I am posting my journal here in the hopes that it might encourage others to consider participating in or supporting Lakewood mission trips, and also to share a little about what we learned in Haiti.

MONDAY 12-29-03

I got up at 4 AM and made it to Lakewood at 5:15. We all gathered and had a great prayer and then headed for the airport. Check-in and security were quite painless, except maybe having to take off my shoes. The flight to Miami was nice and we had fun picking out stuff as flew over like Catawba Nuclear Station and Buster Boyd Bridge. It didn't take but a few minutes and we were over Chester. When we arrived in Miami, we had quite a walk to get to the other concourse. We ended up eating there and I had a slice of pizza, doritoes, a sprite, and a bottle of water for $10. I think the can of sprite alone was $3. The plane to Haiti was pretty big and quite full. We were amazed at the number of Haitians returning and we were quite a minority there. Apparently this was the first flight for a lot of them as they were bringing huge carry-on bags that the air crew was making them leave at the door.

The flight over was fairly uneventful and I just read a book. I enjoyed looking out the window as we passed over the Bahamas and as we went past a large island (Cuba I think). At one point it was quite weird as the ocean and sky were the exact same color so you couldn't make out the horizon. When we got near Haiti we passed over an island of Haiti (Ile de la Gonave) and the first thing I noticed was the deforestation...there were trees but they were scattered far and wide. The second thing was the mountains. Haiti literally means "mountains beyond mountains" and it is an appropriate name as I didn't see much flat land around. I was quite awed by the beautiful landscape...it truly is a wonderful place.

When we landed at Port-au-Prince, everyone aboard clapped. Someone behind us joked that Haitians must boo if they crash. We got off down some steps and I noticed the airport had only one runway and no taxi way. It had a quite small terminal too. As we entered it appeared they were doing remodeling and we walked on new marble floors. We went through the line to get our passports stamped, and this was painless except for the long wait. As we progressed into the baggage area we saw concrete floors, ceiling grids bare, lights hanging, etc. Apparently in Haiti they don't close off buildings as they renovate them. We ended up waiting for a long time (perhaps an hour) to get our luggage. After we got our luggage we followed our taxi driver out to his vehicle. The airport opens directly onto the street and there were tons of people there...some wanting to carry luggage, some offering taxis, some wanting handouts, and all wanting money.

Our taxi ride was fun if not a little harrowing. Its a ride your horn, dodge cars kind of driving style. Apparently there are no traffic laws in Haiti either as everyone just does their own thing. When we arrived at the other terminal, everyone was very nice and the people with Mission Air spoke very fluent English. Security consisted of unzipping the bag, staring at it, and zipping it back up, then sending it through an xray machine. All of our stuff had to be weighed for the flight (including us), but the power kept constantly going out, so they ended up hooking the scale up to a generator. Finally we headed out in two cesnas.

One interesting thing was that the pilot took some of the fuel out and tasted it to make sure nobody had put water in the tank instead of fuel. The flight was fun but quite noisy. We saw the main power dam and lots of the landscape. We saw lots of shanty towns, walled compounds, dirt roads, etc. There was a little turbelence which led to some fun sensations. When we came to land in Hinche it was amazing...a little field in the middle of the city surrounded by a road on all sides. Animals and people had to get out of the way as we came down. Amazingly though we had a fairly smooth landing. A bunch of people were there watching when we got out and we met Sam and Delores, and also Ivy, a peace corps member. We also met the three translators as well (Jackie, Dieuseul, and Fucien).

We headed out in their land rover into Hiche to eat a restaurant owned by one of their friends. Hinche was a fairly nice looking city from what we saw with cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, etc. There was a deep drainage deep next to the streets so every building had a bridge of sorts. At the restaurant we had potato sticks as an appetizer. The main meal was goat, fried plantains, onions, tomatoes, spicy slaw, and rice with peas, beans, and spices. We had Coke to drink while a few had some of the native Haitian soda which I am told is extremely sweet. While we were there I was able to buy some souveniers since this lady knows groups come in all the time. I bought a wooden cross neckless, two hand-carved painted wooden boxes, five embroidered cloth bookmarks, and a hand-carved "Haiti" wood box. She took American money for all of this.

On the ride to Sam and Delores' house, the road became a bumpy, dirt road (which is their main highway). Sam said two years ago they redid the road with river rock and sand for $500,000 but that it had all washed away. We had to cross through the water in seven places. Even this far from the city we constantly saw people walking, on bikes, on horses, or on mules. We saw a car or truck probably once every 10 minutes. After about an hour we arrived at their house.

He has 23 acres fenced in. We stayed in a seperate building upstairs which had four bedrooms, two showers, two toliets, a common area, and a kitchen. It was all concrete and concrete block, which is what most nicer homes in Haiti are made of. Concrete is obtainable but wood is rare, and even termites are quite rampant. The main house was quite nice with ceramic floors, satellite internet and tv, a refrigerator, and a washing machine. The power came from solar panels, batteries, and a generator. The batteries kept the refrigerator and a few appliances going all the time but the generator was only on part of the day. The water here is from a well, but it is a shallow well and contaminated so we can't drink from it. We have to filter any water we want to drink.

We spent some time socializing and chatting and met 6 people here from the peace corps. It was very enlightening to talk to them about their mission and experiences, as well as talking to Sam and Delores about their conversion experiences. Sam said he baptized 20 last year. A big problem is most attend church and think they are saved but they have no relationship with Christ. You can't just try to convert them as they will say whatever they think you want to hear, and do whatever they can to get on your good side as they want what you have. It takes time to change their manner of thinking. Sam says we will help in an eye clinic tomorrow. He says they will all wear their Sunday dress as it is a social event to them and they know us Americans will be there. This country is beautiful and all of the people are so kind and gracious. The peace corps and missionary team are absolutely amazing people. I am so glad to be here and so priviledged to be called by God to do this. It just feels right and I know I am where I am supposed to be.

I am having an absolutely wonderful time and the country here is truly amazing. It is such a beautiful place with mountains and grasslands over the whole place and it's been in the high 70's all day. And now at night we can see every star and there is no noise except the generator and the crickets. Everyone we have met has been so friendly and gracious, it is really great.

TUESDAY 12-30-03

Last night I realized just how dark it can be here. When I turned off my flashlight there was no light. I put my hand a inch from my face and couldn't see anything and I saw no difference when my eyes were open or shut. Wow what absolute pitch black. Our beds were extremely noisy (squeaky) and I had only a sheet to cover up with, which was fine until about 4 when it started getting colder. I woke up at 6:30 and was the last one to get up. The shower was absolutely freezing and I was shivering the whole time. Washing my hair was especially painful. For breakfast I had a grapefruit, though it was sweeter than what we find in the U.S. I had kool aid and water to drink.

We drove out to the house of his well technician (nicknamed combat) and setup a medical and eye clinic. Brian, Ed, and I helped with the eye part. The translator for Brian and I was Matt with the peace corps, along with ocassional help from Gyna (peace corps) and Fucien (a native translator). It was so neat to see the smiles and expressions on these people's faces when they could see to read or thread a needle. One women kept saying how Jesus had held her and always looked out for her and how thankful she was. The peace corps people are very nice and gracious and they taught me some kreole today:

Greetings:
Comon ou ye? - How are you?
Ki jan ou ye? - How are you?
Sak passe - What's up?
Responses:
Pa pi mal - not too bad
Tre byen - very good
Other:
mesi - thank you
pade kwa - you're welcome
dako - agree
je - eye
linet - eyeglasses
bon jou - good morning
bon swa - good afternoon
bon journe - good day
okay - okay
amen - amen
we - yes

All of the people are quite polite and courteous. A few saw just fine and wanted attention and a few were beyond help (cataracts, blindness, etc.). But we helped the majority of them. We had three eye stations plus the medical. We quit around 2:30 and came back to the house. Brian and a few peace corps went out on horses to buy bread. Brian got kicked by the horse Bob (who had also kicked Dale earlier). Both were fine though. I had a migrane headache and got sick, but took some stuff and was okay after a little while.

For supper we had beef, plantains, slaw, rice and beans, biscuits, and Coke. A few more peace corps showed up. They are scattered throughout the country in seperate cities and don't see each other very often. They were supposed to be doing a translating job for another group but it was cancelled so they came here. One of them said it took 13 hours to get from his city to the house. Ivy has to leave tommorow and lost her kreole book so I told her I would send her one when I got home. I spent so much time talking to all of them that I missed my chance for a shower and any lights and a blanket. I didn't go to my room until 11:15 or so. We talked about so much I can't begin to write it all down but I am very much impressed with these people, their convictions, and their hearts.

We had a little meeting tonight to discuss the day, where we were from, why we were here, etc. It was 19 people...what a blessing. Dieuseul is the second native translator and he shared how his name meant "God only" since his mother had three children die at birth before he was born. She told the Lord that if he would give her a child, she would name him that and dedicate him to the Lord. Fucien shared how he would not be baptized for another year but how grateful he was for Jesus and for us to pray that he would become what the Lord wanted him to be.

The Peace Corps people were impressed that we would come down for 2 weeks when we did not know what we would do. They were impressed that we would come here despite all of the warnings and notices not to come, and the news about the political uprisings and violence. But we came anyway and without reservation, as did the group before us, with joy. They were impressed that we jumped in there and immediately helped with the medical clinic, and we were very impressed with them. It takes something special to cut all your ties, give up your possessions, and come live in a place like this for 2 years. They are translating very well and have only known kreole for 5 months. They have only been here a short time and can't leave to see their families yet. They were all very grateful to be together for the holidays. They got their mail today (some of it from as far back as October) so it was Christmas for them. They got MP3 player, clothes, candy, etc. It was fun sitting with them as they went through their mail. Most, but not all of them are college graduates doing this before (or as part of) their graduate degrees. They specialize in different areas-- some medical, some education, some agriculture, and some infrastructure. They are working on amazing things like water systems, reforestation, minature power generators, etc. The challenges here are unreal. They have to be extremely creative to make anything work or last here.

I am so happy here and I have not felt doubt, fear, or anything else the whole time. Just a few months ago I was a little nervous about this but everything has been great. I have certainly had a little fear in the past, but never once did I consider not coming. I know what I was called to do and I did it. I prayed to the Lord and he heard me and made my journey safe. Really Haiti and Costa Rica are close to my heart now, but anywhere the Lord sends me will be great. It is truly in the attitude, and the joy of the Lord. I don't think I will really ever be the same again, and certainly I will be more confident, less afraid, and willing to take more risks in the future. I am constantly amazed at what the Lord does in my life. After this, the worries of my life at home seem very petty and insignificant, but I know I will have to face them when I return.

We are going to setup a clinic tommorow further away. It will be in the middle of a heavy voudou area and we may be challenged by the houngans (witch doctors). I am not afraid of them or their black magic. But I would wonder what to say to one of them...are they beyond hope? To give up their voudou would be a loss of power and money as it is very lucrative. I just hope I would respond with the right words. Hopefully I can always do things His way and hear His word. It's midnight now...time for bed.

WEDNESDAY 12-31-03

Thanks to Madeline we figured out how to make our beds quiet. The shower this morning was much more tolerable and we had waffles for breakfast. We all left this morning in the land rover -- 19 of us. I rode on top with Dave and Ivy and it was a lot of fun. We dropped Ivy off on a trail as she had to leave. It is really neat to ride on top and see all the scenery.

We arrived at the new clinic spot and setup. We had three eye stations and the medical and pharmacy. It was all under one roof and much more organized and less chaotic. The people were all friendly and courteous and we had a very successful day. We had tuna fish sandwiches and pringles for lunch which was great. Everything went smoothly and we finished up around 3:30 and headed back. Nothing happened on the voudou front which was a good thing. I rode on top with Calob, Matt, and Dave. We got a little ways and stopped at a deep shaft some Haitians dug to get clay. It was at least 50 ft. deep and just wide enough for a person to fit in. When we got back to the land rover Brian sat on top to take pictures and I got in the back. We went awhile and then we got a flat tire. Kim, Joy, Delores, Madeline, and I started walking back to the house while everyone else stayed. It was probably a 2 mile walk and pretty nice. Kim raced ahead while I stayed with Madeline and then Joy and Delores took up the rear. They got the tire inflated and passed us on the way but it went flat again and everyone ended up walking in the end. But at least the second time they were not very far away.

THURSDAY 1-1-03

Today was a very good day. We drove into Thomonde and waited an hour while the tire was fixed. We checked out the market, walked the streets, went to a boutique for soft drinks, and stopped by the house of a peace corps member (who was gone for the holidays). It is interesting that most goods here are bought at people's homes and not at stores. Everyone knows who has what so there are no signs of course. The city has power and apparently it is more reliable that in other areas, but still goes out often. It was fairly quiet due to the holiday. We were told Port-au-Prince was peaceful too with Aristide giving a speech and nothing else happening. But I am told here that you have to ask several Haitians before you can learn what really happened with anything.

The drive to our clinic location was quite long. I rode on top and the view was incredible. We went by several places where you see the mountain ranges and we could even see the mountains in the Dominican Republic. I am told the border is quite dangerous as Haitians will go to the DR for work and then when they are returning they are robbed and often times killed. We didn't arrive today until about noon and we ended up staying until 3. We saw about 75 people and everything went smoothly. Almost everyone was tired today...the ride really takes the strength out of you and maybe it was the food and lack of sleep. We got back to the house at 4:30 and I got my shower.

I found out that we went 8 miles each way today. There were indeed demonstrations in Port-au-Prince from both sides. The police attacked the student demonstrators with tear gas and beat up their leader. Aristide spent millions on the celebrations while everything else is neglected. We are going to the same place tommorow.

Breakfast today was french toast and fried spam. For lunch, it was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For supper, we had spaghetti with meat and mozarella and biscuits. That was a nice treat. After supper my energy returned and I would have to say it was a great day.

FRIDAY 1-2-03

I woke up sick, as did Brian. We ended up staying behind. I typed up the names and addresses of everyone staying here and Brian did some work on the laptop like updating the virus software, etc. The Haitian ladies here who work for Sam and Delores tried their best to talk to us but I don't know kreole (pa pale kreole...pa compran kreole...pale angles) so we didn't get too far there. I found a kreole book and learned a few words but still couldn't really say anything useful. We wired up a switch to let Sam control power to building 2 (where we stay) since before he was physically moving the wire on and off. We also checked out the power upstairs but decided it was too much trouble to change anything (really one of the switches needs to move to beside the door). I walked around the land here, took some pictures, played with Purdy (Sam's dog), and just relaxed. By the afternoon I was feeling much better and ready to get to work, though I am told most of the peace corps will be leaving tommorow. Also Haitians don't play or talk to their dogs...they think it is funny that Americans do. To them dogs are only good for guarding and watching a house. And some of the men eat cats as they think it gives them strength (like mini-lions or mini-tigers). Really all animals here are not given any respect or love. Oh well...it is a different world here.

SATURDAY 1-3-03

For breakfast today I had fried spam and two biscuits. We went back to the same clinic site today. There were tons of people waiting and it never let up. We didn't leave until 5:45 and drove back in the dark.

For the most part these people were much better off and I could tell because of their watches, shoes, sunglasses, and hats. Most of these people could probably have seen a doctor in town but we helped them anyway and I am sure we made their day. They were also much more picky than the last group...like down to the color of their eyeglasses.

The ride back was quite rough and I was sitting on top on a plastic shipping box with one hand on the left rail and both feet stuck under the right rail. I enjoyed the conversation with Matt and Fucien but it was a rough ride and I felt sick after we got back, and even worse after supper. I checked my email, filled up my water, and went to bed.

For super we had beef, some type of macaroni, and mashed corn (like grits) with beans. Starches and beans seem to be popular here in Haiti, but they can often be quite bland and overcooked.

SUNDAY 1-4-03

This morning we had pancakes for breakfast and headed to church. We split into two groups...one walked and the other drove and then walked (I was in the second one). My group was myself, Sam, Brian, Ed, Ashley, Dale, Fucien, and Dieuseul. We drove quite a good ways then walked about 15 minutes on a trail, through the hills, over a stream, and left at some crossroads. The church is about 3 years old and they are just getting ready to build their own building.

They had a beautiful service with reading, singing, solos, congregational singing, children singing, and a sermon about the wedding feast. They had the gloria patri, an offering, and many other things we would see in an American service. We all shared testimony of who we were, where we came from, why we were here, how appreciative we were to be with them, etc. Likewise they thanked us and wished us God's blessing and safe journey. At the end they all greeted us and shook our hands.

We originally got there at 10 but it took a while for everyone to show up as most don't have watches and we were on Haitian time anyway. After the bell rung on two ocassions we got started. All together there were probably 50 people. The location was beautiful with a stunning view...being on a little hill in the shade surrounded in all directions by mountains.

We got home around 1:00 and had lunch which was tuna patties, a chicken macaroni salad, and bread. We left for Hinche around 2 PM to get supplies and didn't come back until 6 or so. On the way we picked up a man whose bike had broken down. He had a turkey tied to his bike, and he just kept it tied up as he threw his bike on top of the truck. We found it quite funny with all the faces and positions that turkey was making. Along the way I talked to the translators and learned a bunch of new words...like cordon for turkey, poll for chicken, vine to come, ole to leave, etc.

Hinche is quite large actually and in many areas it is beautiful with coblestone streets and wonderful church buildings. But other areas have trash in the street and were not quite as nice (we even saw a dead dog sitting in the street). All of the people were friendly though. First we stopped at a store to get some cases of soft drinks. I also got some money changed out to gourdes. Then we went through their market and the streets looking for supplies like potatoes, tomatoes, mayo, eggs, peanut butter, eggplants, onions, flour, sugar, tuna, etc. This was quite interesting, and at times, quite disgusting. You would not want to buy meat here unless it was in the early morning as flies are there all day long, all over everything. We couldn't find any decent eggplant and the only tuna we found was $2 US a can. Most of the stores were closed because it was Sunday.

We drove by the main highway department (the ones who maintain the roads) and it was quite pathetic...there was hardly any equipment there. We stopped at a diesel station and got gas. The pump was fairly modern with a digital display. Next to this was the river and the trash dump. They throw all their trash next to the river and it gets washed into the ocean when the rainy season comes. We saw the remains here of a steel bridge that was built by the U.S. in the 20's. Two years ago it had snapped, twisted, and fallen into the water. Taiwan built a new bridge which they are using now. We stopped and saw Dieuseul's house and his family near the airport. Then we went to an outside bar and had soft drinks. All of them I have seen now are in glass bottles so you have to drink it then and there. This was across from the new town square the government built. It was quite nice with grassy hills, an amptitheater, a basketball court, benches, trash cans, nice lighting, and many beautiful painted murals. But it is fenced in and locked until Aristide comes to dedicate it. They have been waiting many months for this. So not only does the government waste money on things while the power, roads, telephone, education, and healthcare suffer, they won't even let the people benefit from the things they do spend money on.

I am slowly picking up the language and know quite a few words and expressions now. I still can't carry a conversation and end up just telling them so. I can greet them now but then they think I can speak kreole so usually I just say bon jou or bon swa and leave it at that. Many of the educated people speak french, some also speak spanish (dominican) and some speak english (either taught it or haitian americans). But the majority of people aren't educated so kreole is the way to go. Schools in Haiti teach english, french, and spanish and they go for 15 years before leaving high school, but the majority of Haitians never make it to school, and those who do have no jobs when they get out. A lot of haitians try really hard to greet us...they will say "good morning" regardless of what time of day it is. Everyone we have met for the most part has been very friendly and polite.

I am also learning the exchange rates and what-not. Most people here will take $1 bills U.S. and a few who are used to Americans might take larger, but for most things here you need the local currency which is the gourde. The exchange rate is roughly 40 gourdes to one U.S. dollar. They also have the Haitian dollar...its not currency its just a price point...one haitian dollar is 5 gourdes, 2 dollars is 10 gourdes, etc. Nobody around here takes travelers checks...the banks might but they are closed most of the time. Unfortunately we got bad advice before we came here...we should have brought a lot more U.S. money and no traveler's checks. I guess we'll know if we ever come back again.

I went to bed early last night and got over some sickness (bad water or food or something) and feeling great today...although this stuff hits you without any warning so things can change pretty fast. I got quite a few cuts that won't heal due to aralen/choloroquin (anti-malaria medication) so I'll be glad when I get off this stuff. I haven't needed any sunscreen or off!, and only ocassionally wear a hat or sunglasses. They got some really weird flying ants here who are always landing on me but they are slow to bite so I just flick them off). I only got bit by a mosquito maybe twice here, which is much better than I would have back home. Interestingly enough, the Haitians hate being in the sun so they have plenty of places for shade. I am having a wonderful time here but looks like we only got 4 working days left as we fly out friday morning. All of us are hoping to come back here in a year or two. We also have a whole list of stuff we want to ship here for the missionaries to use, and I personally have some stuff I want to send to all the peace corps members.

For supper we had some kind of beans, tomatoes, and corn bread. So far we've been alternating between the exotic native food and more traditional american stuff. Tommorow our group is splitting in two...one group will run a clinic and the other one (the one I am in) will be building a dam. Not sure what we will be doing the other days...probably hiking in or riding horses to fix some broken wells. There is a huge mountain right behind the compound here..probably less than 4 miles away. I am hoping we might get a chance to go hike it but as busy as we have been I am not sure if we will be able to work it in. A lot more happened today but I am too tired to write it all down. The power was off early tonight (9:30) and it is very hot here which means I probably won't sleep well. In the distance tonight I could hear beautiful singing...there must be a church nearby.

MONDAY 1-5-03

This morning we went into our location. Half of us did the medical clinic while Sam, Brian, Ed, and I helped with a new dam. This dam is going across a creek and will make a pond for them to use for water, fish, etc. We found a good place to put it and the locals helped clear off the vegetation. Then we spent all day diging into the banks. We are going to return Wednesday and pour the foundation. I stepped into the creek to begin digging and my shoes sunk like 3 inches into the mud. They are waterproof but they got messed up. The Haitians were laughing...they were wondering why I would wear good shoes into a creek when they go barefoot...but I figure there are enough diseases and things here without me encouraging it. I definately got the dirtiest today of any day and the bugs were all chasing me. I also got sunburned even though I was in the shade most of the day. It doesn't hurt or itch but doesn't look too good.

Tommorow we are going to La Post to the market and will be doing a lot of walking. We heard that there were demonstrations in Hinche today and a 10 year old boy was killed. We saw a helicopter fly over us towards Hinche and then returned shortly after. I am told there are only 3 helicopters in the country...one belongs to Aristide and the other two belong to the military.

TUESDAY 1-6-03

This morning we went to the market in La Post, which is a huge outdoor marketplace. We drove in as far as we could then had a nice long hike in and went over two water crossings. I bought a bandana there but nothing else. There were all kinds of things at this market. We saw all kinds of animals like horses and chickens, meat, shoes, vegetables, etc. We even saw a dentist and a gambling area. We didn't do anything else today so I was extremely bored when we got back. I did some walking, reading, and listened to some music, but I was really down today as I wanted to be out doing something rather than sitting around. I've read all the books I brought now and the peace corps are gone so I don't have any of them to talk to. There are just 2 working days left now. I am sortof ready to go back, but on the other hand, I'm not.

WEDNESDAY 1-7-03

The past few nights have been warm so it has been hard to get any sleep. This morning we went back to the dam site to work while the other group did a medical clinic in a new location. We put in 3 bags of cement and lots of large rocks and probably got the dam up 2 feet. I helped carry some water and cement, as well as handed down rocks.

We stopped around noon and headed to Hinche for supplies. We spent the rest of the day in Hinche and got diesel, propane, soft drinks, groceries, etc. There was a small rain shower which was the first rain we have seen since we have been here. We stopped by a bank and I got to change out one of my traveler's checks (as did Brian and Kim). It was a fairly nice bank with air conditioning even, but apparently little security. I am told we are having spaghetti tonight, and fried chicken tommorow night.

THURSDAY 1-8-03

Today was the last day before we leave. We went on a house call so we stopped at a field while Delores and a few others went to the house. Sam and a few of us went to check out a well he had done. Then we just sortof waited around. I was bored and not feeling well and got sicker by the minute. By the time we finally headed out I was quite sick. We went to a new site and dropped off the medical clinic folks then headed to the dam site. I was determined to work anyway (I came to serve-- not sit around being sick), but I didn't have to as the community members were all having an argument about where they wanted the dam. They were fine with where we put it the other day but now they wanted it somewhere else (even though it would mean a smaller reservoir and throwing away all that work). So anyway we packed up and left them to argue among theirselves. Sam says he might come back in a few weeks but he has lots of people who need our help who agree so no sense wasting time here.

We returned to the clinic site and then Delores came with us (the dam group) back home as she was going to drive back and return to the clinic. We had lunch together and I felt much better. We discussed a lot of stuff like Aristide and Haitian culture. We then cut some wood for a new church building and Ed and I put a new handle on a machette. We just relaxed the rest of the time. For supper we had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw, onions, tomatoes, and rolls.

I am so glad to have come here and done all of this, but physically I am quite exhausted and I think my sickness today was due to that. I haven't been sleeping well in the heat and on a cot which is too short for me, and I think the food, water, air, etc. have all been catching up to me. I am ready to go back home now but I want to return here in the future as there is so much I didn't get to do and so much I didn't get to see.

FRIDAY 1-9-03

Today was another good day. We went on some errands with Sam and then went to the airfield to wait. We stopped by and got our luggage weighed, got gas, saw the hospital, and a lot of other stuff. If I ever got hurt here I sure hope they never put me in that hospital...it is scary and I think would get worse there, not better. There was a woman there dying in the entryway and there really isn't much the Haitians can do with their level of healthcare. Brian and I rode together in a Cesna and got some good pictures. I rode in the copilot seat and it was neat to watch the GPS and controls as well as listen to all the traffic on the radio. When we got to Port-au-Prince we immediately took a cab to the main airport. This ride was much more leisurely, peaceful, and no horns. But we were packed in there sitting on each other's laps. We arrived at the airport and went through customs, security, etc. and it all went fast. We stopped at the airport restaurant and ordered safe food (we got it right as none of us got sick). I had a hotdog and coke, Brian had a hotdog and a sprite, Madeline had a chicken sandwich and coke, and Kim had beef, rice, and beans with a Coke. We also had nutty buddies. I paid for everything except the ice cream because I had 950 gourdes I needed to get rid of (roughly $25). We stayed in the restaurant and played crazy 8 and gin with Madeline's cards which was lots of fun and then headed for the terminal. Brian and I bought two English-French-Creole dictionaries and a Bible (Bib la) for $20 U.S. It would have been $40 except Brian negotiated him down. The flight to America was smooth and uneventful. Once we got to Miami we got our passports stamped which took forever due to the lines. Then we went through customs, security, baggage, etc. I felt like I had to show my passport dozens of times. We ate supper at Burger King which cost a lot more than any other Burger King I have ever been to. Our flight out was 30 minutes late because the flight crew was stuck on another plane, and also on the taxiway we had 5 planes in front of us (and 8 behind us).

I am indeed very glad to have had this experience and very grateful that the Lord would call me to this. I know that this has really helped me grow in a lot of ways and perhaps helped me get my priorities straight. I hope to return to Haiti some day and do this again.