New beginnings

A week later with the same hope ... that we fly out tomorrow and land in Haiti, dodging bullets and protestors. Gas prices in Haiti are high while they've dropped everywhere else so when people who generally are oppressed, cannot read or write, disagree; they physically show up in droves to show their position. It's been ugly and prices haven't dropped (much if at all) so it could get uglier. A lady asked me this week if all of this is a result of the earthquake. I don't think so. I think it's a result of poverty and corruption but nonetheless no one really wins.

All to say ... we may fly or we may not ...

This week we've had some real highs and some real unexpected lows. Warmer winter days on the slide at the park and tea parties complete with friends and treats, lazy brunch at Brother's Juniper and hours of magazine reading at Bookseller's. Grandparents reading books and little girl giggles. We all four took naps in the afternoon, planned nothing, watched movies in bed, baked in the kitchen and other leisurely pleasures to pass the time. We even collected a much anticipated stool sample from Ava for lab tests.

The week started Monday morning at about 3 a.m. when Mrs. American Airlines called back and Charles opted to change our tickets for safety sake. He changed them to Wednesday. Tuesday afternoon, he changed them again to Sunday as riots were scheduled to continue all week and news from Monday included a letter from the Embassy saying it was on complete lock down and warned it's employees to take shelter immediately. We caught wind of locals burning tires, forcing people out of cars, throwing rocks, etc. Fortunately, things all calmed down by mid-week and our co-workers were on their way back to Hope Center.

Wednesday we skyped with friends in Haiti and all four exchanged our sadness that our return was delayed yet again. Then we unpacked... again ....

The girls and I did school as if in a normal setting except in our  pajamas and between suitcases. Charles and I spent some time together at the coffee shop, book store and walking through parks. We didn't tell many that we were still in town. The four of us welcomed the unplanned days. We got some sad news on Thursday and into Friday that isn't my news to share but changed some more plans and could possibly delay us longer. It's been a rocky road - no pun intended. But we have so much for which to be thankful!!

Last night we went out for dinner to get out some and toasted to a new year and new beginnings. Here's to hoping we start them soon ...