How exciting this last payroll was!  Employees’ smiles and the evident pride on their faces was absolutely priceless when they had to sign for their pay!  You may be asking “what is the big deal about that?”  Well, let me tell you...this is the first time for some to actually sign their name as opposed to a “+”!

 Since being at COTP, at each payroll I would see several of our employees sign their name with a “+” because they did not know how to write their name.  This really impacted me and I felt a calling to help them but was unsure where to begin.  Then about six months ago, I really felt God placing it on my heart to teach some of our nannies how to write their names.  But doubts crept in…would they want to learn?  Could I teach them?  Did I have time to teach them?  Then at a payroll, one nanny came and signed with a “+” and hesitantly asked if I would teach her how to write her name.  When I said yes, she was instantly in smiles.  Another nanny also approached me and told me that no one had ever taught her how to write her name or read.  I volunteered to help her with writing her name.  Teaching someone to read, especially in a different language, is a challenge.  However, I started going over some sight words with her and I started reading a children’s Bible storybook in Creole to her so that she could start recognizing some words.  How excited this nanny was to have someone willing to try and teach her! Both of these nannies were so eager to learn and so focused.  They loved it so much that they practiced on their own and then would come and share their work with me. 

Not long after working with those two nannies, I had other nannies tell me they wanted to learn how to write their names.  As much as I wanted to help them all, I had limited time due to my other roles and duties at COTP.  Then I heard about a literacy class starting at the school located next door to COTP.  The class was offered to all of our employees and several of the nannies and other employees decided to attend.  They were so excited to start school!!

I attended the first day of the class and it was wonderful to see so many of our employees in attendance.  Their excitement and eagerness to learn more are so evident and they love to share their homework with me.  This past payroll, three employees wrote their name for the first time when they came to pick up their pay.  Oh, that you could have seen the looks and smiles on their faces!! 

Some of our employees and their families have not ever had the opportunity to go to school.  One way that Children of the Promise is attempting to help is by maintaining a school savings account for each employee.  When an employee contributes money to their account, COTP will match it up to a certain amount.  If you feel led to support this incredible opportunity and mission, please click on this link (http://childrenofthepromise.org/giving-catalog/school-savings-match/). I know that God will continue to work here in Haiti and I look forward to seeing His plans for the future unfold.