I'm back!

I will officially welcome myself back to Haiti for the first time since November 2007! Okay, so my friends have already welcomed me back, but that's not the point. The point is that I am ecstatic to be here and am enjoying myself already!

I left Helena yesterday afternoon after begging Delta to allow my overweight luggage to be checked at no additional cost (each weighing at 59 lbs). (It worked - love Delta!) I filled the bags with donations from my Montana peeps - clothing, shoes, school supplies, toiletries, dental supplies, and cameras. I packed my backpack with my personal items, so that I could bring as much stuff as possible to distribute to those in need while I'm here. All my flights went smoothly, and I landed in Port-au-Prince around noon (central time) today. This is where this trip to Haiti is much different than anything I've experienced before.

First, I've never seen so many white people on a flight to Haiti! Yes, I know I'm white - thanks for pointing that out. But, I used to be one of the few and now I'm one of the many traveling here. The airport was damaged in the earthquake, so they made temporary arrangements to accommodate passengers. You exit the plane into a gate (instead of using the stairs and walking outside before entering the terminal), and then you have to ride a short shuttle bus to an immigration and baggage area. It was hot as hell in there! Immigration was quick, but it was pure chaos to find bags. I finally had to have someone help me, and I think my second bag was the last one off the plane.

I made it outside into the blazing hot sun (completely drenched in sweat) to a sea of people to look for my ride. All the workers outside were trying to help me. Do I need a taxi? No. Is my husband coming to pick me up? Yes. (They don't need to know I'm a single woman traveling alone in Haiti.) Do I need a taxi? Again, no. Within a few minutes, I spotted Evens in the crowd. Thank goodness! It was such a relief to see him. His buddy Ernst managed to lock the keys in the car, but within minutes they broke in the car and took care of that small situation :) Too funny!

On the ride to the house where I am staying in the mountains above PAP, I just couldn't believe my eyes. Buildings damaged everywhere - rubble everywhere - tents everywhere. I will see more tomorrow, and I will share more tomorrow.

This afternoon, I got to take a nap (I flew overnight last night, so I haven't had much sleep), eat some Haitian food, and clean myself up. But, tonight, we are going to have some fun. I am off to drink a bit of rum with friends and have a 'normal' evening. Tomorrow, I will tell you more about how people are existing and living after the earthquake.

I am happy to be back in my second home, even if it's only for a few weeks. Feels good - feels damn good.