March 11, 2010

This is our last day, so we spent our last moments at Leslie's. I purposely didn't focus on any one child for a long time this week because I knew that saying goodbye would be really hard. It was still very sad; but everyone else who connected had an even harder time. Michelle is seriously about adopting Kerby. She gave him and his brother and sister matching bracelets and few other little things. She had worn a cheapo ring to replace her wedding ring this week, and she gave that to him. They have completely connected since the beginning and it's so awesome to watch. Today, Kerby was asking her aboout family and finally asked her to be his mom. I can't imagine what the two of them are going through right now! This is exciting and devistating all at the same time. It usually takes 2 years and 10 grand to adopt. If he could go home with her tomorrow, he would. I have grown to love so many of these kids. Driving away and saying goodbye was awful. We were all crying, and when some of the kids started crying, I took charge...I said "ok wrap it up let's go!" But then Patrick took FOREVER to go. Once he went, he stopped at the gate for some reason and waited for what seemed like ten minutes. We all just wanted to leave and get it over with. I don't know what the hold up was.
Since we were done for the day except for tonight's celebration Sarah, Michelle, and I decided to go to a cyber cafe. We really thought it would be a short trip, there and back in an hour. 3 hours later, we were dropped off, then walked through dirty, hot, side streets avoiding stagnant gray water. About 45 minutes and 3 big hills later, we find this "quaint" little place...like a closet. It was 25 gouds (less than a dollar) for 30 minutes. The bugs were terrible, it was hot, and their seemed to be some Creole drama between some men right outside. I really didn't want to linger. I checked facebook and email and was done in 15. We took a different way back and walked a little downtown before catching a "tap tap." Those poor little trucks have so much weight...they have to be in terrible conditions. We were dropped off right by the house and it was 5 gouds a person. That was the most I've ever worked for just to get online.
Last night on the phone, John was so adorable. He said that everytime he sees my car, he gets so excited...but then he remembers I'm gone and he's sad. That's so cute. He took Saturday off so he could pick me up from the airport and have the rest of the weekend with me.
Tonight we're having some kind of party - farewell or something. I think I'll take a nap until then....

Well the party was a bust! While the guests (orphanage directors) were arriving, a glass bottle was dropped and cut Whitney's leg really bad. The girls freaked out and made a scene, so everyone gathered around to look. I was trying to crowd control, and I also wanted to help. . Brooke had helping her under control, so I tried to clear the area, then just stay away myself. I was really annoyed at how dramatic some girls acted when it happened. Once they took Whitney in the bathroom to clean her up, they were crying and OMG'ing and carrying on. I think everyone was annoyed and embarassed for them. There definitely is a huge distinction in levels of maturity here. The rest of us went into a different room and prayed for her. The mood of the party went from 100 to 0 in a split second. I saw the cut and knew she'd need stitches. Once they cleaned and wrapped her leg, they carried her to the car. We received a call about 40 minutes later sayin gshe was ok and got stitches. Routine procedure. There was still some drama and stress coming from people, but the rest of us just went away from them to let them be dramatic on their own.
For the evening, we had our guests eat and enjoy the feast...but since Rebecca was gone, she asked that they left. Gertrude and her girls left pretty quickly, but Leslie stuck around. The Kentucky girls were asking about the kids they each fell in love with. Afmika, the girl that clung to Holly, still has a Dad in Haiti and would need permission before adoption. Candice wasn't set on adopting because of her finances, so the fact that Kayla the baby isn't adoptable wasn't a huge upset. Michelle was so afraid that Leslie was goingn to say that Kerby isn't adoptable, but that wasn't the case. His Dad is in the city and will more than likely give permission. I'm so excited for her...that's great news. I truly can see her going through with this.
So that was our exciting last night. I'm excited to go hom...I always get a little homesick. I would be able to stay longer if communication (email, text) were easier. but today was proof of what a pain that is! Even though I'm going to look like crap, I can't wait to run up to John and give him a huge hug and kiss at the airport!!!!!!!!!!


Oh my goodness, we just went on a run to get some fried plantains ...it was super funny! We drove about 10-15 minutes until we found someone selling them. We counted up that we needed 50...and when joseph told the guy, he said that he didn't want to take the time to count them all. It's funny how this culture has no concept of customer service. You'd think they'd be happy to get our money! Even at the restaurant the other day they seemed so annoyed that we came in to eat. Sorry to inconvenience your phone call, you ARE on the job!


The security at this airport was so strange! When we arrived outside, there was a podium with a paper checklist of names. A guy found my name, and allowed me to proceed to the next "checkpoint." He didn't even look at my passport , and there I was in the building already. There were two xray machines and two body scanners, but only one was being used. ha ha! After "security" we went to the counters to get our boarding passes. I asked for a change of itinerary so I could get home in less than 2 days. There is a flight 10 mins after we land in Miami, but I'm pretty sure I won't ever make that! I got excited though! After boarding passes, we stopped at the immigration cubicle. I don't think he really checked anything there either. Then it was on to the next checkpoint with xrays! They patted everyone down at this checkpoint. The guy took my shampooo, conditioner, and gel. I was ticked. Then it was finally up the escalator to the "gate." It's really just a big room with 2 doors, gate 1 and gate 2!! There are 2 counters and 1 or 2 workers, depends on the time.. Pretty primitive compared to what we're used to! Now we wait for 4:15 to board the plane, and I'm crossing my fingers to get a connecting flight to DTW TONIGHT!

That night was not so good...but I'd rather not share all that information...we'll just say I was really happy when I got home!
Thanks for reading! Hopefully I will have the opportunity for another international adventure soon!!!!!!!!!!!