The line to get through Customs was long, but in the new space it was air conditioned and comfortable. Adam discovered the free WiFi and Rob texted Pastor Widelson. Widelson met us inside at the new and modern baggage claim. Two bags broke, but nothing was lost.
Luggage and Porters: once we made it through the airport we paid a group of professional porters to navigate the parking lot as Widelson walked us to the school bus. YES- THAT school bus! He brought a host of teens and young adults from the orphanage to help us load it and chat. AWESOME!
The bus ride was not nearly as traumatic as my husband described from his evening arrival in 2011. We arrived in the day and ride comfortably in a MN yellow school bus. I sat next to Jean Rene and shouted him some pics of Jake and home. We chatted a bit with others too, although I don't know their names.
The road was treacherous with stretches that were mate gravel pit than street. Markets and tiny "stands" selling EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN lined the street. One huge complex seemed to take a whole square mile. Seriously there are piles of fresh bananas, piles of onions, charcoal, clothes (I guess they are super expensive, even used), toiletries, car oil, building supplies, etc. Actually- it is kind of like New York City in that way- having "shops" lining every street.
We passed a funeral procession. It is very similar to a New Orleans funeral procession- a walking parade of musicians and family members, all dressed in black and white. Most of the cemetaries are above ground crypts, like in New Orleans, too. French Influence?
The destruction, debris and garbage are worse than I expected. I have seen the photos and heard the stories over the past six years- but it is everywhere. Actually- there is a beautiful contrast here in Haiti. The devastation, garbage, and pollution is disgusting. Yet people walk around and live their lives here- in really nice Western clothing. They are hanging out with their friends and family, shopping, and walking amidst piles of items at the market. And garbage is EVERYWHERE. I kept thinking, "I wish Randy's Sanitation of Delano could send down all their trucks and lead a garbage mission trip. Seriously- bring in bulldozers, front end loaders, etc... and clean it up. Oh- but then what? People have to change their behavior, too. Ugh... it will happen eventually with education and time, right?"
Animals are wandering everywhere, too. Actually they kind of stay in their areas. Black hogs wallow in garbage filled irrigation canals and cute little goats tromp around on the garbage piles, eating away. Chickens roam freely, and get purchased, bound by the feet and carried around the market. Oh- and goat and chickens get carried on motorcycles, too. DOGS? I didn't really see any until we got closer to the Villa. Then I noticed small packs wandering around- little red street dogs and doberman looking dogs. Skinny dogs! Some dominance scuffles, too. At the villa they have a few house dogs. No cat spottings yet.
We passed a few tent cities and then some "nicer" neighborhoods with patched together tin siding. Most remaining buildings are crumbled cement debris piles. The government ministry buildings were pristine and guarded by high fences. Buildings got progressively nicer as we drove to the villa. Some neighborhoods were reminescent of Italy and Spain, with curving staircases going up the hill, and houses and shops tucked in all corners. In the right light and frame of mind' it could be beautiful.
Arriving at the Villa' it really is a compound. 15 foot high walls surround the facility and Claude successfully backed a yellow school bus through the 15 foot high gate. Once inside it was immediately quieter and calm. We visited with Pastor Widelson, got our Nursing School shirts and said our goodbyes. Then we found our rooms which are spread around this tiny campus. There are lush palm trees, a crystal blue pool and lovely garden terrace. It feels like we are in a different world. We are.
We made it just in time to eat dinner at the Villa. Rice and beans, beef, salad, spicy! coleslaw and bread. There was dulce de leche pie for dessert, too. Eating a hearty meal after such a long, hot day felt amazing. After dinner we opened all 21 bags to sort and organize our gifts. This took two hours and was hot, sweaty work. It was amazing to see everything that made it here. A full, detailed list will be published later.
The kids wanted to go swimming and convinced the rest of us to jump in. So we did. They were right. The water rinsed us of the day and we felt cool for the first time. We socialized a little with the other group staying here.... they are from Florida.
Overall it was an exhausting, exhilarating day. Tomorrow we start by heading up to the church at 8am where they have invited MANY PEOPLE to see us.
Smells: human sewage, coal fires, garbage, diesel fuel.
Sights: overwhelming.
Sounds: honking horns, trucks without mufflers, hawkers selling roadside beverages
Team reactions:
Adam
Worse: the conditions were worst than I anticipated. Not ready for the extreme level of poverty and conditions we saw on the bus ride.
Better than expected: The smiles and appreciation of Pastor and the kids. We just met them and they loaded the bus for us, but they are so excited all ready.
Sharon: I actually thought the city would be worse than it was. It was really cool to see the instruments and supplies all unpacked.
Sarah:
The Villa is better than expected. It is an oasis in the dust storm of chaos.
Nothing could have prepared me for Haiti itself. You just have to experience it.
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