Haiti: Week One.

Week one is kind of a blur,

it consisted mostly of travel days, 

which all seem to run together. 

But I'll give you a timeline of how things went down: 

Day 1 - May 20 

We flew from Monroe to Dallas.

I received a nice surprise on that short flight,

I was seated next to my friend and former doubles partner,

Dacia Idom.

It was a rather sweet surprise!

From Dallas we flew to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

We converted the baggage claim terminal into our temporary home,

and attempted to sleep for the night.

Day 2 - May 21

Up bright and early, we flew from Ft. Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 

That flight came with beautiful views, 

it was early enough that we got to watch the sunrise over the ocean,

positively gorgeous.

Once in Haiti, we went through customs relatively easily, 

and then we got to wait,

Pastor Pierre (our Haitian father/contact/etc) 

was running late to pick us up, 

because that's just Haiti. 

So we got to chill in the "air conditioning" for a while.

Once he got there, we had a hectic time getting all of us, 

plus all of our luggage to the bus.

But we all made it in one piece. 

Next we had the hour or so long drive to the port city of Carriest.

Once we got to port we had to wait a bit,

 to make sure the boat was still there. 

Then we all loaded up onto the boat that would take us from the mainland to the island of La Gonave. 

And when I say boat...

...I really mean, mini-pirate ship. 

So we, along with about 75 Haitians set out to cross the 23 miles of bright blue ocean. 

Thankfully the Dramamine was in generous supply so the boat ride was actually quite enjoyable. 

Once we arrived on La Gonave, 

we loaded all of our luggage, and a few people, into the Tap Tap (a truck taxi),

and we loaded the rest of the people into Pastor Pierre's truck, 

and proceeded with the long drive,

up the mountain, 

on the non-road, 

to Pastor Pierre's home in Boucan-La-Marre. 

Once we got to his house we were greeted with a delicious meal and direct orders to REST. 

No argument here. 

Day 3 - May 22

Our major tasks of the day were to rest, and a Croc drop.

We passed out Crocs to the pre-k and kindergarden classes at the school in Boucan-La-Marre. 

That was an interesting experience. 

These kids were all under 6,

I don't know that any of them had seen a white person before.

So in walks a group of NINE white people.

Just seeing our faces was scary enough for them,

much less us saying we wanted to give them something, 

and trying to touch their feet and take off their shoes. 

But eventually they stopped crying and kinda sorta, enjoyed themselves.

Day 4 - May 23

We were scheduled to journey to our next location, Pointe Sable.

But due to the fact that Kevin decided to eat a Haitian hotdog,

and then proceeded to throw up for 8 hours,

our trip was delayed. 

So we were blessed with another day to rest and enjoy.

Day 5 - May 24

Another day of travel. 

We got up early, 

broke down camp,

loaded up the trucks, 

had some breakfast, 

and started the hourish long drive down the mountain, on the non-roads. 

We made it to the port city, L'Anse-a-Galets,

and met the boat drivers. 

Pointe Sable is still on La Gonave island, 

but you can't just drive on over for a visit,

you either go by boat (like Americans do)

or you walk (like Haitians do).

(We asked for them to let us walk and no one would let us, they all said it was too hard, 

only Haitians could do it)

So we started another mini-pirate ship boat ride. 

The water was gorgeous, 

in most places you could see straight to the bottom.

The ride was fun and enjoyable, for most. 

Although we all underestimated the intensity of the sun,

so we were all burnt to a crisp.

I do believe that was the most painful sunburn I have ever experienced,

it felt like my flesh was melting. 

But we made it to Point Sable, finally. 

We step up camp, in Madame Sigga's backyard,

she's a well-known and trusted member of the church in Point Sable. 

After that boat ride we all just tried to chill out for the rest of the day.

Day 6 - May 25

Point Sable is a very small, very remote, very primitive beach community.

There is no electricity, 

no running water, 

no cars, 

no shade,

and not much breeze. 

Our task in Point Sable was to help build the church there. 

The people in the village were already working hard on it,

but we were there just to help things along.

We never actually did any real construction,

we were mostly just the grunt work.

We had two jobs,

to either carry mini-boulders up the mountain, 

or carry buckets of sand up the mountain. 

This is the mountain. 

Thankfully, the Haitians knew we were weaklings, and would only let us work in the mornings. 

So our afternoons were spent swimming on beautiful beaches instead of carrying really heavy things up mountains. 

This was our afternoon spot. 

When Pastor Pierre first took us there, we were all shocked by the beauty of the beach.

Unfortunately that was not the only thing that shocked us.

As I swam out into the beautiful clear water, I was so positively happy,

until I turned around.

My poor little innocent eyes were more than startled at what was coming towards me.

Apparently, children in Haiti don't need swimsuits, 

it's au naturale for these kids. 

Needless to say, it took a moment for all those little uncircumcised Haitian wee-wees to come into focus. 

My plan of defense was to swim out to where the naked kids couldn't touch, 

so they wouldn't come and hang all over me,

and if a few would sneak out to the deep, I would just shove them off.

My plan worked,

the naked children did not cling to me. 

Day 7 - May 26

Pastor Pierre (Haitian), Pastor Alfonso (American), and Bill (American),

left us today.

We were on our own in Haiti. 

Oh good gracious. 

Aside from the goodbyes, it was a typical day in Point Sable. 

Carry heavy things up a mountain.

Eat strange foods.

Be really really hot.

Go swim.

Eat more strange foods.

Get my hair braided. 

Madame Enette gave me some cornrows,

and I'll tell you what, 

I liked those things!

Light, cool and easy!

We went to church for the first time,

it was cool,

Haitian church is very different from American church.

Haitian church is basically a huge dance party, 

with songs that last 30 minutes. 

They have a lot of stamina. 

That's about it for week one, 

week two shall be coming soon! 

Coming Soon!

I have finally made it home!

I arrived back Stateside, Monday morning.

I made it back to Ruston, Monday night.

And I finally arrived in Lake Charles, Thursday evening.

It's been a busy few days.

But I am finally HOME.
And it feels dang good!

I have filled my time by gorging myself on all the wonderful indulgences that come with life in America...
...basically I've been eating a lot of sushi and ice cream...
...and watching TV.

It's been nice to finally be able to fully rest.

Sleeping in a bed really helps the whole resting thing.

I think I've worked out a way to fill you guys in on all that happened in Haiti,
I'm leaning towards doing a week-by-week synopsis of what went down.
So that would be 4 posts specifically about what we did in Haiti.
What do you think?
Too much at once?
Not enough?
Just right?

Let me know what you think.
I'm going to start hopefully Monday,
I'll take the weekend to review my journal and organize everything in my head.


But fret not,
all the juicy Haitian details will be coming soon!

Haiti Update!

Bonjou from Haiti!!

I got a chance to update!
Wahoo!!!
So let me try and fill you in on all the important stuff that’s happened over the last 2 weeks.

We got to Haiti safely,
the travel was kinda complicated…
but hey that’s Haiti!
We took 3 planes,
a bus,
a boat,
and 2 trucks to get to our first destination,
Boucan-la-Marre,
basically what we consider to be our home in Haiti!


We stayed in Boucan-la-Marre for a few days,
we did a Croc drop at the school for the preschool kids,
poor things were scared to death,
they had never seen white people,
much less nine of them who wanted to touch their feet and take off their shoes.

But mostly we just rested and prepared to go to our first village.

We had planned to go on Wednesday, May 23rd,
But Kevin got sick so we had to postpone our trip until the next day.
Silly Kevin,
he can’t eat American hotdogs but for some reason thought he could handle a Haitian hotdog,
he couldn’t.


So we left Thursday for Pointe Sable,
to get there we took,
2 trucks and a boat.
And when I say a boat, I mean pirate ship style,
but not as big.

We stayed in Pointe Sable for just over a week,
I think it ended up being about 10 days total.
Pointe Sable, was difficult.

When people talk about the “uttermost ends of the earth,”
they are talking about Pointe Sable,

they just don't know it.

The total population can’t be more than a few hundred,
There is no electricity,
No running water,
No toilets,
No cars,
And no shade.
Pointe Sable was a challenge for all of us,

The work was HARD.
We were helping to build the church for the community,
and the way we contributed was by carrying,
either,
mini-boulders or buckets of sand up the mountain,
and dropping them in a pile.
Needless to say, we are all tan and ripped!

Though the work,
heat,
food,
and facilities were all very challenging,
Pointe Sable had its blessings too.
The love and care the people had for us was incredibly humbling.

They gave so much to us,
they woudn’t let us work for longer than an hour without taking a 20 minute break,
they cooked for us,
washed our clothes,
we lived in one lady’s backyard.

They truly loved and appreciated us.
They understood what it took for us to get there,
(they haven’t had missionaries, a.k.a. white people, there in over 15 years).
We enjoyed getting to spend time with them,
even if we didn’t speak the same language.

One of their favorite things to do with us was to braid our hair,
I had fat cornrows (cool),
I had skinny cornrows (could be cooler),
I had rasta braids (not so cool).

Something that kept us all sane in Pointe Sable was the beach,
they had some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen,
just ignore the trash and all the naked kids.
Everyday after lunch we went to the beach,
we got to cool off and relax,
hang out with each other and the kids,
and catch all kinds of starfish...we probably have close to 70 total.

It was sad to leave, but we were excited to see what else the Lord had for us in Haiti.
Also, I was ready to not have sand in all my crevices.
We left on Friday and took the boat and 2 trucks to get back to Boucan-la-Marre.

This weekend has been one of much needed rest,
Our bodies were fully exhausted.
So we spent the last 2 days, reading and napping and talking.
It’s been wonderful!

It’s also incredibly refreshing to be in Boucan-la-Marre,
We have showers,
Toilets,
Shade,
A breeze,
DELICIOUS food,
Etc.

We pretty much feel like we’re in paradise here.


We start work today on the school in Boucan-la-Marre,
So far there’s been too many Americans and not enough work.
But that will just give us a chance to get creative!

Please continue to pray for our team,
your prayers have been felt and appreciated!

So far everyone is well,
we’ve had a few bouts of stomach sickness and general travelers “issues,”
but it’s been nothing a little Cipro won’t fix!

Everyone is getting along well and is enjoying our time here and with each other.
Our team has been very blessed!

I probably won’t be able to post again until I’m back in the States.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve got left,
we’ll be in Boucan-la-Marre until the 16th, basically doing whatever they tell us to.
On the 16th we go to Port-au-Prince for debriefing and a bit of fun before we fly out on the 18th.

I promise I’m keeping notes so I’ll be able to fill you in on all the juicy details when I get home!

Thank you again for your love and support,
not just for me but for the whole team!



The Day.

Well folks, today is THE day. 

I leave for Haiti this afternoon.

I wish I could say that I was filled completely with excitement,

 and had no fears or worries about what I am about to do.

But let's face it, 

we all know that AINT TRUE.

I'm kinda freaking out. 

This trip is going to be, 

BY FAR, 

the most intense and challenging thing I've ever done.

I think one of the most challenging things about this trip,

so far, 

is just how much unknown there is. 

I mean I have a VERY minimal knowledge of what to expect when I step off the plane in Port-au-Prince.

But from my experience,

I've noticed that God isn't one to give a play-by-play.

He's more a need-to-know kinda guy.

So I'm assuming He'll tell me what I need to know, 

when it becomes necessary for me to know it. 

At one of our last team meetings, 

Pastor Alfonso told us that,

 he goes to Haiti because that's where God is. 

And right now, that is probably the only reason I am excited for this trip.

Please keep my team in your prayers while we're gone.

We leave this afternoon and will return stateside on June 18th. 

Your love and support has been so greatly appreciated by all of us.

Thank You from,

Kaiti Rees

Hailey Singletary

Kevin Singletary

Jonathan Magee

Sarah Gilbert

Jillian Eppler

Allie Adger

Chase Blackwell

Phoebe Thomas

What Have I Done?

I leave for Haiti tomorrow afternoon. 

Every time I remember that I leave tomorrow afternoon,

my mind immediately says,

"Oh goodness, what have I done?"

And then comes the panic attack. 

Yay!

Let's be real,

this trip has me scared out of my mind. 

I may appear calm and collected, 

but I'm still breathing into a paper bag when no one is looking.

I'm not entirely sure what I am so nervous about or afraid of,

I think it's just the sheer magnitude of a trip like this. 

I am going to live on a remote island, 

off the coast of another semi-remote island, 

I will sleep in a tent, 

and pee outside.

It's going to be HOT and there will be lots of mosquitos. 

And I won't get to talk to my mommy. 

Packing has also been the culprit of a many moments of hyperventilation.

I mean you try and fit EVERYTHING you will need for 30 days in here!

That's no easy task, my friend!

So, in summary, 

I leave for Haiti tomorrow at 2p.m. 

I will have NO contact while I am there,

for 30 days,

I am completely terrified of what I am about to do, 

prayers are greatly appreciated. 

Future Ambitions.

I have an announcement. 

I would say it's a pretty big piece of news,

for me at least.

Today, I chose a career path. 

Yep, that's right,

I picked a path. 

This is a big decision for me.

Being a language major, 

I pretty much have endless possibilities as far as careers go,

I could teach, 

I could work for the UN,

I could work overseas,

I could work for the government, 

I could work in fashion, 

television, 

movies,

sports,

publishing, 

business,

finance,

 etc, 

etc, 

etc.

The list could literally go on FOREVER. 

But today, as I was sitting in my car waiting for someone, 

I decided my future...career path. 

And that path is,

TENNIS. 

Yep, tennis. 

I decided on tennis because:

1. I can't imagine my life without it,

tennis has given me so much over the past 11 years, 

and it's something that I absolutely LOVE. 

2. I would hate to have a job,

 or be in a position, 

where tennis couldn't be a large part of my life. 

3. I am currently a tennis coach in Ruston. 

It's the best job I could have ever asked for. 

I absolutely love it.

So I can't imagine going from this job, 

where I set my own hours, 

pay, 

curriculum, 

etc. 

To a 9-5 where I am just another employee. 

I think that in this stage of my life, 

tennis is the path that will offer me the most, 

opportunity, fulfillment, and enjoyment.

I don't know exactly how I want to go about making tennis my career.

Do I want to coach?

Organize leagues, or tournaments?

Work for the USTA?

Work for the ATP?

I'm not sure yet, 

but I do know that the tennis world is where I'm heading. 

Granted, all of this is still subject to change, 

graduation is still 12 months away. 

But for now tennis is what I've chosen.

I've got a few ideas, job wise. 

But who really knows, right?

Logistics.

I leave for Haiti in TEN days.
That's ridiculous.

Our team has been given some more info on what we'll actually be doing,
and where we'll be going.
So I thought I would share.

We're going through an organization called Remember the Poor.


We will be staying and working on the island of La Gonâve.

We will get to La Gonâve, by a boat like this...

We'll arrive in a town called Anse-a Galets, 

this is the most modern city on the island,

we'll buy water and supplies here.

From Anse-a-Galets, we'll travel to Boucan-la-Marre 

(I think that's how you spell it).

This village is up in the mountains, 

and here we will have electricity, showers and toilets!

And by showers, I mean, a five gallon bucket with a bowl in it....

better than nothing right?

After some time in Boucan-la-Marre 

(we don't know exactly how long),

we'll travel to Pointe-Sable. 

We have been told to expect views like this...

I'm down for that!

This village is extremely remote,

which means smelly teammates and awkward bathroom breaks!

Yippee!

We aren't sure what we'll be doing here, or how long we'll be here. 

I think we'll be doing some construction, 

a Croc drop, where we pass out Crocs to the villagers,

some VBS or kids camps, 

and who knows what else! 

This is about all I know so far,

and it's about all I will know until we actually get there. 

I won't have internet pretty much the entire time I'm there, 

so it looks like the blog is going to get a break, 

but I do plan on journaling extensively so I won't forget a thing! 

So don't worry I'll recount every detail when I get back!