Saturday, November 7th, 2009
We got up bright and early, because we needed to leave at 5:30. Because we had quite a bit of luggage and people, the plan was to make two trips to the Les Cayes airport—yes, we are not doing the drive again, thankfully! It was important to be on time, because there is only one flight out of the Les Cayes airport. As planned, we were walking down the hill to the van with our luggage in hand by 5:30 am.
We were ready to load the van when Matt noticed the van had a flat tire…How fitting! We weren’t worried because we had just spent a week full of obstacles that we had overcome through God’s power. After our group prayer, we saw Pastor Louis show up with his big pick-up truck. We were able to fit all of our luggage and all of us, and only make one trip. Also, this was an answered prayer because Eric had been requesting we all take a “Tap-Tap” ride (essentially the means of transportation in Haiti, where a small pick-up truck is packed with people, livestock—some dead, some alive—and bags of whatever people bought at the market). Eric’s request was not received with as much enthusiasm, and we thought if given the opportunity to realize this dream of his, there would only be one person who would accompany him in this adventure: David!….after all, David has driven in the back of the truck all week, and is a pro at taking those evil bumps that have sent some us flying inside the van. But at last….Eric got his dream. Although not a real one, after we put all of our luggage and all the man in the back, it sure looked like a “tap-tap. ”
We got up bright and early, because we needed to leave at 5:30. Because we had quite a bit of luggage and people, the plan was to make two trips to the Les Cayes airport—yes, we are not doing the drive again, thankfully! It was important to be on time, because there is only one flight out of the Les Cayes airport. As planned, we were walking down the hill to the van with our luggage in hand by 5:30 am.
We were ready to load the van when Matt noticed the van had a flat tire…How fitting! We weren’t worried because we had just spent a week full of obstacles that we had overcome through God’s power. After our group prayer, we saw Pastor Louis show up with his big pick-up truck. We were able to fit all of our luggage and all of us, and only make one trip. Also, this was an answered prayer because Eric had been requesting we all take a “Tap-Tap” ride (essentially the means of transportation in Haiti, where a small pick-up truck is packed with people, livestock—some dead, some alive—and bags of whatever people bought at the market). Eric’s request was not received with as much enthusiasm, and we thought if given the opportunity to realize this dream of his, there would only be one person who would accompany him in this adventure: David!….after all, David has driven in the back of the truck all week, and is a pro at taking those evil bumps that have sent some us flying inside the van. But at last….Eric got his dream. Although not a real one, after we put all of our luggage and all the man in the back, it sure looked like a “tap-tap. ”
So we made it to the tiny, but very clean airport of Les Cayes. To give you an idea of how small the plane that we took was: our team of 13 and three other people occupied all the seats. Our luggage went in the back, and we had to distribute the passengers according to weight. There is no need, or space really, for a microphone or flight attendant. The pilot stands in the back and gives the initial announcement, which goes something like this:
“Thank you for choosing Tortug Air, not that you had a choice. Please fasten your seat belts and enjoy the 45 minute ride to Port au Prince.”
Pier rode with us in the plane and once in Port au Prince, he drove us to the airport.
We had about 2 hours in the airport and some of us decided to eat some sandwiches. Those of us who ate at the smaller shop, got what Craig so appropriately called “Aristide’s Revenge”….the curse of BAD food poisoning. However, the bad symptoms didn’t start showing until we arrive at the States.
Other than the curse and the flat tire, this day went smoothly and we are glad to be home safe, and to have experienced such a life-changing week in Haiti.
Following is a list of all the orphanages we visited:
Monday
1. Bigarouse: 60 children
2. Darivager: 70 children (In urgent need of water)
Tuesday
1. Cassa Major: 180 children
Wednesday
1. St. Louis: 48 children + other children and adults
2. Cavaillon: 93 children
Thursday
1. Arniquet: 56 children (In urgent need of water)
2. Port Salut: 48 children
Friday
1. Cambry: 220 children
2. Les Cayes: 90 children
Total number of Children seen: 865
La Hatte Orphanage was the only one we couldn’t make it to….which has 60 children.
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