Update

No posts in a while as it's been hard to get on email. We just got access yesterday and I haven't had a chance to get online. I'm having a great time. Living the military life for a month! Sleeping on bunks in female berthing, eating in the officer's mess and trying to find my way around the ship. It's an adventure! The people aboard are so friendly and helpful. Everyone loves to show us what they do or take us to see something cool on the ship.
I'm sleeping a lot better as I get used to the close sleeping quarters. The food is great (for real!). Since leaving Miami we have had amazing fresh fruit. I'm told as the trip progresses the good stuff gets used up. :)
Got to stand up on the flight deck as we left Miami with all the other soliders. Avoided a tropical storm that fizzled out. We had helicopter safety class 2 days before our first flight.
We arrived yesterday in Haiti. I was the only one from Project Hope to go ashore. It's been a challenge in flexibility. Hung out at the UN compound all day. Today we spent the day trying to get to our place, long bus ride, helping unload material. Tomorrow we start seeing patients.
What is the coolest thing I've done? . . . . First day, riding in the CH-46 helo. Google it. Twin rotors. Amazing. Get to put on life vest and "cranium" with googles, ear covers, helmet. Very cool! But today it got even better. We were pulled by the Capt. to take the MH-60 Blackhawk back to the ship tonight. THE COOLEST THING I'VE EXPERIENCED. So cool to see the USS Iwo Jima from the open windows and land. Hard day today, but it was worth it for that experience. Last night we came back late and got to take the LCU back. Waded in knee deep water to climb aboard and head back to ship. Look this boat up. Goes into the back of the Iwo Jima.

Overall, great experience. People I'm with are great, lots of laughs. Ate my first MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) yesterday and not that bad. Actually pretty good. It's like a present opening it up to see what treats are included inside.

I won't be able to blog very often, but the ship has a blog on the mission that might be kept more up to date. Google "Continuing Promise 2010" or USS Iwo Jima.
www.southcom.mil/appssc/factfiles.php:id=155 (maybe?)

Lots more observations and stories, but I need to go to bed as we have to "muster" (meet) at 6am to board the LCU to head to shore.

Hope everyone is well!