We Are So Close

Haitians live in a very different world then Americans. Their sense of personal space is different then ours. Where Americans need about 3 feet around themselves, Haitians need about six inches, especially children. As we work, there is always a “Paket Timoun” (Group of children) crowded around. It is delightful to feel the closeness and companionship of so many. (Just wish it weren’t so hot!)

Lunch is shared with all the teachers in a small dining room with approximately 35 people gathered round. It is a very different experience then most of us are used to. But no one is bothered by the tight quarters and comarderie and fun are apparent.
Maureen and I have been assigned photographing all the children. We line them up in alphabetical order and parade them out to the platform in the middle of the courtyard. We take a class picture and then individual shots and then hope and pray they haven’t mixed up the order. Actually, all the teachers have been very helpful in making sure we get it right.
We can see that it is a big deal to the teachers and students as they fix collars, flatten hair and straighten up! As Friday progressed and we started working with ten, eleven and twelve year olds, the kids had more and more fun with the project. They would stay after their photos and try to get their classmates to laugh. At that point, the poor student had trouble not smiling!
PS. Remember what I said in the beginning about closeness? Well, as I write this, there is an eleven year old playing with my hair and sitting in my lap! Teresa