Last night we were able to enjoy a little more good conversation on our front porch before turning in. Jeffery…you would be proud…I managed to silence the dogs last night…unfortunately, NOT the bears.
We awoke and packed with plans to depart after lunch for our drive to Gonaives. We probably saw just 90 patients but the heat took it’s toll and we were all exhausted when the last patient was seen. We so appreciate those who supported our work here and hope to see Christophe and Blad again.
I did learn that my sickle cell patient was able to get her transfusion at the Children’s Hospital in Port au Prince, but she is so ill that her survival remains in question. Please pray for this child and her mother and so many others…there is so little hope for them in this country.
Once packed, we embarked on our 2 hour journey to Gonaives. We are lucky to be breaking up this return journey into smaller bits, of which the most challenging was from Haut Moustiques to Jolivert on Tueday…thank goodness! We drove much slower this time and again, probably because the driver could actually SEE the road. Still cannot believe we traveled this route in the dark at better than 50 mph last Saturday. I might add…still quite challenging in the light of day at 30 mph. “Lucky” Kitty…she was at the wheel in one vehicle for today’s ride. I get the easier job of getting the second vehicle to Port au Prince tomorrow since we now have NO hired drivers – no ditches and boulders…just get to play chicken a lot.
As it is, we made it safely to Gonaives in plenty of time for dinner and were reunited with our very good friend Kez. Her new job with Much Ministries definitely agrees with her – it is obvious she will do great work in her new home and for this country as a whole. We were treated to a great dinner with this family-run organization and their many members. They are all doing remarkable work here and they inspire us to do as much as we possibly can.
In the morning we will get to see some of the work that Kez is now doing here as well as that of her new associates at Much Ministries. We will also try to reach Christine tomorrow morning in hopes of arranging to see her on the way back to Port au Prince. That would truly complete this trip.
Our lodgings are even more comfortable tonight and we look forward to knocking off the road dust before a good night’s sleep. I cannot hear a single rooster, donkey, cat, dog or even a bear tonight – not sure all of us will be so lucky but will soon find out.
Just one more night in paradise after tonight and we will end our trip where it all started. If wheels are turning in the heads of my team as they most certainly are in mine…our return is assured. Maybe yet another new adventure next time. This place is definitely contagious…possibly in more ways than one, but we have meds for that.
Don’t worry for us. We will be home safe and are looking forward to seeing family and friends soon. Meanwhile, we will leave yet another piece of our hearts and souls in this deserving place, harsh as it may seem sometimes. You have to feel it to understand, and it is my hope that you may all have the chance someday. For now though, please never withhold your support for those who have the ability and desire to do so. It does not work without you!
Our love to all!
The Team