A Safe Arrival!

We're here. We've made it. Those two statements are a testament to the strength our group. I'm not sure that all 13 man entourages would survive a 2:30am wake-up call, a post-security and not so innocuous Caribou vs. Starbucks debate,and 2 jam packed flights that led to a 13 hour travel day.

We were greeted in Port-Au-Prince by the Healing Haiti shuttle - an open back bus with a space for our bags and two wooden benches for us to rest. They call this a tap-tap, I call it something I've never heard of before. Picture to follow. As the bus carried us through the city to our guest house, an unusual hush came across the group. After a long and busy travel day, our anticipation was finally met. We were finally here. Everyone in the group seemed to appreciate a simple 15 minute ride to think and process. Our house is well-equipped and cozy. After eating and settling in, we made a walk down to what's known as "tent-city". Despite what any of us had been told to expect, it was impossible to prepare for the group of kids racing up to grab our hands and be held. A few used the English phrases they had learned to ask us our names or for candy. Others just wrapped one arm around our waists as we walked. The children, most of whom were barefoot, led us through the muddy terrain that is their home. We wandered through the enclosed area full with their families in 4ft. X 4ft. tents. The sight of the families in the tens and the smell of that reality, in combination with the touch of the children around us left us all starting to understand the intensity of the week to come.

When we got back to the house, we chatted about some of the thoughts that were racing through our minds. Lots of good questions and a variety of answers and possibilities. To prepare for this trip, we talked about coming to Haiti with an open heart. Tonight I think we also realized the importance of keeping an open mind - to this experience, to each other, and to whatever else comes up within ourselves.