The past three weeks have been filled with a multitude of jobs. From finding a vehicle to purchase and a house for all of us to live in, to starting my jobs and learning Creole, it has been a busy transition. Instead of filling you with the little details of all of those things I want to introduce you to a few of my new friends.

I currently live at our team house which is where our school is located. Each morning the kids show up around 7:45 to begin the day. I am usually ready and waiting for them. I have absolutely grown to love the mornings when the children arrive. There are two children in particular that I want to tell you about.

Meet Melanie*. She is 8 years old, lives in one of our residential homes and is mentally handicapped. Every morning she jumps off the bus and runs to give me a big hug. She typically stays attached to me until I tell her it is time to go get in line. More recently, her teacher has been sending her to me during the school day to help her learn how to write her letters and numbers.  This is an entertaining time. With my limited Creole, her lesson book in French and her inability to pay attention makes for a fun time trying to get her to do what I need her to do :)

We have fun though and I love showing her that someone cares about her and will take the time to help her. This is one of the highlights of my day.

Meet Andy*. Andy is also 8 years old. He lives in the community around our school. We have about 50 kids in our school that come from the community of Balan. My first week here I walked Andy and his 4 siblings home. We arrived at a small wooden house that was barely big enough for the 5 children and dad to live in. I don’t know what the story is with him mother. His father used to leave early in the morning to go into town to try and make some money to feed the children. He would return late at night, so the oldest girl was pretty much in charge of the kids. Last week we were able to offer the dad a job helping to keep the grounds here at the school clean.

The first day Andy’s dad came to work, Andy took me to introduce me to his dad. His dad told me that Andy would often tell his dad that he had a new ‘blan (foreigner)’ friend at school. He was happy to meet me!

Every morning, without fail, Andy runs to me and gives me the biggest hug I have ever received. He then looks up into my eyes with this smile that would melt even the hardest of hearts. It truly feels like I am looking into what I would imagine is the face of Jesus. I LOVE getting Andy’s hugs every day. Typically, I get several of them!

So these are a few of the kids that I get to spend time with each day. I have loved working in the school alongside the teachers, helping them when I can. I am also in the beginning stages of starting English classes with the House Parents and the older kids who are learning English in public school.

It has been an enjoyable time so far learning my new roles and seeing where I might be able to help.

The rest of our North American team arrives next month. I am really looking forward to them being here and creating relationships with them!

*names changed to protect privacy.

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