Arrived Safely in Port au Prince
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 5:30PM It's 0550 Dominican time and we've been on the road since 23h30. About 30 minutes ago I realized that we were slowing down, creaping down a windy hill behind a very large truck carrying a CAT backhoe.
06h00, an hour later, Haitan time. We stopped at the boarder with a whole convoy of other vehicles: two CAT backhoes, containers with red crosses on the grill of the semi, a tractor trailer with four brand new generators.
18h00 We arrived safely, unpacked the meds, supplies and our personal goods. I'm in a room with five bunks, all filled with women. We have about 32 team members.
After a briefing of how we were going to run the first clinic, we loaded supplies & people in two trucks. We traveled all over town, gradually seeing more & more devastation, then passed a road with a big truck tipped over, blocking the entire road. Little did we know that that was the only safe route to our clinic for the day. So... The police advised that we NOT proceed.
Flexibility is the key. Instead, we drove through the heart of the city and all of the devistation. It's beyond description. I took close to 250 photos. It's hard to process what we saw, driving, constantly moving, throngs of people everywhere, makeshift tents in any open space & on top of buildings, halves of rooms sheered off, furniture untouched, sheets on beds blowing in the wind, smashed under layers of cement.
We're back & it's time for some dinner. It's hot, we're tired physically & emotionally, and everyone's legs are swollen from the heat. Rest will be good as I barely slept on the bus overnight.
Tomorrow we start early. Keep us in your prayers. God Bless. Doc Shay
Reader Comments (12)
all our prayers are with you, Eva! We are all behind you! Glad you've arrived safely!
Thanks for letting me (everyone) know. I went to the airport early Sunday morning around 5:10 am. When I got there I was directed to security and waited for about 15 mins. Once there, they informed me I was supposed to obtain a "day pass" from the airline check-in. When I got there, it was shut down for the plane to board. I was so upset!!! I called Eva several times but only got her voice mail. I sent about 3 texts, but still no response. Did she leave her phone with her mom? Can you give Eva my apologies?
I'm thinking of you & the kids. Fortunately, Eva's mom is able to give you a hand. Please know we're only a phone call away. I'm hoping we can have the kids during Feb. vacation. Will Joel be available?
I'm very proud and honored to call both you and Eva my friends. Eva's commitment to "pay it forward" and your devotion to Eva, her career, and YOUR family leaves me with nothing but self evaluation and reflection. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXAMPLE!!!
Stay in touch,
Karen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Eva. May God give you wisdom and compassion as you serve...
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and praying for a safe trip and return. It is wonderful what you are doing for the sake of others less fortunate. Please share some photos when you can. Love!
So glad you made it safely, Eva. Love the blog updates.
Angela
Eva, thank you so much for the update. I look forward to seeing your pictures & hearing more about your journey. I have been thinking a lot about you lately & keeping you & your family in my prayers. Tom, if you need anything, please know that I am here for you too!
Georgina Schiff
Strength and resolve to you as you bring healing to and hope to those in need- truely Gods work!!!
I look forward to the updates!
Grace & Peace be with you Eva!
So grateful that you are keeping us posted....you are in my prayers and the prayers of so many! .God Bless!!!
It was so good to read your post and know that you are safely in Haiti. The sacrifice you and your family are making is incredible.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand while you do this very important work.
Theresa
My prayers are with you and the rest of those you work with. I pray today was a success for you all, stay safe. Look forward to seeing your photos. May the ANGELS surround you as you place your healing hands on each one that you work to HEAL AND COMFORT. God bless you in all you do.
I t was so good to hear that you safely arrived in Haiti. You and your family are in my prayers. You are such a gracious compassionate lady. I can see why GOD called you to be a part of this mission. May GOD bless you and keep you well and safe.
Brenda Allen
Hey Eva - I heard via your Mom's Facebook that you were heading to Haiti. What a wonderful, scary, and emotional/physical journey you will be on this month. I'm thinking about you and the rest of your group and wish you safety and good health while you are there. God Bless!