Kisses

I've known him for a year a half. He didn't attend preschool this past year and knowing a lot of his story, this scared me as my mind would race from one scenario to the next. I saw him earlier this year, but he wouldn't talk or look at me. His yellow rain boots had seen better days and the infection on his head was back in full force. "I don't know" his old teacher replied when I asked what was wrong "I don't think he's doing well in school and he's ashamed of that" I held him close for awhile, trying to find the right words. Encouraging words. I held him arms length away "Cheri?" his hands stayed over his face, I gently tried to bring them down but he refused and started to back away "ok ok cheri" I pulled him back into a hug and kissed his head "I love you..... and we all miss you" he nodded, his face still hidden. "Ok I will see you again, yes?" he nodded again as he headed out the black gate through the murky puddles back to wherever he'd come from. My heart was heavy and I sent a message to some friends that knew him, asking for prayer.

I didn't see him for a couple months and then suddenly, as I was saying goodbye to the preschoolers and gathering registration forms, his head popped around the corner along with another boy! I ran over kissing his dirty cheeks and smiling like crazy "You're here! I've missed you! Let me look at you!" the infection on his head had cleared up and he looked happier, still cautious but happier. One of the mothers was waiting for me to make a copy of her child's birth certificate and I had to get change for another; ay, if only time would stand still for a little bit, right? He told me he was doing ok in school and he was here to pick up his cousin, and that his friend wanted water. I laughed, kissed him again (though he tried to dodge it) grabbed a couple cups of water and raced up the stairs.
Returning with change and the birth certificate he was just exiting the gate, I called after him and he begrudgingly stepped back inside "you can't leave without saying goodbye!" he rolled his eyes and tried to hurry out the gate but I caught him, kissed him on the cheek, told him I loved him. He shrugged and laughed grabbing his cousin's hand and headed back down the road again.

School ended and English Camp registration was almost full and I hadn't seen him or his half brother, who also used to attend preschool. "God's watching out for them" I kept telling myself praying and hoping they would both make it in time. The last day we did registration, I was bringing a form to the registration table and there he sat, waiting to be registered! He moved up a class this year but I would still be his teacher :D He was unresponsive to me and kept staring at his dusty sandals. I didn't push it "I will see you at camp, ok? I'm so glad you're here" gave him a pat on the back and headed back inside.

For the first few weeks of English Camp he wouldn't talk to me again, I always caught him as the kids filed into my classroom and kissed his forehead but he usually shrugged it off. I decided that that was enough every morning and to not push him further than that. I really wanted to just take him aside and find out what really was going on but knowing him, that wouldn't work. The third week of camp I was talking to another child and as he walked by with his class he gave me a huge kiss on the cheek! From that point on he was back to being his cheerful, mischievous self that I'd known him as. He began participating in the games and exercises, helping his classmates understand the rules, wanting piggyback rides, smiling, laughing and wanting to hold my hand.

His turnaround was one of the highlights of my summer and I know that I played a just a small role in his story. English Camp is an incredible program. While yes, the children are given the opportunity to learn and practice speaking English, learn about science and their world from a godly perspective, hear Bible stories, memorize Bible verses, have their questions answered; the main goal is to shine the love of God to these kids. To give them godly examples and leaders, to teach them how to be good leaders, to encourage them in any way we can, and for every child to leave knowing that they are loved and precious in God's eyes. That Jesus died on the cross and defeated death by rising from the grave three day later so that He could call us each of them His sons and daughters. Its an exciting thing to be a part of to watch God fulfill every year!

If you would like to donate towards this ministry please go to: mcmhaiti.org and donate

"Cheri mwen a"

Pre-Camp Week

Last week we had pre-camp. Pre-Camp is when all of the people who would like to be translators or junior counselors, as well as out staff, get to experience a week of English camp.

Through out this week we, as the teachers, group leaders and directors watch the potential junior counselors and their behavior through out the week. We look for people, who are attentive, follow instructions, take initiative, good leaders, gentle and good-natured. For translators we look for the same attributes along with how well their English and translating skills are. I have a lot of respect for translators; as I work on my second language I know that translating isn’t as easy as we would like to think it is. The literal translation is not always the same and so quickly one has to think how it would make sense in another language and then say it. I stumble a lot when volunteers ask me what a child says. Yes, some things are very simple to translate but other things are cultural and therefore need a much longer translation. We had 100 people signed up for pre-camp! Sadly we could only take a total of 26 so a lot of prayers for God to make it very clear whom He would like to have in camp went up through out the week.

There are four classes everyday that the groups rotate through (during camp they’re split into older and younger) they are: English, science, Bible and PE. We split boys into two groups and the same with the girls. I helped put together the science curriculum this year; I love science and seeing all the tiny details God made everything with. Our summer director Andrew let me to teach the science class and while I was really nervous about teaching and getting all the facts straight; Monday morning came and I was fairly confident as I went to class. The science curriculum is themed: 6 Weeks of Creation. So, each week we focus on one day of creation the first week going through creation and then talking about light, light energy etc. the first day was relatively easy as I simply read the Genesis 1, 2:1-2 explaining and going into depth after each day of creation and then having the class draw inside a chart what happened on each of the 7 days. I concluded by really driving the point that God simply spoke, it wasn’t a magic spell, he didn’t use any sort of instrument He simply said “let there be” and there was. God is THAT powerful and that same powerful God loves each of us and desires a relationship with us.

The first class was a little restless; I had some issues with one of the guys but the rest of my classes went better. I had the boys first, a break for lunch and then the girls. My last class on Monday I asked if anyone knew what God created the first day; they were all shocked when I told them that “the heavens and earth” was wrong. “Genesis 1:1” they all said and when I began to read they were all shocked as I went through the three days of forming, three days of filling and the last day of rest. Monday was a good reminder, to me, that preaching the gospel and starting at the very beginning is important and how powerful God is.

Tuesday - I decided to do week 2 so that the junior counselors who would be working in camp wouldn’t hear the exact same week of science all over again. Day 2 of creation God separated the sky and the water. The day before things went well but I felt like there needed to be more interaction; this was also the day that the people wanting to be translators got a chance to translate for the teachers instead of our group leaders. I went to my class excited as I had a fun experiment to do with the class! I began by reviewing the order of creation and asking the class what happened each day; they stumbled a little but got it with a little help. I began to talk about the atmosphere and how it protects the earth, we talked about weather, the water cycle and pollution and then we made rain in a jar with: water, shaving cream and blue food coloring. So much fun! As I taught I myself was really touched on how incredibly perfect God had made things for us and how we mess it up. God told Adam and Eve to take care of the earth and the animals and we aren’t doing a good job of the job God gave us!

My third class, as I explained the atmosphere God began to speak and though this wasn’t in the lesson plan at all I began to talk about meteorites burning up in the atmosphere and falling stars; my translator stopped before translating what I just said and the staff members (who speak English) in the class were stunned “what did you say?” she asked, I repeated about falling stars and she shook her head in disbelief and translated it; then everyone was stunned and began talking. “Um… what just happened?” I asked, she laughed as she explained that in Haiti they’ve all been told that a falling star is a sign that someone is going to die. Again, God moved and I explained that no, a falling star is actually kind of the opposite. It’s a reminder that God is protecting us from meteorites that might cause damage and maybe kill us. So I encouraged them to remember that and share with their families that when they see a shooting star they shouldn’t be afraid but comforted because God is in control and He’s protecting us because He is God and He loves us. I went on to explain that every little part of creation is important if we didn’t have one part of the water cycle it wouldn’t work at all. God doesn’t make mistakes and just like God designed and made everything for a reason He did the same with each of us. We’re all here for a reason, we all make a difference whether we believe it or not.

Tuesday I was reminded that I’m God’s instrument to play a beautiful melody on, when I’m in tune with Him, and I’m just so thankful that He chooses to use me to touch others lives and that I am here.

Wednesday - the third day of creation God created the land, plants and the sea. I decided to talk about plants, land and then do a volcano experiment! My first class was still my hardest class but we got through it and they loved the volcano! The rest of my classes were so interested in plants that we didn’t have time to do the volcano! I had a volunteer draw a tree (as in the middle of my “classroom” stood a very tall tree and I used it as an example) and then different people come up and draw what the tree needed to make food. I also went over chlorophyll and how it makes leaves green and one of our preschool teachers was shocked “I never knew that before, the leaves are green because of chlorophyll! But now thanks to your lesson I know that!” she said laughing after our staff meeting.

Tuesday we’d given the people who were trying out to be translators a chance; most were guys and so Wednesday I asked some of the girls who’d been coming to English camp for a long time to translate for me and they actually did a really good job!!! I was so impressed!

As I went over the different things a tree need in order to make food and to live God moved once again and I began to explain how we, like trees, need to dig deep into God’s word which is like water to our thirsty souls, how the holy spirit lives in us and changes us (like the plants take the carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen) how without God’s one and only son we cannot have eternal life! The older ladies in my group shouted out some “amens” and “thank-you Lords”. Wednesday I pray God planted seeds in hearts that will grow and each of my students will come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

Fun fact: I can only say photosynthesis a total of 2 times before I get tongue-tied. We spent a good 5 minutes laughing about it and then I found the kreyol word is SO much easier to say and began using it: fotosentèz (photo-sin-tez)

Thursday – the fourth day of creation God created the: sun, moon and stars. I planned on talking about all of them but highlighting the moon as I’d noticed that the moon (I’ve always found space fascinating) was a waxing crescent the night before! I dreaded my first class in all honesty. But God just pressed on my heart to be cheerful and loving no matter what and as I prayed for the fruits of the spirit to be poured out the entire class changed. Guys were cheering for each other, helping one another out, answering questions, those that had caused problems were actually listening… it was one of the fastest answer to prayer I’ve ever experienced and I was SO grateful!

We talked about how the earth rotates around the sun and the moon rotates around the earth. I had three volunteers try and replicate it. We had a very small space and so as you can imagine it didn’t go well. I am a perfectionist but before any anxiety and degrading thoughts could even start, I laughed. Literally burst up laughing, as God showed me how silly we humans are. I had the class give the volunteers a round of applause and began to explain that even though there were several of us trying to get the volunteers to do it correctly we couldn’t get them to. It was a mess! “Aren’t you glad that God is in charge and not us?!” we went on to discuss how God once again created everything perfectly, His math is right on and if it was slightly off we’d be in big trouble.

We went over the phases of the moon next. I asked if any of them had seen the moon the previous night some had but they couldn’t remember what it had looked like. I encouraged them to look at the moon that night and try and figure out what phase it was at. All of my classes had so many questions about the moon we didn’t get to the sun and stars!

As Thursday was the last day of normal classes I again reiterated that God is the one who created the earth, in seven days, that the earth is young, how powerful God is, how He is in every little detail and that He does everything for a reason though we might not understand it or know why we’re all here for a reason and we have a choice to follow Him or to not.

Friday – Friday is called Friday fun day; we don’t have classes but fun activities where at least one involves water ;) My activity was musical chairs, which we had a blast with! We don’t have a lot of chairs but mainly benches, (which I’ve played with before in preschool but its not easy and doesn’t always work) and last year we’d used little pieces of cardboard to mark places. However; I’d found that with the preschoolers if I had them make a circle and then squat when the music stopped I would just choose the last person to squat or sit down and the last two I’d bring out a folding chair and it would be like “normal” musical chairs. The little kids LOVE it and so we tried it for Friday fun day. They also loved it and it ended up going faster then I thought it would and so I switched it up a little: the 2^nd round we chose one person to be in the middle of the group and choose an action for the entire group to do (e.g march with hands in the air, hop, shuffle, grocery cart etc.) it made it a little harder as they had to follow the person in the middle as well as listen for the music to stop and start. Lots of laughs! We still had time for another round and so the 3^rd round if a person got out they got to be the one in the middle, choosing what move people did and then when someone else got out they would go sit down and that person would take their place in the middle so that everyone got a turn J

I laughed so hard as some of the moves (walk like a chicken) were just hysterical and then when our older ladies got in the middle and started getting down with the music; everyone was good sports and it was a great ending to a wonderful week.

Friday was also hard because it was when Andrew chose who would help in English camp; there were a lot of disappointed people but for the most part they took it very well and we hope to see them again next year and that what they learned and saw during pre week God would use to draw them to Himself.

What Time is it Mr. Wolf?

Green group, boys 8-9, entered the gate all in a perfect line, their hands on each others shoulders singing with their leader:
Leader - "Agoch!"
Green group -"Adwat"
Leader - "Agoch!"
Green Group - "Adwat"
Together - "Goch, dwat, goch, dwat!"

As their head jr. counselor passed me he tipped his imaginary hat and called out "Mesye di bonjou a madame Hope"(Sirs say good morning to miss Hope) "Bonjou Madame Hope!" they all cried, some giving me high fives, others leaning in quickly for a kiss on their cheek as they passed by and four boys in particular broke the line to give me a hug and say "Good morning Hope, how are you today?" and a couple more sentences that they learned in english class from Miss Sarah. Their head counselor had them all make a circle and stand quietly, I was SO impressed! And told them all how proud I was of them and thanked them all for listening and obeying their jr. counselor.

"Are you ready to play Twizzle?" I asked "YES!" resounded from inside the carport and I couldn't help but let out a laugh and smile as I began to call out "March, march, march" and the boys joined in; a couple adding "et" (and in Kreyol) I waited a little bit as I watched the anticipation building on their faces "annnnd sit down!" they all squatted looking around to see if everyone had done the same "stand up!" again they scanned their group to see if anyone was out yet. "sit down, stand up, sit down, sit down!" we all laughed as several of the boys stood up instead of staying seated and were tickled out of the circle to stand outside of it and help me watch for others that would be out. We played this for a while; I added different movements and whenever I said "Twizzle" the boys had to jump and do a 180 turn. Anticipation grew as the circle became smaller and smaller until there were just two boys left, I began doing a pattern "Sit down, stand up, jump, twizzle" I repeated this until the boys had figured out the pattern, then... with a slight smile I called out "Sit down, stand up, jump, twizzle, stand up!" one continued the pattern while the other had listened to what I said and remained standing! "Li genyen!" (he won) we all shouted and as I lifted the boys arms and congratulated him.

"All right, go touch the wall" I called and 39 pairs of feet went racing away to the wall opposite the carport. "Ok, ok?" I called their attention to me "Ok!" they called back, "Today we're going to play..." cheers erupted into the summer heat as I announced their favorite game; What Time is it Mr. Wolf? Since we had a new child in the group I explained it for him and just as a refresher for the rest, "You children are the sheep and your jr. counselors and leader are the wolves... especially this one" I said pushing a jr. counselor off of his perch on the small wall in the carport "ale jwe" (go play) I encouraged him. I continued to explain that after I counted to 3 they needed to ask "What time is it Mr. Wolf?" and then I was going to say a time (e.g 4 o'clock) they would need to take that many steps towards the wolves, they should continue asking and moving forward until I called out "LUNCHTIME!" when I yelled this they needed to run back to the wall before the wolves could snatch them.
"If a wolf catches you, you're out!" I explained "Are you ready?" laughing I climbed up on the little ledge to be out of the way of stampeding children as I'd been asked/told to take it easy having been down the day before with malaria.

"1, 2, 3!!!" I called out

"What time is it Mr. Wolf?"

"10 o'clock!"

"1, 2, 3, 4..." with every number they took a step until they reached 10 and then it began again; closer and closer they came to the waiting wolves, "5 o'clock, 3 o'clock" until they were all nervously standing in front of them, knowing that I would call lunchtime soon, the anticipation was killing everyone as I chuckled to myself "1 o'clock" one step closer "annnd LUNCHTIME!!!!!" I nearly fell off of the ledge laughing as I watched "organized chaos" take place before me.

The children went racing in all directions, trying to avoid the wolves that surrounded them, there was squealing and laughing as children narrowly escaped fingers that reached out just inches from catching them; as well as some shouts of displeasure followed by laughter as those that were caught were tickled by the captures before they were released to watch the game from the benches.

We played this until there just a handful of kids left. I watched as the Jr counselor I'd pushed off the wall to play; dove to catch a child, barely missed him and slammed his head into the door of one of the port a potties. He popped right back up though! "oh" my hand went to my mouth in shock, but on seeing he was ok I couldn't help but laugh as what had just happened replayed in my head and all the boys around me, who'd been caught and witnessed what happened began laughing along with me. Checking to see if he was ok (once I got my laughter under control, though he was laughing too) we finished the game and then handed out bags of water before they lined back up and headed to their next class.

These boys continued this awesome behavior throughout the next weeks and earned a pool party on one of the Friday Fun Days for their good behavior in ALL of their classes!

I loved teaching younger p.e during English Camp with Maranatha Children's Ministries, these boys hold a special place in my heart and I already miss seeing each of their smiling faces every morning. Just like these boys all of your hard work will pay off so don't stop working towards the honor and glory of our heavenly Father.

My Bumblebees

My first class of the day was yellow group, the youngest group of girls ages 5-7. I knew four girls in that class from teaching preschool and on the first day they came running to me for the hug and kiss they knew they would receive; a couple of the girls that I didn't know followed them and they all recieved the same. We tried to play a game where everyone said their name while doing a silly action and everyone repeated; but for some reason hearing 32 names twice it didn't really stick.

As the weeks passed (way too quickly) I began to look forward to yellow groups huge tackle hug (everyone joined in now) I waited as all the other groups passed the carport, where I taught younger p.e, out the gate and off to their first class of the day. Then as yellow group came swarming around the corner towards me yelling "Hoooope" or "Mwen Hope" (my Hope) I couldn't help but laugh and try to say "Good morning" as they barreled into me each laughing, lifting little their heads up, forming their little lips into a kiss and calling attention to themselves as I worked my way around the group giving them a kiss on their forehead or cheek.

One of their favorite games was called Barnyard.

In this game we split the girls into three groups and named them either: cats, dogs or sheep. The jr counselors and leaders stood in the middle or off to the side, I paused, watching the excitement on their faces as they waited to see which group got to run... "Baa" came the call and all the sheep went running to touch the wall before someone could touch them; the jr counselors and leaders would race to try and catch a child before they were safe at the wall.

This game was also one of my favorites because everyone involved just couldn't help but smile and squeal as they raced or were caught and swung around in the arms of one of their leaders. I tried to mix it up calling another group to the wall while the leaders were trying to catch the last couple from the previous group, their faces as they were caught off guard made the little girls laugh hysterically as they raced close to their stunned leaders without being caught. During the last week girls that had been caught could get back into the game if they could say a sentence in english. Others were content to sit with me and "help" me call out the different groups. And certain little girls, while they participated in the game tried to be caught because it meant that they were swung around in their leaders arms and then they got to cuddle with me on my bench or be tickled as they watched the game continue.

I loved my little bumblebees, those girls were never without a smile on their face or a kind thing to say. They had just as much energy as the crazy boy group their age but they used it to spread joy and laughter and to play the games better.

This game reminded me of us and our relationship with God, because though we race around doing this and that and as this world discourages us and we're brought to our knees we run to the promise of heaven and the fact that there will be no more tears there and we will be made new. While this is all true and wonderful we sometimes forget and maybe just don't think about the fact that God is the real thing we should be longing for and as the entire human race races and tries to work their way to heaven, we should be racing to God's arms.

We were asked a question by one of our Directors, Bryon. He asked us during a devotion "If Jesus wasn't in heaven, would you still want to go?" think on that a little bit through-out this week; do we love Him because of what He gives us or does for us or do we love Him simply... for Him?

Strength Will Rise

Every evening, after English Camp we gather around the pool (unless it's raining in which we move inside) for a time of worship and devotions, some nights this ends up being rather late and a lot of us find ourselves longing for a cool shower to wash the dirt and sweat of the day off. But this is also one of my favorite times of the day because whether it's the words in the music or someones devotions God always manages to touch my heart in one way or another.

One evening we gathered around the pool after a particularly long week, we'd had a couple scares and a few injuries and I found myself just hurting and wanting to be with the kids, caring and loving on them all the time. I knew that these kids being Haitian were much safer than I would be out on the streets etc but still I found myself longing to go with them as they all headed home in their little groups; wanting to make sure those with little injuries were carried for properly so they would not get an infection and just loving on them and being an example for them. I sat there trying to push it away from my mind as the boys brought out the guitars. God however had heard my silent cry, He had felt the longing in my heart and as the first chords were played God lifted up my head and I began to sing: 

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord

Patience is not my strongest point, but waiting on God I find to be a little easier; call me crazy but I find His timing is always perfect and if I just sit tight and rejoice in Him, He is always worth the wait!

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God

He is the everlasting God; He's not going anywhere and He will never let me go

You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on the wings
Like eagles

As I begun to sing this last part tears filled my eyes as God reminded me once again of who He is; I grow weary and tired on a daily basis but He never does. Though I cannot go home with every needy and hurting child in the world God can and moreover; He does! He cares for us so deeply and I've been so privileged to see Him through my fellow interns, volunteers, translators, Jr. counselors and my directors. All the little things we do: greeting children as they come through the gats, smiles, hugs, meals, an encouraging word, placing a bandage and so much more it all matters and it touches not only us but those around us in ways that we may never know.

Leaning into God and receiving: strength, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control from Him on a daily basis is one of His many blessings that He pours on us, sometimes I overlook His blessings in a day; but I know each day holds at least a 100 in that: it's a new day, I'm breathing, I'm walking, I'm talking, I can hear, I can see, He has forgiven all our sins, He is mine and I am His, He loves me and on and on the list goes!

English Camp is a lot of work; but it's life changing and I would encourage all of you to volunteer for a week or more next year and if coming here is not a possibility right now sending supplies and other people here to love and work with these kids. There are 2 kinds of Christians: the givers and the goers (we should all be prayers) which one are you?

Pour out Love

"OK, OK?" I shouted for the hundredth time in one class period, 42 little boys shouted "OK!" back but before my translator or I could get a word in there was shouting and talking from every corner of the carport where we were doing younger P.E. Their little voices all talking created a roar to match those that cheer throughout Port-au-Prince whenever Brazil scores. The sun was hot and I wiped my sweaty brow as I turned to God for help. Deep breath in, deep breath out. A cool breeze began to wrap itself around me and I knew He stood beside me.

My hands met in a loud clap as I repeated the same phrase we use to get the children's attention "OK, OK?" I yelled louder than I thought I could "OK!" they shouted back, I repeated this for a few minutes until I had all of their attention "SILENCE, SI. VOU. PLAIS!" (Silence please) and to my surprise it became almost quiet, but it was enough. I began explaining a game that we were going to play using brightly colored balls and teams. Pulling out the balls caught all of their attention. My translator explained that we would be picking 8 boys at a time and silence fell as they all did their utmost best to remain quiet while we pulled the first 8.

I'd been watching four boys that I did preschool with for the past 6 months and was so proud as I found them to be the nicest and most obedient. I pulled them and 4 other boys that hadn't been causing to much trouble to the front and be began playing Down, Down, Down where they pass the ball back and forth and if you drop it you have to drop to a knee, drop it again and it's two knees until you're playing with only one hand. The boys cheered for their teams and I watched as smiles broke out on their sweaty faces and laughter as people dropped the ball and had to drop lower then their partner.

Throughout the class period words like: love, encourage, engage, cheer just kept running through my head and so I did my best to just pour all these things out. Cheering and shouting, getting the boys to encourage their partners and throw the ball further. A couple little fights broke out that I had to reprove and there was one little boy in particular that just blatantly refused to obey and wasn't allowed to participate; which is never fun.

I won't lie; when their class was up a wave of relief hit me I called them to me, thanking them for listening and working hard together and asking them to be good in their next class. To my surprise I received several, high fives, hugs and thank yous from their little crowd as they filed out the gate. I always feel like a horrible person when I yell or punish someone, I'm a people pleaser and it never ceases to amaze me how these beautiful Haitian children react and give back in love. At the meeting with all the teachers, staff, interns and translators after camp we all lifted the group up to God asking for wisdom and obedience.

The next morning I felt God pushing me find the little boy that had caused so many problems the previous day. I found him in his faded blue shirt just finishing breakfast and sitting a little to close to the pool. I called his named and scooped him up in a hug, he clung to me so tightly it reminding me of when my youngest brother would hug me before and after I came home from work, like he'd never let me go. "Oh buddy" my heart was stolen away in that moment, along with my breath. And when I got it back I began to talk to him about how much Jesus and I love him and want him to obey and what a good boy I know he could be. He didn't say a word but nestled his shaved head deeper into my neck. "You're going to be a good boy today, right?" I finally asked, his deep little voice responded and I gave him a final squeeze before placing him back in his spot and kissing his sweaty brow.

I began to walk back to my place, giving high fives and shouting "Bonjour" to the rest of his group and telling them "No problems today" in a teasing way. I didn't know if that would make a difference but I felt a peace and a little bit of excitement about it as the morning assembly began and classes were dismissed.

I waited anxiously for orange group. And when they came through the gate in a perfect line repeating what their Jr. Counselor was calling out instead of talking among themselves I couldn't help but smile and tell them all good job. All of them turned to me with shining faces giving me high fives or jumping out of line really fast to give me a hug. They went above and beyond my expectations and the class period flew by a lot faster than I wanted it to.

Meeting that day was praise and excitement about orange group. Everyone had seen the need and poured love and we were not disappointed with the reaction.

Serving anywhere in the world as a Christian we are called to love. Sounds very simple and easy; but there is a lot of meaning in that word and honestly I don't think we will ever fully understand it's meaning while we are here on this earth. But here are some thoughts:

Love:
Goes above and beyond what people expect
Patiently waits
Cleans dirty hands
Is kind when others behave or speak badly
Dances when it can't walk
Does not envy what other people have or receive
Lifts people up
Smiles when its heart is breaking
Forgives and forgets
Cheers when its voice is almost gone
Makes room when there is none
Listens
Gives people opportunities to grow
Kisses sweaty brows
Disciplines justly
Puts others before oneself
Speaks truth
Ties shoes
Is humble
Walks several miles for a loved one
Prays when words and actions seem to fail
Steps back when needed

Pour out love and wait for God to work. You won't be disappointed

First Week in a Nutshell

The first week of English Camp has come and gone and what a week it was!

This first week we had a team of 13 come from New Mexico! They were such a blessing, they all came with hearts ready to serve and hands willing to do whatever was necessary to help out. Whether it was: fixing toilets,working in a hot kitchen or teaching classes they showed up with a smile and whatever tools they needed, such a blessing.

At 8:30 every morning roughly 400 children came through our gate, formed a line, received hand sanitizer as they walked across the yard to the second gate where they're given a banana, water bag and hard boiled egg for breakfast. They are then separated by age into 8 different colored groups around the pool with boys on one side and girls on the other. Ages range from 5-14 and each child is given a bracelet with their name and the color of their group. Once everyone's seated Andrew leads everyone in exercises, songs, the Bible verse for the day and then we act out the Bible story for the day. What this consists of is interns and team members volunteering the night before, being told what the story is and then acting it out as Andrew tells it the next morning having wrapped themselves in huge pieces of colored cloth and not really knowing what Andrew will have them do. It's been a lot of fun and we've had some pretty hysterical impromptu acting. Once the Bible story is finished we review the Bible verse again, announcements are given and then the quietest groups are dismissed to their first class.

There are four classes that the children rotate throughout the day: Bible, Science, English and P.E and those are also split into classes for the younger and older students.

Andrew, had assigned all the interns places before the team arrived. Some of us as teachers and others as group leaders. There are 10 interns all together, including Andrew, all from different part of the States. I had put the P.E curriculum together the week before camp and got to be in charge of younger P.E which I was SO excited for because I knew some of my preschoolers would be in those groups and after not seeing them for what seemed like forever, my heart was beginning to ache to wrap them in my arms again and see how they were doing.

As my first group came of little girls ages 5-7 my heart lept as I recognized sweet little faces and they ran into my arms. Ah, bliss. We started by playing a name game where a ball is passed around and whoever catches is has to do a little dance or make a funny face and say their name, everyone repeats their action and their name and it worked for the most part. However; most of the names I could not pronounce and interestingly enough hearing 40 children's names once one right after the other doesn't really help them stick in your head. But we had fun nonetheless. Afterwards we played Duck Duck Goose, interesting fact you might not know about Ayiti is that; it's dusty.

No seriously. It's REALLY dusty. And the layers of dirt and dust on the concrete make it as slippery as ice sometimes and running around a circle doesn't help. So with the next group, boys 8-9, I had them sit in a circle and when they chose someone to be goose both had to run and touch the wall and on the way back the person could try and tag them; took a couple tries but they got it and had an absolute blast with it!

After the first 2 classes lunch is served to the younger classes around the pool while the older classes do crafts. Lunch is a banana, mangoes and then depending on the day; hotdogs, peanut butter and honey sandwhiches,spaghetti or egg sandwiches with a glass of ice cold kool-aid.

Groups are switched and once everyone's finished it's back to class.

After the last two classes finish the kids assemble around the pool, announcements and points are giving out to each of the teams before the children are then dismissed for the rest of the day. Points are given by teachers and group leaders; at the end of the week the group with the most points wins a pool party!

So there you have it. English Camp in a nutshell. More stories and photos to come!