We all began gathering our things ready for the bus, waiting on the front porch. We continued to triple check that we were leaving Michael's place neater than we had found it. Pastor Jean-Philip came from across the street to see us off and wish us safe travels. I gave the 2 letters to him and he had promised to give them to Defronzy & Esther.
We all convened on the porch where pictures were being taken and last minute contact information was being shared. The bus took the early group and the other 6 of us loaded up in a van on way to the staff house. Let me just say that I was expecting the staff house to be similar to the one we stayed in. Uh-NO! lol. It was converted from what was originally a honeymoon resort. AKA: really really nice. Oh, and did I mention: air conditioning and wi-fi service? wowzers! :-)
We spent about 2 hours there, sharing stories until the bus came to pick us up and we were off to the airport. I had gotten some video from the bus on the way. But it was from my phone, so I hope it turned out well.
Stacey, Preston, Hope and I were the group hanging at the PAP airport for about 2 more hours. Arriving in MIA 2 hours later was an entirely different challenge! Can you say "custom's officer"??
They had me "detained" for about 1 hour...needing "verify some things on my passport", whatever that meant. Part of the wait was that there was a big storm in Miami and they couldn't get the luggage from the plane....and part of my being chosen, meant getting my bags checked. So they held onto my passport and had me sit in a "guest room" that was more like a holding cell...had to use the restroom and got escorted by 2 officers (i guess making sure that i wasn't dumping anything in the bathroom). Finally when the luggage came out, I grabbed my bag and the custom's agent went through everything. He asked many questions, that i guess they ask everyone they check (where you coming from? why were you there? who were you with? what did you do? etc etc etc). After answering all his questions and letting him go through all my stuff....he gave me back my passport and said I'm clear to go...without any explanation for the last hour. I even asked "if you don't mind me asking, what was the reason for a lot of this? was there a discrepancy on my passport?" he simply replied "no there was no problem with the passport" and pointed me to the exit.
That bugged the crap out of me...but i'm glad it was only a minor inconvenience and nothing more.
Home now and thinking of how God will want me to change things in 2011 to commit myself and my family fully to doing His work.
More later.
Thanks for reading my ramblings.
What an incredible trip......if you can, I encourage you to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment