First Day of School

Today was the first day of school! Overall it went well. I think both the kids and I have to work our stamina back up for being in the classroom for 6 hours though! We had some friends getting a little tired towards the end of the day and my feet still hurt from standing!

It was good to finally see the kids in action and get a sense of where they are academically. I wasn't quite sure where they'd be with a class full of kids with English as their 2nd language (expect one). There are some cultural differences to work through as well. For example, people in Haiti generally do not sit on the floor, whereas in the states, you find classes full of kids sitting on the rug for lessons! I'm still feeling everything out, but I have a much better idea how to plan lessons now.

I'm so thankful for my classroom aides! They've helped in 2nd grade before and know the drill. Such a blessing when I don't have a clue how things work at Sonlight! I'm getting the hang of it... but still have the pledge - a 5 part song in French - to learn!

Here are some pictures for today!

 Staff devos this morning (photo courtesy of Alicia)

Before school (photo courtesy of Alicia)

Kids working hard during French!

Getting ready to read a story at the end of the day (photo courtesy of Alicia)

This evening the girls (Katie, Tara, Megan) and I met up with two of the Haitian office staff and Sonlight grads Elose and Merlande. We headed across the street to Jerry's, a local hotel that sits right on the water. We had cokes, watched the sunset, and had good spiritual conversation about everything from current spiritual warfare in our lives to the emotional ups and downs of the book of Psalms. It was a great way to refocus on the Lord after the stresses of the first day of school. I'm looking forward to more of these times in the future!

Day 2 of teaching tomorrow!