The Big Vision

I walked into Haiti, hoping I would get to teach a couple of English classes here and there. But just a month after arriving, I found out what a great a vision I was falling into. I discovered it one afternoon while I was talking with another missionary. She was showing me English curriculum and mentioned in passing, "Well you know about the university and everything, right?"

University? I had no idea. So I asked, "What university?"

That's when Joy began to tell me all about the Haitian Wesleyan Church's vision for an English speaking university. A few years ago, the leaders of the church told Dan Irvine (Joy's husband) that they wanted to begin an English speaking university that would offer degrees in Business, Agriculture, and Nursing.

They explained that they wanted the school to be in English because if students got their degrees in English instead of French, they would have more opportunities to pursue master's programs in the States or elsewhere. English-speaking students would also have access to more resources which are written in English, and the university could invite professors from the States and other English-speaking countries to teach.

But there was one problem. Before they could begin this university, they would need a class of students ready to study in English. So three years ago, Joy began the process of teaching professional men and women English with the hope that one day they may be able to attend an English speaking university in Haiti.

And that's where I come in. This year, I'll get to teach Joy's most advanced students writing. This is one of the last skills they'll need for further education. As I teach the mechanics and grammar of writing, another missionary is hoping to begin teaching computer. And eventually, by working together, our students will be writing word-processed documents, researching online, and even sending articles to foreign magazines for publication...At least that's the big vision. :)