Day 5

Not too much to report today other than I got a new bike on loan! Marleen's brother's friend had this bike and wasn't using it, so he let me borough it during my time here! Pretty sweet. It's even a Schwinn! Now my work commute will be about a 6 min ride to school, 4 min ride to the store, and 10 min ride to church. Not bad! I guess I'll really be living the island life now. John, the Haitian worker at the school borrowed by bike to get some putty at the store. When he brought it back and I asked him how it was he said, "Ah mon, that bike rides so smooth and sweet."

My landlord heard I needed a bike lock and he went rummaging in his house and came back with a bike lock for me to use. "The Lord provides," he told me. "Indeed he does," I replied.

I spent most of the day doing paperwork and getting ready for the "Parent open house". I'll be meeting all my students' parents and some of my students.

Today a community leader who does free school for ex-homeless children, came into my class and almost begged me add another student for him. "She's brilliant," he said. "She's from Peru, and she's still learning English, but she's very very bright. I want her to be in a place where she can excel. I believe in her so much I am willing to pay her school fees for her." Then the girl and her mother came into the room. They were very shy and I tried to speak a little Spanish and talk to them about where I had visited in Peru. Later I talked to Marleen about how we would fit more students into our small space, and we came up with a new plan for the seating arrangement that could facilitate 12 students. So I went from thinking I had 6 students a week ago, to having 12 students! The more the merrier I say!

We also got a new teacher today: Mr. Kari Marcelle, who just happens to be a young Anglican preparing for ordination in January! I couldn't have wished for a better college! I think we will get along wonderfully. My heart warms every time I see the big crucifix he has to wear around his neck...