….and now, finally Bound for Haiti & Ile a Vache!! From the start, this trip has been a challenge. Since it is Spring Break on many college campuses, we were challenged to obtain flights at a reasonable cost and schedule. As such, it was also a bit more difficult to assemble a full team; and due to some unforeseen circumstances, we lost 3 of our team members as we were preparing for the trip…and this doesn’t even take into account the ongoing turmoil in Haiti which resulted in our State Dept issuing heightened travel warnings, causing other teams to cancel in previous weeks and nearly causing us to do the same. But just like “The Little Engine That Could”, we perservered and are now 7 strong Bound for the tropics!!
Our team is divided between Virginia and NYC this trip and for the first time going into Haiti we were on different flights, but we successfully united in the airport in Port au Prince before running the familiar Baggage Claim, Immigration and Customs gauntlet. As always, they lightened our load a bit. Once past the usual shakedown though, we were reunited with Garry – our ever dependable, gracious and smiling driver/navigator…what a relief! Luggage was quickly loaded and we made our way to our Urban Oasis for tonight – St Joseph’s guesthouse – where we always have the pleasure of meeting up with our friends and hosts Bill and Walnes. It is so nice to see them on our travels – just like “coming home”!
Shortly after our arrival we had another pleasant excursion. Since we arrived earlier than usual, Bill was able to arrange for all of us to make a side trip to visit Josi and Ruth at their thriving business. The two of them never cease to amaze me – Josi is working on his final thesis to become certified as a Haitian attorney while working at their business, Ruth is in charge of the business while finishing school, they are raising 2 young children and at the same time they are providing work and housing for multiple family members in their 2 room home….work ethic second to none and an inspiration to all!
After our all too short visit, we made our way home through the busy streets of Port au Prince and grabbed a cold beverage before heading to the roof to catch the breeze and watch the sun slowly set as we awaited the bell calling us to our first delicious dinner in Haiti.
As the day began at 3:30am, I feel certain it will be an early night and it is shaping up to be a cool, breezy one…perfect for a good night’s sleep…which is great because we have a 7:00am start to our travels tomorrow. We hope to be on Ile a Vache early! Here’s hoping for an uneventful road trip and a great reunion with our friends on the island.
That is all for tonight…more tomorrow with updates and photos of the progress on the clinic.
Love to All,
The Team
So thankful you’ve arrived safely and just picturing the rooftop camaraderie! Trying to immagine the warm breezes on this chilly wet day! Wishing of course I could be there.
Rest well for the long journey to the island. I can’t wait to see pictures of the clinic!
My prayers and love go with you wherever you are!