Made it to Haiti

What a day! I got on my plane to Miami at 6:15am. Minnesota airport was a zoo. Who knew this many people travel during a recession. Obviously the cold Minnesota wins out over the lack of money.

Got to Miami and had something like 6 hours to spare in the airport. After eating lunch and got myself a pedicure. Met up with the people I was going to fly to Haiti with. Since the newly running commercial airlines were very full, I flew down to Haiti with a partner organization Medishare. The plane was only Medishare volunteers and select guest.

I have never arrived in Haiti after dark. I couldn't see much during the landing and saw glimpses of the tent cities around the airport driving to the "gate". We were told that there were no staff to help us unload the plane and would have to do it ourselves. The group of aid workers quickly jumped into action unloading luggage and supplies from the plane. I walked to "immigration" which was a table with a man sitting at it with both coming and going stamps. I then proceeded to walk out to what was shockingly the most empty airport you will ever see.

Those of you who have traveled to Haiti (or really any developing country) know the hysteria that ensues once you step off the curb of the airport. People begging and grabbing and taking wanting to take your luggage to the taxis for a price. Tonight, I was met by two or three people standing out in the lot.

I found my friends Gail and Noel and gave them both a tight long hug. The drive through the city was pretty quite as well. I couldn't see much. Some collapsed buildings and some tent cities. Nothing too startling yet.

Pulling into the HHH property, I was met by Team Portland and a rum punch. The Guest House looks pretty much the same at night. I am eager to see the city and our property in daylight. Tonight I will relax and settle in to the very warm/muggy weather. NOT complaining!