Poem (Visions of Haiti - Cap Haitian)

The first Sunday that I was back from Haiti, I awoke to this poem was floating around in my head.


Visions of Haiti - Cap Haitian
Visions of Haiti sift through my head, lying here in my comfy bed.
A starving young boy out on the street
with no one to get him something to eat.

The contrast of beauty and trash all around,
for one you look up, the other you look down.

A student studying by the lamplight below,
hungry to learn, wanting to know,
how to change Haiti, it's government corrupt
I can't be the one who decides to give up.

Missionaries come and then they go,
some helping the country more than they know.

A Pastor's conference where hope is found
to change this country from being upside down.

Lord in the early morning light,
please hear my prayer to make things right.

More important than any of the changes above
is for people to know of your great love.

I pray they invite you into their life
to receive the great gift of your truth and light.

The problems are not in Haiti alone,
but around the world, even in our homes.

Lord we bow in prayer and praise
at your feet thankful we have something to eat,

It may not enter through our mouth,
but nourishes our soul through your sacrifice.

When people see me Lord, let it be your smile they see
your love shining through someone as simple as me.

Shape us and mold us in the likeness of you,
caring and giving all the way through.

June 2010 Teacher's Conference

The 2nd annual Teacher's Conference was attended by twenty two Haitian teachers and administrators. We were honored to have educators, Terri Conley of Bangor, Maine and Andrew McKendry of Jackman Maine volunteer to teach this three day seminar. Dr. Chris Gnanakan was our keynote speaker and kicked of the seminar with spiritual encouragement.

The seminar topic was "How to prepare a lesson plan and Methodology of Interactive Educational Games". We had two wonderful Haitian translators, Tina and Pastor Rosa. The teachers from the two schools were encouraged to work together throughout the year. They were also encouraged through biblical verse, Luke 12:47  "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

The teachers felt that they would apply what they have learned and would share it with the teachers who were not able to attend. They enjoyed learning techniques that would encourage participation from each student, whether shy or outgoing.  They would like to have a five day seminar next year.

Teacher, Terri Conley chose this bible passage to share in closing.
Ephesians 4:1-3
"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."