It has been quite chilly here in Port au Prince since we arrived yesterday in a torrent of rain. Rainy season - flooded streets, slippery tile floors, damp sheets. Nevertheless a nice "ease-in" to summer here. Summer will return soon.
Standing in the rain outside the airport, I thought back to how the arrival had been on our first trip to Haiti back in spring of 2011. Dan and Joy Irvine had met us at the end of the outdoor exit ramp, two light-skinned faces in a sea of noisy dark ones attached to bodies with arms reaching out to touch us, grabbing at our bags, each assuring us he was the one we needed to help and tip. When we reached the Irvines, Dan had said, "welcome to the crazy!" I think that is what he said - it was all a fast-moving loud, blurry kaleidoscope at the time, and I was quite overwhelmed. Dan was grinning.
Yesterday, it was kinda like coming home to the familiar. We knew how to relate to the great number of potential helpers when retrieving our luggage. I knew where to stand with the carts while Larry worked up a sweat gathering our bags off the carousel. We knew how to dodge proffered assistance while working our way out. We knew who to look for - while recognizing the faces of airport workers who had been there each time we had flown in in the past. We found those who were meeting us with no trouble in the masses, recognizing and calling them by name and they, us; the smiles which break the typical, stoic facial expressions into a grin that would bring sunshine into any stormy day, familiar handshake, hug and cheek touching cheek welcomes. We stood in the rain while all our gear was loaded and headed out into the horn-honking maelstrom that is traffic in Port au Prince. It was all delightfully familiar - crazy as it seems - like coming home.
And, the lovely, typically Haitian fragrance hovering around Larry and me - DEET!
"The road goes ever on and on...." The adventure continues!
Thought about you often on all day yesterday, praying for a good travel and a good arrival! The thoughts and prayers continue as you, once again, respond to the call of God by using your gifts, talents, and hearts.
ReplyDelete....I'm with you. I can smell the rain and the deet 😜 Looking forward to hearing lots more and seeing some photos. Keep safe and have a great time. Xx
ReplyDeleteOh, Marty, your description ushers me right onto the scene with you. So happy you are safely there. Love it that you feel like you are coming home. Continuing to pray and vicariously living the adventure.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've arrived and the adventure continues. Love reading your reports with the dynamic descriptions. Prayers for continued favor & blessing. I am just back from Myrtle Beach Bike Week. (Not much internet while there) catching up on blog.
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