February 26 ( Homeward Bound)

I didn't sleep much this trip and last night was no exception. I awoke to a rooster crowing right outside the door. I'm all about loving God's creatures, but I wanted to be that little girl from yesterday's blog and grab that chicken by the neck and... (don't think less of me)! I guess I should be glad I didn't need an alarm clock.  Walking to the pool area, I noticed Simone, Connor, Jeff and Mike already having breakfast. Simone was the first to depart. We all said our goodbyes to an extremely hard working, smart young woman. She broke a few hearts of some young men in Haiti. It's easy to see why one of them tattooed her name in Sharpie on his arm. 

As I ate my banana pancakes, my mind was wondering about home. I pictured my life and how I couldn't wait to get back to it. As much as I learned from this adventure, I needed it to end. I was snapped back to the moment though as we were informed that we were jumping in the van ( yet again) and heading to the art district to see local metal workers do their thing. 

I was hesitant at first. I really wanted to stay back at the pool because (are you ready Carm?) I was tired! It was only 8 am and we didn't have to leave for the airport until 1:00. I pictured just chilling by the pool, blogging, and not interacting for just a few hours. But, I didn't want to miss anything cool either. Into the van I climbed...

I made the right decision. It was amazing how these men took a flat sheet of metal from old, rusty drums and turned them into beautiful works of art. We watched junior apprentices, some as young as 9 years old, learn the skill.  After being herded through shop after shop, I purchased 8 different pieces. I spent every last dollar. Thank goodness there are no ATM's in Haiti. 

Spending our last dollars

With metal goods in tow, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and to gather our gear. We said goodbye to Nathalie next. She was the quiet one of the group with so much insight and a lot to say when you gave her the chance (Carm... she's from St. Thomas which is very close to St. John😉).

The rest of us gobbled sandwiches, toasted to a successful week and headed for the airport. Once there, we said goodbye to Gavin and Cara who were continuing on with the taxi to another hotel nearby.  Cara decided to stay an extra day in Haiti with Gavin and some friends he would be meeting there later. Her original flight was not a good one...too much wasted layover time. She wanted to witness Carnaval anyway. I guess that's what truly free-spirited people do. And Gavin? My new South African friend would be sure to take care of her. He was a true gentleman when push comes to shove.  Me? I'm just a semi-free spirit. I desperately wanted to be home. 

The airport was CRAZY. I went through three different security lines and immigration. Fortunately, my suitcase was an easy check since it was close to empty. I still had underwear and metal signs (probably shouldn't blog that....). It took the full three hours to wait in lines. 

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta was a simple layover. I got a pizza and a coffee. I can't believe I'm actually writing this ( I shake my head when I read Facebook posts about what people have eaten). But, pizza is my favorite food and I was ready to embrace and celebrate just how fortunate I am in all areas of my life. Starting with my full stomach. REAL cheese and mushrooms.

Touching down in Pittsburgh at midnight, I made my way to my car in flip flops. From an average temp of 85 to 25 degrees? My bunion-bulging feet were a bit chilled.  I saw my Jeep in the distance. It sounds really shallow now to say that I was glad to see a car. But, it was familiar. It was a connection to my life. A life I treasure. I hopped in, put on my music and was on my way home. 

Home. Where I want to be. Where everything is comfortable. Where I am loved. Where the heart is....

Ps. Although this trip is over, I will post one more entry to this blog tomorrow... a dedication page.