Name: Kaiti Rees
Age: 22
Hometown: New Orleans, La
School: LSU
Major/Minor: Psychology/Sociology
Site/s where you have served: Wesley Rankin
Q: Why did you want to serve full-time as a PT intern?
I wanted to help raise and encourage future leaders of our community and country through Christ’s love and service. Being a positive influence in a child’s life is a priceless gift that has been shown to help kids overcome obstacles and have a positive affect, being a part of this process is extremely fun and humbling. I was blessed and taught more than I was able to bless or teach this past summer and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity and experience I gained.
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned from working with underserved children/youth?
Kids are kids. No matter how rich or poor or the color of their skin or the language they speak or anything else can separate them. And all kids need love and support from older role models to help shape them into the great and joyful person we know lies inside. The most important lesson I learned was that laughter is the greatest medicine, and love is the greatest emotion. Kids show us the joy we sometimes forget to see in our own life. Its no wonder Jesus tells us to become as a child.
Q: How has PT affected your faith journey?
PT was the first large step of faith I took in my life in terms of getting out of my comfort zone and trusting God. I had another job lined up for the summer and when it began to fall through I prayed that God’s will be done and asked him to provide a way… the next day I got an email about PT, and took one look at the website and knew that’s what God had planned for me. Going to a new state only knowing one person there was nerve-racking and being far from home for so long for the first time meant I had to rely on God in those times of need. God really showed me His presence and power this summer as prayer after prayer was answered and I made friends and was impacted so much.
Q: What is your favorite part of the Project Transformation experience?
My favorite part of PT was getting to Wesley Rankin every morning and waiting until the clock got to be about 8:50 am, and going and looking out the doors peep-hole and seeing the kids lined up outside and playing knocking games with them and feeling their anticipation and excitement to be there. Hugging every one as they came in and all throughout the day is a blessing I can’t replace. I wish all 100 were here in Baton Rouge to hug me as I head off to class in the morning. What a great way to start the day! Another favorite part of the PT experience is how close I got with some of my team members, considering each other family, and other pt interns. The friendships I have made are strong and lasting even 6 months later and I plan on having them for my whole life.
Q: What are your future vocational plans and how has PT helped to shape or clarify those plans?
My future plans are a mystery, but probably directed strongly towards missions and church leadership. I plan on going to Uganda this summer to work at an orphanage and then eventually go to Seminary to get my MDiv. I would love to lead a church in a low income area but anywhere I lead I will remain heavily involved in outreach and missions. PT helped me realize that understanding the needs of under-served and hurting people is the greatest tool we have to impact their lives for the better. Being a friend to people is the first way to impact their lives and that there are many ways I can get and be involved in service to the community.
Q: What have you learned from living with other young adults in such a diverse Christian community?
IT’S STRESSFUL! BUT AWESOME! Lving with all the other interns this summer was very stressful but in the best way. I never had to worry about being alone or lonely, and I always had to wait for the shower! I learned relationships are all about compromise and as the Bible tells us, treating others better than ourselves. Apologize if you’re in the wrong, forgive if you’re in the right, and forget about it quick. There is no time for intern drama when you’re loving on the kids. Conflict resolution is key to living with diverse people, or any people for that matter. PT throws you into a world of high energy, high emotions, highly populated awesomeness… so hang on tight and enjoy the ride.
Q: What advice would you give to a young adult who is interested in serving as a PT intern?
DO IT! Prayerfully ask God what he wants from you and how you can best serve him. If at the end of the week you have found yourself going back to PT over and over… you may be a future intern. If that’s you… get ready and get excited. Have an open and giving heart, especially for kids… and don’t forget to pack your patience and messy clothes! I would trade my life now to be back with those kids in less than a second… If you’re waiting for a sign, consider this it! Trust me, you won’t regret it.