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NYRed Bulls Postcards from Haiti: Jozy's Altidore Heritage

By Jozy Altidore / New York Red Bulls Forward

First off, I want to thank all the guys who came along on this trip, especially the ones who weren't of Haitian descent, to really see what Haiti is all about.

And a big thank you goes to Yele Haiti and Clef for putting this all together and taking care of us while we are down here.

For me, I had the luxury of coming to Haiti twice before in my life, but I still haven't gotten used to what you see here- from little kids with big stomachs bulging out because of worms to elderly women carrying heavy bags on their heads. Because I was a younger during my previous visits, I was especially excited to come this time because I have matured a little more and understand more the realities of life in Haiti. I have really appreciated what we have back in the US after seeing how hard the people have it here.

I have been real happy to be involved in every activity we have participated in, from being present to the food distribution in Lasserre to all the soccer clinics we put on. I think our activities touched each and every kid's heart. For them, joy comes from the smallest things and having us there was a real treat for them.

Especially at L'Athletique, you could see the faces of the kids light up when we spoke to them and played with them. It was such a tremendous feeling being able to put a smile on their faces. It was great to meet the future of the country and play soccer with them and see how talented they really are. The response we got from the kids after we were introduced was overwhelming. And once they found out Jerrod and I were two young Haitians doing well, they went nuts. It really meant a lot to me to know they were so proud to see us even though they have never spoken to or met us before.

My parents have always said how hard it was for them to come from Haiti to the United States and do what they were doing now. They both emigrated from Haiti in their 20s, both not knowing any English and knowing only one person in the US. Now, my parents both have successful careers, my dad with FedEx and my mom as a nurse. When I saw in person the slums, the tin rooftops and the way people were living I asked myself "how did my parents do it? How did they make it to the US under these circumstances?" For them to make it, I think it is amazing and I am so proud to have them as my parents. To know completely how they did it, it is something I will appreciate and be proud of every day.

Most people don't know what the majority of Haitians are like and their perceptions are formed by what they read about in the newspaper and see on television. The reality is that Haitians are proud, unbelievably happy and friendly and that certainly has been evident here during the week. I was glad to have Craig, Seth and Tosi to come out here with Jerrod and I, because the problem with most people is that they assume Haiti is lawless warzone and a terrible place to come to. I know, and hopefully they now know, that isn't the case at all.

All in all, it has been quite a memorable trip for me. It has been a great experience and I look forward to visiting Haiti again in the future and helping out my people. I hope that some of you all will come to.

- Jozy