We left Nashville via Southwest at 7:20pm Nashville local time. We had a lot of stuff loaded up in Jonathan's work van - which doesn't have seats. Ironic, since we rode to the airport in the US in a van with no seats and have spent our time in Haiti so far in an SUV with seats. And A/C.
Southwest was a breeze. We got in late to Ft. Lauderdale and were picked up by Jonathan's brother-in-law. We made a stop by Walmart, mainly to pick up a missing audio cable. (No we didn't forget it. Just had the genius idea how to set it up after we left the US.) But this Walmart closed their electronics department at 11...and not just closed with a sign. There were two pallets of soda blocking the entrance. The rather unhelpful night manager said there was nothing he could do, so we moved on. If you're in So.Fla., don't visit the Walmart on University Park. (I mean, it wasn't even a super walmart!)
We crashed at Jonathan's brother's, but only for about 4 hours. Up at 5:30 and at MIA by 6:30. I'm not going to say Air France is a bad airline, but it's no Southwest. Nevertheless, check in wasn't a problem (23kg on the nose). We were in row 5, which was the row right behind first class. And by first class I mean they just don't book the middle seat. They then closed this awkward curtain that made us feel claustrophobic and slightly offended as only the French can do.
Landed in Haiti without a hitch. A 70's-era Ford with a staircase on the back pulled up and let us down to the tarmac. We boarded a bus and went to a warehouse, then through immigration. Then we had a scrounge for our bags in the maze of people while Jonathan was lookout.
Exiting the airport Jonathan and Matt sailed through customs. I however did not. The customs agent wanted to see an invoice for some of the lighting gear we brought. When I explained I didn't have it and brought it with me (and by explain I mean lots of slowly announced words and hand gestures), she had me open my other suitcase and then eat one of the energy bars I brought to prove it wasn't poison or explosives or something. Then I went on my way.
We negotiated one of the red caps (so named for the required, but not uniform, red ball caps they wear) to help us with our bags for $3. But he wanted to then negotiate with us for $30. Don't worry. He only got $3.
Our contact, LeeAllie, met us, we loaded into their SUV, and off we went. She's been great. We drove for over an hour over some paved and some very un-paved roads to a small church. Then we found out that wasn't the church where the work and witness team was working. So we used the bathroom.
The alternative was much worse.
We hoped back in the car, turned around, and drove another hour or more to the actual church site. Along the way we stopped for lunch. Fish, red beans and rice, some veggies, and these corn husk things. And Coke. Good stuff, but a challenge to eat in an car on dirt roads.
Driving around Haiti is surreal. It's really just a lot to take in. The poverty is overwhelming in places, and the destruction from the earthquake is still very noticeable. I had a video out the window as we were driving, but the upload is taking longer than I care to wait. :) Maybe later.
When we got to the church they were working on the roof. We set up in the yard across the street and shot some interviews. It was pretty crazy pulling gear out of bags from the back of a SUV and setting up in a field nowhere close to electricity. But the stuff we got turned out pretty well, and we're excited about what's next. Jonathan and I shot some b-roll of the work going on, and Matt entertained the Haitian kids, mainly by trying to speak Creole words.
After about 2 hours we loaded back up and took another hour drive back to the Bible college. For those of you counting at home, that's over five hours with three full-grown men in the back seat of a regular SUV. Cozy. But we got here fine. The place is really nice. We have our own room and bathroom, and share a common space and kitchen with the two mission corps girls who live here. We cooked some pancakes and eggs for dinner, but will hit up the grocery in the morning for stuff to get us through the rest of the week.
Currently we all still like each other and are talking just fine. So we'll place the hate-o-meter at 1. If it gets past 9, someone call the UN.
Well, we've been up for almost 18 hours now, so it's bedtime. If you'd like to drop us a line with comments or questions, we're at nashvillehaitiproject@gmail.com. (Yes, we are brushing our teeth with bottled water. No, we will not let Jonathan eat any pine nuts.) We only have internet at night though, so don't expect a speedy reply. Or a nice one. Or maybe one at all. Hey - we're on island time.
Matt, Jonathan, and DP
Yes, whatever you do please do not let Jonathan eat pine nuts. Been there. Done that. Not pretty.
ReplyDeleteyou guys are awesome keep this stuff coming!
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