February 24, 2010 – 10:51pm – (Eastern Bahamas Time) – Georgetown, Exuma – Bahamas – Report submitted by Joe Hurston (Air Mobile Joe)

You never know what the day may bring. As planned, I did head out early and met LaPaix at the airport to work on a few things on the plane, but mainly I wanted to renew my friendship with LaPaix (it also does not hurt to have good mechanic in Haiti!) It was really good to be with my old friend and get a few things fixed. He’s really a good mechanic. 

Then things really began to heat up. Barbara came to the airport and told me that the five orphans may fly. Remember, this past weekend, orphans with totally legit papers were attacked by an angry mob? Well, it seems that the U.S. and Haitian Govt. were coming up with a plan. We dashed to the Embassy. We were awaiting the U.S. Ambassadors return from the airport. He personally escorted the 6 kids that were seized at the airpot on Saturday, to the plane. Apparantly, if all went well, then the 5 orphans in Barbara’s care may could fly. We eagerly awaited the verdict. It worked. Within minutes Visa’s were granted for this flight. We jumped on the mission motorcycle (yes, the mission just purchased a little beauty) and went to the mission to get one of the kids (Tom-Tom). Then back to airport and soon we were loading 5 orphans and Jim (who is adopting 4 of them) into our plane. We couldn’t believe it. The kids were personally escorted right to the plane. 

Another plane, piloted by Doug (another Air Mobile volunteer) brought out Lacy, Jim’s daughter. Lacy has been at the mission since August and has been invaluable to the village. We also had gotten a visa for a severe Medical patient. Doug and I taxied out together and flew out minutes apart. We encountered exceptionally strong headwinds. The weather was deteriorating in South Florida. Doug has plenty of fuel and slipped into Miami before things really got bad. I diverted to Exuma Island, where I am writing this blog for fuel. The problem was it was getting dark and the weather was getting worse by the minute. I checked the radar and there seemed to be a nice open slot that we could slip into Miami. After prayer, we took off. Soon thing after thing lead me to believe that we should not make the flight. I called Miami and requested to go back to Exuma. It was immediately granted and we landed. The Bahama Immigrations was great and fully understood our plight. An “angel” from the Aviation Service at the airport offered to help. Soon, were headed to a beautiful hotel, The Palm Bay. The owner treated us like royalty. Guests from another table paid for our dinner. The precious little orphans, though very tired, came alive and soon the restaurant all knew about the orphan flight. It’s 11:08pm and I’m exhausted and must get to sleep. I’ll actually post this first thing in the morning. Just like I said, you never know what the day may bring. Tomorrow morning, we plan to depart early for Miami. We pray all goes well.

God Bless and THANKS for your love and prayer!!

Air Mobile Joe