Travel Day

Haiti Trip

I’ll be completely honest: NOTHING went as expected traveling to Haiti. The day we were leaving, Bailey puked at school. She felt miserable as we checked in at PDX. Our flight to JFK was more or less uneventful: Bailey and Justin slept, I wrangled Caedmon, attempting to keep him from kicking out seatmate while he fitfully slept, and Brooklyn watched movies.

Upon landing, Caedmon barfed. Everywhere.

Did I mention I’m barfaphobic? If I could pick a nightmare I never want to live, this is near the top of the list, under tsunamis, earthquakes, and abductions. Fortunately, we all lived.

On our flight from JFK to Port-au-Prince, Brooklyn decided to join the fun, although she did so in a less-messy fashion. Small blessings. However, she continued to get sick on our travels throughout the day and is recovering today.

Here are a few things I’ve learned (or relearned!):

)      I can’t control everything. Take it in stride.

Always pack a change of clothes for a 4 year old.

Don’t skimp on baby wipes.

4)      If you can’t handle crazy, don’t take your kids on trips. Scratch that. Don’t have kids.

5)      My God is bigger than my circumstance and His grace and strength sustain me.

When Bailey was feeling sick and distressed on the plane, I gave her my headphones and played a “sleep” playlist that sang peace and truth, calming her.

God gave me grace. And strangely, to a degree, this experience empowered me for this trip. I know that I am not alone. I have been given the strength I need for each day. I was encouraged by the song “Make a Way” by I Am They, which says, “Wherever you lead me, I know you won’t leave me. Wherever you call me, you will make a way. Wherever we’re going, I will be holding to the promise you have made. You will make a way.”