Lessons on this journey called life

Klas Disip

2012-01-21T17:35:00.000-05:00

Last year a group of young people told Willem they wanted to be more involved in the church. He thought it was great that they wanted to get involved, but he also knew they needed to know the Bible better to be good leaders. So, he started a discipleship class. They meet on Monday nights for intense Bible study and they even learn some church history.

I'm not involved in the discipleship group at all, but I have seen some fruits of the class. The students know the Bible better. They volunteer to take on responsibilities in the church services. They are leaders among their peers. And they are growing closer to Jesus Christ.

Please pray for the these young people to continue to grow and learn through the discipleship class. This is an awesome group of young adults, and I am excited to see where God takes them in the coming years!

A Glimpse of the Computer Lab

2012-01-20T11:04:00.001-05:00

We've been busy this month with two clinic teams back to back, so I haven't been posting much. Plus, my husband kind of likes to eat dinner every night, which puts a damper on my internet time. ;)

Here's a little glimpse of what the computer lab looks like this week. We currently have about 45 students in three different computer classes. This week we reviewed some basics of word processing and used a typing program to help the new students get acquainted with the keyboard.

And finally, the backpack hooks. I asked my favorite Canadians to put some hooks in the computer lab for backpacks. My students always want to put their bags on the tables, but there's not enough room for the laptops and their bags. My Canadian friends didn't understand why we needed hooks if there was floor space available, but the floor is for walking not putting bags.

Pre-Wedding Photos

2012-01-11T07:31:00.000-05:00

These are some of the pictures that were snapped by guests during our wedding. We're hoping to have the professional photos by the end of the week. You can click on the picture to see it in full size.

First Day of School, Jan 2012

2012-01-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

Amidst the craziness of clinic this week, MTM's students returned to school from their long Christmas break. On Monday I firmed up my schedule with the principal, and taught my first class of the semester. For some reason I was grumpy on Monday with nearly everyone, but I genuinely enjoyed being back in the classroom with my students. here's what we covered the first day.

Opening Procedure

Good morning class.
Good morning Miss Britney.
I'm happy to see you today.
I'm happy to see you too.

Introduction: My name is Britney Charles. I am an American, and I live in Thomassin. I am married to Met Arold (Teacher Arold). I am 30 years old and I do not have children. (We also did a mini lesson on the difference between Miss and Mrs. at this point in class.)
Supplies needed for every class

English Notebook
pen or pencil
Go for English textbook

Rules

Listen carefully to the teacher.
Take notes.
No talking when Miss Britney is teaching.
English ONLY. (For the upper grades only.)

Review (This is different for each grade level.)

So many things to say... about being married

2012-01-10T16:55:00.001-05:00

Married life is awesome! I love living with Arold and being able to talk to him anytime I want.
He cooks, and patiently explains how to make rice the Haitian way. He even trusts me to make Haitian rice when I don't trust myself.
The most difficult part of marriage: sharing my computer with Arold. I really thought giving up closet space would be difficult, but that hasn't been a problem at all.
He's quick to help with household chores. He's done the dishes more than I have (THANK YOU JESUS!!), and he usually sweeps at least once a day.
I totally underestimated how difficult it would be to sleep with someone else in the bed. I don't know that I've slept all the way through the night since we've been married. He keeps bumping me and stealing the blanket.
Can someone please explain to me how just two people can use so many dishes during one day?! Seriously. I don't understand how 1+1 = dishes for an entire family!
He's always looking out for me. He logs me into Facebook when he's finished with the computer. He takes things out of my hands to carry them for me. He checks the doors and windows before we go to bed. He makes sure my ear is covered by the blanket when we go to bed. And he takes his shower first in the morning, so I can stay in bed for a few more minutes.

I love being married!

So many things to say... about ministry

2012-01-08T17:55:00.000-05:00

School starts tomorrow. I'm not really sure of my schedule. I'm not finished planning for the week, and I'm supposed to help "translate" for some fluoride varnish treatments tomorrow before my English and computer classes. I'm feeling a little anxious, but I'm sure that everything will be fine. I know I have the older kids tomorrow, so they had me in class last year and can understand me.
There's a really big team at the guest house this week, 28 people. Most of them are working in the clinic. A handful have been working on handyman projects. It's fun to work in the clinic when there is no school because I get to help more and don't have to pay attention to the time. Plus, I like working in close proximity to Arold all day in the dossier room. ;)
Thursday night a man was severely burned on his face, chest, stomach, and back by a car radiator that blew up all over him. He came to the clinic yesterday. The team spent three hours cleaning his wounds and teaching him how to care for himself. He came back today and they worked on him after church (maybe during too). The medical leader of the team said he looks really good considering what happened. His face is even showing signs that the skin will have pigment after everything heals. He'll be back for care on Monday and Tuesday. Hopefully he'll come back in two weeks so we can check on him when the next medical team is here.
Church has been awesome lately. I don't know if I simply understand more Creole, so I get what's happening more or if I'm just more aware of the Holy Spirit. At any rate, it is sweet to be back with my Haitian church family again.
Speaking of church, six young people stood up in the service today to say that they have decided "to walk with Christ." It was so exciting to see some of my students on the stage among those who declared their faith in Christ. I hope a baptism is in the near future!
The Illini Life team that came last year to give the computer lab a makeover is coming back in March. They have some fantastic ideas for physics and chemistry in the high school. I can't wait to see what God does through this team of people!
I'm so thankful for the opportunity God has given me to serve here in Haiti. Please pray that I would follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I teach and live here.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which he prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

First Christmas in Haiti

2012-01-01T17:50:00.000-05:00

This fall while I was still in the States, I would burst into tears every single time I thought about Christmas. I just couldn't fathom being away from my family on Christmas day. There are only two times I can remember anyone missing Myers family Christmas. Once when my dad went the ER on Christmas morning for chest pains and the other was when my cousin Nichole gave birth to Danicha on Christmas Eve. (Twelve years ago. How is it possible Danicha is that old?!) There's no alternating which side of the family you spend Christmas with. Everyone is there every year. Until this year when I was in Haiti.

screen shot of Smith grandparents

As much as I cried about what Christmas was not going to be this year, I really enjoyed Christmas day. I called my parents when I woke up, attended church (which was pretty awesome), and then Skyped with both the Myers family and my Smith grandparents in Missouri. Arold was even there for the second round of Skyping and got to witness his first Myers Family White Elephant. And he wasn't scarred by what he saw! (Let's just say the Myers family plays a dirty kind of White Elephant, and keep it at that.) It was awesome to be with Arold and my family all at the same time. Though, I still hope someday he can experience Myers family Christmas in person.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2012-01-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

The last week has been a whirlwind, but I enjoyed having my family and friends in Haiti. The wedding was beautiful, the fellowship with friends and family incredible, and the unexpected blessings abundant.

AND, I'm officially married. There were days this fall I never thought the day would arrive! It was a special day, and I can't wait to see some more pictures. I'll post more about the wedding later, but here's a teaser photo of the pastor praying over us after we exchanged vows. So far it's my favorite.

Marrying Arold was the best end to 2011 I can imagine. Our first full day of married life was the best reward for a year full of patience. We're looking forward to growing closer to the Lord and each other in 2012.

Happy New Year, friends. Many blessings on you in this new year.

One Week

2011-12-23T11:00:00.002-05:00

A week from today I will marry the most amazing man I know. Wedding planning is really not my cup of tea, so I'll be relieved when all the wedding is finally over. Mostly I'm looking forward to Arold moving into our apartment and being able to share all of life with him. I love him so much and I'm ready to merge our lives into one.

Preschool Christmas Party

2011-12-22T20:00:00.001-05:00

Each year, the preschool teachers put together a Christmas party for the preschool students on the last day of school before break. (If you click on a picture, you'll be able to see it in a larger size.)

This year we had some pretty awesome donations and were able to give the students some pretty awesome gifts.

They try to do something a little different each year, but they always have food and a gift to give to the students. This year they had cake, pate, palme (something sweety and flaky), cheese puffs, popcorn, candy, and various types of pop to drink.

Unfortunately I left before they opened the gifts and didn't think to leave the camera with someone else. :( Sorry for not having pictures of the most exciting part!

In the meantime...

2011-12-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

I keep thinking of things that I should blog about, but I never get around to actually doing it. So you'll have to make do with some pictures. Maybe after Christmas and the wedding (just a few days left!), I'll have more time to sit down and write out some thoughts. Until then enjoy these pictures of the preschool Christmas party.

Grab Bag

2011-12-14T07:52:00.000-05:00

Some days are a "grab bag." You just never know what you are going to get.Yesterday was one of those days for me.
Here's a sampling of what I was up to yesterday:

teaching students how to make a PowerPoint presentation (only it was with OpenOffice software, not actual PowerPoint), which was really above their competency level but they enjoyed inserting pictures
helping two students fill out applications for the YMCA Ambassador's Program in English and writing references for them
coloring some full page letters for a banner
learning about networks and CSSIP, both of which are computer stuff that goes way over my head!
verifying student data for our current class rosters
discussing school policies and spiritual gifts with Beth
taking pictures of some friends before they went off to meet Oprah

Video from a team member

2011-12-13T17:48:00.001-05:00

There was a small medical team of about 10 people here from Nov. 28th to Dec. 5th. This is a video one team member put together that shows what it's like to work in the clinic. He did a great job. Check it out!

If you are ever interested in coming to Haiti to help in the clinic (we need lots of non medical people to make the clinic function) or in some other way, please contact me!

Guest Teacher

2011-12-12T05:21:00.002-05:00

Last Monday a computer guru arrived at the guest house to volunteer his time with MTM. Not only was he enthusiastic about sharing his computer knowledge with the students, he also speaks French fluently! He provided a great opportunity for our students, and I'm thankful for his time here. The students are very sad to see him go.

End of the semester exams started on Tuesday, so the schedule for computer class was not consistent. The high school students were quite occupied with studying and preparing for their tests. However, each afternoon the majority of the class joined us in the lab after they finished their exams. The boys especially were eager to jump back on the computers.

Thomas taught the students how to create a folder on the computer and also reviewed the basics of word processing. The students worked hard each day to re-familiarize themselves with the computer, and he even created a friendly competition several days to test their knowledge. I am so excited for the jumpstart Thomas has given to my "advanced" computer students.

YUM!

2011-12-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

These beauties were delivered to my doorstep today, along with 15 eggs.

I paid $4.50 for everything you see, and a few you don't see. There are two mirliton (the green squash), a small bunch of carrots, an onion, four bananas, and 15 eggs. The eggs cost $2.50 on their own, so the veggies were CHEAP. But I gave the delivery boy, one of my awesome students who needs a job, another $3.75 for his services. That brings my marche total to $8.25 for this week, which seems a little high. But now that I see how this is going to work, I have a whole list of things for him to get next week!

Computer Lab Rules

2011-12-06T17:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first computer classin Gramothe for the 2011-2012 school year. The kids were ecstatic! I was so happy to see their beautiful faces that I just wanted to stand and look at them all. However, we got down to business right away. After greeting the class, I presented the rules. First we had to discuss what "rule" means, and then I give them the list of rules that will keep their teacher happy.

No food in the computer room.
Put your chair away before leaving.**
Put your bag on a hook or your lap. No bags on the table.
No listening to music without permission!!
Clean your shoes before entering if they are dirty.

There are several other procedures we'll work on in the weeks to come, but if they can do these things for me--especially 2, 3, and 5--I will be a happy woman. I can't tell you how much I hate when there is no room for laptops because the table is full of bags. It drives me crazy about as much as drumming pencils on the desks.

**Unfortunately, there were two girls who failed to put their chairs away last class. Their punishment is that they don't get a chair next class. The other students think the girls won't forget to put their chairs away again. I agree.

So Happy Together

2011-12-03T05:51:00.001-05:00

Morning Procedures

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Every school has a morning procedure. In the States we often say the Pledge of Allegience. In Haiti they sing the national anthem. Here's a little snippet of what that looks like in Gramothe.

In the Land of Rice and Beans

2011-11-29T20:52:00.000-05:00

Ah. It is such bliss to be back in Haiti...other than the needing to unpack and put everything away part. I really loathe unpacking. Maybe I'll just live out of my suitcases for the next week and then unpack.

New construction on the waiting room building has gone up while I've been away. The second floor wasn't even started when I left 5 months ago and now it's nearly complete.

My college friend Beth is in Haiti this week helping in the clinic. She came with me back in April of 2010 when this chapter of my life started. :)

My good friends Porcupine and Mouse. We had a lot of fun talking after clinic finished today. I've missed them!

Flying the Friendly Skies

2011-11-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

Today I am flying to Haiti. My first flight leaves Chicago at 8:50 am EST. I'll spend a few hours in Miami's excellent* airport, and then I'm off to Port au Prince. If all goes accordingly, I should arrive in PaP around 4. By the time everyone gets their luggage (I'm flying in with a medical team) and we get through customs, we should be on the mountain by 6pm EST. It will be a long day of travel, but it will be good too.

If you think of me today, please pray for safe travels. I'd appreciate it!

*Using the word excellent is extreme sarcasm. I loathe MIA more than I loathe unpacking.

Thankful

2011-11-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

I have much to be thankful for this year.

Unfortunately I don't have much time to write about it here.

I'm headed back to the land of rice and beans in just a couple of days. In the mean time I am packing my suitcases (apparently a little too well since one of them is much heavier than 50lbs... I'm having a hard time taking things out though!), and I'm also cleaning my room at my parents. I'm not sure how one person can collect so much junk in such a short time. I thought I was being intentional about not keeping things I don't need, but it turns but I just made lots of piles of junk in my bedroom. Apparently now I feel compelled to stuff as much of it as possible into my suitcases!

If you think of me in the next couple of days please say a little prayer for safe travels and a smooth transition back to life in Haiti. Pray for my family as they transition too.

2011-11-14T18:36:00.000-05:00

I saw this the other day and really liked it. It reminds me a lot of what Jesus said in Matthew about losing our lives to gain something better.

Fun Mail

2011-11-12T17:03:00.001-05:00

I sent out wedding invitations a couple of weeks ago. (There are only 7 weeks left until I marry the most amazing man I've ever met! I can't wait.) Anyway, at the last minute I added two couples to our guest list. One of them has already sent a response: an 8x10 photo with a message from both the Mr. and the Mrs. Here it is:

Three weeks to go

2011-11-07T10:48:00.004-05:00

There are only three weeks until I leave for Haiti. Please pray...

for quality time with my family in the next 3 weeks
for a smooth transition for the teacher taking over my position in Mishawaka
that I will not distance myself emotionally from my family and friends as a defense mechanism
that God will prepare me for the changes I will encounter once I get to Haiti (some staff and ministry changes have occurred in the 5 months I've been away)
for my loved ones to experience the peace and joy only God can give as we say goodbye for now
that the Lord will be glorified in everything

Giving Up Your LIfe

2011-11-06T13:45:00.000-05:00

Last week Pastor John preached on parts of Luke 9. You know the part of the Bible where Jesus says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Then we sang a song (below) in church today that talks about being the hands and feet of Jesus. There's a line that says, "I wanna give my life away, all for your kingdom's sake."

I want that. I can't tell you how much I want that. But I also feel a lot like the rich young ruler lately. I want to follow Jesus, but it's hard to leave behind the life I have here.

When I get on that plane to Haiti in three weeks, I'll be leaving behind

watching Big Bang Theory with my dad
hot showers any time I want
Christmas with my family (I start crying every time I think about this. I have a plan for skyping with them that day, but it tears my heart out that I won't be there with them.)
spur of the moment movie nights with friends
going shopping with my mom whenever she comes to Mishawaka
seeing my mom graduate from Bethel in May
being able to communicate with nearly everyone I meet
the many extended family get-togethers the Myers family has
holding my best friends' babies as we talk about life
giving and receiving hugs from the people I love
understanding everything my students say to me
watching funny TV shows with my friends

Don't get me wrong, I want to return to Haiti. I'm looking forward to it. I know that God wants me to be in Haiti, and I'm excited to get back there. It's just not as easy to say goodbye to life here as I wish it was.