First Week Adventures

It's hard to believe that I arrived here just a week ago!  A whirlwind of things have happened, but that's to be expected when establishing yourself in a new place.  The past week has consisted of meeting tons of wonderful new people, starting some projects for the school (working on a new curriculum for the woodwinds!), figuring out how things work in Haiti, and learning Creole of course! 

Some of the highlights took place on Saturday; Bernadette (an administrator of the school) took Kelsey (a volunteer at the school) and I out to do some grocery shopping.  We went to the Big Star Market, one of the many grocery stores here in Pétionville.  

Nothing too exciting about shopping Haiti since it's pretty much just like shopping at home.  Only big difference is that you pay in gourdes and you speak in Creole! (By the way, you may notice there's a pizza in the cart - I was delighted to find out you can find pizza at all sorts of places in Haiti!)

One of the things I love about going out in Pétionville is all of the sights to see. The mountain sides are an especially beautiful backdrop to the everyday busy bustle and hustle of the streets.

Later in the evening, Père César and Bernadette took myself and Kelsey out to dinner.

The restaurant is called the Artist's Corner and is Père's favorite place.  It served amazing fresh grilled fish and was the perfect spot to talk about what Kelsey and I will be doing during the month of September.  We will be traveling to the different satellite schools of Holy Trinity School of Music and working with the programs.  I'm really excited about this opportunity to collaborate with the other schools and to see different parts of the country!

I have great stories from Sunday too, so check back later for another post!  And a big thank you to my first sponsor this past Saturday, Mary Beth!   

Greetings from Haiti!

First post from Haiti and what an adventure it has already been!

After a few days delay due to Tropical Storm Isaac, I headed to Haiti this past Monday.  My journey began early in the morning when I flew from Dulles to Newark, then Newark down to Port-au-Prince.  

My favorite moment of flying was when I got on the plane to Haiti, I was sitting next to another missionary and beside him was a woman from Haiti.  The missionary started practicing his Creole with the Haitian woman.  He then asked her about different hymns and the two of them began singing a hymn together in Creole.  It was a beautiful moment and I couldn't wait to get down to Haiti to sing in Creole too!  

In the early afternoon we landed in Port-au-Prince.  Flying in over the shore line and mountains is a breath-taking sight!  That was only the beginning of the fun; the airport was quite an experience.  Traditional music, lots of people and tons of smiles from people greeting their families.  Once I was picked up from the airport, we had a drive through Port-au-Prince to the cathedral and Holy Trinity School.  There is so much to see in the city, but I was most amazed by all of the people.  Everyone stays outside to do work, to spend time with friends and to go to the markets.  It's a very exciting place!

Upon arriving at the school, I was warmly greeted by the music of the boys choir rehearsing and the welcoming arms of Père César.  He introduced me to many of the people at the school and gave me a tour of the facilities.  It was quite inspiring to see the work that has been done on the new building for the school (they hope to have it finished in time for the start of school in October).

Later that evening we traveled to Pétionville, which is the next town over from Port-au-Prince and where my apartment is located.  The rest of the evening was devoted to getting settled in to my new place.  Also I had a visit from Angela, another missionary here in Haiti and she gave me a tour of the area.  Best part of the tour was a rainbow I spotted; we both decided that was a wonderful sign!

Overall travels were smooth and I am so excited to be here!  Everyone has been so welcoming and eager to help me feel at home.  The next few days will be used for getting rest and learning what I'll be doing with the school.  More to come soon! Orevwa for now!   

A Christ Church Send Off

Yesterday was a very special day in my heart as it was my last Sunday with Christ Church before my departure this Friday.  I must say my Christ Church family really knows how to send off a missionary!  

My morning began with our 10:30 service where we had a beautiful baptism for one of the young members of the church.  Not only do I love baptisms, but it meant so much to renew my baptismal covenant one last time with my family here.  It's such a wonderful reminder of why we do mission work.  The service also included a touching send off prayer from my rector, Webster Gibson.  

After the service, we celebrated in our parish hall with a cake and refreshments.  But little did I know that the fun wouldn't stop there...

Later in the evening, I thought I was headed to dinner with our assistant rector, Bridget Coffey, but instead I was met with quite the surprise of an all inclusive holiday party.  The parish hall had been decorated with many of the holidays of the year.  We enjoyed an all American dinner with some of my favorite foods.  The evening included music from each of the seasons and even a lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday."  I think that's the first time I've ever heard "Happy Birthday" sung to me in August!

The day was filled with smiles and laughter and was such a wonderful way to say orevwa!  Thank you so much Christ Church family!  I'm very excited that you'll be with me on this journey!

A Big Thank You

Thank you to everyone who came out for this evening's benefit concert and for your support!!!  Tonight was a huge success and what a wonderful way to spend time together before my departure.

Also many thanks to the three wonderful musicians who performed with me this evening.  It was such a pleasure to be able to play with these very close friends one more time before I leave for the year.  

Thank you Susie, Rachel and Noriko!!!  

News from Haiti!

Today I had the wonderful blessing of talking to Père David Cesar, who is the director for Holy Trinity School of Music.

We had a great conversation talking about the camp that they had just facilitated, my arrival in Haiti and, the work I'll be doing with the school. The other exciting news is that we decided my departure date for Haiti. And the date is....

I cannot wait and now the real countdown begins!

Farewell Concert

It's hard to believe August is already here!  Before I know it I'm going to be in Haiti.  

As my time here in Virginia is quickly drawing to a close, I have planned a final farewell concert for Sunday, August 12 at 7pm in Christ Church.  The concert will feature some of my favorite flute pieces along with the talents from a few of my musician friends who have supported and played with me through the years.  

Come out to hear a wonderful evening of flute music as I give my final performance here in the United States!  The concert is free of charge and donations are welcomed. 

For directions to Christ Church: http://www.christchurchwinchester.org/

Return from Canada!

Greetings from back in the USA!  I spent the last two weeks in Toronto, Canada attending the Orientation for Global Ministry.  The 35 participants were missionaries from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the United Church of Canada, and the Episcopal Church. 

Throughout the week we prepared for our placements, which are all over the world.  We learned a variety of skills for our year(s) abroad, listened to a fantastic group of guest speakers, and spent time thinking about different cultures.  

(photo taken by Nina Boe)

The highlights of our orientation were our visits to local churches in Toronto where I was able to worship in a French speaking Pentecostal church.  Along with interfaith visits, where I was with a group that visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and an Islamic mosque.  

Overall the orientation was a wonderful source of information and it was a great experience working with the other missionaries as we all prepare for our adventures.  Now these next few weeks are for finishing up planning, getting packed, and spending time with friends and family...because the next stop's Haiti!