I became an Anderson Cooper fan during the aftermath of KATRINA, ( so what! you may ask) and recall his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, told him to follow his passion- leading him into his journalistic reporting career. I followed one passion and became a physician . Now that I want to "retire" from the drudge of the American medical system of practice, I still seek that one thing that will let me die knowing I did all I could to make a difference. I am so emotionally charged with being here, learning even more of the undertaking I am a part of....and meeting so many amazing people already....that I know I am hooked. So-
After 2 hours of sleep, my day began at 4 AM with a lift to the airport from Dawn Tolley (who will be living in Costa Rica by the time I return). The 6:15 AM flight ( did not know the airport was even open that early)- took me to ATLANTA, where I am staying at the Sheraton Gateway near the airport. I had 10 minutes to get to my room before 10 AM registration began.
Tables were piled with Habitat Tee shirts, Tool bags, goggles, and Hard Hats. Everyone is in a meet and greet mood, arriving from Oregon, California, Virginia, even Canada, and , New Orleans! Johathan Wallach from New Orleans Real Estate Investors Assoc. is here too. And ,I now have even more loot to figure out how to pack for the leg to Haiti.
My room mate for the hotel stay is a delightful San Jose Californian named Vickie who has done quite a few "global Build" projects with Habitat already, cooks for and feeds the homeless, and is so interesting that we spent the entire afternoon in the bar chatting. (yes, I ordered a Pink Squirrel and the bartender even tried to make something like it. It was good enough that Vickie and two others in the bar ordered one!)
The evening "Ceremony" was just great. We had "Freedom Singers" that originated with the Civil Rights movement, and of course, THE CARTERS. They just strolled into the dining room, roamed about shaking hands, greeting us, getting their photo taken and giving heart burn I am sure to the secret service personnel with them.
The program was a mixture of updates on the build site progress, conditions in Haiti currently, and construction safety issues. We have been provided with information on the history of Haiti with insights to the economic problems that plague the country since it's separation from France in 1804. May not sound interesting but the slides, speakers, and information was exciting. I fear I am already addicted to Habitat and will make every effort to be on every build project I can afford in the future.
I am unable to upload photos from the hotel computer, and will likely have no Internet access for the next week, but will return with a journal of sights and stories that I hope will have you fall in love with a country and people I already feel dedicated to.
To quote someone: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. This is proving to be one such experience.
