Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Return trip

My time in Mexico was incredible! It was training for leaders intent on leading medical mission trips. As we are hosting medical teams, instead of sending a representative from each team, we decided to have me be the on-site leader and attend the training. In addition to the 10 day training we hosted two medical clinics, one in an urban setting, the other in a rural setting.

My return trip getting through Mexico City was quite interesting. Mexico, other than many people wearing masks in the airport, showed no sign that there was anything going on. That is, until, I got onto the airplane. We were all on the plane getting ready to leave when they stopped the plane. A man entered the plane and called out for the person who owned some particular luggage, by calling out the numbers on the baggage claim tickets. I looked at my tickets, and guess what? It was mine. I approached the person, and they took me off the airplane and commenced to give me the 10th degree about what was in my bag (all my medical equipment), what was I doing in Mexico, how long had I been there, what exactly was my purpose, etc. etc. Don't know exactly what they were looking for, or what they wanted, but the took everything out of my bag, then let me get back on the airplane. Then, when arrived into Honduras, our entire plane was escorted my multiple people in front and behind us. We approached an area where there were people with hazardous materials outfits, and masks on. We had to tell where we had been, how long we had been there, and if we had ANY symptoms of the flu. There were at least 10 different reporters there with video cameras and still cameras. They were interviewing people as they were coming out. Much of my bags were looked through, and I was let go to see my family.

3 comments:

Rebecca said...

So glad you got home safe and sound.

Last week one of our doctors had many of her supplies for the clinic tossed by customs...and that was before this swine flu pandemonium. I can only imagine the craziness you must have went through!

Thank you for all your advice....made my trip to La Ceiba much easier!

Anonymous said...

So glad you made it home okay. It was AWESOME to meet you in Mexico... stay in touch!!

Rebecca Conduff Aguirre said...

So glad it was a profitable time! I'm sure you enjoyed it (other than getting the "third degree"). :) That sounds like a really neat training...