Friday, February 19

We also glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope - and hope does not disappoint. Romans 5:3,4

Rough start to the day. Slept later than we should have...thought it was an hour earlier than it was. Almost missed breakfast, then had to wait until after orientation to shower. I felt grody!

While in orientation Lindsey was saying how bad things are in Haiti. Even seasoned relief workers are saying that it is the worst they have ever seen. Makes you wonder what the means. Am I up to the task? I am reminded that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

So far everything is done army style...hurry up and wait. Hurry to the airport...wait. Hurry through customs...wait. However, the driving is very exciting to say the least! Many gasps have slipped out of my mouth already. The ride to this different airport was hair raising. Just as crazy as the night before, but now with rush hour traffic conditions. Weaving in and out of lanes, buses, trucks, motorcycles - anything. People are trying to sell things at red lights, U-turns are done anywhere. The sights energize me. I am in the middle of a surreal experience and can't believe I'm actually here. There's lots of street fruit vendors, garbage on the side of the road and then we crossed a bridge and a section that was pristine rain forest. So beautiful. Lush green trees in bloom with orange flowers. The river was covered with swampy plants. It was as if some exotic creature would rise out of it at any moment.

When we arrived at the airport to catch a UN flight to Haiti we were dealt a blow. Our luggage would not be on the flight. It was a stressful time as we tried to determine the things to pack in our carry-ons to see us through until tomorrow evening. It's very disconcerting to leave your things behind not knowing if you'll actually see it again. I did rescue some Starbucks coffee though. Priorities!

Now we've just found out that they need volunteers to stay behind because there'd be too much weight in the plane to clear the mountains at take-off. Drama. Four of our team members - Bryan, Mel, Mindy and Irene are staying behind. The good news is that they'll be catching a flight only a couple hours later. This trip has more twists than a great novel!

Again a surreal moment as we boarded the UN flight. Who does that?! I felt like some sort of fake dignitary. I tried to see the damage from the sky, but was unable to see much. There were a lot of tin roofs and ramshackle buildings, but it wasn't until we were on the ground that we really saw the devastation. One huge hotel was flattened, quite shocking. The expanse of the hotel was about one city block, and it was completely destroyed. It's hard to gauge the damage because many homes seem to be intact, yet their neighbours homes are destroyed.

All apprehension about our 'house' has disappeared. We pulled into this large house which is gated and there is razor wire along the walls. The house itself appears to be colonial with a tropical twist. There are tile floors throughout and it is clean. There are two large rooms for the team. One room for the men and one for the ladies. Both have an en suite bathroom complete with two private toilets. There's also a roof top that you can go up to and see many beautiful sunsets, and the surrounding neighbourhood. There are mango trees all around and other trees in bloom. It is overcast tonight, yet it is still warm and muggy. It is not unpleasant and I am enjoying the people and the camaraderie.

I think about Tim and the kids often and I hope they are proud of me.

Thursday, February 18

Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14

What a brutal night! Such a late bedtime and I could not sleep! The pillow was too fluffy, the fan too loud, my lips too dry, my hands too dry, and my mind way too active. I thought it was too late to read before bed, but I think that was a mistake. One chapter would have helped me shut off my brain!

I feel I should describe the luggage scene in more detail... When we arrived at the hotel we brought all the luggage into the lobby. There were duffel bags, physician boxes, extra food, and carry-ons. We basically took up the whole lobby. Then we started to weigh the bags. Anything over 50lbs was opened and random items stuffed into another bag. It must have looked like pure chaos! Our team has over 20 bags and we aren't even a complete team yet.

We are now on our way to Philadelphia from Seattle where we'll meet up with the rest of the team. Besides the excruciatingly early start, it's been very smooth. We had to take 2 shuttles to the airport due to the amount of luggage and we're expecting a hefty bill for all that luggage. However, US Airways waved the luggage fees even though there were so many bags and most of them were overweight. I can just see Mom smiling. She prayed we would find favor with all those we encounter and we did! Praise the Lord!!

The flight to Santo Domingo was very crowded. My bum aches just thinking about it! There was a flight attendant guy who cracked me up! He was a tall black man (Leo) who really thought he was all that! He would think I was calling him cute when I was actually calling a 5 year old cute. Both my flights today were separate from the others form my team. Lindsey says that it's because my flights were booked separately because I am spending a 2nd week in Haiti. It's a little disappointing, but I feel like I am fitting in none the less.

Leaving the airport in the Dominican is like stepping into another world. I was really glad that Lindsey speaks Spanish! The heat and humidity struck me right away, goodbye winter. When we left the airport to the waiting bus the smell of diesel reminded me of Germany Teen Missions 1988. Funny how smells bring you back. We have so much baggage now with the whole team that it is obscene! The bus had to be loaded through the windows. By the time we got all the baggage in we had to cram in like sardines. As Lindsey put it "Welcome to Latin America". My seating position in the bus was that of a virtual cannonball. I was sitting on the manifold with my knees up around my ears. Sometimes I would put my legs on the dash like I was reclining, other times I was nearly hugging Bryan in order to not topple as the crazy driver took a corner.

It was my observation that you honk to change lanes, but lanes themselves are merely a suggestion. I saw a group of people at a gas station sitting in a circle of lawn chairs. That seemed weird to me. The drive from the airport was about 45 minutes.

Now we are at a Dormitory...a conference center of sorts. We had to unload all our luggage as we couldn't trust that our stuff wouldn't just disappear. I wonder how much weight we keep shifting around.

Wednesday, February 17

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine... Fear not, for I am with you. Isaiah 43: 1,5

What an eventful day! After a flurry of activity getting ready for the last 3 days straight we were finally at Power to Change Headquarters. Everyone was on time which was nice since I was chomping at the bit to go. We all gathered for prayer with our families and then loaded what seemed like a gazillion pounds of luggage into a trailer towed behind a 15 passenger van. Everyone seemed excited and there was a lot of amicable chatter. Eventually the van grew quiet as the group started to peter out...until it was decided that a late night snack was in order. Lindsay got very excited about the possibility of Jack In The Box! So off we went searching for the elusive junk food. Somehow we ended up in the Boeing compound. That is a huge complex! Just trying to find our way out was a challenge. After a long search with many u-turns we finally reached...McDonald's. So anticlimactic!

When we finally reached the hotel in Seattle it was time to weigh the bags. Mine was 56lbs! After much shuffling it was decided that my bag should be made much heavier and therefore we'd only have to pay for one overweight bag. Now it weighs a whopping 69lbs! The guys were quick to remind me that I would be carrying that one.

Now it is very late and I have to wake up in 4 hoours. Must sleep...