Imagine again with me for a moment if you will, sitting next to an eighteen year old man who is delighted to be talking with an english speaking woman. Not because I am white, not because I am woman, because I speak english. Here in Haiti they know that you at least have a chance if you speak english. The better your english the better your chances. This man is vibrant, passionate and very motivated. This man is proud to tell me that he is in the second grade. (did you catch that...the 2nd grade) He wants to become a medical doctor. Ponder that for a moment....

My time runs out ever so quickly when I am at these internet cafes'! I must write quickly, which unfortunatly means I must leave out details, please imagine a little to fill in the blanks, but catch the bigger message.

This last week has been spent getting to know the boys I am living with. Through participating in daily classes such as art and dance, chores, preparing meals etc. I have been developing relationships built on trust. I have spent many hours observing, as well as interacting. My position as a mentor at the Trinity House has been an assignment with no rules, no outline to follow, no format to abide by, but rather, here are some boys that need some assistance. WOW! Thats a lot to consider!

Having been here a week, God has given me indeed, divine wisdom to know what to do when and how to go about doing these things. I have been getting to know, and gain the trust and respect of the director and assistant director of the home. In turn they have asked for advice and suggestions on their behalf regarding the home and their roles.

Long story short, my purpose here, has been revealed. My many years of therapy, residental treatment programs etc. are beggining to be put to use! ALthough I have been given no specific expectations of the role I am to play here at the Home, it is very obvious what I am capable of, and what is desired of me. I am here to help implement structure. To create a program. Develop guidelines, rules and a daily schedule that is abided by. To create a disciplinary system, rewards-consequences.

My role, I have come to determine, is not to implement these changes myself, but to help create needed structure, assisting the directors by providing them training and guidance so that they can be empowered to more effectively do their jobs, thereby bettering the lives of the boys.

Michael, the founder and overseer of all the homes came to visit from Port Au Prince today. We had a very intense house meeting, to say the least. Did I say intense? Maybe heated..no hard, challenging, in your face...all of these words work to explain the events of the last 10 hours. Nevertheless, it was all very much needed. In a nutshell, the directors of Trinity House and the boys under their care are - simply stated, LAZY. That is changing as of today. Between Michael (head director) Melchee and Gilmiest (directors of Trinity House) the boys and I, we had some seriously specific topics of conversation. I dont know that the boys are going to be so warm and friendly with me tonight...but I trust they will thank me in the long run. (notice I am at the cyber cafe and not the house right now! I thought I'd give them a chance to think while I am not around. Just because I dont know Creole' doesnt mean I can get my message across!) Michael flew back to Port Au Prince today and will return in a week. He claims excitement that I am here to assist in implementing these changes. If changes dont get made, a new director will be hired.

*He is not depending on me to make these changes, or be the reason why changes are made or not made...He is just glad that someone can be there to be accountable to in the event that the directors be willing to better themselves and the family.*

Oh my life is so random! You never know what a day is going to bring!
Time is up ...already!! I will write more as soon as I can! Prayer for wisdom will be gladly accepted! I love you so much!