Rehab. Restore. Revive.

Day One: Team Revive

Team Revive met Ashley this morning @ 4:30 am so she could drop us off at the Jacksonville International Airport.  The American Airlines employee checked in all of our baggage and over sized luggage for free!! We knew then that it was going to be the start of a good trip.  Valdora was nominated to ride in Cadet's wheelchair through the airport.  We were glad to find that TSA was very courteous and helpful to people going through security with wheelchair and other adaptive devices.  We hit a little bump in the road when a TSA agent kindly informed us that the hybrid (80% gel and 20% foam) cushion did not meet TSA requirements.  For some reason, they let it through and recommended traveling with a cushion composed of different material next time.  Then it was on to Starbucks and boarding our flight to Miami.

Once we landed in Miami, were wondering how a person in a wheelchair would walk down the stairs of the plane to get to the tarmac.  We then found an American Airlines employee who was looking for Valdora.  She was prepared to assist her with a transfer from with airplane seat, into an aisle chair and then use a lift to get her down the stairs.  Even though we did not need her services, the very kind woman led us to the gate where we were to board our flight to Haiti.  At the Port Au Prince airport we were greeted by a Haitian band performing at the door.  We retrieved all of our baggage and set out to locate the MTI driver, Harold.  Once he arrived, the real adventure began.

Driving in Haiti is a very different multi-sensory experience.  There are motorbikes (with un-helmetted drivers and passengers), cars and trucks everywhere.  All of the bikes and automobiles use horns to let you know they are passing or going through an intersection because there are no traffic lights or signage.  I would have definitely passed my road test on the very first try in Haiti because you are able to drive/pass on both sides of the street, and even up on the sidewalk.  While stopped in traffic or slowed for uneven roads, the car was approached by people trying to sell bagged water or bottled drinks.  The smell of burning garbage containing rubber and plastic filled the air.  Driving through the mountains there was the occasional whiff of fresh air which turned to the smell of rain.  As we arrived at the MTI house, we were welcomed by Berkley and June.  We had a delicious dinner and started to learn a little bit about the Haitian culture.  We are all looking forward to going on a tour of Les Cayes on foot in the morning.  Thank you all for sending your love and prayers.  Keep it coming!!  Until tomorrow...

-Nicole

Two of the many tent cities we drove past