It's early morning, barely after 6:00 a.m., and we are on the way to the Port au Prince airport. Today is the day we hope to fly our own airplanes to the Dominican Republic for our annual MAF staff retreat. Hotels in the DR are simply cheaper and we're looking forward to some time to rest, and study God's Word together.
The sky is gray, and dust and pollution billows up around us as we make out way through the already crowded streets.
I focus and snap.
I hit the playback button and glance down at the screen. The picture is grainy, but it somehow captures what words fail to describe.
20 minutes later we reach the domestic terminal and unload are backpacks. The MAF pilots get to work filling out paperwork and filing flight plans as we wait. When everything is in order we head out through the glass doors to the tarmac.
Once the backpacks and bags are safely stored we taxi via the runway to the international terminal. Waiting for customs to stamp our passport I watch the sun rise.
As dawn turns to day, Jayden and his fried Jacob watch in wonder as American Airlines lands and taxis in. From our location, we can feel the wind from its jet engines.
When Justin starts to get heavy in my arms, I lift him back into the cockpit and let him try on his Daddy's flight helmet.
15 minutes later I look out of the airplane window as the city slowly disappears beneath us.
The city eventually gives way to dry, arid mountains.
I don't need a map or gps to know when we cross the border into the Dominican Republic. One glance down tells me enough.
Not to long after, we have Puerto Plata's coastline in sight.
After disembarking and going through Dominican customs, we head outside to a waiting bus.
The hotel that we will spend the next few days at is very pretty!
Orchids grow wild and small fountains bubble in the manicured gardens.
That same afternoon the conferences begin.
We listen, study, pray and sing. Between conference times, the kids play on the beach.
We soak in the beauty of sand, sky and sea.
The sound of the waves and the wind soon lulls my baby to sleep.
Pulling out my library book, I disappear into the pages.
Jason enjoys long talks with a good friend.
At night the setting sun colours the sky with her golden rays.
A small part of me tries to capture the serenity of the quiet moments and save them for later.
The next six weeks, God willing, our home will be a bee hive of activities as it is filled with friends, guests and teams!
3 comments:
How come the sun is setting in the East?
Enjoy your time of rest and refreshment! Thanks for posting regularly and sharing about the many aspects of the work you are all involved with. It's inspiring!
Have a wonderful R&R
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