Have you ever watched someone experience something for the first time?

Maybe you’re a parent and you’ve watched your child take their first step. Maybe you’re a coach and you watched your player crank their first home run outta the park! Maybe you’re a supervisor and you watched a colleague reach a new milestone in their career. Regardless of who you’ve observed experiencing something new, I think we can all agree that it is a special thing to take in and a moment that should be savored. 

Last month, Britanny and I had the opportunity to watch four of our Haitian administrators experience a series of firsts on a professional development trip that we took to the Dominican Republic. From staying in a hotel for the first time to riding an escalator, the new experiences came fast and furious for our team. It was pure JOY. I wish all of you could have been there to witness it for yourself. Here are a few highlights:

Witnessing Yvrose plant one foot on the escalator, then realize that she better move her other foot onto the moving track led to a good laugh for the entire team. On a serious note, seeing Yvrose’s excitement bubble as we drove past a “really nice” school was encouraging because we know that she longs to see One 17 become a model for schools in her country.

Watching Wolcarline, arguably the sweetest team member in our entire organization, indulge in the luxuries provided by a nice hotel was good for the soul. She works really hard and it was nice to see her enjoy a few things that made her feel special and cared for.

Observing Manoucheka connect with our colleagues at a new level because sharing a hotel room demands deeper conversations was beautiful. Is there anything better than finding belonging on a team you care about?

Hearing Gregory’s voice brighten with excitement as discussed how to get to the “next level” as an organization was energizing. Greg has served on our team since 2014 and is just as eager today as he was way back then to learn, build, and advance our mission!

I’m so thankful that we get to serve alongside amazing, dedicated, visionary leaders like these four administrators. At this point in our journey, I’m convinced that helping our staff and students experience “firsts” is one of the most important things we do! New vision is often birthed out of new experiences and I can’t wait to see how God uses this experience to guide us forward.

If you support our mission as a donor, volunteer, prayer warrior or advocate, then you play a role in these stories. Your engagement lays the foundation for helping our staff grow and our mission advance. THANK YOU. What an honor and privilege it is to serve students and collaborate with high impact leaders!

If you’re new to our mission, consider helping us unlock doors of opportunity for our staff and students by becoming a member of the Keyholder Community. Learn more here!

Together,

Curtis Stout | Executive Director