Working out with Cathe in Haiti

MelanieC

MelanieC

Cathlete
Hi Cathe,

My husband & I have been living in Haiti for 3 years now. I decided in October 2006 that I needed to get in better shape to endure here (lots of walking, and lots of mountains!).

When I found out about your DVDs, I was really excited to try them since I needed something challenging & interesting. Needless to say, I'm hooked. You are an excellent instructor, and a great source of encouragement. Your workouts always keep me wanting to work harder and reach new goals. I also love the music on many of the workouts - sometimes I catch my husband humming one of the tunes that he heard me working out to earlier in the day! Drives him nuts, but I think its hilarious.

My first set of dumbells were rocks! I know, sounds crazy but there is no way to get weights here, and I was desperate. I managed to bring some down with me on the plane (including a barbell!!) on one of my trips home.

I just went home for a visit and was so thrilled trying on new clothes. I didn't realize how much my body has changed - I've lost 50 pounds since October 2006, and have noticed a real change in my muscle definition & tone.

My friends here in Haiti think there is something wrong with me deliberately trying to lose weight - they like a woman with lots of meat on her bones. But, I haven't felt this great physically in a long time & I know it will help me to make it last here despite many physical challenges.

So thanks Cathe! You probably have fans all over the place you wouldn't even think about! You're a great inspiration & you keep me going. Keep up the great work.

Melanie
 
Wow, you are truly amazing--50 pounds!! Holy cow!

It's so great to hear that people all the way over in Haiti enjoy Cathe as much as we do here in the US. Cathe really is making the world a more fit, healthy, happier, stronger place single-handedly!!

ETA: Not single-handedly, excuse me. She has an amazing staff and crew! If even one of those people weren't a part of this, we'd be worse off! Thanks to everyone!
 
Hi, I'm just curious where you are in Haiti and what took you there? I spent a couple weeks on a youth mission trip there way back in '91 (I feel old now). We were in Port du Paix (if I spelled that right) most of the time, but also stayed a few days on top of a mountain and a couple days in Port-au-Prince. It was quite an eye-opening trip for a 16-year old girl who grew up in Texas.

[font face="comic sans ms" font color=teal]***Lainie***

http://web.mac.com/lainiefig/iWeb/Site/Exercise/Exercise.html

"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself." -- Mark Twain[/font]
 
Melanie,

Congratulations on your body transfermation. It takes a lot of work to do that.

My doctor son went to Haiti to medically attend to a lot of people. He showed us pictures and I must say my heart sank from all the poor that is there. The Island is so beautiful, I can't understand why it couldn't be cleaned up and make it a tourist attraction. There could be scuba diving, boat rides, Island hopping all the tropical stuff that other Islanders enjoy. Why couldn't there be fine dinning, fabulous hotels, etc.? 50 miles away from Florida (guessing) and you would think something could be done over there to help those people.

Why are you there? To help no doubt. Please let me know, I'm curious and nosey. I would love to hear your story.

Very intrigued,

Janie

The idea is to die young as late as possible
 
Hi Lainie,

We're living in the south of Haiti in a small town called Camp Perrin. Its not near any beaches, but in the mountains which makes for relatively cooler weather. It is very different from Port-Au-Prince, and feels like we are in another country. In fact, they call Camp Perrin "a little place apart".

We're really busy doing missionary work here, which involves many things, one of which is teaching people how to read & write.

I agree that coming here is very eye-opening. It really has changed my perspective on what is important in life.

Despite all the problems and poverty here, many people are so lovely, welcoming and hospitable. It always amazes me that the poorest people are the most giving.

Thanks for the interest! Sorry if it takes a while to respond to e-mails because we don't always have power or internet connection.

Melanie
 
Hi Janie,

When my husband & I first came to visit Haiti in 2002 I really had no intentions of coming back. My husband loved it, but I didn't think any sane person would move here. It is a third-world country, which as you mentioned is so hard to believe considering how close Haiti is to the US. But, we had friends here who were always e-mailing us their amazing stories of helping people here that it made us think about what we're doing with our lives. We are young, so why not do something we think is worthwhile when we have the health to do so.

Haiti used to be a tourist attraction I believe in the 50s, and used to have a Club Med and other resorts. But the political situation here is so unstable and there has been so much violence in the past, that I don't believe people would be too keen on coming here for a holiday.

This country and its people have been through the wringer - it will take more than money to fix the problems here. Which is why we're here, and trying our best to help one person at a time and give them hope. Honestly, what we can do here is very limited, but we enjoy our work and love the friends we have made.

Just as a little side point, there is nothing more beautiful than swimming in the ocean, surrounded by mountains and untouched land - and then enjoying a lobster dinner with beer for $6!

Melanie
 
Melanie, I tried to P/M you. I have a SIL that's from Haiti. I'd like to chat with you. P/M me if you have a chance.

Jennie

~Straighten out, fly right~

Cathe Friedrich
 
Jennie,

Your saying at the end of your name "Straighten out, fly right"

That is from Nat King Cole and the King Cole Trio "Straighten up and Fly Right". It's a fantastic album. Cathe sure does know her stuff, doesn't she? Very classic man he was.

Now I'm gong to have to listen to it all day. Just love this album.

Janie

The idea is to die young as late as possible
 
Janie, I didn't realize that was from a song. I just love when she says it during SB.

Jennie

~Straighten out, fly right~

Cathe Friedrich
 
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