Haiti Day One

Mike arrived last night in Haiti safely. I will update my blog as often as I hear from him, hopefully everyday. It was a tough good-bye for all of us. Mike gave us priesthood blessings before he left and Jace, Mike and I sobbed together. It was an unforgettable moment for our little family.

The night Mike left (Wednesday), Jace said a prayer and in it said, "We're grateful for the people in Haiti. Please bless my dad to be safe, and if he dies, please help someone to bring his body home. I'm grateful that my mom is here and won't leave us." I had no idea how nervous he was. Those little 6 year old ears pick up everything. We are doing okay...2 rough nights, strep throat and an ear infection, but all medicated now, so hopefully things will be looking up. Mike's parents come into town today and we can't wait!!

My mom attended the meeting with Mike and the airport with him too (hence the pictures, like Mike would ever take pictures of himself!) I am SO grateful to her. She is so kind and supportive. PLEASE read the story she relates in here about Haiti...it's one you will want hear.

Dear Brooke,

I know that we have visited several times about all of this but I wanted to jot down some of my thoughts as I watched Mike prepare to leave for Haiti.

I went with Mike to the mandatory meeting being held by the Utah Hospital Task Force on Wednesday evening before their departure on Thursday. I just wanted to know what was happening, how it was happening and what they knew of their plans for when they arrived in Haiti.

As you entered the room it was hard to describe the feeling--excitement for sure, anxiousness, a hint of relief (as people connected with others they knew), confusion, a little chaos--but a definite electricity. The buzz in the room was interspersed with outbursts of Creole and slaps on the back. Joyous reunions were being held in little pockets all over the room between men who had at one time served together saving the spiritual souls of the people of Haiti now returning to serve the physical needs of the people they grew to love so well. I lost count of the times that I heard between these men "I knew you would be here!"

As the meeting began, I was overwhelmed. How often have I watched or read about a Humanitarian group leaving to aid in a disaster somewhere in the world and thought how wonderful? Never have I truly considered how that really comes to pass. Don't people just get on a plane with the needed supplies while the receiving country opens their arms and coordinates everything on the other end? Maybe in some places but not in Haiti and I am assuming not anywhere!

The red tape, the logistics, the detailed manifests and documents, the calculations of weight, the gathering of supplies, clearing of runways, securing a plane and needed fuel, planning for food and water for 150 people, etc., etc., etc. Then the people organizing needing to be flexible and resourceful as everything changes in a matter of minutes--and continues to change every few minutes. I sat in awe as I tried to comprehend what had happened in the last week to make this humanitarian trip possible. I was humbled by the efforts of the men and women who had used their time and resources and connections to follow the example of the Savior and allow others the opportunity to minister as He would. The words of the Savior in Matthew just kept repeating in my head: “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto ONE of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Steve Studdart, the organizer of the Utah Hospital Task Force, shared a story on Wednesday night that reinforced for me why this trip was so important.

Steve answered his phone at 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A woman was on the other end. She and her husband were in the process of adopting a child from Haiti. When the earthquake hit her husband felt a strong need to go to Haiti and get their child from the orphanage. He could not get in to Port-au-prince so made his way to Santo Domingo. He arrived at the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti to chaos. Finding no transportation he began a 16 mile walk to the orphanage--not knowing what he would find. When he arrived he found 22 children with no adult supervision. His phone call back to his wife was something like this. . ."I don't know when I will be home. I am spending my days trying to find water and stealing food for these children. There is no one to care for them." The woman pleaded with Steve to send help when they arrived. Of course, he promised he would. . .as he did to another woman with connections to an orphanage with 60 girls and only one surviving "old woman" to care for them and bury the dead. Steve said, "If we can save one life it will be a worthwhile trip."

A cheer went up. I wish that I knew Creole.

Before sending Mike off to bed Mitch took the opportunity to give Mike a father's blessing. It was beautiful and comforting. I am not sure that Mike slept much Wednesday night. His gear had been packed and repacked. Weight restrictions caused a light pack to become even lighter. The biggest regret was only being able to take one deflated soccer ball instead of 10.

As we arrived at the gathering spot for the 120 (30 people had to be cut because of weight restrictions and the need for critical supplies to be on board the aircraft) people leaving for Haiti I felt the same electricity and excitement. This time, however, I realized another very distinct feeling. This was a group of people armed with power of the Priesthood and a desire to do good. The spirit of the Holy Ghost was resting upon them and those being left behind--calming fears, giving courage and testifying that this is the right place for these men and women to be. I pray the Lord will bless them and protect them as they go forth and serve their fellow man.

Mike, thank you for your example of unselfish service. Brooke, Jace, Parker and James you, too, are examples of unselfish service. We are lucky to have you in our family. I love you and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers every minute of the time that Mike is away.


We were so grateful to hear from Mike last night. Can't you feel of his love and goodness?
Yesterday when I left my three cute boys and beautiful wife at the airport it was the hardest thing I've had to do to date. My oldest couldn't stop crying and telling me he didn't want me to go. Brooke was trying to be strong but couldn't fight back the tears once opened the flood gates. Parky and James were content with sucking ice cubes and giving me a kiss goodbye.
I tried to stay strong partly for Brooke and the boys and partly because I didn't want to look like a boob in the airport. I had already cried plenty while giving everyone blessings in the airport cell phone lot.
The meeting with all the volunteers last night made clear the complexity of the mission we were all embarking on. Unfortunately we had to reduce our party by 20 volunteers due to plane weight restrictions, but everyone was willing to sacrifice for a greater cause. We have lives to save and orphans to get to the US.
This morning the final traveling squad wasn't chosen until hours before we were to meet at the airport. I learned at the same time that I needed an additional prescription to prevent my death from malaria. Kim was kind enough to call in a favor so I could get the medicine before my departure. After removing a quarter of the items in my bag to meet our reduced weight limit and accepting the fact that I would not be taking my second bag with all the presents for the kids, I was ready to go.
When we arrived at the airport wives and kids were saying their goodbyes, couples were hugging and volunteers were getting us our final meals and blankets. Kim was kind enough to drop me off and make sure I wasn't alone until she needed to head to work.
With a blessing from Mitch the night before and support from my parents on both sides and the faith of 132 volunteers we were off to Haiti at 1 pm.
We just left Orlando and will be in Haiti in less than three hours. I've been speaking Creole in the plane now for the past 9 hours. Its amazing how quickly the language returns. We've also been needing up our medical language skills so that we effectively assist the doctors. I know I'm not prepared for the destruction and devastation I'm about to see but I also know that we have to be strong for the Haitian people and work as hard as humanly possible for the duration of our stay. This morning while I was brushing my teeth I read a poem on the bathroom wall and thought it was so appropriate. We all need angels at points in our lives to help us through difficult times. Bless me Lord that I can be an angel for my Haitian brothers and sisters. My second country. My home away from home. The country I've never forgotten and cannot wait to return to tonight.
Ayiti mwen renmen ou.
(Haiti I love you)

This is his quick note this morning:
We are currently negotiating with the Haitian government for the release of 120 orphans. We are visiting three churches and two orphanages and waiting for our orders from the UN and USAID.Love you all.