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.