Sorry everyone for the delay in posting! I've been very busy and kept procrastinating the need to sit down to write. However, I am very excited to let everyone know how I am doing and what's been going on here in Haiti! (:
Thank you all for your prayers. I got here safely and had little trouble traveling. But due to some technical difficulties on the plane, I had a very tight connection in Miami, leaving me only 15 minutes to get on the plane to Port au Prince, Haiti. So I sprinted halfway through the airport, knocking down whoever was in my path. I got to my gate in 5 minutes. It was impressive and I made the flight. My luggage did not though. Leaving me with the same clothes and underwear for three days. It was rough. Even the Haitians thought I smelled bad. But my luggage got in last night! I have never felt so relieved in my life.
I spent Friday night here at Lifeline with Donald (the head of the mission) and his family. They left early Saturday morning, leaving me the only American in the village. The Haitians that work for the mission helped me out a lot. They do all chores I have without even being asked. I was constantly kept company and always got my questions answered. Marck (one of Haitian that works with the mission) even found me a clean toothbrush (still didn't have my luggage at this point).
Saturday night I stayed in another town about 45 minutes away, with an American family. They were absolutely wonderful. They had five boys, incredibly behaved, all under ten. They provided me dinner and breakfast, helped me get acquainted with Haiti, and gave me tips on how to learn Creole.They gave me numbers to all the missionaries closest to me, in case I ever needed help, and told me about several medical clinics who need assistance. I felt so encouraged when I left them. I hope to see them again soon.
Sunday, I went to Port au Prince with Osmy (Haitian director of the Lifeline) to pick up Anthony and Tammy Dipenti, who will be here til Friday. I am thrilled see them. They have been so helpful and it's great to see familiar faces. Tammy is doing a conference with the teachers this week and Anthony is assisting with needs in the village, like doors for houses and working on the orphanage. While I get settled in, I am helping both of them with their projects and spending lots of time with the kids and people of the village.
I am having an incredible time here! The people here are beautiful. Today I was able to go through the villages and reunite with the kids I met in November. The kids would run up to me saying "A'drin! A'drin!" and sing "I'm a banana! I'm a banana!", a song and dance I taught them in November, reciting every line and performing every dance move. It was so uplifting to know that not only do they remember me by name, but they remembered exactly what I taught them eight months ago. I can't wait to serve and love these wonderful people through the year.
I also wanted to thank everyone for supporting me. I received $4,750 and my goal was $5,000. This is amazing and truly an answered prayer. I cannot thank you all enough! I will be sharing with you all of my experiences as I embark on this incredible journey.
