Day One!

Hey everyone, this is Ashlyn!

So we started off our day with arriving at the airport at 4:45. Everyone was practically a walking zombie, except for our always cheerful Mr. Dols! We got our bags checked, went through security with ease and took a picture right before we boarded the plane. We were ready to begin our journey! We landed in Atlanta with no set backs. Unfortunately, when we were departing Atlanta, we did. There were some mechanical problems with our plane. I thought that was code word for “We are going to die!” Thankfully, it was nothing major and we were set back for only 45 minutes. We set off once again and as we were nearing Haiti, we were all speechless as we watched the gorgeous green-blue of the ocean beneath us. When we arrived in Port-au-Prince, what we saw took our breath away once again. A beautiful blue sky, tall palm trees and surprising heat that had us sweating in minutes! We all hopped into our complimentary tap tap and drove through the streets of Haiti, our hearts breaking as we saw their conditions and make-shift houses. We arrived at our guesthouse and settled in, unpacking while our stomachs grumbled for dinner. After dinner (which was shepherds pie and veggies. Yum!) we had a run down on our rules and restrictions for our house. We then cleaned up and headed out to play soccer with the neighborhood kids. We chatted (or attempted to) with the kids and played in teams for about an hour. After saying our goodbyes, promising to come back tomorrow, we all showered and sat down for evening reflection. Claire and I lead the first night, and did amazing, no comparison! Now, as everyone is playing sardines while I write about our first day, I can already tell we are growing as not just friends, but as a family too.  

Sure it’s only the first day, but I can already tell this is going to be a life changing experience for everyone on this trip.

P.S. Hi mom and dad and ayden and austyn and Riggins! I doing great and I didn’t die on the plane ride! I miss you guys and love you all lots!