Haïti Chérie

It's been a few weeks since I have returned from Haiti! There is so much to share about the tremendous experience that I was afforded. Let me start off by saying thank you to every one of my friends and Twitter family who contributed in some way! I am so thankful and pray that God continuously blesses you all as you continue to bless others.

I had so many emotions prior to my trip back to Haiti! I felt guilty for not having returned sooner, anxious about what to expect, and disappointed in what was taking place academically throughout the island. Those who know me, know that I am an advocate for balanced literacy in and out of the classroom. It's the only way to ensure genuine teaching and learning takes place. So as I prepared with a great team of educators to go to Haiti, it was evident in our plans that the goal was to bring that methodology to Haiti. I wasn't sure how teachers as well as students would respond but prayed that God would give each person a receptive mind and heart. At the same time, it was my earnest prayer that God would rid me of the "Saviour complex." I knew that the mission wasn't to go and save these teachers, rather it was to go and best help them to help themselves.

Along with 5 other educators (present and former), we visited several schools and modeled balanced literacy in the classroom. In addition to the modeling, all of the teachers trained received materials to continue the work in their classrooms! It was such a blessing to see students and teachers alike being blessed by what we had to offer. During my time there, we were able to converse and even make schedule changes to accommodate the new learning. I was able to speak to students and inspire them about as much as they inspired me!

Public and private school education alike has been made free to all children in Haiti! However, due to unforeseen circumstances with budget, (many) teachers have not been paid in as much as 7 months by the government. Not one time did I hear a complaint from teachers. Students aren't equipped with books and materials as promised. Not one did time did I hear a complaint from students. They inspired me more than they could possibly fathom. I'm so much more grateful for the life that I live here in the states and the education that I'm able to provide to students, year after year.

I'm not sure sure how to end this!

But I will say, this is just the beginning. I really pray that I can do more. I'm staying in contact with a few of the teachers and waiting on God to reveal what I ought to do next.

Read, Rule, Reign

-Karen

Her first ever picture map! 

Whatever we were doing must have been fun!

Waiting on scholars to finish national exams before we go in for modeling. 

Modeling a shared writing activity! The teachers and students were extremely intrigued. 

Modeling an interactive read aloud for teachers!