I'm Back!

In case anybody didn't know, I'm back in Haiti for the summer. It's understandable if you didn't know, because I myself was unaware until 2 weeks ago when I booked my flights. I had no intention of being back here for the summer, but my plans of tutoring at an SAT camp fell through and God made a very clear path for me to return to Haiti for the summer. English Camp was short on volunteers, and Shelley told me they would love to have me, even though I would miss the first week of camp.

So I booked my flights 2 weeks before departure, and a (very) short while later, here I am! I'm overjoyed to be back. From the second I stepped off the plane, I was instantly reminded of everything I love about this country. It will always take up so much of my heart. I landed in Port-au-Prince at 12, so I was able to get back to the Tlucek house before camp ended and I'm so thankful.

I got to go out to the pool for the end of camp, and any nerves I may have had about jumping into camp were completely erased. All my girls from last year ran up and covered me in hugs and kisses and screams. I got to see Alexander, the absolute light of my life, and he ran up and jumped on me. Even some of the older boys who usually act too cool for anything called me over to say hi. It was an amazing way to be welcomed, and it filled me with so much joy.

The rest of the week was a crazy adventure, as English Camp and life in Haiti always is. This week I was with the yellow group - the youngest girls we have, ages 5-7. They're adorable, and several of them have wormed their way into a special place in my heart. Rachelle is back from last year, and as sweet and lovable as ever. Meonide is new this year, but already one of my favorites. Another teacher, Alex, compared her to Boo from Monsters Inc., and it's such a fitting comparison. She's too adorable for words, so I attached a picture. Leedge is another old favorite who's back - the fastest runner, quietest talker, and best hand-holder of the bunch.

Meonide

Meonide and I

I loved my week with them, but as 5-7 year old girls will be, the whining is always a little frustrating. However, it's definitely stretched my patience in a good way. It was nice to have all my girls from last year (the orange group) asking when I was coming back to them and begging me to be their group leader. I miss them all so much, but luckily on Friday Fun Day, the yellow and orange groups combine, so I got to be with all my girls on Friday.

Outside of camp, life is so much simpler than in the States, but just as crazy. Rayna (another volunteer who I've been in Haiti with 2 times before) and I make dinner, and usually dessert, every night after camp. We eat, have devotions, sometimes go swimming, and then hang out on the balcony where we sleep before going to bed.

Who knows what next week will hold, but for now we have the weekend to try and rest (although Rayna and I both woke up at 5:30 this morning, unable to fall back asleep) and get ready for camp again on Monday!

Thanks for sticking with me! I have a computer this year so I'll try to update more often. Facebook me, iMessage me, or email me if you have any questions or just want to talk. I love my time here, but I miss all of you more than you know!

With love,
Sarah