I had a really good time hanging out with Merline tonight. The two of us did a little bit of work in the afternoon then hung out in my house talking life and watching a movie.
While we're together, we switch back and forth between Creole and often blend words between both languages. Example I said tonight You can see my zos (zo creole for bone). To be honest I'm rarely conscious of which language we're speaking. At one point tonight I thought we were speaking Creole and realized she was speaking English, and I was responding in Creole.
We've figured out the perfect movie watching system, French dubbed with English sub-titles, and again, I honestly hardly notice that I'm reading while we watch. It's amazing to think how much the two of us have learned about each other these past two years.
Tonight we went for a walk along the sea. Probably the last of several seaside walks. As we walked we talked about our first walk together. How nervous I was when I read the Creole words on my note card: eske ou vle mache avek mwen (would you like to walk with me?) and how surprised she was that I genuinely wanted to be friends.
We laughed again at our first conversations and reflected on how good God has been to put us together. I can't believe what an amazing friend God has given me here in Haiti and can't believe my time here is almost up. It looks like I may have to find my way back to visit in the near future and in the mean time invest in several Skype minutes.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Peer Evaluation
Last night in English class we were discussing of the meaning of the word peer. Taking my cues from Keith Folse's Great Writing 4, I defined peer as someone who is equal to you and proceeded to give examples. Teachers' peers are other teachers. Parents' peers are other parents. Etc. Then, trying to stretch this definition a bit, I said in church all the attendees are peers.
One of my students quickly posed this question, "But teacher, why are we peers in the church and then when we leave church we aren't all peers?"
Not wanting to let the moment pass, I invited the whole class to respond. The discussion that followed reminded me again of what an incredible opportunity I have to teach English class here in Haiti.
We talked about equality and submission to authority and ended with a bit of theology. "Teacher, I think that church is not a building. Church is in your heart, and wherever you go, you should take church with you."
The mayor chimed in, "The bible says we are supposed to love all people. And even if someone is not our peer we're supposed to love them and give them respect."
I'm sure I had a huge grin on my face the whole time my students were discussing this. I cannot hide how proud I am to hear their hearts and how excited I was that the definition of the word peer could provoke so profound and rich a discussion.
One of my students quickly posed this question, "But teacher, why are we peers in the church and then when we leave church we aren't all peers?"
Not wanting to let the moment pass, I invited the whole class to respond. The discussion that followed reminded me again of what an incredible opportunity I have to teach English class here in Haiti.
We talked about equality and submission to authority and ended with a bit of theology. "Teacher, I think that church is not a building. Church is in your heart, and wherever you go, you should take church with you."
The mayor chimed in, "The bible says we are supposed to love all people. And even if someone is not our peer we're supposed to love them and give them respect."
I'm sure I had a huge grin on my face the whole time my students were discussing this. I cannot hide how proud I am to hear their hearts and how excited I was that the definition of the word peer could provoke so profound and rich a discussion.
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