Welcome to Haiti

Our journey to Haiti began bright and early.... well it was early, but not quite bright when we left home about 4:15 a.m. Picked up Jamalyn and the bags in Milroy, and we were on our way. Dick and Marjory, Jamalyn, Jennifer and I, 10 big duffle bags, and our own backpacks left Indy at 7:20. Here is our fearless leader waiting at the gate before our first flight. To Chicago, Miami, and on to Port au Prince, where we landed about 4:30 p.m.

Just as the plane landed, I turned my cell phone back on and got a text from Jon saying that the Saints had won! So excited for them to be 9-0!!

After a bumpy van ride through the streets of Port au Prince, we arrived at the guest house in Petionville where we will stay tonight. We will leave in the morning to head to the mountains and Fondwa.

We were greeted by Father Joseph, Sister Simone, and Sister Carmelle at the guest house and offered refreshments and an update on the political situation in Haiti from Father Joseph. Here is Jennifer trying the local beverage.

Father Joseph toasts his guests and welcomes us to Haiti.

We had a delicious Haitian dinner including turkey, pasta, fried plantains (my favorite), rice and beans, fresh avocado, and a dessert soup made with sweet potatoes.

We have nine in our group, including Jim and Sophie (a doctor and his daughter from Durham, NC), Jamalyn's mom, Lois, and her aunt Karen, Dick, Marjory, Jennifer, and me. We will have a 2 hour ride tomorrow to Fondwa, and plan to leave here around 7 a.m. We've had a long, but good day, and are ready for a little rest before our adventure continues. Stay tuned. :)