I am so blessed to have the Philo class (grade 13) welcome me into their world. This past Saturday we started a "social graces" class, which I have named, "Common Courtesy Accepted Throughout the World". A few students expressed interest in learning about how to do things that are socially acceptable, so I picked it up from there and have written curriculum for us to follow. I am also blessed that Marie-Clare Charles, a 2009 graduate, who is currently in Ouanaminthe for a couple more weeks before returning to Pennsylvania to continue her studies, accepted my request to help me with this project while she is still here. She is one of the most gracious women I have ever met. And I've met a lot of women in my life! At the first session, the students learned about walking on a public street where the female should be walking when a male is walking beside her (on the inside, away from the street, for all those wondering!). They also learned the importance of being on time for an appointment. I am giving them the reasons why each "social grace" is important, so the students understand that the "social grace" is not just an acceptable practice without reason. Also, related to the subject of appointments, I taught them the importance of making sure they know where the appointment is located. By locating and going to the destination prior to the set appointment they are not spending time looking for their destination the day of the appointment, therefore causing themselves unnecessary stress trying to find their destination. As well, they are then able to expend their energy mentally preparing for the meeting rather than looking for where they are going. We have role playing, which the students enjoy very much! A lot of laughter is heard during the role playing. That was all we got through in the first session, as we started late due to student no-shows or students arriving after 4:00pm. Hence, a lengthy discussion on the importance of arriving on time! After the class, the students and I walked home together and what fun we had, as they were reminding each other where to place their female friends as we walked. It's an interesting challenge in Ouanaminthe and throughout Haiti, as one has to switch back and forth on a typical street due to mud, puddles, trash, lack of sidewalks and other impassible conditions. They caught on very quickly; adapting what they learned in the class to their environment! It has once again been confirmed to me that we have brilliant students among the English proficient students. Speaking of which, the only students who showed up for the class on Saturday were those who speak English proficiently - what's that tell you? It had nothing to do with the fact I speak very little creole so some may think they won't understand me (I told those students who don't speak proficient English the day I announced the class, that there would be a translator so that was not an "excuse" to not attend). It told me that those who attended are the students who are serious about making something big happen with their lives. It told me they "think outside the box" of Haiti and want to make changes for the better, for their own lives, their families, and their nation. Please, please seriously consider hosting and/or sponsoring one of these students. I have 15 students who really want to be educated in the English speaking countries, and they are proving it by working very hard to make such a goal happen.