Today is the big day, we are off to Haiti. On our way to the airport we stopped and got dinner and then headed to the airport. We got checked in and to the gate pretty quick so some of us hung out and played card games while a few of the others went and got milkshakes. Once we were all together we played a game of cards and just sat around talking. Our flight had a slight delay from Portland to New York, which is where our layover was. For the most part everyone slept on the plane to try and get some rest so that we could fully take in the culture once we got to Haiti. Once we got to New York we had to grab a quick meal so that we could board our next flight. As we were boarding, we stood out because we were some of the few white people on the plane; the rest looked to be Haitian. We got boarded and then sat on the plane for about an hour and they didn't really tell us what was going on. Later we found out that they had to reroute the plane and by doing so we were delayed plus the new route added an hour to the flight. We landed in Haiti around 1pm on Wednesday.
The minute we stepped off the plane you could feel the heat. We went through immigration and that was quick and then about half of the group recieved their first stamp on their passport. We go to pick up our checked bags and, as we were warned, a lot of people wanted to help us. We tried telling them 'no' but they didn't listen, so in return they wanted money. Once we had our bags we were able to make our way on out where we met Mike (Forward Edge Leader), Pastor Louighins (our Haitian host) and some of his brothers. We made our way out of the airport and to the cars. On our way out the entrance area was lined with Haitians who were there as taxi drivers. At first, it was overwhelming because there was so much to take in; all the poeple, the number of cars, the honking of horns for communication, and the smiles among some of the faces. From the airport we went to our home, which is in Vivy Mitchel. As we were driving through the town there was people everywhere selling food or clothing to make some money for their family. The driving was also really crazy because there doesn't seem to be much structure. There are no stops signs, people just pull out and they know that the other person won't hit them. The motorcyclists also drive between the cars and on either side of the road. Driving through the town you could tell that there had been devisation but all of the people look so joyous that you can't help but smile. We pulled up to the outside of a gated fence and when the door opened there was a very nice house behind it. We get inside and there is 3 rooms filled with bunks and a main room for Mike. The house was way more than what we were expeting because it had electricity and toilets and running water, and air conditioning. Pastor told us that we are in the more wealthy part of town.
Shortly after arriving we had lunch which Pastor Louighins' wife, Kenya, and Rosemary prepared. We had rice and beans, plantains, beats, carrots, chicken, and a sauce they had prepared. Boy was it delicious!!
For the remainder of the day we all settled in and played outside with one of the soccer balls and the frisbee. There is also a rooftop and you are able to see a lot of the town and it is gorgeous. To finish off the day we went to a local grocery store and looked around and some of the team bought some foods to bring home. Overall it was a great way to start the trip. We all went to bed early so that we can get well rested and prepare for the task for Thursday.
Goodnight!
D'Anne
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