Tet ansanm chay pa lou!!!!

"Tet ansanm, chay pa lou" is a famous Haitian proverb which is very valuable to insert into Haitian conversation. They are short phrases that really pack a punch! This particular one is one of my favorites. Literally it says," Heads together, load not heavy". Many heads or hands together make the load light.

This week as we prepare for exams it is a perfect example of this put into practice. A few years ago when we started our first school at Carries I ended up typing all the exams in French and Creole, by myself. I didn't get much sleep, my family didn't see me for days, and I think I would have lost my husband if I ever tried to do it that way again. I guess I just want to share with you one of the quirky ways I calculate progress. This year we have a new director at our school, brother Petit Homme. He is an amazing asset to the team here. He is a Haitian, Christian man with morals which is next to impossible to find. He is from our church in Port-au-Prince, at LaSaline. He is solid, intelligent, organized, a good leader and guess what? He TYPES WELL! Yippee!

Okay, we also have Crash and Shaina, who also TYPE WELL!!! Even though they have to type in French and Creole without understanding, they are a big help. When they finish typing, Petit Homme and I edit. I don't think I can justly describe to you even half of what this means to me.

It is such a relief it is not even funny. For example, we told the teachers to have the tests prepared by a certain date and they did it. Now that, is progress. We had them almost two weeks in advance which meant we didn't have to kill ourselves to get it done. Again, that's progress. Having people other than myself to share the load with, now that, is progress.

Josiah has been teething and everything that goes with it. He's grouchy. Sometimes he has a fever. Sometimes he just wants his mommy. He wants to crawl everywhere and is trying to walk so he keeps us hopping. The past few days, Kelsey has had a fever. That takes all of a mom's time and energy day and night. I didn't get much sleep trying to give her medicine and cool her off with alcohol and cool rags. Yesterday we had to take her to the hospital to have tests rund to see what kind of fever. It came back negative for malaria and typhoid and we were thankful. However we spent the whole day at the hospital from 6:30 am to 11:30 am. The main thing was I did not have to panic or call off exams because I couldn't get them typed, because I knew I had a faithful crew working that would get the job done. Now that, is progress.

Tonight as we are putting the final touches on things, finishing grade cards to print and doing the final editing on the tests so they can be printed, I find myself humbled and very thankful for the help the Lord has sent our way. Now that, my friends, is progress. Thanks for Petit Homme, Crash and Shaina and the progress they are helping us make with our mission for His glory. Thanks gang.

Dee