From a first timers perspective....

Flying into Haiti we were surprised to see how mountainous the country is.  There is great variety in vegetation, from palm trees to huge mango trees.  The airport was quite modern, having been recently renovated although the traditional Haitian musicians were still a part of our arrival.  The 2 hour plus drive from airport, through Port au Prince to Grand Goave gave us a true taste of Haiti traffic – busy, busy, busy!  Our van was expertly woven through the street traffic that consists of all types of motorized vehicles, street vendors and pedestrians.  It was chaotic and crazy.  The compound is beautiful, with brightly painted walls, large trees and best of all, our gracious smiling hosts and Haiti Arise staff.  Our first night was a late one as all the bags had to be unpacked in the clinic – 26 large suitcases, 50lbs each.  The sleeping arrangements remind us of being at camp with bunk beds for adults; here you have to remember your mosquito net too.  The temperature has been favorable, with it being cooler than usual in the high 20s and overcast which we are grateful for.  Do not get us wrong though, you still work up a sweat pretty quick. 

Today was the first clinic day, we saw 87 patients, from 10am to 5pm.  This was a lite day we are told.  The following clinic days will bring 120 patients per day.  I am most surprised by the children who wait for 2-3 hours and all the while sit quietly.  We can already tell it is going to be incredibly gratifying to work with the Haitians.  My favorite moment today was seeing Mike, Martin and Rick all on the floor sorting baby clothes. 

It has been an excellent start to this adventure.  We are well fed with comfortable accommodations, surrounded by compassionate, generous people doing something that will change the lives of many including our own.  

Teresa