Monday, April 2, 2012

Hello Haiti!


Day one, we’ve been here for 6 hours!! 

When we got off the plane we all went on a bus to be transported to the terminal that had immigration in it. The bus must have had 40 people on it including children and people in wheelchairs (if you think there were ramps, think again!), it was a quick ride and the first chance that I had to really experience the heat!

After our whole group made it through the customs (even though they didn’t really check much of anything)… We were inundated with Haitians trying to help us all to find our luggage. As Stefanie said, I told them all no… even when our bus driver Leo came up to me! Then he asked if I knew Stefanie and Stefanie turned and gave him a big hug... oops… I told the bus driver no… but he laughed it off so I think we are OK. 
 
Leo took the lead and got us through the airport and to our bus. Even though we had some unexpected helpers – which required tips – we still made our way to the bus and got on our way. As we drove through the streets we saw one of the tent towns that were constructed for housing. We saw some beautiful homes with barbed wire on the tops of them. We saw some dogs, pigs, chickens, and even goats on our way! And we even hit some hills that we weren’t sure if we would keep going up or down but Leo got us to the hotel A-OK!

(The pig, dog, chicken and goat)

 (Our bus-driver Leo is in the mirror)
(Our Hotel is safely guarded!)
 (This is what the hotel buildings look like!)
 (3 beds, one room... not much space to move around)
 (Check out the pool! Tropical oasis - as long as you don't open your mouth!)
(Amy and I in the pool)

We got fairly installed into our rooms then took in the beauty of the hotel. We have warm tropical weather and even a pool to cool off in… Need to remember… don’t open your mouth!!! 

We all had a chance to touch base with home – which is more than people were able to do before and we were even able to do it via skype or facetime so it was free of charge using the internet connection here at the Hotel. I also learned the Palm-Inn Hotel is the 3rd best hotel in Port-au-Prince! We are living in luxury – at least based on the country we are in. In addition to being able to touch base at home we have the new opportunity to make friends. Amy and I were having a good time in the pool – the water was so warm!!

Dinner was good, we had a chance to re-group and eat some food. It’s funny that the Mac-and-cheese for one person probably accumulates to 2 boxes of Kraft at home!!! We had a team meeting, sorted through our supplies and I tracked down my missing suitcase to one of the rooms!

Though we are here… it hasn’t sunk in quite yet. We have lots to do and a big learning curve to face – including my first devotion for the group tomorrow. I pray that it goes well!

Well, since I haven’t slept well do to all of the excitement, I should probably try a bit harder. Good night to everyone at home. We are safe here – with our armed guard on duty!

As always, please keep my team, their families, and the whole nation of Haiti including the children I will be teaching and helping all in your prayers.


I love you - from Haiti
  - Jen

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