The trip

I had arranged to have my sister care for Tuks and Ve while I was gone, and they enjoyed themselves immensely, except for the fact that they missed me terribly and were anxiously waiting the arrival of their new big sister.

I flew out mid-day on Wednesday (Nov 4) from the airport located only 30 minutes from home. It cost a little more, but I felt it was going to be worth it when we came home.
I arrived in Miami at 10:30pm and had to (again) sleep at the airport. I think I forget that I am 46 and not 26 anymore. I didn't sleep worth a d@@@, sleeping on the floor, the music playing, the announcements over the loud speaker every one minute or so, and then of course the air conditioner. Remember I am a Northerner and I really don't enjoy that artificial cool air blowing on me all night long. Needless to say I had received very little sleep. Not the way I wanted to enter Haiti, so I quickly grabbed myself a cup or two of coffee, and hopped on my plane to Port au Prince. I arrived one hour late since our plane was held up in Miami due to some sort of refueling issue. Apparently M had come with Zaboo to the airport at my expected arrival time and when I didn't show, they left and instructed a driver to pick me up. He was there, can't remember his name. We jumped in his truck and ....it didn't start, so he passed me off to a Brice, his vehicle started, but there was apparently something VERY wrong with his clutch, so he passed me off to a Jerry. Jerry actually did get me to Habitation Hatt, but I had to convince him to drop me off inside the gate rather than on a street near the hotel. I had never been to the Hatt before and I was a little worried that I may disappear and no one would be the wiser. But the fear was not realized and upon arrival Zaboo told me she arranged for me to get picked up, so it made me feel good to know others were waiting for me.

Mim was already swimming at the Hab Hatt pool upon my arrival. It was wonderful to see her.

We stayed all day Thursday, swimming and reconnecting. M arrived that night and brought all my papers for Mim. We stayed that night and then the next day, Friday, we left for the airport around 11:00am and flew out at 1:00ish. We arrived in our home state at 10:30pm and was home in bed by 11:30 pm. Mim was quiet, and I mean quiet on the whole trip. Even now she is quiet. One and half years ago, I left behind a little girl, this year I picked up a teenager..more on this later. Mim is as beautiful, polite, helpful and sweet as I remember.

As for her transition and schooling, I will share at later date...

I enjoyed the Habitation Hatt, but I really missed the people at the Walls. I do want to stay with them again when we return to Haiti.

For those interested in the Habitation Hatt---pictures


the sleeping area

the stairs leading to our room


our room's balcony overlooking the pool


restaurant


sitting area



walkway


getting ready to leave Haiti


riding a bike at home

Ve decided to rake leaves


Tuks showing Mim the sandbox