(Disclaimer – sorry for the delayed post. My phone died while traveling and I did not have long enough anywhere to recharge adequately. And once home I was way too tired to stay up to finish, but here it is now…mea culpa.)
Last night (Saturday actually) I got to speak with all my girls and cannot wait to see them. After wishing them all a good night, I rejoined the group for a rowdy game of Tourettes. I imagine, for a change, the Haitian people in the hills of Port au Prince were wondering, “what is THAT noise?”…it was the sound of a bunch of Americans laughing hysterically on a rooftop in Haiti…music to my ears!
Once the game was over we descended to our rooms exhausted, I think physically, emotionally and mentally as is common at this stage of our trips. Sleep came quickly for me, but as is the case in this crowded city, the constant barking of dogs and crowing of roosters quickly roused and disturbed slumber through the night. I have come to realize I need to stay in one place long enough to acclimate to the native sounds of the night before I am able to sleep soundly through. Maybe next trip??
We awoke today to a beautiful, cool and breezy morning and the sound of broadcasted church services throughout the hillside. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast, though I almost missed it, as my phone did not “spring forward” for Daylight Savings Time, which is in fact being observed in Haiti this year. Anyway, once bellies were full, we made the climb to our rooms to do our final packing and to get one last “refreshing” shower. That is, all but Sarah, who apparently had a staircase mishap last night and appears to have fractured a bone in her foot (I think our first actual casualty). She is handling it like the trooper she is…always positive and downplaying any discomfort. The bright side…we are told if we all stay close to her at airport check in, we should breeze right through like never before…we shall see.
As it turns out Sarah was whizzed thru security in a wheelchair while the rest of us waited in the Atlanta line…I am thinking our Red Cap, aka The Artful Dodger, skillfully separated us from some of our funds without fully delivering on his promise of a speedy check in for all. Oh well, it was definitely worth it to get Sarah through unscathed, and hopefully he will use his new riches to support the local economy in a positive way.
Anyway, once we all finally checked in and had passes in hand, which required no fewer than 3 presentations of our passport, we then were required to go through the Security checkpoint…1 more passport check, then shoes off, everything through scanner, etc. Then came immigration and green card presentation…another passport check. Now, at least we had a few minutes for a snack and beverage before yet another check of passport and boarding pass….and yes one final passport check with carry-on bag inspection. I lost count of how many people compared me to my photo within my passport. Luckily no cavity searches on this trip…or any other for that matter, but clearly not the most efficient process, and it seems to change every year.
Pause for Reflections:
As I was standing in all of these long lines, I was reflecting on the progress I have seen both in Port au Prince since the earthquake as well as into the countryside since our first adventure to Haus Moustique (I am often asked about this when I return from my trip year after year). So, there is very little visible rubble remaining and there are many new buildings either under construction or already open for business. There seems to be less trash out in the open on the streets, though drainage canals seem as full as ever. There are bridges being completed and additional roads being paved. The airport has clearly come a long way, but definitely has a long way to go if it wishes to become an efficient hub. I suspect this all represents progress towards pre-earthquake conditions in Port au Prince and “actual” progress outside of Port.
We as outsiders understand the reality that Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and we are clearly aware of this as we provide care in a variety of locations. However, I find my impressions growing and expanding with each experience. By any standard , yes the general population of Haiti is financially poor, but I believe it is a mistake to view the people here through that singular filter, as it could cause a person to believe that the people cannot live a better life without help from the steady stream of mission workers arriving daily. My observations reveal a proud, hard working and generally positive people. I see men and women farming, carrying goods and food to market for sale, fixing motos and cars, running businesses, providing care in orphanages and medical clinics, building structures, driving TapTaps or Moto taxis, artisans working hard to create and then sell their wares, children walking hours to and from school and SO much more. This is a people on the move and they are indeed going somewhere!
The people we have encountered are for the most part working to provide a better life for themselves and their families, educate their children and to help make something more of their community. Would we ask for more of anyone in our country?
Back to our day:
So now we have endured all the check in processes, made it to Atlanta, navigated yet more security checks with immigration and customs (Sarah had her guardian angels Ches and Lindsay with her at all times…what a team!!) and then we even had enough time to have dinner together in the terminal. As luck would have it, our departure gates were close so we were able to spend additional time with Chelsea before our departure and the inevitable farewell at the gate. As always, I hate separating the team but this is where we could not avoid it. With hugs and promises to be in touch, we boarded our last flight, which for me felt like the never ending one hour journey. All arrived safe and I have received messages from both Kiki and Chelsea that they made it to their destinations safely. I breathed another sigh of relief and drifted off to sleep…only to be awakened by what I think is more than just Doxy induced GI distress, but rather a little Haitian “Voo Doo-Doo.” (first time in 6 trips…guess I should consider myself lucky!) Oh well, I have meds for that!
Now is the time for reflection on our experiences and planning for our future in Haiti. It is exciting and a bit stress inducing to consider what our next move might be, but with this group of compassionate and committed professionals, I am certain we will decide wisely, always keeping the people of Haiti at the forefront. I look forward to sharing the results of our deliberations in the coming months, so please continue to follow us on this page and Facebook for information on our plans and ways that you might be able to help.
Signing off for now. Thank you for all your support and prayers and as always, Love to All,
Adam