My name is Andrea and I have decided to create a blog for my upcoming trip to Haiti. I have chosen to create one mostly for myself, to see what life is like before, during, and after my experience in Bainet, Haiti. I welcome friends and family to get a glimpse of what this adventure will bring me.
I believe this opportunity is fate. Let me explain...
I was taking a summer course titled Literacy and Linguistic Diverse Learners at SUNY Potsdam. My professor had a great deal of experience working with diverse learners and she said if you really want to know your English language learners, then go teach in a different country. My professor shared some of her experience, Haiti being one of the places she noted.
I wrote down, Go to Haiti. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind and I wasn't sure how it was going to happen, but it seemed like a great idea then. The following day I went to work and was talking with a newer cashier, Marquise. Because she has dark complexion, a beautiful accent, a swag with confidence and worry free manner, she was different.
As we got to talking I asked her where she was from, and her response... "Haiti." I told her that I want to go teach there. I could feel both my mouth and heart dropped when her response was, "Please come teach, we are building a school and need educators." ...WOW... (("Is this for real?")) Can you imagine what thoughts and feelings rushed through me?
We worked out the details later that summer, but from that day on, Haiti is on my heart, in my soul, wandering occasionally on my mind.
I have been given a wonderful opportunity which I believe will be rewarded with many experiences, but there is no guarantee on what to expect. I believe some people think I might be a little crazy. I am going to Haiti to volunteer my time, using my own finances, in the SUMMER... (I can already feel the scorching sun and smell the earths roots) I admit, it is a little crazy, and for those of you who know me, would you expect anything less? We will see...
Thank you for your support.
What to expect... thoughts, updates, events, pictures, documents, news, hopefully music, and more.
Andie
