My church, St. Marks, has a sister parish in Leogane, Haiti, St. Lucs.

St. Lucs also supports an elementary school, pre-K to grade 6. This year, five of us went to conduct a teacher's workshop. We brought tons of supplies, books, and teaching materials - 9 suitcases each weighing 50 pounds. St Lucs has no electricity or running water and many kids must walk over an hour on dirt roads. The teachers were very happy to get the supplies and really enjoyed the training sessions.

Since the teachers only speak Creole, Father Kerwin (the priest in charge of St. Lucs) was our interpreter. The math aids and the books were the first learning materials the school ever had!

The children were very friendly and kind. They were happy to see us and were very energetic and excited about learning. They really make the best of what little they have. How happy they were truly amazed me. They only spoke Creole but tried their best to communicate with me.

We spoke with Father Kerwin and the school principal about the needs of the students. They said the students often only get one meal a day in the afternoon when they go home. A big issue is that the school cannot afford to provide lunch to feed these hungry kids. If they are too hungry, how can they pay attention and focus in class? The biggest impact was when a group of kids called me over and tried to communicate by slapping and rubbing their bellies. Eventually one of them pointed to himself and said "ungry".

Overall, the trip was very enlightening and I hope to return one day. Seeing the country in person made me more grateful. It was truly a humbling experience.

SUBMITTED BY FABRIZIO ROBERTS, AN EIGHTH-GRADER AT SACRED HEART SCHOOL IN GROTON, WHO WENT TO HAITI LAST MONTH WITH FOUR ADULTS FROM ST. MARK'S CHURCH.