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!