It seems hard to believe that 5 years ago I began my own apprenticeship in rural Haiti. I still vividly remember those first days and all of the excitement and nerves. Those same feelings came back to me over the course of past few weeks as I installed our two newest apprentices into their new host communities. I am happy to report all three apprentices–Kim, Cara, and Leah–are doing a wonderful job and are to be commended for their willingness to step out of their own culture to experience the rigors of another. Their host families and communities are to be commended as well for receiving them with such hospitality. I can say with confidence that all three apprentices are in good hands! Here is a picture of Leah and her host family the Sen Jeans. (Sen Jean, Leah, Madam Sen Jean, Kikit, Roosevelt)

Meet our two newest apprentices:

Kim Montroll

Before moving to Haiti with Beyond Borders Kim Montroll lived in Washington D.C. and worked as Co-executive director of Good Shepherd Ministries, an organization which seeks to build and provide authentic community and quality educational opportunities for children in need. She has a B.A. in Geology, a Masters in Agronomy, and a Law Degree from Vermont School of Law. She comes to us from the Washington D.C. faith community Church of the Savior. In addition to two previous trips to Haiti Kim has also traveled to Europe, India, and Nicaragua.

Kim is currently living the rural village of Lazil, a community in the mountains of Fondwa, Haiti. Her host parents (pictured here) are Belange and Be-Mari Desir. When asked about her interest in the Apprentice in Shared living Program she says, “My experience in India impacted me in ways that I am still experiencing today. It awakened in me the reality that all lives are connected. It awakened in me a hunger to live a life with authentic mutually liberating relationships with those who are marginalized by poverty, and to be part of a larger movement/dream of justice, to be part of a larger vision for change and hope and equality. Most important…it awakened in me a hunger to follow the loving, nonviolent Jesus. I hope to continue my learning and living out these lessons in Haiti.”

Cara Kennedy

A native of Chicago IL, Cara spent the past 6 years at Arizona State University, where she graduated this past spring with a PhD. in Mental Health. While in Arizona she was active within the refugee community there, working to provide mental health services for refugees arriving from places such as East Africa and Bosnia. She is interested in using her time in Haiti to learn about the mental health issues of individuals who suffer at the hands of structural violence, human rights abuses, war and conflict, and unjust global/international policy.

Cara, pictured here with her host family, is living in the community of Nan Dal–just down the mountain from Leah. She lives with her host father Gabriel, his wife Madam Gabriel, and their daughter Beatrice.

When asked about what she appreciates about the apprenticeship program, she says, “I appreciate that this approach also means that I as a newcomer would be allowed and encouraged to spend a considerable length of time in building relationships and growing in my understanding of Haiti. This time feels necessary for me to begin to humble myself, to develop language and cultural understanding, to recognize, examine, and peel away some of the trappings of my own culture, and to begin to widen the lenses through which I view my surroundings, experiences and interactions. All of this feels necessary so that truer communication and cooperation can begin.

Welcome Kim & Cara. We appreciate your presence with us.