We have arrived!

We just finished a wonderful dinner and are continuing our drug preparation for our clinics. Today has been long, but successful. We are finally all together now that we are at the guesthouse. Last night, everyone except Bill, convened in Miami. We had a fun dinner together (minus Karen and Suzanne) who had not yet arrived from CA. (and yes, we are obsessed with food!) We caught up with each other and made new friends.

Today started early - 4:30am - as we had the early flight to PAP. Gwen and I had taken our 5 gigantic bags and 2 carryons to the hotel after the airline would not check them through. Luckily the others checked them at the airport. Otherwise, we would never have fit all the bags into the van for the ride. The checkin was the smoothest ever. Then, we ate a quick bite, filled our water bottles, and hoped aboard.

When we arrived in PAP, again, it was amazingly smooth. We found all our bags - no problem- loaded them onto carts, got through immigration and security without a hitch, found our contact with a sign "Dianne Pizey", after Kerwin found us in baggage, then off we walked along the long path to the cars. With Kerwin with us, we were able to avoid the problem with many people trying to help with our bags. We just continued on with the carts and only 4 helpers, then loaded the vehicles (4!) and off we went.

The ride through PAP was extremely calm, very little traffic compared to the past trips. Things look much better than last trip. The rubble is being cleaned up and there is new construction. We passed a large field close the the airport with many, many new homes bult by Samaritan's Purse. We saw a new large Catholic church close to the old fallen down cathedral. The palace is still in the same state, and there are still thousands of people living in tent cities, but overall things seemed better.

I rode with Hebert, the same person whom I rode with many times last trip. It was wonderful to see him again. Both his English and my Creole have improved so we we could talk a lttle more.

The road out to Leogane has been repaired and again, things seem to be better. When we arrived at the guesthouse at Hopital Ste. Croix, we were greeted by the current managers, Bob and Robin who are from Ft. Worth. They are doing a great job! The same cooks are here and Dianne and I happily greeted the head cook, Jeanine.

Kerwin reported that his brother Roosnel was released from the hospital yesterday after suffering a head injury in a motorcycle accident in PAP about 12 days ago. We were thrilled to hear that. He still has a long recovery, but hopefully, over time he will make a full one.

We spent the afternoon organizing our supplies, and packaging meds. More of the same tonight! We have a new member of our group - Delia, from Toronto. She was here working on a Fuller project building houses, met Bill who was here this week doing the same, and now she's part of our group!

Tomorrow we're off to church at St. Phillippe and St. Jacques! Then, of course, more med preparation!

Pill sorting fun

See, I told you the food is great

Bon Swa!