Last night we dined again on a crowd favorite – rice with bean sauce and legume!! Shortly after, our new Director of Medication and Supply Inventory, aka Bethanie, cracked the whip and the fun began. There were bags and bottles flying, boxes opening and closing, papers being filled out and photographed, files being sorted…and an hour later we had taken over one wall in Paulsaint’s storage closet. Our supplies have never been so organized, thanks to the new boxes we brought and mostly the hard work of this team. I always tell myself I don’t think I could love and respect this group anymore, but with every trip I prove myself wrong!
Once all the work was done and trickle showers finished, it was time for one last night on the roof for most, but no matter what, R & R for all. There was music and some Haitian dancing before we all called it a night.
We awoke around 7 and our wonderful cooks took the time to prepare delicious oatmeal and boiled eggs for breakfast. It was quick but good and after all were finished, we made our way to the shore to load the boat one last time…and as always, accompanied by the children.
Once loaded down with team and luggage we shoved off for the hour long voyage to Les Cayes…and we were treated to calm seas for a change…nobody and nothing got soaked this time, which meant nobody had to get naked in the parking lot. We quickly loaded the bus and were on the road to Port au Prince. Mario was our driver and we were treated to a spacious bus with room to stretch out. The windows rattled endlessly and the AC was hit or miss, but no glass was broken and we have showers at our destination so it was all good! We also encountered very little traffic…by our standards, this was a very smooth trip!
Of course we made the obligatory stop to shop, though this time at the Eagle Market because traffic was too difficult in front of the Deli Mart. Have no fear Melila, they had breadfruit chips and some of the team took good care of you. Once the group had infused the local economy, we loaded up and made our way to St Joseph’s.
This is truly a trip of firsts, but this one not so enjoyable. It turns out that during the ride from the grocery market to St Joseph’s, my phone slid beneath my seat and before I realized I did not have it, our driver had returned to the mass of traffic on the main road. I frantically searched, then tried to find Garry’s phone number through other contacts and was getting resigned to the fact that it was gone, when the driver returned with it. Apparently Garry tried to call me and my phone began ringing…those who know my ringer know it is a rooster call. The driver heard it and began searching all over the bus…makes me wonder if he thought we were trying to smuggle a rooster to Port au Prince. I’m just glad it wasn’t on silent!! Bullet dodged.
Once the universe was back in order, we were joined by Josi and his wife Ruth and their 2 very handsome sons, Borchely, who will be 8 in October, and Roodley who just celebrated his 1st birthday last week. Getting to share time with this beautiful family and get caught up on their lives is nothing short of inspiring. Josi is finishing his 4th year of law school, Ruth is managing a very successful neighborhood store selling food items, Borchely is in school and Roodley is helping run the store…or rather running all around the store. At such a young age, they are a shining example, not only for their peers, but for all of us. To endure the challenges in this country and succeed like they are is remarkable!
I have now returned from walking them up the street and we are all winding down from the week. We get to sleep in tomorrow, with breakfast at 9 and pickup by Garry around 10. Our flight boards around 2:30, but the airport experience is always a gamble, so we will arrive early and hope for more smooth sailing in our travels.
That’s all for tonight. I will try to post tomorrow once we arrive in the USA. Please pray for our safe return as we look forward to reuniting with our loved ones back home.
Love to All,
The Team
What a busy and fulfilling week you have had! I’m so proud of all your hard work and all that you accomplished while you were there. Again, I wish I could have been with you, and look forward to my trip in the fall. May you have safe return home to your families and loved ones. God bless you!
With so much thanks and love,
Jenny
Great keeping up with the trip! Safe Travels!!