Whew, a month has passed since I last wrote and so much has happened! I don't know where to start, so I'll just begin.
On May 1st, International Labor Day, we had an awesome celebration at our new Child-Friendly Space in Cineas. The children sang, danced, and showed off their art. The entire community came together to rejoice in all of the hard work, perseverance, sacrifice and hope of the last several months.
This week we had some high-profile visits to our AMURT/KNH Child-Friendly Spaces. Today we received a delegation of over 30 people-- mostly German diplomats, the Minister of Economic Development and heads of several organizations like Red Cross and Caritas. On Wednesday, a famous soccer player/coach visited with a film crew and played a little game with our children. The visits were very positive, and hopefully it will attract constructive attention and resources.
The sites continue to progress in unexpected and beautiful ways despite the immense challenges. Each community has created its own style of running the CFS. I love working with the CFS central team and the on-site staff. We are becoming a family, and each day that I learn more Kreyol, I am better able to really know them.
I took a short break to the US last week to see family (and grandma!), friends and visit my former schools where I taught (IHS & FSS). It is amazing to reconnect with people as if no time has passed. Catching up with former students was definitely a highlight!
The team here at AMURT is also shifting. We are beginning new projects and re-evaluating current ones. A few more talented volunteers have come and are deciding to stay for several months which is wonderful news. In the midst of lots of work, we are at least beginning to take some time out to play ping-pong on our newly made table. All those games in the basement with my dad served me well!
Please let me know what I should write about next!
