Clean Hands, Clean Hearts

We had a very long and arduous day in Haiti. I believe it was one of the hottest day I have experienced. Our team rose and left the guest house for our school in Les Bours. The children were still in session so it was very exciting to be able to see them once again and experience education first hand. It was a very different meeting then what I had in June of 2008 with them. Last summer it was very difficult to get the children to interact with us at all, let alone crack a smile. Being an early childhood educator , I pride myself in engaging children and establishing a positive rapport on the spot. This was not the case last year, but was very different today. We learned that the children had very little exposure to Americans coupled with the fact that we have lily white skin, blond, and green eyed. There have been several teams down since that venture and they are now welcoming us with open arms. What a joy it was to receive such a warm welcome. Lots of smiles, hugs, and “bonjous.”
I worked specifically in the morning with a team that was educating children on how to prevent the spread of germs by proper hand washing. I got to be the nasty germ spreader. In order to demonstrate, I sprinkled my hands liberally with blue glitter and entered the classroom shaking hands, high fiving, and cupping their faces. They absolutely love glitter so they were thrilled to be acknowledged this way. I also got to give a little “concert” by singing the alphabet song as I washed my hands to emphasis the importance of not rushing thru the task. Each child received a bar of soap when we were done.
In the afternoon, I shared with all the teachers the wonderful gift of manipulatives and hands on learning tools that were provided by the EC kindergartners and their families. They were very excited to receive them. I also showed them how playing the card game WAR and a game of dominoes can teach number values. “Monsieur Pomme de Terre de Tete” (Mr. Potato Head) was a great tool to teach the 5 senses. They were laughing the whole time. Tomorrow we will ‘play” with all the items as school will soon be dismissed for the summer and it is important that they remember how to use everything when they return in the fall.
While I was busy with my tasks, health and dental clinics were on going as well as painting projects for the buildings. I was able to sit with a young pregnant gal as she got to see her unborn baby for the first time while using a portable ultra sound machine. So awesome!!!!
Despite the intervention of Congresssman, Pete Hoekstra of Holland, we received some disappointing news while at the school. Naika was not granted a visa for the second time to visit the States this summer. Each time you make application to the US Embassy you are charged a substantial fee. Apparently, despite numerous assurances, they do not believe she will return to Haiti. We have to trust that this is part of God’s plan and rest in this decision.
As I write this I am sitting out on the upstairs porch listening to thunder. We had a heavy rain during our dinner and hope to get more as this really cools the temperatures. I try really hard to wait to take my quic kie, 3 minute, cold army shower at night before I go to bed. It is cooling and helps me sleep much better. Last night was the first time I did not wake up every hour. Sleep is so important to complete the work. I am fighting a heat rash and fly bites as we all are. Thankfully, we have a doctor on the team and she has been dispensing meds to help with any discomfort.
Well all for now. Thanks for your support and prayers.