Exactly a week ago I was in the air somewhere between Port au Prince and New York City. I'm sure I was asleep because I slept most of the way. The adrenaline that had been pumping through me for 9 days was slowly diminishing, I was relaxed knowing that soon I'd be home and I was more than ready to give my two teenage son's a big hug. I have missed them. I think all of us were ready to go home. We all had loved one we needed to give hugs to - and get hugs from. But, leaving is bittersweet.
Even after a week it's hard for me to put the emotions of leaving Haiti into perspective, little lone words. But, I'm going to try.
Saturday, October 29. 2016 - A Reflection
When I left my home late the night of October 19th I left with my boss, Mike, my boyfriend, Jeff, and my son's friend, Jaiden. I was going to spend a week with 9 others whom I've meet once when we packed and had some training a few days before. Strangers. Now, as I am crawling out of my bunk for the last time I look around at the 5 other ladies (Sue, Clancey, Donna, Brenda and Ann) in our small room. Each of them unique, each of them God loving women and each now my sister. I've come to love and respect each of them and am sad to be leaving them today. I know we will stay in touch, but this life, this feeling, this relationship here can not be duplicated.
As with all mornings everyone slowly trickles out of their bunks and out onto the veranda. We are all doing some last minute packing. The large totes we brought were full of medical supplies, games, toys, snacks for the orphans and other important items when we arrived. All have been distributed with love in our hearts and we will never forget the smiles on the faces of the Haitians as we handed them the things within. Now they are full of souvenirs, gifts and personal items to help make our carry-on lighter. In some cases, we put our carry-on right in the totes.
It's early - 6:30 a.m. - so no official breakfast today. We did buy some delicious cinnamon raisin bread at the Baptist Mission yesterday and we are all grabbing a slice or two as we bustle around getting ready. I take a minute to sit and relax in the porch-like swing and look around one last time. Besides Mike, Jeff and Jaiden I realize that Jon, Jeff F and Rick have all become like brothers to me as well. I think to myself that I don't have to say goodbye yet to this new family. But soon, the time will be here.
We load our stuff into our Tap Tap and say goodbye to Mike. He will be staying with his Haitian Family for a few more days. We take a quick trip to the airport and say goodbye to Jean. He was gracious enough to drive us himself this morning. As we unload we are surrounded by gentleman offering to help us with our things. This is their job and how they make a living and feed their family, but they are pesky. It isn't our intention to hire any of them, but we give in and allow one gentleman to help us. His advice is useful and I am thankful we changed our minds as I think it saved us a lot of time. At the check-in counter I give the lady all of our passports at once. We've found this is the easiest way to check our group in. Within 15 minutes all our totes are checked and we have passports and tickets in hand. We don't have a whole lot of time so we don't get to check out the shops at the airport but, I think it's OK. We are all tired. After going through three separate security checks we finally are able to board the plane. A few of our team have volunteered to sit in the emergency exit seats so we are not all together. But, it's not an issue. We are all quiet as we relax and reflect on our journey.
The flight was uneventful, we made it through immigration, got our totes and made it through customs with no issues at all. The group from Delaware contacted their van driver to come pick them up and the group from Vestal met up with their driver, Nancy, just outside of customs. Sue S was headed in a complete opposite direction and would be off on her own to get home. It was time to say goodbye. They were quick. Whether it was because we were all anxious to get home or because making it quick was easier - it didn't matter.
The Delaware crew had a flat tire on the way home which AAA helped to remedy. The Vestal crew stopped for a quick dinner but otherwise had quiet chat or slept for their ride. Everyone got back safe.
I have been in touch with most of my teammates this week in some form. Not a day goes by that I don't think about them, or pray for them. I know several have prayed for me this week. It may be months or even years, but I know I will see each of them again. The things we endured, the memories we made and emotions we shared will always keep us together even when we are far apart. It is a bond that, no matter how much time elapses, will become strong again when two or more of us gather together again.
As for Haiti... many of us have been several times and most of us will most likely go back again. For those who went for the first time I am very confident they too will go back. I pray that for each of us the experience will forever change us for the better. That we look at the world differently, look at our lives differently, appreciate the things that we have and even more so maybe, the things that we don't have.
For me, Haiti will forever be in my heart.
Linda
