Update from Dixie- January 27
27 January 2010 4:55 PM
The Canadian Embassy in Haiti had told us that we could not fly on Tuesday or Wednesday. They told us it might be Thursday before we flew to Canada with our 20 children being adopted by Canadian Citizens. So, I went upstairs to take a nap and I think I may have slept 10 minutes when one of my workers came and told me the Canadian Embassy was on the phone. Yep, you guessed it! They wanted us to come right then with our 20 children to the Embassy and sleep there with the children and leave the next morning at 9 AM! Now, why sleep there if we are not leaving until 9 AM? Do any of us know why a government does the things they do???
They called at 2:45 PM and wanted us there by 5 PM. Well, we got there by 6 PM! It takes some time to get everything ready to travel with 20 children and enough things for 24 hours!
We slept at the Embassy. All in one room. I sat in a chair all night. Needless to say, I’m tired right now! We left the Embassy at 7:30 AM and went straight to the airport and boarded the plane. The drive to the airport was sad. down in that area there are lots of buildings down. It seemed that about every other building had damage or was flat. It made me sad especially when I know there are bodies in some of those buildings!
Nothing ever goes perfectly, but the trip to Canada went good. There were a lot of people on the plane to help us and they provided diapers and food. All of our warm clothing for the children went into the cargo hold instead of in the cabin with us! Our baby formula went in the hold as did all of our diapers! All of our clothing went into the hold! So, it didn’t go smoothly but it all worked out ok.
It was COLD and SNOWING when we arrived in Ottawa at 1:40 PM today. The parents were all waiting in the lounge when we entered the building and we were able to speak with them and transfer the children to the parents. The parents were all ecstatic that their children were finally there! By 3:30 pm, we were in our rooms! Molly and Joyce then went back out to buy me a sweatshirt because I forgot mine in Haiti! The girls are so good to me! I appreciate both of them so much!
We leave Ottawa tomorrow morning at 7 AM and will arrive in Miami at 2 PM. We will the start collecting more supplies to take back into Haiti. We are anxious to get home so that we can continue to take in more displaced children.
We are headed to the restaurant here in the hotel. Will blog more later after a good nights sleep!
Want to make a difference for the kids in Haiti? Consider donating.
Jan 28, 2010 @ 13:03:27
Dixie and all the other people with you, God bless you richly for the work that you’ve done and will continue to do! You are all truly Jesus’ hands and feet in this chaotic time! If you’re wondering, I know Garner and Michelle Haayema. I work with Garner and Michelle provided wonderful nursing care to my mom. I think you are all just fantastic servants of Jesus and you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Jan 28, 2010 @ 14:53:55
I am so glad you got all the children to Canada. Prayers for safe travels back to Miami and home. You are all in our hearts and prayers! Thank you for taking care of all the children. Take care of yourselves too.
Jan 28, 2010 @ 23:08:27
I hope the State Department gets all the Childern out of Hatti and to their Family. I have been seeing you on your Blog thank you for helping those Children they are so Lucky to have you in their Life.