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Web-Site: www.haitihero.org                 E-Mail: info@haitihero.org

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Haiti Day 1

Good Evening Everyone! Michele Deardorff (H.E.R.O. Secretary) and I arrived safely into Port-Au-Prince at 3:00 PM this afternoon. The plane parked at the new American Airlines jet way, where we were directed to take a bus to the new immigration and baggage claim area. Immigration went rather smoothly, but getting the bags was a free for all. Regardless, all of our bags and belongings arrived safely. Exiting the terminal we were enthusiastically greeted by Samuel, a driver for Union School. We were very happy to see him upon immediately exiting the terminal, because there were hundreds of other people waiting for their passengers as well. It was a great way to come back to Haiti. Haiti has returned to practical normalcy. If by normal you mean the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Rental car companies are asking $750 dollars a week for a car, popular upscale nightclubs and restaurants are booming, while hundreds of thousands of poverty stricken Haitians continue to live under tarps, or if lucky, in a tent. When in Haiti, poverty is everywhere. Even before leaving the airport our van was surrounded by individuals seeking money, some with amputated arms and legs, others young children. Yes, Haiti has always had this problem for many years. It seems, however, that the earthquake has only exacerbated the divide, not closed it. Michele and I are settling into our apartment. I want to personally thank Union School for arranging our airport pickup but also providing housing for us. Without their support, our trip during this month would not have been possible. Thank you. Attached is just a brief video of Michele explaining some of our plans while in Haiti. Please take a moment to follow our blog, comment on our progress, and support our efforts to help the most disenfranchised population in Haiti, the children. SK H.E.R.O. President haitihero.blogspot.com