Trip Update

Thank you all for your prayers.

Our trip to the Northern part of Haiti went uneventfully, that is what we like. In our 2 days of traveling we covered 299 miles, and it only took us 18 hours. Yes that averages out at just over 16.5 miles per hour. Our first 86 miles was covered at a rate of 23 mph while our last 57 miles at a blistering 12 mph. We forded 4 different rivers or streams, one of them twice.

We lost track of how many times we stopped for directions trying to find our way through the narrow streets of various towns. When we finally arrived at the gates of Northwest Haiti Mission in St. Louie de Nord we were met by Grant. He was so helpful in getting Lexius hooked up with the medical staff, then showing Dwight, Joesph and I where the men's dorm and dining room were.

The next morning we were greeted by rain. It had rained and stormed most of the night. We discovered that the remnants of Tropical Storm Henri, which had disintegrated several days prior, was skirting the north coast of Haiti and dumping rain as it went. Rain falling in the mountains is not generally conducive to crossing rivers. After talking to Ann and having her check the weather satellite it appeared to only be skirting the coast and not pushing inland very far. I then had a peace about heading out since our first "river" crossing was well inland. We did have to ford a stream that now had more water than the day before but not more than could be crossed safely. By the time we reached the rivers they were the same height as we had crossed the day before.

The doctors were anticipating doing Lexius' surgery on Tuesday. After his first couple of days of recovery the medical staff will try and project a lease date. Then I will begin making plans to go back up and pick him up.

Dwight took several pictures and we plan to get them posted on the blog later today.