Well we have finally arrived in Haiti. Two days of long travel. Nicole and the kids are exhausted. The flights were long but OK. The trip from Port au Prince Airport to Grand Goave compound was a long grueling and hot trip. 35C in a smal van, the trip only lasted 15 minutes Haitian time, which apparently is more than three hours.
Our host came to pick us up at the airport. He brought his own police officer to help us get to our destination. In Haiti, there are no driving rules, red lights mean nothing, neither do green for that matter, it is first come first serve. It is an awesome sight to watch and no accidents that we witnessed. However, every vehicle has a large cow catcher bumper on it and the horn is the first thing that is repaired. Honk to let people know when you are doing something. When the right side of the road is jamed, use the left side if no one is there. If you have a problem, the police officer gets out, pulls his gun if necessary and get you through. This happened more than once (not the gun part).
We travelled through entire city of Port au Prince. Everyone lives the same way, many in tents, some inside broken houses, some under tarps. Everyone is selling something on the street. The people all seem relatively happy, since the earthquake they are all getting food. The thing that was most amazing to me, was all the laundry hanging and that everyone we saw had cleaner clothes than many people back home. There is still much garbage everywhere, but it is better than a few months ago. If you have garbage in front of your house or tent, move it to your neighbors area and now it is his problem.
The picture of the Presidential building on this blog sums up the issues with this country. The government is in shambles. I have seen organized chaos, but today was unorganized chaos, the whole country is in this state.
We arrived at the compound just after lunch. We left the airport at 8:30 AM. Just as it was described, a 7 foot wall around 4 acres, metal gate guarded 24 hours and locked at 10 PM. We are safe in here. Will venture outside the compound in the next few days.
The number of people on the streets is staggering. This will be an amazing experience and we are going to take it one day at at time.
Talk to you soon!
Glad to hear you made it safe and sound! Praying for a good night's rest for all. Give Pat a hug for me, will ya? ;)
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear you all made it safe and sound. we have been waiting all day to hear you arrived. The girls are praying for Noah and Anica that they have fun and make new friends. We are praying for all of your continued health and happy days ahead. Rest well friends, Krista
ReplyDeleteWe are so thrilled to hear you arrived!!! We had everyone praying for safe and protected flights. So glad no guns had to be pulled out :). The girls and I can't wait to Skype you all so when ever you get a chance we are standing by. Stand firm and have peace...you are in the center of God's will doing Kingdom work.
ReplyDeleteLove The Mattheis'
We are excited to hear that you have arrived safely! Know that your family is in our prayers and thoughts daily.
ReplyDeleteLots of love the costantine's