Day 6 – Homeward Bound

By Adam Sarbin March 12th, 2016

I am again sorry for the delayed post. As you will see, we had some challenges in Miami, making it impossible to complete this post until late. At that point I wished to be certain the team made it home safely which I can thankfully report we did.

So here goes:

After a night of reminiscing and speculating about our future, we all eventually turned in for the night. However, it would not be so for the big city wildlife. There remains no shortage of dogs and roosters and they are all on their own clock….wide awake from midnight to 6AM. There is definitely some nostalgia to this but I am reminded why we prefer to work outside the urban areas, where the need is often much greater. Despite all of that, this remains the most desired location in the city for us!

Once awake, we organized and packed our remaining belongings for the trip home. We are traveling much lighter going home, as usual. We had a delicious breakfast and I was treated to my favorite, ripe mango – there is nothing like it!

After this last meal we could not resist one last visit to the roof top to gather in the view and enjoy the breeze. Luckily our transportation was waiting for us and we loaded up easily. Our trip to the airport was so uneventful and passage through airport check-in, security and immigration so smooth, it really made up for yesterday’s tribulations! There was even time for shopping and dining while we awaited our flight. There was also time for cards and I think Kiki was schooling everyone in Rummy, though JennyMa was making a comeback before the game had to be called.

There was even an encounter that must have been more than just luck. While awaiting our flight, we found ourselves seated next to a table where 3 women were discussing Nurse Midwife training in Haiti. Kitty’s ears perked up immediately, as this is something she has been researching and championing for some time and something we wish to explore for our new location on Ile a Vache.  It turns out this was the Board of the organization Kitty was exploring and she had much discussion with them as we waited. You might have already guessed we now have formulated a plan to begin some of this training in advance of the establishment of the medical clinic. It seems we continue to be blessed with good fortune at opportune times!

Once on board, the flight to Miami was quite smooth; some of us were even able get some rest. Unfortunately, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So as smooth as the initial phases were, they were easily made up for by the absurdity of the immigration and customs procedures. The lines were endless, the staffing was pitifully lacking, and my experience getting back through the TSA security checkpoint was truly an example of “The Theater of the Absurd” – it was reminiscent of some of our previous experiences in Haiti…a 3-hour layover became a dash to the gate. Unfortunately, our farewell with Chelsea was no less rushed and you know how we hate rushed goodbyes. We pray for her safe return home as she had many more hours than we to reach her home in Maine.

The only bright spot in the Miami airport was the little man in an airport cart who materialized after I was about 10 steps down the terminal, rushing to my gate (I had sent the rest of the team ahead and was already considering Plan B for myself, which included a hotel room and a barstool, and not necessarily in that order!). Nobody had sent for him but he inquired if I was heading for the Charlotte  flight that was already boarding. Of course I said yes,  I boarded the transport and he made a U turn, whisking me through the terminal to my gate with just a few minutes to spare. I never would have made the distance on foot! Another “chance encounter”??

We arrived in Charlotte on time and luckily so did all our possessions. There were hugs all around as we divided  into traveling groups to make our way home. It is difficult to separate from these people after the time we spent together, working towards our goal. It is difficult to explain, but there is a tie that binds us which in some ways surpasses, but can never replace, that of family.

We will, together, continue making strides towards completing our project, because after all, there remain so many “starfish” in need! I believe we have found where we fit and now have a definite direction. I believe the Peter Y. Whitehead Memorial Medical Clinic of Ile a Vache will become a reality! We will honor his memory and I hope to make him proud. So, if you follow us here, on Facebook or maybe just by word of mouth through a friend or family member, please join our family by supporting our efforts.

That is all for now, but there will definitely be more to follow.

Love to All,

Adam