Haiti Day ?

We flew from Haiti to Puerto Rico for fuel and food and then on to
Atlanta where we landed about 9pm Tuesday. I couldn't help tearing up
a bit seeing the US flag. Ninety-five percent of the aid on ground in
Haiti currently (according to what I saw with my own eyes, this is not
an official stat) is from the United States and/or faith based
orgaizations.

Haiti Day ?

One last glimpse back at this sweet but suffering country. I am
forever changed by this experience. I hope you have been moved,
informed, inspired, or at least amused by my feeble attempt to
document this trip in real-ish time by blogging.

Haiti Day ?

Delta is my new favorite airline. After 21 hours at the Port au Prince
airport, a charter flight from Delta came in with thousands of pounds
of supplies and volunteers. The good people of Delta agreed to let us
ride back with them! Also on the flight were 52 navy personnel who
had been on the USS Comfort for one month doing surgeries and
providing care to the Haitians.

Haiti day ?

Erin and Julia (pedi nurse and crisis counselor, respectively) were
rediculously chipper ( perhaps delerious) in the morning. More peanut
butter and " iced coffee" anyone?

Haiti day 8: Going home

Our fearless leader, Dan, approached every plane that came in through
the night and begged them to take us back to the states. There were
only 6 or so, and most of them were from Europe.

Haiti Day 8: Going home

Our options were limited. We couldn't go back to QCS as our campsite
was already taken and public transportation in Port au Prince is
still pretty much non existant. We considered hiring a driver to bus
us to the Dominican Republic, but we couldn't find one big enough and
the state department discourages night travel across the border due to
bus highjackings and robberies. So, we camped out at the airport.
The guards let us go through security so we could sleep on the benches
on the Tarmac and have access to the porta potties as there is no
plumbing still in the airport. This is where our survival skills came
in handy-ish as we had to survive on our dehydrated food and rationed
water.

Haiti Day 8: going Home

Here is the line in front of us.

Haiti Day 8: going home

Our egress from Haiti was extraordinarily difficult. We arrived at the
airport at around 5 pm on Monday on the hopes of hopping on a military
flight back to the states. Unfortunately, we were about 150 deep in
line behind other expats. This is my team.

Haiti Day 8: going home

Toussant L'Overture International Airport from the paddy wagon.

Haiti Day 8: going home

Zoom in and you will see a satellite dish next to this tent. Glad to
see this person/family has their priorities in order.

Haiti Day 8: going home

Team members Adam and Erin in our mesh paddy wagon on the way to the
airport. We piled all our stuff in and then rode on top of it through
Port au Prince one last time.

Haiti day 7: Though the mountains may shake

"Though the mountains may shake and the hills be removed, my steadfast
love for you shall not be shaken, and my covenenant of peace shall not
be removed," says the Lord who has compassion on you.

Haiti day 7: Though the mountains may shake

Haiti Day 7: though the mountains may shake

Even though we saw over 500 patients this week, there were folks we
couldn't get to. It was hArd to turn folks awAy. Thankfully, there
are still some workers And inixs here and more on the wAy.

Haiti Day 7: Though the mountains may shake

One of favorite groupies of the week!

Haiti Day 7: Though the mountains may shake

Saying goodbye to new friends is never easy. This is me with Gianni,
my awesome interpreter who worked with me l week. I could stay here
forever. It is so hard to leave as there is so much to be done!

Haiti Day 7: though the mountains may shake

The way we roll

Haiti day 7

Solidarity... Seen in graffiti all over Port au Prince

Haiti Day 7: Though the mountains may shake

Part deux

Haiti Day 7: Though the mountains may shake

A video clip of the shanties and homes near Diquini taken from the
back of the truck. The sound of hammers this morning sounds like
music to my ears!