Ooey Gooey.

In keeping with tradition, this morning at school we mixed borax with glue and created the famous, ooey, gooey, green slime. As the elements began to react in the big white bowl, the boys could hardly wait to get messy... Needless to say 'indoor voices' did not apply to this activity.

With 2 months of school already under our belts, I feel amazed at where the Lord has already brought us, and blessed to get to do life with these 5 fantastic boys.
Last week we lost our internet signal due to the hurricane, so Noah and Caleb were unable to complete their computer coursework. I decided to throw together a quick 'buddy-reading' session where I paired off the boys to take turns reading with one another. Joseph and I read about dinosaurs for a while, and then I did a quick glance around the other side of the room where Caleb and Olivier were reading. Much to my surprise, I found Caleb at the chalkboard drawing a diagram with squares and numbers, and when I asked him what was happening, he explained that Olivier didn't know what hopscotch was in their book, so he was teaching him about it.
All of you teachers out there will understand the significance of this... BEST!
Amidst the dance offs, trampoline flips, growing bean sprouts and even the slimy messes of today, we are stretching our brains, and practicing perseverance, trust and joy - both in our faith and with one another. Looking forward to what November has in store!

Hurricane Sandy.

Last night I slept wrapped in 2 big blankets. Now that's a big deal.
With Hurricane Sandy passing nearby, I look out from my kitchen table and see the trees swaying rhythmically as the tempests flow by. The rare heavy grey skies overhead give me reasons to do uncommon things like light candles instead of oscillate fans, and make soup for lunch instead of cold guacamole.
This morning, my boys wore coats to school and I wore jeans (another rarity). We had to adjust our seating due to a few leaky spots, and we read from Psalm 107.

Some went out on the sea in ships;

    they were merchants on the mighty waters.

²⁴ 

They saw the works of the Lord,

    his wonderful deeds in the deep.

²⁵ 

For he spoke and stirred up a tempest

    that lifted high the waves.

²⁶ 

They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;

    in their peril their courage melted away.

²⁷ 

They reeled and staggered;

    they were at their wits’ end.

²⁸ 

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

    and he brought them out of their distress.

²⁹ 

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

    the waves of the sea were hushed.

³⁰ 

They were glad when it grew calm,

    and he guided them to their desired haven.

³¹ 

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

It's on days like today that I feel small and powerless. The thick clouds, forceful wind and gusty sounds of the strongest trees being threatened remind me that I am fragile and helpless. But in the words of David, this is where I see the Lord's powerful hand moving. It's when we are made weak, we can better know the strength of the One who is strong. It is here I testify His wonderful works.

What peace I find in David's words that the Lord heard the prayers of His people whose courage had melted away. He attends Hie ear to the cries of His people. He stills the storm to a whisper. He guides us to a safe haven.
Today I've been reminded to lift my eyes to the One who is faithful and has power to save us from the storms that invade, whether outside our homes or inside our hearts. May we rest in His care and thank Him for His unfailing love.

My week in pictures...

My camera has been working overtime these days... Photo-shooting in the mountains, overnight trips to SourceMatelas, and capturing my hardworking students in the classroom. I've been delayed on a blog post for a while now, so I hope these snapshots will give you an update on what's happening on my side of the globe. :)

Francia, Wahla and Shaylyn on their first day of school in SourceMatelas

Peterson, Michayel and Fania on their first day of kindergarten

Isn't she the CUTEST!?

Olivier's concentrated finger-spacing

Colouring always goes better when you stick your tongue out :)

The birthday boy (Caleb) taking flight

Sunny side up

Olivier,  Joseph and Joshua loving their land

A classic ending to a night out with some of the girls on staff

Finger-lickin' good.

As we embark into October, I am so very grateful for my job here at MOH, and the way I get to spend my days with 5 of the best boys on the planet. I'm also really enjoying getting to know my newest additions to the classroom better day by day, and learning about their unique personalities. Joshua loves a good challenge - he tackles 3-digit math problems like a champ, Olivier is a great encourager - always giving his brother high-fives, and Joseph loves to be on the move - and he's got great rhythm!

Today I learned a little bit more about Olivier's funny bone and it's a story worth sharing, so I hope it brings you a smile!

In connection with our tree study in devotions, we began studying the seed this week, and how we are to be planted and grown up in Jesus. This morning, I sliced open a sitwon (small Haitian lime) and grenadia (passion fruit) to demonstrate how all fruits and vegetables have seeds that allow the plant to multiply over and over again. I circled the classroom, allowing the boys to get a close look and smell of the sitwon, and then submerged my finger into the goopy center of the grenadia to draw out a seed on my finger. Again, I made my way around to each workspace so that the boys could get a better look of the seed, first to Joseph, then Caleb and Noah, onto Joshua and finally to Olivier... who leaned in close, opened his mouth over my finger, and gulp - no more seed.

Stunned by the quick snatch of the seed, I thought 'you little stinker!' and looked down at Olivier who bashfully gazed back up at me. I think he may have been second guessing his decision, but soon the giggles couldn't be suppressed any longer. I think it's safe to say we have a class clown. :)
As we laughed, I made another round with the grenadia, spooning seeds into palms until only the rind was left. Delish!

Another morning, another lesson, another finger-lickin' good moment in our little blue schoolhouse.