Report on trip to Haiti -Part 1

Okay, there is no possible way to put our trip into one post. Well, I could but it would be way to long to expect anyone to read.

So here is short summaries of highlights and I'll write more in depth later.

Right before going to the Toddler House to meet the kids for the first time. Feeling excited, anxious, overwhelmed, and unbelievably united. Something about the trip gave us this feeling of being us against the rest of the world. I like that somehow I managed to angle the camera to hide the bags under my eyes. Holding Er for the first time. The book is one I sent with pictures of us. I was pointing to me in the book, saying Mama and pointing to myself. And I think she was thinking I had lost a part of my mind. Her hair is so sweetly done, and she smelled like Johnson's baby lotion.

R and Re. My two boys. Re just had to check out everything in my purse. Item by item. He wanted to know how it all worked, and settled on the MP3 player as the item of choice.

We were able to file our paperwork. It was a little crazy, as our social worker that was to help us, left his ID and couldn't come in with us. That is a post all by itself. Lets just say we were entertaining.

We ate the most delicious mango I've ever tasted. It was actually one of the most amazing things I've ever ate. Perfectly sweet. Melt in your mouth. Rich and light at the same time. Oh my, I'd live there just for the mango. Then I had to go eat banana's to offset the mango. Even the banana's are better there.

There are no traffic laws. No speed limits. And no road maintenance crew. And surprisingly not many accidents. I was born to drive there.

I have such appreciation for the sacrifices the staff makes to live and work in Haiti. They don't have to, I'm sure they are not fairly compensated in earthly terms. I asked what they missed the most and they answered freedom. How do you thank someone for giving up their freedom? They are amazing people, and I don't know how to bring 'freedom' in my suitcase.

The storms made R very happy. Thunder. Lightening. Rain. Downpour. And it was right over our heads. No one was too concerned. Unlike here, the week before. They cancelled school activities for a storm that had nothing on this one. I think we are overreative as Americans.

Being white doesn't make you stand out in Haiti. Trying to be on time, speaking english, and having frizzed out hair makes you stand out. As well as having a blank look on your face as people continue to speak french to you. And note to self, speaking louder and slowly does not induce comprehension.

I need help with Er hair. Serious help. HELP.....or she is going to wear a head scarf all the time.

Okay, that is what is hanging out in my brain today. I'll update more as I have time, and tell you all the interesting details. Again, we were entertaining.