Panama

So after a delayed departure from LAX (apparently the crew was
delayed, and typically one needs a pilot to depart), we spent about 5
or 6 hours in the air, finally landing in Panama. Immediately I was
reminded of South Africa. The soil is brick red, and the dense
greenery looks like it's slowly overtaking the airport. I suppose
that's what you get for cutting out an airfield from the forest.

The airport in Panama was very humid, and had more chocolate shops
than I'd ever seen. Not candy shops, but chocolate shops. Sometimes
you have to leave the US to realize the stranglehold Nestle has on the
world's chocolate market.

We set out for the last leg of our trip, to the DR, at noon. I fell
asleep, finally, and awoke to a hotty flight attendant (Luis) passing
out sandwiches. Which could only be described as non-poultry mystery
meat with cheddar and grilled onions. I had to mentally repeat to
myself, "Beef or pork. It's not capybara." I realize I should be
grateful for any food, but my mind just keeps wondering! Remember that
nutria infestation in Florida a few years back, when they finally
decided to embrace the pesty rodent as edible fare? No? Well I do.
Which made me move on quickly to my lemon cookies.

Once we land in the DR, we'll need to drag our drugs through Customs,
and then meet our group leaders outside the airport. Somehow, 200+
people and their 400+ bags of meds will get loaded up, and sent onward
(on bus, maybe pickup truck, we don't know). We should arrive at the
orphanage around 5 pm, if we aren't waiting for others at the airport.
So far we've spotted a handful of other young women in Orphanage
Outreach shirts like ours; it'll be a full house at the orphanage this
week!

Will update once I get a nap in! My eyes are bloodshot, and we're all
a little worked over right now. Nap time!

Sent from my iPhone