I’m Going to Haiti…

By: Christa Pettis

There I sat on Tuesday, January 12th in the security of my home, watching the devastation unfold in Haiti. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake, it was incomprehensible and incredibly difficult to sit there, doing nothing. Within days I gave what I could but I still didn’t feel satisfied. Given the enormity of the situation, my money just didn’t seem like enough.

So as an able-bodied person who has been so incredibly blessed and as part of the African diaspora, I felt compelled to do more for a country that has suffered so much–to make a more tangible contribution. By the time this is published I will be in on the ground of Leogane, Haiti, the earthquake’s epicenter. Over the course of two weeks, I will participate in rubble removal and rebuilding projects throughout Leogane.

Although Iʼve traveled abroad and volunteered extensively, Project Leogane will mark my first volunteer abroad experience. It will also be my first time performing disaster relief work. While Iʼm excited about this opportunity to help the Haitian people, I am also nervous about what I will encounter. I expect I will be changed from this experience, my hope is that I can do my bit to also bring change.

Christa will be in Haiti for 2 weeks

Follow me as I document my experience with a journal and photographs. Iʼll share both with New Naturalista upon my return and hopefully I will inspire you to do what you can.

Christa Pettis works in marketing and advertising. She currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri. For more on the group Christa is volunteering through go to Hands on Disaster Response.