We have arrived!

B

Yesterday we arrived in Haiti.  We are staying at a beautiful hotel where we are watching the storms roll in.  The veranda is overlooking the Jacmel Bay and there is just this relaxed atmosphere with music playing in the background.

However, the day had been anything but relaxed.  We have all been up since 3:30 or earlier and traveling all day.  The baggage claim was essentially a mass of people pushing to find suitcases in an area the size of a bedroom.  In the process, some accidentally took my bag with hygiene products and donations.  The suitcase was later returned, but not before we were already well into the mountains.  Just driving through Port a Prince was dramatic.  Poverty is EVERYWHERE...for miles and miles.  It is kind of overwhelming.  Jacmel is a little more upbeat, with vibrant colors and a Latin American atmosphere that makes me feel a little more at home.

Today we start prepping the camp and the real work starts Monday.  I guess the Women's Group has had amazing results.  The medical tent has serviced sometimes over 100 patients a day.  After a few weeks, they have finally figured out an efficient system.

We are visiting an orphanage today and the medical team is getting set up.  I am using everyone else's soap, shampoo, and deodorant, but feel pretty clean.   We are still waiting for the bus to arrive.  If it is anything like the hour it took us to get some coffee this morning, we may be waiting for a while.


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