The universe provides.....

My mantra for the past few days is "The universe will provide what we need when we need it." We arrived at the Atlanta airport on Saturday and were informed that due to the fuel tank explosion in Miami we would need to take another flight. After many hours of negotiation with a variety of very helpful people, we were rerouted to Port au Prince by a wonderful woman named Rosalin who took nearly an hour and a half to find just the right thing. We went off to Newark to catch a flight to San Juan, and then on to Port au Prince the next morning. No problem! However, one flight was delayed, which bumped us back again. We questioned many things, but never our intent to go. The universe gave us Rosain, and then it gave us a nice respit at San Juan. We were layed over again, but had the luxury of a nice relaxing dinner in Old San Juan, which set our spirits right. This morning we were standby on an early morning flight, and all at once there were 4 seats available. Just what we needed! On to the Dominican Republic. At least this is the correct island! We weren't sure we'd be able to continue on because the flight was booked, but once again, at the last minute, 4 seats appeared. We were delighted and excited. Our baggage, however, has decided to take a Carribean cruise! Perhaps they will follow us to Haiti tomorrow. It has all worked out beautifully, although not the original plan. Going to San Juan gave the students a glimpse of international travel. The Dominican Republic took us another level deeper even though we only saw the airport. But nothing can prepare you for Haiti. Flying over Port au Prince you see the rumbling walls and roofless building and tent cities from the sky. Driving through the narrow streets crowded with sidewalk vendors selling shirts, fruit, and a variety of other things, one becomes accutely aware that we are in a developing country that has true needs. While there are a few new homes going up, there are still many ruined ones that look as if they could crumble at any minute. Even the airport walls had huge cracks in them. Upon arrival we were whisked off to the Hospital, and with no time to lose, we were given a tour of the 30 bed facility with dedicated and caring staff. The rooms are sparse and I am sure that although they have what they need, it cannot begin to compare with modern hospitals in the US or any developed country. Dr. Morquette is very dedicated. We gave our first presentation to nursing students, clinical staff and the pastor. It was very interesting to see their responses, especially once they began drawing. After a lovely lunch at the orphanage, we provided an art experience for the students. Some of the older ones are fairly good at English, but the younger ones are not. Some interesting themes arose during the drawing, which will be discussed a bit later. Once they discovered I could ask a few questions in French, they began to come up to me one by one and tap me on the arm to show me their drawings. I would ask: Quest-ce ca? (What's that?) Or: Ou est vous? (Where are you in the drawing?) They began to tell the stories of their drawings. They open up so quickly, but transferrence occurs quickly as well. They are orphans, and clamor to have motherly attention. This will be an experience to remember!