It was a long, hard journey home for the St. Mary medical mission, thanks in no small part to the major storm that churned through the northeast on Saturday.

After seven physically and emotionally draining days in Marbial, the medical team drove down the rocky riverbed one more time for the year and spent the night in a house in Jacmel owned by an American couple. For their hard work, the doctors and nurses were rewarded with a spectacular Caribbean sunrise before setting off for the airport in earthquake-torn Port-au-Prince.

The American Airlines flight took off late from Port-au-Prince Saturday afternoon, and was diverted to Miami because JFK airport in New York shut down for dangerously high winds. After taking an hour or more to go through customs, the team managed to find a nearby hotel that could accommodate the large group.

The next day, the flight home was delayed for four hours while American Airlines attempted not-so-successfully or smoothly to straighten out the mess caused by the storm cancellation. When the team finally arrived at JFK, more mayhem awaited. The tired doctors, nurses and volunteers stared at the baggage claim conveyor belt for two hours and collected 20 of 21 checked bags. One suitcase never made it back. Time to get in another line and wait.

By this time, the St. Mary medical mission team was getting good at waiting around for things.

But the team eventually and most importantly – safely – made it back to St. Mary’s Church in Milford Sunday night. It was just in time for everyone to go home, have a quick meal and a hot shower before going to bed and waking up to a fresh work week.

Even though they left Haiti behind, the place and its people will remain in their hearts and minds. And for some members of the team there is always the promise of next year, another chance to save some lives and spread some hope.