outside of the compound is one of my favorite things. Even though we get stared at because we are white, I really enjoy being able to see the culture. I have not been incredibly immersed in the culture because I am living with Americans, but a few things have been different. Firstly, there is no privacy. Kids change for water games right where they are. People just pee on the side of the road. Also their way of greeting is different. Instead of “hello” you say “good morning” or “good afternoon”. Every morning as kids walk in we get kisses on our cheeks, which I really appreciate because it is really sweet.
       I am sure there much more to paint for this picture, but I hope that helps a bit to have an image. It really is a lot different, though personally I did not experience a huge culture shock. I believe having friends come before me and seeing pictures helped me prepare mentally.
      As always thank you all for your prayers and support. I cannot say how much I appreciate you all.

Life in Haiti

        Greetings from the Caribbean! It has been a fast two weeks being here in Haiti, but it has been such an adventure. My first few days here were pretty low key. I was the first of the interns to arrive so I got to meet everyone as they trickled in that weekend. Going from a house of two to a house of at least 20 has been a bit of a stretch, by it is also very enjoyable. It reminds me a bit of the Weasley home, to fans of Harry Potter. There are 11 interns here for the whole summer, 4 of whom are staying here after the summer as well.
        The first week was mostly spent writing curriculum for the different classes which are: Bible, Physical Education, English, and Science. There are separate curriculums for the younger and older age groups. The theme of camp this year is the “I AM” statements of Jesus in John, and we are trying to incorporate that into every class. Another intern and myself wrote the Bible curriculum which includes a story every day  emphasizing the “I AM” statement of the week, questions, and a memory verse both in English and Creole.
        The second week was what we called “pre-week”. It was a chance for potential junior counselors (kids over 15 who help in English camp) and translators to experience camp, as well as an opportunity for us to try different things like teach and follow a group around. It was much like camp will be just on a much smaller scale, with 100 people vs 400. I worked in the kitchen a couple of days, helping prepare sandwiches and fruit for lunch, as well as peeling many eggs for breakfast. Other days I followed a group around and observed teaching. I am really looking forward to being able to work with the kids and be able to share Jesus with them. Along with that I am also a bit anxious about the language barrier. I have learned a few words but nothing I could hold a conversation with. But I am excited to see what God does!
        Camp started Monday and has been going well. We start off around the pool where the kids eat breakfast (eggs and bananas usually). At 9 we have assembly where we do kinesthetics, sing, read the Bible verse, and hear/act out the Bible story. After that they all go to their separate classes. I have been working wherever I'm needed, which has included getting attendance, helping in the kitchen, and handing out lunch.
        It has not been all work here in the Tlucek house. There have been fun team bonding moments like human knot in the pool for two hours (though the “fun” part of that ended an hour in), sharing of testimonies, and watching The Office. I have also had the opportunity to play with the very talented Tlucek kids during worship, which I have really enjoyed. Sunday we went to the beach and oh my goodness it was beautiful. Some of us got to ride in the back of the truck while we drove the two hours there, listening to music and looking at Haiti. It is really beautiful in the country with the mountains and the sea.
        It is very warm here, much more than I am used to. But cold water and the pool have been huge blessings. The culture shock has not been too drastic, even though it is very different. It is much more simplistic in some senses, although many “simple” things are different here like washing hands and preparing food. I have only gotten sunburned twice (so far). My main discomfort is mosquito bites. They are very drawn to me and I have a hard time not scratching them. Many are healing now though so that is good news.
        Thank you all for your prayers and continued support. I appreciate all of you for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve!

I'm Going on an Adventure!

After a couple of months of preparation, many prayers, and so much support, I am about to leave on my next adventure! This Saturday I leave for Haiti. Time has flown by since school ended; a couple of weeks spent in Cannon Beach, and my past few weeks spent in Wisconsin. I had the joy of working at the Conference Center for two weeks before going home. Meeting some of the summer staff workers was such a privilege and I am excited for their summer. Even though it was just a couple of weeks with them, getting to talk to them and learn about them was really great. Not to mention all the great times spent with old friends. Being in Wisconsin has been full of preparations and seeing friends. Preparations entailed doctor visits, eye appointments, vaccinations, and A LOT of shopping.

My mind does not even know where to begin in processing. In just a few months an idea became a reality. And what has happened in between has totally been from God. Even in applying, I was unsure what would happen. I told myself that if I got accepted I would go, provided the funds came in. About a week after applying I got a call saying they would like me on their team for the summer to serve. There was a celebration of donuts that day. Soon after, I sent out support letters, praying the funds would come in. What seemed a daunting $2500 to me, I was unsure the support would come. But God has been gracious and I have reached my goal and have all of my expenses paid for. Even more than the financial support has been the astounding prayer support. I have gotten emails, letters, and verbally been told that people are praying for me. Some I barely know, some very close to me. I am overwhelmed by the support that everyone has given me and I am incredibly grateful.

And so now I sit in my room with all of my belongings for two months lying out, ready to be packed. I have many thoughts rushing through my head and along with those, many fears. I have never flown out of the country before, let alone out of the country by myself. I have never been in an environment where the people around me do not speak my language. I have never done work like this, and with unknowns come fear. I do not know what to expect and because of that I am afraid.

Along with those fears, however, is excitement. I am excited to meet the people I will be serving with for these two months- the Tlucek family and the other volunteers. I am excited to meet all of the children who will come. I am excited to see and experience a culture so drastically different than my own. I am excited to serve in a way new to me, and to see God work through all of us. I am excited to grow and to be changed.

Finally, I want to say thank you. Thank you to those who generously gave so that I can go. Thank you to those who continually pray for me and for this trip. Thank you to my mother who has been a huge help in preparing. Thank you to my friends who have answered my questions, discussed with me what their experiences were like, and have encouraged me that this is where God wants me this summer. And thank you for reading this! I appreciate you all.

Reflections

“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls”- Hebrews 10:39

Who knew seven months could pass by so quickly? It seems like just a few days ago I was getting off my plane in Portland to begin my second year at Ecola, and now I am officially graduated from two years of Bible school. It is hard to see a chapter close, hard to part ways with those you love, and hard to have the courage to take steps into the next adventure. This year has grown me in ways I never expected. Anticipating this year to be a duplicate of first year, with some added responsibility, I was in for quite a surprise.

This year was so full and finding time amidst the business to be able to rest was a real challenge. I felt as if I was always doing something, always with someone, and being able to be an introvert in those times was really difficult. Having a set amount of homework due every term, working every afternoon, and having outreach every other weekend really challenged my time management skills. On top of that trying to have a relationship and keep my friendships intact was no easy task. But I would not change any of the extracurriculars that I had this year. It caused me to be intentional with my time with God and with others.

Being able to work in the office was a blessing in so many ways. It was work I had never done before with people I barely knew. But the relationships that bonded over this year were so wonderful. My coworkers are absolutely astounding and I appreciate them so much. The outreach I was in was Operation Nightwatch which is an outreach to the homeless in Portland. I would go every other Saturday to serve from 7-11. This took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to interact with people I normally would not. I was incredibly humbled by the people there, both serving and guests. It was a blessing to just have conversations and play games and enjoy the company of people with whom I would normally not have the ability to interact.

The academics also were a huge influence on what I learned this year. The last term especially really focused on persevering although many distractions may come... to keep abiding in Christ and to pursue God. Stepping out of that constant teaching requires intentional learning, whether through Bible studies, podcasts, or church. For my memorization part of homework I memorized Romans 6-8. Although it was a challenge, I am so glad I did it. These three chapters are just so rich in talking about who we are in Christ and who we no longer are because of Him. These chapters teach about who God is and the sacrifice He made for me, for us.

While still very involved in community in the School of Ministry, it is not the same as first year. Maybe it is because you are not living in the dorms with your other classmates, maybe it is because most of the students are working during the day, maybe it is because you are working hard on homework. Whatever the cause is, it made me be more intentional. I became close to people I was not close with my first year and I treasure those relationships so much. I also learned a lot about myself in the sense that I am an anxious person. Many of my journal entries are talking about me being anxious or fearful about a social situation, my future, or a financial situation. But God provides. He is so good! Last year I learned that God is trustworthy because of His love. This year I have been learning to actually trust in His love. And it is hard at times.

I have been so blessed by my two years spent on the Pacific Coast at Ecola. I am so thankful to the staff, to my classmates, and to God for the experience I had here. I am excited for what the future holds and I am not sure where I am going to end up. But Cannon Beach, OR will always hold a special place in my heart.

~Next Steps~

Ecola is officially over. Two years of intensely studying the Bible, immersed in community, and intentionally pursuing Christ has changed my life for the better in so many ways. It is sad to say goodbye, hard to transition into “normal” life, and often lonely without your friends constantly around you. Change is difficult, but it is not bad. My steps for next fall are hazy to say the least, but I have been blessed with an exciting opportunity for this summer: serving at an English Camp in Haiti!

This is a six-week camp run by the Tlucek family who opens their home to roughly 400 children ages 4-14 every weekday. While volunteering, there will be many opportunities to serve: whether it is teaching one of their English, Science, Bible or Math classes; being a leader of a group of children and taking them from class to class; or doing administrative work behind the scenes. While my specific job has not been defined yet, I will be serving in worship, kitchen work, and wherever needed in addition to a job listed above. The dates I will be serving are set for June 11th through August 15th. More information on English Camp can be found at their website (www.mcmhaiti.org).

I am extremely excited about this opportunity for many reasons. It has always been a desire of mine to visit different countries and see how their cultures vary from our own and this is an opportunity to be directly involved with the Haitian people. To also spend six weeks devoted to pouring into children's lives and teaching them about Jesus is such a wonderful opportunity. Through this experience I am excited to see how my perspective on life here in the US will change, and how God will stretch and grow me.

As you read this, I ask that you keep me in your prayers. There are many thoughts in my head, but here are a few requests I have:

• For God to calm my anxieties: about traveling, going to a different country and culture, and meeting new people
• For God to be preparing my heart and to be open to what He has for me to learn
• For the summer camp to have more children than they have in the past and for the volunteers to be able to effectively minister to them
• Overall general safety and open hearts

This opportunity is totally from God. Although it has been a desire of my heart to visit other countries, the reality of it seemed far off. Naturally, this would not have been something I would inclined toward, but God really put this on my heart and all of the doors have been opened so far. I am excited and eagerly anticipating what God has to teach me this summer.

I am raising support for this mission trip, but the purpose of this post is not to ask for money. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me (shelbytyalorrudy@gmail.com) or Facebook message me.

Thank you everyone for reading this, for investing prayerfully, and for your support. I really appreciate all the encouragement I have received in the past two years in coming to Oregon and even now in this new adventure. I will be doing my best to keep updates on this blog as I prepare to go, when I come back, and hopefully while I am down in Haiti. Thank you all!

"So walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6b-7