Haiti
Everyone has heard about the devastating earthquake in the Southwest of Haiti. It is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and extremely painful...
Karen Huxter, the founder and Director of Hands Across the Sea, was born in Springdale, Newfoundland and is proud of her Newfie roots and heritage. She lived in various places across Canada such as Quebec, the Yukon, Ontario, Alberta and BC before moving to Haiti in 1995. In her professional career, Karen worked in teaching, banking and administration and did extensive volunteer work with community groups and charities. A mother of two grown daughters, one young adopted son and seven grandchildren, Karen is energetic and passionate about the work in Haiti. She loves each of the children and has a heart of compassion for children, women and families in the country of Haiti.
Everyone has heard about the devastating earthquake in the Southwest of Haiti. It is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and extremely painful...
This memories blog will consist mostly of photos of Haiti. My eyes are wet as I post these photos, the...
A friend from Springdale NL, Cavell Simms, wrote a poem for me 24 years ago, after I had been living...
Haitian-Canadian teenager goes sightseeing in North America’s oldest city. In early February 2021, Luc and his mom drove from Springdale...
Congratulations Jean Jacques (JJ) JJ age 19, my eldest at the HATS mission, graduated grade 13 at our school, IMKH,...
This week’s blog is a ‘Flashback’ of almost six years ago. Blog was written by brother, Don, after 9-year-old Luc...
Our children are all well. These very recent photos will attest to that. Jonathan Dickieson Sandra helping prepare spices for...
Many of you have been waiting and watching for some word from Hands Across the Sea-Haiti. I must ignore my...
HATS-Haiti’s school IMKH is very active. Our school started again in August, but not for the new school year 2020-2021....
Greetings everyone, I decided to again post a blog I wrote 5 1/2 years ago, when I had been in...
Check out this wonderful article posted on the Cape Breton Post on September 16th, 2020: Cape Breton teen’s delicious cupcakes...
Missing my life in Haiti and my children I started going through some photos. Not having blogged for awhile I...
Hello again. This is the fourth and last blog about the precious children at HATS-Haiti that I love and miss. ...
Introduction to/update on, four more children greatly loved and deeply missed by Mama Karen. Karena Mariah Pierre Karena 11 1/2,...
Now to tell you a little about four more awesome children Mama Karen loves and misses a great deal. Dieunel...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
We have so enjoyed our time here. The work we have done has been fulfilling, the fellowship has been memorable and our hearts are forever impacted by the sweet, sweet children. A piece of HATS will always stay with each of us and who knows, maybe a few will return!
I am so thankful to God for allowing me the opportunity to be here and experience his splendor. This day will forever be in my heart and mind. The scripture that resonates with me today is “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40. I am so happy I decided to come to HATS, this experience will stay with me for my life time.
This is my first time traveling outside of Canada and I am proud to say it was for a mission trip. I have always wanted to go on one and see what it like in other parts of the world and do what I can to help out. Haiti is a terminus life change for me and how I look at things. Seeing these kids and how they have such a passion for each other and for us is truly inspiring. I look back to what I was like at that age and I don’t think I was half as kind or generous as they are. This morning we did devotions and as I was speaking about what an impact they had on me only in one day I started to tear up…it was very emotional to talk about.
It’s going to be impossible to put my thoughts into words about this experience, so I’d say this – if you can get here – do. I think most people probably think they’re coming to help others. To some extent, that’s true (at least this temporary blogger thought so). To a larger extent, you’ll leave Haiti a better person than when you arrived. Nelson Mandela once said something like “Everywhere I go, I wear you”. It means that none of us is our own person entirely. Rather, we’re the culmination of the people and experiences we have had. I leave Haiti wearing 16 HATS children, 10(ish) Haitian staff members, a Calgarian, 2 Winnipegian’s, and a Newfie. And I couldn’t be happier about it. Until we meet again my friends.
A huge thank you to aunt Karen, who always seems to be doing something with her children and the HATS mission. The only time she takes for herself is long enough to spread some almond butter on a banana that she eats on the run. Thank you so much for all your hard work and unwavering dedication. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and so many others. We love you and our Haitian family very much. The longer I spend at HATS, the bigger piece of my heart remains. Take care of yourself and our kiddies until we see each other again.
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!
Thank you Karen for everything you do, all the hard work and dedication that you put into this place, all of the work behind the scenes. Thank you for putting up with all the craziness that we bring when we come to your house for the week, just thank you times a million and one for everything Karen. I can write about my week until I am blue in the face (maybe not write that long but if you know me I can definitely talk for that long), and can sing about kit kat bars until my voice gives out, but I cannot even begin to try and articulate in song, dance, or other random art forms how thankful and blessed I am to have been given this experience not only once but twice! Thank you – thank you – thank you – thank you!!!!!!!
One thing that has impacted me on this trip is seeing the children and all the dedication in this orphanage. There is so much going on behind the scenes to keep the HATS orphanage and school running.
This morning, we woke up as the sun came up and as we all began to trickle downstairs; we were met with warm welcomes from the precious children. As the children arrived, we were deeply touched and came to the realization of how important the HATS organization is to this country. Many children who would not have had any opportunities are now well nourished, educated and have a loving home and a mother who loves them more than we could ever comprehend, Karen Huxter.
I am so thankful to Jesus for the opportunity to serve at HATS and to finally experience the great work that God is doing there. I look forward to seeing them all again when I visit next time.
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