Our day has finally come, and Mackenzie and I are on the last part of our journey to Haiti to try and “make a difference” together. We managed to get all 5 of our checked bags, with 250lbs of donations, including 20 laptops, safely through security, AND without any extra fees! (“High 5” to Air Canada for that, and let’s just hope they arrive on the carousel when we land!) Although the delays made for a long day, meeting Rick Mercer at the airport in Montreal, then having pizzas and brownies delivered to the hotel from Domino’s, made everything in our world right again!
One of the best parts of making this trip is the incredible people I have come in contact with, both at home, and in Haiti. Karen and the children are of course the reason I love going back, and I feel like I learn a little more about myself each time I go. I do miss my own boys, but that’s another thing I’m so thankful for–a great husband and my parents who keep things going at home!
I told Mackenzie that our next big challenge will be the airport in Port au Prince. Retrieving your baggage from the carousel, like driving in Haiti, is not for the faint of heart! Mackenzie has agreed to be on “cart duty,” while I take care of baggage retrieval. With more than 200 people on our flight alone, it makes for a whole lot of congestion and jockeying for position at the baggage belt, which makes the one at Sydney airport look big. I must say, though, since it’s my third time, I feel like I’m getting a little better at it…
We are both pretty excited, although I’m not sure if Mackenzie’s feet have actually touched the ground in the last few days, but being able to make this trip comes from the help of so many people. We are carrying a little piece of all of you who have reached out with your support, whether prayerful or financial, or a donation of some other sort. I am always overwhelmed at the kindness of people who take time to wish us well, and you can’t imagine how encouraged we both are by all of it. I am truly grateful that Mackenzie is along for the “ride” this year, and I know it will be unforgettable for both of us! Stay tuned, because, Haiti, here we come!
