Greetings from Petionville, Haiti
Greetings from Petionville, Haiti, the site of our first guest house stay. We have arrived safely on time to 90 plus degree weather. Our day began quite early as we were to meet at JFK airport around 6 a.m. for our 8:24 departure. We managed to find each other and gather in plenty of time with only one minor problem - an overweight suitcase that wasnt informed about where to go not to be charged extra. For those traveling on Delta internationally, you get two bags free. Anything from 51-71 pounds costs an additional $150. A third bag costs $200.
Our time at the airport was made special by a visit from Bishop Park who came with his hardhat given to him by the team at Annual Conference. After some conversation he sent us off toward security screening with a Spirit-filled prayer that energized us all. It was wonderful that our spiritual leader was willing/able to take the time to gather with us as we embarked on the first of what should be many VIM trips to Haiti.
Upon arrival we were directed downstairs in the airport to a shuttle bus that took us to another building for processing of imigration and luggage pick up. The reason for this was that many parts of the airport were compromised during the earthquake. Even in part of the building we were walking thrrough there were noticible cracks in the walls. While we waited for the bus a Haitain band provided lively tunes that helped us remember we had arrived! Once we walked off the bus into the annext building we could feel the heat and the confusion. None of the inspectors seemed cheerful but processed us efficiently through without any problems. Waiting for the luggage and trying to grab all 20 bags proved to be an interesting task, but once it was all gathered we made our way outside where we were met by men assigned to take our luggage to awaiting vans. Passsing by a nuuber of young people trying to give assistance for some dollars, or simply asking for some money. We were strictly told to keep moving and not to let anyone else touch our luggage. With luggage secure we all loaded into one van to begin the trip to Petionville where we will spend our first night before traveling a couple of hours further west to Peti Guave(sp?) where we will stay for the next five nights before returning here our last night before leaving for home (which will be Tuesday instead of Wednesday as originnaly planned). As we drove we began to see the effects of the earthquake in various places as we moved away from the airport. In some places complete building colapses, in others the walls to the streets leaning precariously, tents sprung up all over the place as well as bad roads and drivers! We never felt at risk, but saddened by all the destruction.
After arriving at the guest house and unpacking our luggage and settling in a bit, we went for a late lunch at a local resturant called Epidore where we chose our own food - a combination of McDonalds, Subway and Ben and Jerrys. As the crowd listened to the World Cup match, cheering every time Brazil scored, we soaked in some of the local sights and sounds. Back to the guest house for orientation and then dinner (already!?). Time for me to sign off so I dont miss the blessing. I am sure someone who is much better at this than I will report to you tomorrow. Keep us and the people of Haiti in your prayers.
Shalom,
M. Craig Fitzsimmons
For NYAC Haiti team 1