I have a little break, so I thought I would drop a few lines to you. It sounds like we got out of Indiana just in time, with that big winter storm. We arrived in Haiti on schedule, but I was completely worn out from traveling. Unfortunately, some of our luggage didn’t make it, and Zach went back to the airport today to try to locate it.

There was a work team of 44 people on our flight, also from Indiana, headed to the other side of the island. They were missing luggage too and had to stay near the airport to see if it arrived today.

Right now, I’m sitting on the sun porch. It’s large and surrounded inside and out by plants, some of them in bloom. I can see the bay from here—it’s bluer than any blue sky you’ve ever seen. Mountains surround me on three sides, shaded in browns and greens.

The men who came with us are working on projects this week, and Casey has been helping them. He’s already picking up the language quickly, and everyone really seems to like him. He’ll start school sometime next week. Most of his clothes, socks, and underwear were in the missing luggage, so I’m really hoping it’s found.

Our house is decorated so nicely in shades of mauve, pinks, and grays. It already feels like home, even before we hang pictures. The American warships that were in the bay have been gone for three days now. Have you read anything about the embargo in the newspapers? We have a very small TV and VCR but haven’t had time to watch anything yet. I’m trying to make every minute count while the team is here.

My first patient this morning walked from a village about 20 minutes away. The parents carried their child, who needed medication for fever and infections. It’s not unusual here for people to walk three to eight miles to find help.

It’s been a few days now, and we did get our luggage. Casey is already speaking in full sentences in Creole. He eats goat but doesn’t care much for rice and beans—sometimes he puts steak sauce on the rice. He’s a pioneer and the first white child to attend his school. On his first day, all the ladies ran out to meet him and see if he liked it. They all love him and take such good care of him.

Tomorrow, he’s going to meet some other missionary kids in Port-au-Prince. I pray the weather is warming up for you all and that everyone is well.

Love,
Gretchen