What does the school year look like? A typical school year should follow the general schedule that we follow in the states (different holidays, of course).
Why is my kid not smiling in their photo? This is just cultural! I promise we are begging them to smile but it is hard to do something you are not used to doing.
You’ve been teaching English to RMI staff? Yes! When we have the spare time, we try to make good use of it.
How does the grade level system work in Haiti? Haitian children start school at age 3 for their 1st of 3 years of kindergarten. The national system goes to 13th grade. Different schools and different areas offer varying grade levels.
What are class sizes like? I have seen as small as 25 and as large as 50+, it all depends on grade level and location.
Why do you not share more photos of peoples homes, living conditions, etc.? I do my best to try and be respectful. There is a fine line between sharing in order to help people understand and sharing in a way that is not appropriate. And I am learning it really isn’t that fine of a line. I used to be the team member that took pictures of anything and everything, not thinking about those who were in the pictures, just wanting to show people in the States. I would take pictures without asking first. I have learned to ask, always ask my coworkers and those who are involved. And sometimes I don’t even ask, I just don’t do… I try to put myself in that persons position, would I want someone I don’t even know taking photos of me living my every day life, of my home? I am coming to terms with the fact that God called me as a missionary to Haiti, to Haitians…if I am doing something that makes Haitian uncomfortable, I am being disobedient to God. So, I will take less pictures and just be better at describing things.
How is my area affected by the things that happen in and around the capital? Thankfully, we have not experienced much of the violence that is in the capital. However, chaos there does affect our area due to roadblocks between the area I live in and the capital where everything comes into the country.
What are your work hours? RMI Haiti is open 8-4 M-Th and 8-12 on Fridays. But that does not necessarily mean that those are my work hours. During HFKz travel season, when we have teams, and other busy times of the year hours can almost be 24/7.
What is MEBSH and how are you connected to it? MEBSH stands for Mission Evangelical Baptists of Southern Haiti. This is the church association that our ministry (RMI) works with.
Where do you go to church? I go to a local MEBSH church…the big church on the corner for those who are familar with Simon. You can watch live on Facebook or Youtube at Tabernacle MEBSH Simon
How long do you plan on living in Haiti? I have no idea. I moved to Haiti on a 9 month contract in August of 2018 and I am still there. I never thought I would live there and now I find it hard to think of leaving. I will follow as God leads…
Are you ever scared to live there? I truly am not. I can go on and on explaining how far I am from the unrest, how we have security guards, the rules that I follow to keep me safe, how careful we are, how much we keep up with what is going on, the close relationship we have with a police officer, etc, etc… but it doesn’t really explain the why. All of these things are wonderful and do help others to feel better about my safety. As for me, God has given me an unexplicable peace about being in the place He has sent me.
Love You to Haiti and Back 