Bon jour!

What an incredible day!  So much anticipation built up and now we're actually here.  There is a surreal element, but the heat makes it very real.  For all those who were concerned, we arrived a little later than expected (pretty standard for international trips) but the flights were relatively uneventful.  We learned in Charleston International Airport that TSA will break open a suitcase lock for you if you just ask nicely.  God's hand was definitely carrying our luggage as it all arrived safely in Port-au-Prince with us and we were pleasantly surprised at how manageable the airport and customs were. 

Our Samaritan's Purse contacts picked us up and we enjoyed a short trip through town to the SP compound on the other side of the bay- an area called Titanyen.  Some of the locals helping with transport pointed out where the mass grave was along the way, in a crook of the mountain.  On our way through town we noted the different stages of tent cities- most still with sticks and tarps, others with camping-style tents.  Overall most scenes were quite dense with people.

The compound is lush and beautiful with a great view of the bay that leads out to the Carribean Sea.  We're sleeping in a standard dorm and there are decent showers and even flushable toilets!  (Halelujah!)  The SP staff have been so gracious and welcoming, a wonderful dinner was awaiting our arrival and we had a quick tour from the chaplain.  The rest of the evening was a little devotional time and meeting the medical director, some quick pill packing, and then retiring for the night.  Most of us took a refreshing cold shower and headed to bed.  We keep hearing how the clinic is doing life-changing work, saving lives and souls.  More people are coming to Christ there everyday.  During devotionals tonight we were reminded that we are the hands and feet of Christ and we only need trust in that to bring about good work. 

Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts.  We're blessed with good communication capabilities, so it should be easy to keep you updated.  Tomorrow is a day of rest and we hope to see more of the island.  Bon nui!
-Kim Sudheimer