by Shelby Hutchinson

Advent is observed in many Christian faiths, and is the time of waiting and preparation for the birth of Christ. This past week at Be Like Brit, in preparation for the Christmas Holiday here, our friend and Program Committee Member, Reverend Dr. Debra Pallatto-Fontaine traveled to Haiti for a week of professional development training with our staff and a special project with our children - our 2nd annual Advent Pageant!

Debbie has long been a valued member of the Be Like Brit Team. As a professor of psychology, an early childhood education curriculum development professional, and the Chair of the Global Citizenship program at Becker College in Worcester, Debbie's service as a member of our program committee has been critical to our progress as an organization in Haiti. Debbie has traveled to Haiti some 11 or 12 times, and each time she comes, Debbie brings with her professional development training for our teaching and caregiving staff. Debbie's workshops are required for our staff, and she tackles so many questions and issues that our staff bring to her attention! These quarterly trainings are imperative as we continue to raise the standards for orphan care in the developing world, and truly provide our staff with the tools they need to be effective professionals.

As much as the staff loves Debbie and the trainings she brings with her every time she comes to Haiti and to Be Like Brit, our children are overwhelmed with joy and happiness upon her arrival. They know that when Debbie is here, something special will be happening! This was the case this past week, as Debbie planned out and had the children rehearse for their 2nd annual Advent pageant! The staff and children alike were quite amused by Debbie's choosing of our little Shilove as the baby Jesus ("Jesus is a boy!!!", they said), and Debbie was undeterred by their passive protesting. The show went off without a hitch, and the children even learned a few new Christmas songs, too! What do you think of our last minute, made up costume designs? 

Be sure to check out more of the Advent Pageant photos below!

We were also lucky to have with us for just two short days this week our friend and Board Member Eileen! Eileen traveled down to Haiti with the daunting task of developing and formalizing our 2016 goals, both for the organization in general, and for key members of the staff, too! Eileen brings such a fresh perspective to us every time she visits, and we truly value her work and dedication to the organization and to the children here at Be Like Brit. As organized and pragmatic as Eileen is, she isn't always the best person to leave alone with the children! Who can help but spoil these little ones when you are here for just two short days!? We love you, Eileen! 

We also had a visit from Coach AK, founder and Executive Director at Empower 2 Play. AK is exploring new implementation and partner sites for his 2-day athletics camps programs which he's conducted all over the world, and we hope very much to work together in 2016! He's had great success with community events in the Philippines and hopes to bring this model to Haiti! We can't thank AK and company for their visit to BLB yesterday! Be sure to check out his work!

Our Christmas Britsionary group arrived without incident last night, and we are excited for the week ahead! On Christmas Eve, we'll be serving dinner and hosting some 350 or so people here at Be Like Brit. We are truly blessed to be able to do this each year, and the tradition is shaping up nicely. We love that our Britsionarys give up their own time with their families to travel to Haiti and help us offer this special occasion for our staff. It truly is a wonderful thing to be a part of, and we can't wait to bring you the updates throughout the week! What will we have these Britsionarys do all week!? You'll have to keep checking Facebook to find out! 

We are looking forward to an incredible holiday here in Haiti, and we want to thank you all for helping us help the children of Haiti at Be Like Brit! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Enjoy these photos from the pageant!