A letter from Suzette Goss-Geffrard serving in Haiti
September 2014 - Back to School
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Me: my first week of first grade
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Some of my neighbors' school-age kids in their uniforms
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Gabii’s graduation
BACK TO SCHOOL! Those three words conjure up all kinds of images and smells. I remember the excitement of buying new 3-ring binders, pencil holders, and hair barrettes when I was a kid. The first day of school was a mixture of emotions as I donned my “brand-new school clothes and saddle oxfords.” I can still remember that smell of new fabric and leather! I was both happy to see my old friends and nervous about meeting a new teacher and the challenges of a new academic grade.
“Back to School" September is a very stressful time for many Haitian families as they are passionate about sending their children to school. The many details including the cost of tuition (somewhat reduced by the positive present politics), uniforms, books, school supplies, even hair bows, and shoes can prove to be more than many families can afford. This is especially true if they have multiple children to prepare. Many people are reduced to "begging" from friends, family and neighbors in order to provide this critical opportunity for their children. In fact, a woman left my kitchen not long ago with a few notebooks, pens and pencils along with a bit of help with school fees. I have purchased notebooks, pens and pencils in bulk to share with some of the school kids in my neighborhood as a way to support and encourage the families. Some older teens worked in our garden to earn money for school during the summer break. We also do a bulk of our building and household maintenance projects during the spring and summer months as it allows many of the skilled masons, carpenters and electricians to be gainfully employed prior to when the Back to School expenses come due.
Our daughter, Gabii, recently graduated from high school and has gone away from home for training. Since this is my first year with an empty nest and no one to buy school supplies for, I am asking God to give me wisdom as to how to support struggling people around me without bruising their dignity.
The local churches here also need your prayers as they work diligently to encourage and support families at this critical time. Many of the churches have found creative ways to assist families in acquiring backpacks, lunch bowls and school supplies. Recently a small community group along with a couple of churches held a “Back-to-School" rally, complete with inspirational speakers, a talent show, an exhibition soccer game, music, and fireworks. One talented local young artist composed and performed an original rap calling out the names of many of the local students. It was so much fun to listen to this positive Creole rap rendition and see the excitement it stirred in the crowd of people of all ages. I marvel at the generosity of the God’s people in our little mountain community as they share their humble harvest to help pay for the school fees and costs for extended family and neighbors. Everyone’s gardens have been hard hit by drought, but it did not deter people from sharing what they had. I know that together with your prayers and support we are making a difference in the lives of many future leaders.
Upcoming events:
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I will travel to the north in a few weeks to attend the graduation ceremonies at the St. Barnabas Agricultural School, which was built by Presbyterians and is run by our partner the Episcopal Church of Haiti.
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A new primary school in Terre Rouge, which was funded by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, will be opening its doors this academic year to welcome many new students in Northeast Haiti.
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Groups from: Cayuga/Syracuse, Sheppards & Lapsley, New Hope, Charleston-Atlantic and Greater Atlanta presbyteries will be visiting Haiti soon. Pray for the success of their travels.
I am looking forward to meeting several of you as you visit Haiti in the upcoming months. I am also grateful to those of you who continue to support the work in Haiti financially. Thank you!
Que Dieu Vous Benisse!
Suzette
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 48
Read more about Suzette Goss-Geffrard's ministry
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