Joyful Humility-- Tuesday, March 5th

“It is Jesus who does everything in me; I do nothing except remain little and weak.”  St. Therese

We woke up an hour early today (set our watch too many hours ahead) and so had our first lesson in joyful humility by wandering around the grounds, trying to communicate, but mostly just being able to smile and laugh and sit joyfully, until Fr. Vidal got up and was able to translate a little better.  Our first nicknames came from this extra time, though.  Willy and I were able to communicate about domni (sleep) and somehow it was determined that Grace was a snorer—ronfle-- which wasn't really true, but she graciously accepted the nickname the rest of the week.  We also learn, for the rest of the week, to just rely on the roosters to wake us up, following the rhythm of Haiti time, rather than our failed attempts to be "on time." 

When we really reflect on joyful humility, though, it is the children who we meet in the morning, that teach us what it is all about.  Today, and every day, they march to school, peer around the hallways, just to share with us a "hello, how are you?", or a game of clapping hands, or a smile for a picture, or their favorite candy, dousmakos.  

 We are also grateful to the teachers--Raynold, Michelle, Rosela, Raymonde, Mario, and Malabar-- at the school, for letting us come into their classrooms, and share some of our passions with them.  We see the teachers' own passions, and are so inspired by their ability to teach this joyful spirit to the kids.  

This is so apparent on days when all the kids are assembled together, and all of sudden, the teachers are encouraging each child to share a talent-- song, dance, or poetry-- for an impromptu talent show.  We are caught up in the joy and can't help but smile and sing along.  Jodia nou kontan lagras bondye avek nou!!  Today we are happy because God is with us!