Welcome to Haiti!

Actually, after a VERY long journey, we're all back safe and sound. I even managed to bring everything back with me, with the tiny exception of my heart which I seem to have left with an adorable 18 month old baby boy. But we'll get to him later... Let's start at the beginning, I've heard it's a very nice place to start.

This is the Port Au Prince International Airport.

Not what you were expecting? Join the club. This was the first of many surprises I received on our little trip.
Once we cleared customs, or the Haitian version of customs, we collected our luggage and went outside. That's where I met surprise number 2. Let me introduce you to Big.

Yep, Big. Not Mr. Big. Just Big. Big was in charge of making sure our luggage got where it needed to go. The first thing I learned? You don't mess with Big. These airport employees love to transport your luggage for you, for a small fee of course. Big is the one who decides who got to assist our group. And I repeat, you don't mess with Big.

This guy tried. A few minutes later, Big was explaining what happened to the police, who were called because Big and his "friend" were about to duke it out in the parking lot. Not to worry, they made up not long after, and appear to still be friends.

Once that was settled, all of our luggage was loaded on to this.

This is called a tap-tap. I don't know why. I would say it has something to do with the sound it makes as it drives down the road, but for that to be true, it would have to be called the bang-bang. This particular tap-tap was driven by Pierre. I can't remember Pierre's role with the orphanage, but I'm sure Lori will leave a comment and remind me. :) I got to visit with Pierre on our way to the hotel. What I remember most about Pierre was how excited he was that last year he and his wife were able to travel to Salt Lake City, with the help of a sponsor. They were able to attend a session of conference. He was still so excited about it. It reallly made me stop and think about how blessed we are. I hope you get to return to the states soon Pierre. I know there are a few more temples you want to go through! :)

Before we could go to the hotel, all of this:

Had to be loaded. I didn't think it was possible. Big did. And what was lesson number one?

Big, you are my hero. And thanks for the alligator clippy. I still have no idea who it belongs to...