Author Archives: biffy317

Well, I promised the fifth grade boys that if any boy got a grade 8 or higher for his final grade on his report card, I would give them a soccer ball which although might sound like a generous offer, … Continue reading →

Funerals are slightly different here. I was slightly frightened the first one I went to because Haitian women do not cry, they do not sob, they do not gently pat their tears away. They wail. It is almost like a … Continue reading →

Well the week of exams also turned out to be the week of bleeding heads. The students become a little more rowdy around exam time. But after school was done one day and after everyone had departed, I was eating … Continue reading →

So for my birthday, I told the Sisters I wanted to cook. It took some brainstorming to figure out what I could make. I really wanted to make green enchildas or fajitas but making the tortillas from scratch seemed a … Continue reading →

I have now figured out how to handle my seventh grade class. I bribe them with Michael Jackson songs. Everybody in Haiti loves Michael Jackson. They try to dance like Michael, sing like Michael. So if they are good for … Continue reading →

Yesterday I got a text message from Martelly, the presidential candidate, at 4 am. Hmmm I don’t remember giving him my number and how rude- doesn’t he know people are sleeping at that time. He kindly wanted to inform me … Continue reading →

I don’t think a person from the United States understands the US’ world power unitl you live in another country. The US is deeply entrenched in Haiitian politics. For example, the results after the primary presidential elections showed Madame Manigare … Continue reading →

So every Wednesday I meet with Lucia who works at the school. I practice my Creole and she practices her English. She brings with her her little nephew Giovanni (Sr. Danielle named him). She’s thirty- three years old and is … Continue reading →

We’re starting a volleyball team! I didn’t think much when I put on my application to volunteeer that knowing how to play volleyball and basketball would be of much use. In Port-au-Prince, the sisters told me my duties in Ouanaminthe … Continue reading →

Although the Salesians carry the name of St. Francis de Sales, their founder is actually St. John Bosco. He truly had a deep love and respect for children. Never once did he strike a child which might seem normal and … Continue reading →