Time is going quickly. I had a great a weekend, the highlight was seeing manatees! We had a test yesterday, and have a paper due on Thursday.
The unexpected conversation about specific expectations with the executive director of the parish twinning program did leave me feeling a bit confused. I have since communicated with Sr. Mary who actually works in Haiti at the hospitality house. I believe that there will be a way that the skills I have will be used well in Haiti.
Thank you to many people who have emailed. I have gotten behind in responding, but I do enjoy reading them and appreciate the support of so many and I intend to catch up soon.
This coming weekend I will be in Philly for Ana's perpetual profession and a missioning for my ministry in Haiti. I look forward to seeing my community, as well as some family and friends this weekend.
Take care,
Kathleen
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Bookkeeping???
Two weeks from tomorrow, I will arrive in Haiti, si Dye vle.
Today, I had a voice mail message stating that someone who I was going to be working for in Haiti, was trying to reach me. All of my communication before today has been with Sister Mary; and that was not the name of the person trying to reach me now. Fortunately, as I mentioned earlier Anne who is in class with me has been to Matthew 25, and is much more familiar with the program there than I am. She recognized the name and confirmed that the person trying to reach me is in charge of the entire parish twinning program, which includes Matthew 25.
I called the person during my lunch break from class. She wanted to touch base with me and talk about the expectations they have for what I will do at the hospitality house. She was very nice and provided me with some basic information about the parish twinning program and history of the hospitality house. Of course, I expected that I would have some responsibility at the house where I am planning to stay, but that the focus of my ministry would be with people in need, thinking especially of those living in tents in the soccer field. While all along I have assumed that I won't really know exactly how ministry will work out until I am there, and have felt a need to be open to possabilies, and let it unfold, I did not really consider that I would be expected to do a couple of the things mentioned during this phone conversation, especially the bookkeeping for the hospitality house. For any readers who may not know me well, while I think I do a pretty good job of managing my $80 personal monthly stipend, I have very limited experience and did not inherit my mother's genes in this area (she is an accountant and always loved math.)
I reread many of the emails to and from Sister Mary; I think I was clear about my desire to use my social work skills, to serve those in need and never falsely indicated that I had desire, aptitude, nor felt called to bookkeeping.
I went for a walk after class to try to make sense of this. I am puzzled by a few things, which I am seeking clarification about, but I am confident that things will work out, because they always do, although often in unexpected ways. Life is interesting!
Yes, two weeks from tomorrow, I will be arriving in Haiti, si Dye vle!
Today, I had a voice mail message stating that someone who I was going to be working for in Haiti, was trying to reach me. All of my communication before today has been with Sister Mary; and that was not the name of the person trying to reach me now. Fortunately, as I mentioned earlier Anne who is in class with me has been to Matthew 25, and is much more familiar with the program there than I am. She recognized the name and confirmed that the person trying to reach me is in charge of the entire parish twinning program, which includes Matthew 25.
I called the person during my lunch break from class. She wanted to touch base with me and talk about the expectations they have for what I will do at the hospitality house. She was very nice and provided me with some basic information about the parish twinning program and history of the hospitality house. Of course, I expected that I would have some responsibility at the house where I am planning to stay, but that the focus of my ministry would be with people in need, thinking especially of those living in tents in the soccer field. While all along I have assumed that I won't really know exactly how ministry will work out until I am there, and have felt a need to be open to possabilies, and let it unfold, I did not really consider that I would be expected to do a couple of the things mentioned during this phone conversation, especially the bookkeeping for the hospitality house. For any readers who may not know me well, while I think I do a pretty good job of managing my $80 personal monthly stipend, I have very limited experience and did not inherit my mother's genes in this area (she is an accountant and always loved math.)
I reread many of the emails to and from Sister Mary; I think I was clear about my desire to use my social work skills, to serve those in need and never falsely indicated that I had desire, aptitude, nor felt called to bookkeeping.
I went for a walk after class to try to make sense of this. I am puzzled by a few things, which I am seeking clarification about, but I am confident that things will work out, because they always do, although often in unexpected ways. Life is interesting!
Yes, two weeks from tomorrow, I will be arriving in Haiti, si Dye vle!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I think I mentioned in a previous post that the campus here is quite beautiful. In order to share with you a glimpse of the beauty, I took a few pictures last weekend.
My struggle to learn the language is quickly put into perspective as I learn more about the history and conditions in Haiti and how it got to this point. It causes me to feel angry when I learn of the role that the United States has played in Haiti's history, often maintaining, exacerbating, and at times causing problems there.
On Friday we had a class trip to the Little Haiti section of Miami. We visited a social service agency, a book store, a Botanica, a cultural center, Haitian restaurant, art gallery, and Catholic church. We had a knowledgeable tour guide, an lawyer and activist originally from Haiti, who helped us to understand the plight of Haitian immigrants, their reasons for leaving and experiences once they arrived. Below is a picture of a stained glass window of the church, and one of a mural at the Haitian cultural center.
I spent much of Saturday, studying, walked, swam went to the library. I am trying to find social work materials that might have information that will help me to better understand Haitian culture, and how to help people especially children who have experienced disasters such as earthquakes.
Today, I had visitors! I will say this in kreyol (just because I can do this whole sentence without having to look up any of the words; even if it is wrong most of you will never know.) Manman mwen ak, Papa mwen te vizite mwen! Yes, my parents who are spending a few days in Florida came down for the day. We went to a park, to the beach, and went out to dinner. It was great to see them! Thank you, Mom and Dad!
Thank you for reading this!
Take care,
Kathleen
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Busy Week
The final draft of my autobiography was due this morning. Tomorrow I need to talk about it (but not read it) for five minutes and then answer questions that my classmates pose, all in kreyol of course. On Thursday we have a mid term exam. My lunch break is almost over. I hope you are all having a good day. Take care.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sometimes
Sometimes, I feel like I am learning a lot, and surprise myself when I recall the precise Creole word I need to use, or accurately string together several Creole words forming full sentences to express myself.
Sometimes, I feel lost during class, occasionally, even clueless. I hear a word and know that I have heard it before, I may even remember that it was on a cd that I listened to when trying to learn Creole while driving back and forth to work a few months ago, but don't remember what the word means, even if I can tell you what street I was driving on when I heard it. At times, I want to say or write something, but lack the vocabulary to make my point, even if it is a simple one. Today was a more difficult day for me, but reality is I am learning, and know a lot more than I did a couple of weeks ago.
Sometimes, it is hotter up north in places like Philadelphia and Rhode Island than it is down south in places like Miami. It is warm here, but usually there is a pleasant breeze and the humidity is not too bad, also it seems everything is well air conditioned (sometimes it actually feels good to go outside and warm up!) Seriously, I hope all of you affected by the heat wave are keeping cool enough; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sometimes, I feel lost during class, occasionally, even clueless. I hear a word and know that I have heard it before, I may even remember that it was on a cd that I listened to when trying to learn Creole while driving back and forth to work a few months ago, but don't remember what the word means, even if I can tell you what street I was driving on when I heard it. At times, I want to say or write something, but lack the vocabulary to make my point, even if it is a simple one. Today was a more difficult day for me, but reality is I am learning, and know a lot more than I did a couple of weeks ago.
Sometimes, it is hotter up north in places like Philadelphia and Rhode Island than it is down south in places like Miami. It is warm here, but usually there is a pleasant breeze and the humidity is not too bad, also it seems everything is well air conditioned (sometimes it actually feels good to go outside and warm up!) Seriously, I hope all of you affected by the heat wave are keeping cool enough; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Other Updates and Information
We received an email yesterday afternoon saying that class would be canceled for today after all. Apparently there was uncertainty as to whether or not the building where class is held would actually be accessible since the university is essentially closed today in observance of Independence Day. So, if you were feeling badly that I was in class taking a test while most everyone was have a day off, don't. I am actually ambivalent about the cancellation because while it is nice to have the day off, I need all the help I can get to learn this language. After spending a few hour working on writing my autobiography in Haitian Creole yesterday, it suddenly feels quite easy to write in English. As I write this, I realize how much I depend on spell check when writing in English and how helpful it would be when writing in Creole.
I hope all of you enjoyed the fourth of July yesterday. For a couple of hours yesterday morning, Anne and I went to a garden call Fairchild Tropical Botanic garden. She found it on the internet and although they normally charge admission, yesterday was free. There were amazing plants there, beautiful flowers, lots of butterflies and lizards. http://www.fairchildgarden.org/
I spent most of the rest of the day doing school work. I was glad to talk with some of my relatives on the phone as they were gathered at my parents' house for a cook out and to watch the fireworks by the bay. I could see lots of fireworks from my window here at FIU. My room is on the tenth floor, probably one of the taller buildings around which allowed me to see multiple firework displays, most quite distant.
Last Wednesday night some of us in the Haitian Creole program went to a program which was essentially a promotion for a local public radio program that will air in a few weeks about how the earth quake in Haiti has impacted the lives of people living in south Florida. There was music, art, a variety of speakers. It was interesting. http://wlrnunderthesun.org/2010/07/recap-an-evening-under-the-sun-in-little-haiti/
On the way home, we missed a turn. We ended up being at the very end of route 95; I thought this was rather exciting since it is such a long highway and I have spent a lot of time driving on it, but usually towards the other end.
On Thursday afternoon, instead of our regular class we went to the art museum on campus for a special presentation about an exhibit of Haitian art currently being displayed. It was fascinating. http://thefrost.fiu.edu/exhibitions.htm The art chosen for the exhibit was colorful and reflected the hope and joy of the Haitian culture. Most of the class went to a restaurant that evening which serves Haitian food. The vegetable medley, beans and rice I ordered were delicious.
So, as you can see, I am doing quite well, having wonderful experiences, learning a great deal and enjoying it. Hopefully you are doing well too. I changed the settings to make it easier for people to leave a comment on this blog. If you have thoughts, questions, or your own story to tell feel free to do so. I do hope that you are doing well. Know that all of you in my community, my family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care,
Kathleen
I hope all of you enjoyed the fourth of July yesterday. For a couple of hours yesterday morning, Anne and I went to a garden call Fairchild Tropical Botanic garden. She found it on the internet and although they normally charge admission, yesterday was free. There were amazing plants there, beautiful flowers, lots of butterflies and lizards. http://www.fairchildgarden.org/
I spent most of the rest of the day doing school work. I was glad to talk with some of my relatives on the phone as they were gathered at my parents' house for a cook out and to watch the fireworks by the bay. I could see lots of fireworks from my window here at FIU. My room is on the tenth floor, probably one of the taller buildings around which allowed me to see multiple firework displays, most quite distant.
Last Wednesday night some of us in the Haitian Creole program went to a program which was essentially a promotion for a local public radio program that will air in a few weeks about how the earth quake in Haiti has impacted the lives of people living in south Florida. There was music, art, a variety of speakers. It was interesting. http://wlrnunderthesun.org/2010/07/recap-an-evening-under-the-sun-in-little-haiti/
On the way home, we missed a turn. We ended up being at the very end of route 95; I thought this was rather exciting since it is such a long highway and I have spent a lot of time driving on it, but usually towards the other end.
On Thursday afternoon, instead of our regular class we went to the art museum on campus for a special presentation about an exhibit of Haitian art currently being displayed. It was fascinating. http://thefrost.fiu.edu/exhibitions.htm The art chosen for the exhibit was colorful and reflected the hope and joy of the Haitian culture. Most of the class went to a restaurant that evening which serves Haitian food. The vegetable medley, beans and rice I ordered were delicious.
So, as you can see, I am doing quite well, having wonderful experiences, learning a great deal and enjoying it. Hopefully you are doing well too. I changed the settings to make it easier for people to leave a comment on this blog. If you have thoughts, questions, or your own story to tell feel free to do so. I do hope that you are doing well. Know that all of you in my community, my family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care,
Kathleen
Saturday, July 3, 2010
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
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
Friday, July 2, 2010
Don't Say Do Something!
In Creole, Fe' means to do or to make. It is an extremely common word in Kreyo'l Ayisyen (Haitian Creole.) Another very common word that is also used with great frequency is bagay, meaning something. In English I often put the two words together. Yesterday during class, we were talking about what we would do for the fourth of July weekend, in order to practice Creole conversation. I used these two very common words together when talking to the entire class.
The professor responded, "no, we don't say that in Creole. It means something NASTY."
I suppose as a sister and a social worker, it could become a problem perhaps even scandalous, in certain situations, if I mistakenly put these two basic, useful, common words together. So, now when speaking Creole, I need to remember not to use these two words together. I wonder if I can do something to help me remember?
The professor responded, "no, we don't say that in Creole. It means something NASTY."
I suppose as a sister and a social worker, it could become a problem perhaps even scandalous, in certain situations, if I mistakenly put these two basic, useful, common words together. So, now when speaking Creole, I need to remember not to use these two words together. I wonder if I can do something to help me remember?
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