burdened to have beautiful feet...: a week of changes

I initially looked back on this week and thought nothing of significance happened. But then I realized that even though this seemed to be a slow week, it was the beginning of many changes that would soon take place.

To begin with: Teaching

I think my past posts made it very apparent how much I was enjoying teaching English. It was the unexpected surprise that was placed on my shoulders my first week down here. I cringed initially at the thought because I had no curriculum and I had never taught a language before. But then I realized that it could be just as challenging and just as fun as teaching was back in the states because I had the liberty to pace my own lessons and I got to decide how to teach the material. It has been a blast! I have had the privilege of having a translator these first few weeks to explain hard to understand concepts, but starting next week it will be complete immersion... AGGHH!! I'm a little nervous, but I think all will be well. Check out photos of our review day below. The girl's were having a wonderful time practicing telling time, translating common phrases from Creole to English, describing feelings, and identifying classroom vocabulary words.

But now, the change... teaching the ladies how to be teachers has been a thorn in my side from the first week. I realized after asking them questions about what they desired to do when they finished the program, not a one wants to teach in one of the branch schools. They all want to use the knowledge and skills for their own personal marketing of materials. Therefore, the girls couldn't care less about classroom discipline, assessing, or any of the other topics that I plan to cover. The women that are teachers in the school sit in on my class and seem to be benefiting greatly. They tend to be the only ones involved and the only ones not watching the clock :) So I finally talked to Olga about the issue, and suggested that I lead a workshop for the actual teachers at a different time and focus on other skills that the girls can benefit from like public speaking, organization, developing confidence, etc. We'll make the change when this trimester ends, but it looks like it's all a go! Please pray that I will continue to stay positive as I finish this trimester and hope that one of the girls gets something out of the material.

And the second change: Our House

I mentioned previously that when I first arrived in Haiti, June and the rest of the MTI staff were in the process of moving the clinic from the hospital to another location. Well, that other location is here, and I found out to the sound of sledge hammers demolishing concrete at 6am last weekend. The banging has yet to stop. They tore up the patio that was there to lay a more level foundation over the weekend and into Monday. All the work has been done by hand, and I admire the men who have been so dedicated working from sun-up to sun-down (although I have missed sleeping in until 6:30!). Marvin and Carmen came home from their conference in the middle of it, and all I could say was “SURPRISE!” They are building a production shop for the prosthetic limbs as well as adding a classroom area to train other Haitians to be PTs. As you can see from the photos, this is a big project that will bring about big changes for the house. I think it will be a major adjustment for us all to adapt to everything happening here. Hopefully all will go well.