Warm hugs, bright smiles, and a few yawns welcomed the 43rd Austin Smiles’ Team to Austin Bergstrom Airport early this morning. Amid the piles of personal luggage and red supply trunks, Kendyl, Martha & Leilani sorted people, passports and boarding passes through the check in process. Veteran trip members reconnected with one another, reminiscing about past trips and adventures while rookies listened intently, eager to join the team.
After a pit stop in Houston, where several more teammates joined, we arrived in El Salvador, greeted by our ground support staff and a newfound distaste for humidity. We piled into vans and began the trek to San Salvador, marveling at the landscape. Along the route we were surprised by one man juggling machetes while another breathed fire nearby.
Having arrived safely at the hotel, we enjoyed more time getting acquainted and catching up at dinners together before calling it an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s busy day of set up and triage at the hospital. We can’t wait to share stories about the week!
Guest Blogger ~ Cathy McHorse