After many hours of travel, most all of our group has arrived and is settled in at the Guesthouse where we are staying while on mission here in Port-au-Prince. We were met getting off the plane with a lively Haitian band as well as quite a bit of heat and humidity that makes us reflect: “I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore!” And the bright painting that is characteristic of Haiti. This mural is in the airport and says “Courage”.
Our first two people to arrive got a good taste of the welcoming Haitian culture in the people who sat and talked with them while they were waiting for the rest of the group. And as soon as Fr. Daniel got his bags, we all went outside of the airport…to wait a little bit more for our rides. We have officially discovered “Haitian Time.”
Once our drivers arrived we were on the road and experiencing the difference in traffic here in Haiti—way more brightly colored pick-up trucks and honking, as well as some undefined rules of “right of way”. All in all, we enjoyed our first exposure to Haiti on our way to our home away from home.
At the guesthouse most all of us found our rooms and had some time to settle in, while the guys went on a self-led tour of the place. Forty-five minutes later, we were wondering where they could have gotten lost at (since the compound is not that big). It turns out they met the owner of Wall’s guesthouse—a woman originally from Canada who has a unique perspective of Haiti after having lived and worked here for over 30 years. We are looking forward to their sharing more of her insight as the week rolls on.
At 5:00, Father vested for Mass and we tried our best to pay attention even with the noise of all the surrounding traffic. Father’s homily was rather inspired as he spoke the words that perhaps Jesus is speaking to us tonight: “Why are you here? What are you seeking?” Over these next few days, we look forward to discovering that answer ourselves.
We ended the night with a hearty dinner of lasagna and rice and then our introductory remarks and the schedule for tomorrow. We are looking forward to our first encounter on mission in Haiti. We will go to the Missionaries of Charity Children’s Home (and some may have the opportunity to help at their wounds clinic. More on that tomorrow!)
For now, we ask you all to keep us and all the people we will encounter in your prayers!
