Many of us started this 4th installment of our adventures much like some of our previous travels with an at-times treacherous drive to Greensboro, though this time torrential downpours. Thankfully…nobody in the ditch and we all made it to our first stop safely. We enjoyed our now traditional feast at the same Japanese restaurant. This is where the similarities ended though.
Unfortunately we were not able to just walk across the parking lot to our hotel, but rather drove back to our “Motel “…and I use the term loosely. This place gives “Dumps” a bad name and I have seen some real dumps. At one point I decided it was getting a bit cool and turned on the heat, however when I heard gurgling of water in the unit I got visions of Legionaires disease and promptly shut it down. Luckily no critters found and so far nobody is intensely scratching…fingers crossed. It is clear the 1/2 star rating from Travelocity may have been a bit generous. Lesson learned – do not plan this trip around Furniture Week in North Carolina.
Needless to say, I don’t think anyone was upset with the 5am awakening and we were definitely looking forward to our luxurious Haitian accommodations. We managed to get through check-in and security at the airport with minimal drama and prayed our bags would arrive with us in Port…for a change.
For those hoping for a little nostalgia in this message, the flight from GSO to MIA was reminiscent of the ride from Port Au Prince to Haus Moustique last year. I only wish I had some loaves of bread to cushion the bumps. We even passed a few jets in flight searching for “calm air” – seemed a bit close for comfort but I suspect the controllers had it…controlled. Once we reached the outer earth atmosphere we had a relatively smooth flight and I don’t believe any barf bags were required!
Once in the airport we were quickly united with the Whiteheads and the whole team was together. We have some new members of the Starfish team this year, including Kirsten (aka Kiki), Jil, Roy, and Caleb. After quick introductions and choking down a quick lunch we boarded for a short flight to Haiti and we were greeted with a real airport, complete with baggage carousels….shocking! It was most reassuring to see Vanessa waiting for us as we approached. And best of all was that ALL the bags made it with all supplies intact. Once all the bags were loaded, the whole team – 9 strong – piled into the back of one of the smaller tap taps I have seen and we were treated to a real Haitian “shortcut” to our lodgings for the night…the beautiful St. Joseph’s Home for Boys guest house. What a fabulous oasis this is!
Even better for me was the broad smile on Josi’s face and the bear hug when he greeted us. We were also greeted by some new members of the Angel Missions team – Beth, who we met when packing, as well as Michael and Lindsay. Of course we were also greeted by the other Michael, the director of St. Joseph’s, who is always so kind and welcoming to his home. His hospitality is unsurpassed!
Later in the evening the remaining 3 members of our group arrived from Northern Michigan – Mary Ellen, Brooke and Rick. We will get to travel and work with some of these folks this week and will most certainly add new friends to our list. What a wonderful place to be, the source of ever-growing friendships. And I can’t forget my old friends the roosters who have been crowing since the minute we arrived. And just for you Jeffery…a barking dog right next door! Ahhhh, feels like home.
Well, we have now all enjoyed a great meal and are having a cold beverage on the rooftop terrace considering what the week will bring. We hope to visit Kez on our way to Jolivert where we will then set up to work. There are many new faces again this year but we hold empty spaces in our hearts for those not with us….you know who you are and we hope to have you with us next trip!
Please wish us safe travels and the ability to do some good this week. Will write again tomorrow night.
Love to all,
The Team