This year, though, Sandy and I figured Mackenzie knew enough to make his own decision. It didn’t take him long to figure out this was something he wanted to do with me, and I was both excited, and nervous–Haiti is no Disneyland, although it does certainly come with its own cast of characters–they’re just not in costume!
No amount of explaining, or warning, could have ever prepared anyone, let alone a young teenage boy, for the scene we experienced this year at the arrivals area in the overheated, unairconditioned, overcrowded airport that is Port au Prince. More than 200 people waiting for the average of at least 2 checked bags per person, makes for some chaotic, never before seen moments at the baggage carousel. One woman was pushed and jostled so much, she actually fell down in front of the carousel…
My original “plan” was for Mackenzie to look after the cart, while I waited for our 5 pieces of luggage. Well, that changed as quickly as Cape Breton weather, and I didn’t mind one single bit. Mackenzie and I switched “roles,” and he quickly assumed the position as chief baggage retriever, while I hustled through the crowd of Haitians and the voices of Creole, to pay $4USD for 2 highly sought after baggage carts. With 4 planes on the ground, it meant there were more than 400 people searching for carts and bags all at once. This scene is not good for anyone with high blood pressure, or heart conditions! I barely survived myself, because it took a full hour by the time our last bag made its appearance on the belt! That son of mine made me proud, though, as I watched from a safe distance behind him. Not only did he manage to get all our bags off, he helped another woman who was struggling to retrieve her own bags. He stepped up when I really needed him, and I didn’t even have to ask.
The airport “excitement” didn’t end once we got our bags, though. We had to wind our way through the other couple of hundred people, pushing two carts and pulling our two carry ons. These carts are not meant for making quick turns, or any turns at all, for that matter. But then we had to find our way into the enormous line to pass the approval of Haitian National police, before we could make our final escape from the secured area, and begin the hunt for Daniel, our police escort, and our driver.
Heather and Mackenzie in van enroute to HATS
Unless you had a day like we did, you can’t even begin to imagine the excitement and sense of relief at seeing the Boston Red Sox hat and friendly Haitian smile on the face that is Daniel! I hugged him and our driver, whether they were ready for it or not! But again, that was just the beginning of the last part of the anxiety that goes with getting out of the airport. Moving like we were hitting a boxing day sale at the mall, except the temperature was well over 40°, we needed to keep Daniel and our driver in our sight, which was no easy task, either. I have never in my life been so grateful to step into an air conditioned van to begin what would be a 3 hour adventure/drive to the smiling faces at our home away from home. Seeing the blue steel door slide open and pulling into the compound to those beautiful, smiling faces, made all the other chaos of the day melt away.
Happy kids welcoming Heather and Mackenzie
My turn, my turn, My Turn, to hug Heather
Mackenzie’s first time being greeted by a bunch of happy kids
So, even though I got run into by a few stray carts, and elbowed by some somewhat aggressive, distressed Haitians at the airport, I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face, and a heart full of happiness, because this home In Haiti fills me up, and that boy of mine made me one proud mama! The adventure continues tomorrow with a trip to the beach! Hugs from us in Haiti
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