Home!

Canada, 3:00 a.m.
Ring, ring, ring. The sound of Jason’s cell phone alarm wakes me and I roll over sleepily. Today is the day. Our last one in Canada. No time to waste I slip out of bed, give Jason a gentle nudge and then head to the bathroom for my contacts. Once I can see clearly I give my teeth a quick brush and run a comb through my hair. 15 seconds, record timing.

Now I’d better check if Esther is awake.

I head up the stairs and sure enough the lights are on. I laugh as I watch her straighten her hair and double check her reflection.

“This has nothing to do with your boyfriend driving us to the airport does it?” I tease.

Before she can sputter back a reply I vanish back down the stairs to Jayden’s room. He’s sleeping like a log and I manage to change him completely without waking him. Leaving him lying on top of the covers like a store mannequin I head back to our room to collect our suitcases. Today is the day!

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Caribbean heat wraps itself around me like a warm welcoming hug. “Ah feels like home," I whisper into the darkness. Although exhausted from the many hours of traveling and the miles of walking to catch connecting flights, I can’t stop the smile from growing into full bloom on my face. I love the warmth!

Surrounded by a half a dozen suitcases I watch from my vantage point on the sidewalk as Jason interacts with several taxi drivers.

“Ou pale Creole?” He asks a Haitian looking taxi driver and suddenly three of them are nodding.

“Wi, wi, wi!”

I watch in delight at how friendly they become. Within minutes we get a half price discount fare to our hotel and we’re on our way.

Nassau
Fun in the sun, some time at the beach, shopping and water sliding.




What a great way to end our midterm break!

Port au Prince
I watch the freckled face of my sleeping son and gently rub his cheek. 35,000 feet up I shift in my seat to get comfortable and then glance at the man across the aisle. Jason and Esther both got bumped up to first class which leaves me looking for someone to talk to.

“Do you live in Haiti?” I ask the man across the aisle.

“My family does,” he replies, “but I’m not sure yet.I have a one way ticket booked and it just depends on if I can find work and how I adjust. Is this your first visit?”

I laugh. “Nope, I’ve lived there for almost three years.”

“Really?” He looks at me in surprise. “Do you like it, living there that is?”

“I love it.”

He seems even more surprised. “What’s there to love?” He asks astonished.

“Well, I love the people, the lifestyle and the weather's pretty great too! Except for August, that is.”

“But it’s dusty and the roads are horrible and there’s no malls and nothing to do.” He argues back.

“That’s just perspective. Life is real there, a little gritty but real, and trust me there's lots to do!"

I go on to tell him about MAF and then about the Apparent Project. Seeing my excitement and hearing about ways that organizations are helping his people perks him up a little. He asks me to write down the name of the Apparent Project so that he can look it up online. I hand him the paper just as the captain's voice comes over the speakers. It’s time to fasten our seat belts and get ready to land.

Since my buckle is still on, I lean over the still sleeping Jayden and absorb the familiar landscape below.

Almost home.

Caribbean music filters through the hallway and I smile. Pulling our carryon baggage, Esther, Jason and I head to the waiting bus. Looking through the window I see the main airport sign is missing a T.

Welcome to Haiti!

Dust and charcoal smoke mix with the humid air as we make our way to the truck. Carrying the sleeping Jayden I soak it all in.

When he starts to wake up I put him down and instantly he complains.

“It's too hot, too hot.”

“You’ll be alright,” I smile down and pat his head.

He looks up at me disbelievingly and my smile turns into a grin. “You’re a big boy now, remember?” Lifting his head he walks a little taller, still clutching my hand.

With suitcases and carry on tied down in the back of the truck we are on our way. The rutted streets, wandering pigs, earthquake damage and the sounds of vendors calling, all remind me that I’m home.



20 minutes later we turn down our familiar street. Jason honks and a few minutes later a grinning Anoud rolls open the security gate.

“Denise, Denise, vini.” He yells. She comes running and I hug her. It’s so nice to see them and their kids. Carrying two backpacks I make my way up the front steps, Jayden close behind me.

“We’re at Jayden’s house! We’re at Jayden’s house!” He shouts excitedly as I open the front door.

Stepping inside the familiar sights and smells of home surround me. It’s sure good to be back. Closing my eyes I silently thank God for his care and faithfulness toward us.

Home at last.