So, as advertised our flight arrived early and we had hopes of an early arrival to our hotel too. Unfortunately, these hopes were quickly dashed by a pilot announcement that another flight had taken our gate and we would need to “settle in for a bit” – maybe 20-30 minutes. Not the kind of announcement any passenger wishes to hear. Well, we were already about 20 minutes early on the ground, so maybe not a disaster after all. However, you would not have known it inside the jet, as most passengers were up in the aisle, pulling bags out of overhead storage and jostling for position for when we finally parked. Then several passengers needed to get back to the bathroom through this crush of people and there was a flurry of Creole as arguments broke out. Just as it was about to get ugly, the pilot announced we were heading to our gate…phew!
Some 30-40 minutes after expected we were walking off the plane and headed to Passport Control/Immigration, which I am thrilled to report was far more efficient than the Miami process back in March, though I was told as of 2 weeks ago that situation had been resolved. Unfortunately, this is where the efficiency ended. Apparently Jil’s Passport Control receipt was marked with an “X”, which we quickly learned did NOT mean “expedite!” While the other 5 of us were sent to Line 1, Jil was sent to Line 3 with no explanation for the “X”. We all passed easily through Customs and retrieved our 2 checked bags and waited for Jil to appear – we could not get close enough to the Customs area to see where in line she was, but Line 3 looked awfully long with only 2 agents attending to all those passengers…Charlie Foxtrot!!
About 1 hour later, with the last few other passengers from our flight, she appeared around the corner – we cheered. I had already ordered our pizza online and contacted our driver who had now been waiting over 2 1/2 hours for us. But first we had to give our checked bags to an American agent for rechecking, and guess what…they were closed at that desk. Kitty and I were instructed to walk to the next terminal over and up the escalator to give to a ticket agent, and guess what…they were all gone for the night!!! How I really dislike American Airlines and the South Florida airports now! Anyway, while we made our way back over to our original terminal, Jil had to again go through a different line to be cleared out of the airport, where she learned she was carrying “contraband” conch shells, but the agents were too tired to complete the paperwork, so she was allowed through with a stern warning for next time….whatever! Anyway, we eventually reunited on the sidewalk and awaited our driver, who was having his own difficulties directing us to the pickup zone. He finally found us and we quickly loaded into a comfy van for the quick ride to our hotel, arriving just before 10PM.
Rusty and I made the quick walk to the pizzeria 1 block over and retrieved our dinner. We quickly devoured nearly 2 full large pizzas in the outdoor courtyard. It was refreshingly cool for a South Florida evening – cold for the natives but great for us. Once full, a hot shower was in order and then lights out for a 4hr “nap”. Our shuttle was on time at 4:15AM and we easily made our flight to Charlotte, where we divided into our original traveling groups for our last legs of the trip. Before exchanging hugs all around, there was a little time to share some ideas for our next installment and even some for those farther into the future. There is no doubt this team is committed to the end!!
We are now all home safe with our families and not only thinking about our friends back in Haiti, but actually sharing messages with them rather frequently since our departure from Les Cayes. Social media is actually really good for some things!! We are all definitely of single mind and will certainly double and redouble our efforts to achieve our ultimate goal…together!
I am so proud of this group for how they take care of patients and each other; I am so relieved everyone has made it home to family safely; and I am so grateful for all the support we receive from our families, friends and followers. None of this works without you ALL. Please keep us on your mind and continue to provide support in any way you can as we now begin to focus even more so on our longterm plans. That is all for now but be watching for updates as these plans firm up.
Love to All,
Adam