My Teachers

Living in Haiti brings a lot of opportunities to learn both Creole and French. Since I’m already learning Creole and I can actually speak it fairly well, I decided to ask a couple of my English students, who are well educated and actually even teach English in the private schools in Grand-Goave, if they would be willing to teach me French. Fortunately for me, they were more than thrilled with the idea of being my teachers. Last Saturday night, was my first official lesson. I thought I did fairly well, considering that I haven’t spoken French in five years. I understood almost everything they said, but I definitely need practice in the oral department! I’m glad they’re such patient teachers!!!

In the picture here, you can see my teachers, Colbert on the left and Jordan on the right. These are two of the most amazing guys I’ve ever met. They are incredibly strong Christians, with a contagiously strong commitment to the cause of Christ. After our lesson last Saturday, they stayed and talked with me about their dreams and goals in life. I was deeply touched and inspired, as I listened to them tell me of dreams of being a pastor and a world Evangelist. Colbert has learned to speak four languages simply so that when he speaks to people in English, French, Spanish or Creole, he will be able to tell them about Jesus. Jordan and Colbert are cousins, and two of the most renowned English teachers in Grand-Goave. They are also two of my best students, in my advanced class.

It seriously amazes me how much I learn every day, from the Haitian people, especially the Christians. They have so many struggles and heartaches, and so many obstacles standing in their way, and yet there are so many of them who just work and work, to try to make something of their lives. Several of my students have actually made themselves seriously ill from studying too much. Jordan actually spent a month and a half on bed-rest, because he overexerted himself in his studies. I’ve really learned to appreciate the education that God has allowed me to have!