Day 2 Arrival

It is ten o'clock and my day has been non stop since about 3:45 this morning. It has been absolutely worth it because of the extended time I have been able to spend with the kids. There was immediate flashbacks to last year as the plane approached Port Au Prince and I began to see the remanents of the earthquake that happened close to a year ago. There were tents scattered all over the city where people continue to live without running water, bathrooms and sanitation.

After landing and making our way through customs I stepped outside and was instantly reminded of the heat and smells that linger throughout the city. I eventually met with Naz and we proceeded the New Life Children's home. The ride took about 20 minutes and it seemed like hours because of the constant stops and turns that was made to avoid a potential accident. I talked with Naz about Haiti's new president Michael Martelly and he was optimistic that the country will improve and hopes that the president follows through on his promises.

I arrived at the orphanage and was met by Sarah the current administrator and given instructions about my stay. I was told two days ago that everyone that I would be meeting with about potential adoption would be unavailable. Sarah informed me that I have an appointment with a Haitian attorney on Wednesday at 11:00 to begin the process here in Haiti!!!!!!! I am amazed at God's timing and how it is not about me and what I feel is best.


The kids were in school until 2:00 today and I had time to tour the orphanage and see all of the updates that have been made. One of the biggest concerns the team had last year was the cracks that remained in the walls after the earthquake. At that time the kids and montantes were still sleeping outside. As I toured the facility today every crack had been repaired and everyone had moved back inside to sleep.


A group from my church arrive around lunch and I got the opportunity to walk them around the orphanage before the kids were dismissed. We spent time with the special needs kids and I saw some familiar faces from last year. Marilee stood out the most and I immediatly went to pick her up and hold her. I expressed concern with staff members about her continue trach issues and the continuing issues she has because of the collapse. Staff members informed me that the paperwork has been filled out they are waiting on someone in the states to perform the procedure pro bono.

It stormed this afternoon and I believe that the mosquitos grew in the process. Because it has been wet in Port Au Prince for a few weeks the mosquitos are really bad. It is time for rest and wake up tomorrow morning and start over again. I look forward to presenting Sarah the gifts from Ms. Baker's and Ms. Calvert's sixth grade students and will upload pictures after we meet. It is time for bed and I am exhausted look foward to catching up tomorrow.