Day 23 or something like that...

God is my strength, If i don't get my early morning time in his word... let's just say the day is... different.... haha. It is a must have here.

Teaching is going well. I am normally teaching the children from 8am -noon. I have taken on a few extra children for that class time. I am working with some of the children who are having a hard time learning basic concepts like numbers and letters. Many of the children here have learning disabilities and gaps in their development which causes much difficulty in learning. I have been working on some creative ways to get their little brains thinking and learning. Afternoons are always busy with anything from more tutoring, painting, or working with the baby workers to improve conditions and create a better environment for the children and the ladies who care for them.

I would love for my time here to be more about Christ and His salvation than about teaching pre-school. I am just praying God opens up a way for me to share His love.

On a different note.. Last Sunday Laura, Nicole and I had the opportunity to spend all day with EFCA. ( Evangelical Free Church of America) They came and picked us up early and took us along to a Haitian church service. After the service we hung around the HOUSE. Yes, I did say house-which is such a pleasure when you have been living in tents and shed like buildings) We had the pleasure of getting to know the team that had just arrived for a mission trip on Saturday. We took a two hour hike up a mountain! It was beautiful and one of the first times I have seen any part of Haiti except the trip from the airport to OLTCH. What a blessing it was and how enjoyable that time was for us. I loved every minute of it! It started to pour half way up the hill and we were soaked through within minutes but we continued to hike! :) When we got back to the house we played card games for hours with our awesome new friends from EFCA. We laughed so hard that I was crying...a lot! It was the best day I have had in Haiti and very refreshing!
I think tomorrow I am going with Pastor Sam to take Laura and the gang to the airport... we'll see.

Continue to pray for my work here, and that I will find ways to teach the children to love learning. Pray that God will open their minds and allow them to learn new things. Pray for communication barriers to be broken down as I teach.

Also pray that I will have opportunities to share the hope that is in me, the redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ, and that children and Haitian workers here will want to know what this great salvation is that we possess!

love you all,

Kaitlyn Joy.

Just to give you an idea of what my time here looks like..
My bed is a 2 inch piece of foam on a piece of plywood (my back has not been too happy with the sleeping arrangements. haha.) My bed is pushed up against Mercy girls bed, which is pushed up against Laura's bed. I built myself shelves out of MRE boxes and ducktape to make the best use of my limited space :)

In the morning if there is laundry to do I wake up at 5:30 to hand wash it. If not I sleep till about 6 am. Devotions come before breakfast. I cannot tell you how much listening to worship songs can touch your soul when you can't worship with other believers.

Breakfast is at 7 am and I often eat what the children are having, corn mush (which is really good), bread and bannans, eggs and bread, noodles with tomato sauce...

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I take the youngest children in groups to the play/school room where I spend time teaching and interacting with them. The first group at 8:30 and the second at 9:30. I love this time and the way they yell "bravo!" when they learn somthing new.

On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday I spend this time with all the babies and their madams.

Then at 11-12am I take a group of Pre-K children. :)
Lunch is at 12 and then sometime in the afternoon I teach Rodnair for at least an hour. I read to the boys almost every afternoon, and now when every they see me they ask me to read. They always say "anko" which means "again", after the end of each book. We normally finish after 3 or so books.

I GTG. I'LL TELL YOU MORE LATER

Hey All! Getting on the internet was harder than I expected and so I do not know how often I will be able to post. Thank you to everyone who has and is praying for this place and for me.
Quick story- Emmamuel, who cried almost all the time when we were down here before, is for the most part a happy little boy now. I remember my aunt Kim praying for him, and now, He smiles all the time!
We are sharing a room with Rosy, Manes, and Mansa, along with Mercy Girl :) and some nights laura has baby Mandelynn. This is very random because I am rushing and dont have time to put my thoughts together. Haha.
It has been harder then I expected to get time with God in the morning... but it comes sometime throughout the day, when I do get to it, it is a very encouraging time.

Please pray for us as we will be welcoming many new workers.
Rodnare, a 7 years old, eyes are getting worse, from cateracts.
and more.. but I must go now.. :)
Kaitlyn Joy

In preparing for Haiti God has already been teaching me many things and stretching my faith as well. It is uncomfortable sometimes; yet I am thankful for the chance to grow closer to my Lord. Thank you everyone who has committed to being a part of this work through prayer. I am in need of it as the departure date comes closer and unexpected trials are thrown at me. Just more opportunities for God to be glorified! Tomorrow is my last day at my beloved home church. I am sure I will be crying, it will be a happy and sad day all in one.
Blessings,
Kaitlyn Joy

6 days!!!
Last night my sister Laura decided to join me for 3 weeks of my trip!
I can not wait to get down there and hug my babies! :) I am so excited I feel scatterbrained!
God is so great and I am trusting Him to provide,
Kaitlyn Joy Althouse