Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Chester Bowles, the former US ambassador to India, told a cohort of Peace Corps volunteers during their orientation that they should strive for three things. First and foremost, they should learn a lot from their experience in India--about culture, language, politics, and much more. Second, they should expect to foster greater understanding between peoples of different cultures by exchanging openly and respectfully. After spending two years in India, how could any Peace Corps volunteer not learn and build relationships. Bowles continued with the third possible outcome of a PCV's experience--they might also contribute to the good of humanity. This would be the most challenging.

I am about to return to Haiti, and although I may have grand hopes and plans of meaningfully helping and serving in some small way, I am also keenly aware that I will most likely learn more than I could ever possibly contribute.

I anxiously await touching down on the island, albeit first landing in Dominican Republic, to feel one step closer to Haiti. I can't wait to wrap my arms around my dearest partner, Dharma, and hold my new friends close. I stand in awe and respect of the strength, courage and determination of the people of Haiti and this current test is an opportunity for hopefully a brighter future.

In about 20 minutes, I will land in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where I will meet up with a group of AMURT board members/doctors. Once everyone arrives, we will most likely be taking a 10-hour drive on a truck to the border of Haiti. We will camp the night and get a couple of hours of rest until the border patrol opens at 7am Sunday morning. A tap-tap (the quintessential Haitian mode of transportation) will then transport us and all of our luggage to Port au Prince. (How many people can fit in a tap-tap? "One more!" --Haitian joke) We are all bringing heavy suitcases full of medical supplies, tents, tarps and other equipment to contribute to necessary relief efforts. I must thank the Friends Select School community for donating so many supplies! If all goes well, we will enter Port au Prince by Sunday midday.