Si Dye Vle

One of the first things we learned about the culture of Haiti is that people will frequently say, "si Dye vle," meaning "if God wants."  We were told that when people come from other countries and announce plans for a project no matter how good and needed it is people may be reluctant to trust those with good intentions if  when announcing their plan they neglect to follow it with the words, "si Dye vle."  It will be good to know this for cultural reasons when I go to Haiti, but even more importantly it is a reminder to keep my own life in perspective, and the challenge to do my best to always be about what God desires regardless of where I am.  I can practice now:
I am going to Haiti next month, si Dye vle; if God wants.
I will probably be there for two years, si Dye vle.
I intened to use my social work skills and hope to somehow be a healing presence to those affected by the earth quake, si Dye vle. 
 
I am living on campus in the dorms at Florida International University.  At first, I was very reluctant to stay in the dorms.  I imagined that they would be noisy, unpleasant, and that I might somehow feel out of place.  Prior to coming, I made some efforts to find an alternative.  When nothing worked out, I got more information about the dorms and learned that they are all single rooms and the people in the program would be in the same area.   My initial concerns were unfounded.  The dorms are quiet, and quite pleasant. There are four bedrooms in a suite, but I am the only one in my suite.  I have my own bedroom and since the other rooms are empty my own bathroom, living space and kitchen as well.  The suite next door, houses four women also in the program, including Anne, who I mentioned in a previous entry.  Across the hall from their suite four men who are also in the program are housed.  Those of us staying in the dorms are of various ages (not all college freshman like I imagined.)   If I feel lonely I can always go to the suite next door for a visit.  The campus is beautiful. The building where we have class is nearby.   It really is working out quite well.  Since what I initially thought I would prefer, did not work out, this is probably what Dye vle.  

I went with Anne to a nearby beach this morning.  Now it is time to study and do homework. Even though most of this university is closed on Monday, the Haitian Creole Summer Institute will still be in session.  In fact we have a quiz, which if it is anything like the first one, will seem more like a test to me.  On Tuesday our first drafts of our Kreyol autobiogrphies are due.  So, although I have a couple of other things I wanted to include in this entry, I really need to get back to studying.  Maybe, I'll write more later, si Dye vle!  

Take care.  Enjoy this holiday weekend.   
-Kathleen