Our “Haitian Vacation” Has Finally Begun

This post is being written by Lauren and Colleen, two first-time Haitian travelers. Although our planned three hour layover ended up lasting 20 hours, we have finally arrived in Haiti! Of course though, we couldn’t leave Miami without one last bump in the road. Nine people did not show for the flight resulting in all of the bags being taken back off of the plane, sorted through, and reloaded. Our “scheduled” 6 AM take off didn’t happen until 7:30, but was accompanied by cheers from the passengers and crew alike.

We arrived in Haiti just before 10 AM where we were greeted by Jauno, our own personal porter.  Thanks goodness for all of his help, because he saved a potentially stressful first experience of Haiti from being too overwhelming. After he led the search for all 21 checked bags as well as the few carry-ons that got thrown in as well, he helped us push through the crowded airport to our waiting bus. There has to be some sort of irony in that the first time we didn’t have to wait was after we landed in Haiti! As we boarded the rainbow colored, half-semi truck type bus the intense emotion of the reality here in Haiti started to set in for both of us. To witness the poverty that this country has been struck with was overwhelmingly moving and humbling. During the 20 minute drive for the airport to New Life Children’s House us “newbies” sat closest to the back of the bus gazing out over Port-au-Prince. From the loud, constant car horns, to the farthest thing from organized traffic, to roadside makeshift stands selling tires, boom boxes, clothes, and raw meat we were left speechless. As we pulled into New Life we realized we were very lucky blessed with staying in such a nice facility.

Our time here started right off the bat with a rundown of the rules and moving all 21+ bags up to our rooms. We were lucky enough to get help from some of the boys here, never thought we would see teenage boys carrying 50 lb bags with nothing but huge smiles on their faces. After we began to sort through all of our bags of donations and pumped up some soccer balls, we took a break for a while to eat our first Haitian meal, sloppy joes, salad, rice and beans. It wasn’t long until we couldn’t resist seeing the kids any longer.

Emily and Courtney led the way as we timidly followed behind. It wasn’t until a little girl ran up and grabbed my (Lauren) hand that we began to relax and play with the kids. We were passing around rocks, playing on swings, learning names, and, of course, kicking around the soccer ball. After a while, we decided it was time to set up a real game. The cones were put down, us and the boys were split up into two teams, and then the whistle was blown. The boys were determined to show us that they have been practicing and they won’t go down easy. After many arguments with the referee, Pastor Coach Bob, the close game ended 6-7.

For me (Colleen) today has been one of the most emotional days I’ve experienced. Until after our tour, which happened after our dinner tonight I was unable to talk without crying. I couldn’t even explain what I was feeling all day except for saying that I was overwhelmed. At this point in the day, I am still just speechless on how to explain what I am feeling today. Maybe the simplest way is that it hit me hard how many small things I complain about in my life, when there are people who don’t have much, but have nothing to complain about. It has been a really humbling day.

I’m sorry you can’t get there from here…

In Haiti, there is no such thing as “on time” or “going according to plan.” You almost come to expect it.  It’s probably the reason I love the country so much. It’s always a surprise. However, I have never had a travel day so filled with surprises. If it could have happened, it did. The team member with our 15 bags of soccer supplies over-sleeps the 4am alarm. The team gets docked $360 in extra bag fees before we leave the terminal. The plane gets delayed in Miami twice. When we finally get boarded 2 hours late, the pilot comes on to tell us FAA regulations will not allow the flight crew to fly due to regulations. He continues his declaration of guilt by sharing that no replacements are available, the plane will be delayed until the morning and you must un-board the plane to get your free vouchers for a hotel and dinner. We then fight lines for the vouchers, the hotel shuttle and a hotel without enough rooms.

Don’t get me wrong, the day traveling to Haiti has always been interesting. It never fails. There is always a moment that will live in infamy.  You make a plan and some person, place, thing or event messes with the plan. While this day was way over the top, I can honestly say this was a great first day.

We actually had a lot of fun with some really touching moments. It was great to watch the team bond over a marathon card game of UNO and FORKS (spoons really but we couldn’t find any spoons). It was great to witness our team share our soccer cause with those who couldn’t resist our bright colored t-shirts. It gave me great hope in the next generation as I watched a few on our team chat with another youth mission team from Denver. It was inspiring to witness team members voluntarily give up their seats on the hotel shuttle, not once but twice, for the elderly and a young mother. Finally, it was almost overwhelming to hear one member say she really wished our flight would have taken off so instead of being in the hotel with a comics’ convention, we could have been sweating in Haiti and hanging with our orphan friends.

It’s been one long day and I wouldn’t have traded one moment. God is so good. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings and I won’t have to wait long. The alarm is set for 3:20am to catch the 4am shuttle back to the airport for the 6am flight.