I am about $750 short of my funding goal, but that isn't even the biggest reason I am not ready. I am mostly not ready because I feel like there is so much I need to learn and do to with respect to transitional housing before I leave. I have received a lot of information from many different sources and I am incredible grateful. I would like to especially thank the BeLikeBrit orphanage as well as Lighthouse Youth Services, particularly their Independent Living division.
In addition to the information provided by others the local library produced some good resources as well. In particular was the journal from New Directions for Youth Development that focuses on transitioning youth to independent living. This journal was actually the breadcrumb that led me to Lighthouse Youth Services.
What this all means is that I have much to read and not enough hours in the day to absorb all the information. At times it feels like I am attempting to get a degree in youth development.
The point of doing all this research is to have some background information for when I arrive in Haiti. I am hoping to have conversations with the Pastor that manages the orphanage with which we work and start discussions about how to help prepare the youth for independent living. This means the more information I can absorb and translate to the Haitian context the better support I can provide the Pastor.
In addition to my reading I have been attempting to learn Creole via audio recordings. I actually attempt to do this every year, but have re-doubled my efforts this year. I have to admit it is not going well. Learning languages is not one of my strengths. If anyone knows how to speak Creole and is willing to tutor let me know. I have thought about starting to watch Haitian movies on YouTube as well, thinking that this might be a good way to practice understanding Creole.
I have a feeling these last weeks before the trip will move incredible fast and so I will attempt to accomplish as much reading and research as I can. If nothing else I have two days of travel to catch up on the reading.
I am also looking for anyone that has experience with transitioning youth out of case to independent living. If anyone has any pointers in that direction I would be appreciate contacts. The more information I can gather the better prepared I might be.
As I stated before I am a little behind on my fund raising. So if anyone feels moved, please send donations to the following:
Bondye Beni w
In addition to the information provided by others the local library produced some good resources as well. In particular was the journal from New Directions for Youth Development that focuses on transitioning youth to independent living. This journal was actually the breadcrumb that led me to Lighthouse Youth Services.
What this all means is that I have much to read and not enough hours in the day to absorb all the information. At times it feels like I am attempting to get a degree in youth development.
The point of doing all this research is to have some background information for when I arrive in Haiti. I am hoping to have conversations with the Pastor that manages the orphanage with which we work and start discussions about how to help prepare the youth for independent living. This means the more information I can absorb and translate to the Haitian context the better support I can provide the Pastor.
In addition to my reading I have been attempting to learn Creole via audio recordings. I actually attempt to do this every year, but have re-doubled my efforts this year. I have to admit it is not going well. Learning languages is not one of my strengths. If anyone knows how to speak Creole and is willing to tutor let me know. I have thought about starting to watch Haitian movies on YouTube as well, thinking that this might be a good way to practice understanding Creole.
I have a feeling these last weeks before the trip will move incredible fast and so I will attempt to accomplish as much reading and research as I can. If nothing else I have two days of travel to catch up on the reading.
I am also looking for anyone that has experience with transitioning youth out of case to independent living. If anyone has any pointers in that direction I would be appreciate contacts. The more information I can gather the better prepared I might be.
As I stated before I am a little behind on my fund raising. So if anyone feels moved, please send donations to the following:
Union ChurchAdditionally, I have set up a wish list on Amazon.com for some books I would like to take with me to Haiti. Right now most my books are from the library, so having some purchased copies, copies to leave with the Easy English Club in Haiti, as well as copies to leave with the Pastor would be a good thing. I still have not been able to find a bilingual Bible for English and Haitian Creole. If anyone can get their hands on one I would greatly appreciate it.
C/O Jonathan Wright-Gray
P.O. Box 7028
Ocean Park, Maine 04063
(Please put "Haiti" and my name in the memo of the check.)
Bondye Beni w
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