My Hopes, Dreams & Prayers Answered
There is no way for me to put into words what I am feeling. So, to the group that just...
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.
There is no way for me to put into words what I am feeling. So, to the group that just...
Some early morning inspirational singing by the combined Kreyol – English Choir. After that morning session, Dickie, Karen, Cathy, and...
Due to the busyness at the moment by several members of the team of sorting out beautiful handmade children’s clothes...
The new team arrived safely today and after a reunion with the kids and introductions all around settled in for...
They did not make it today. The family and friends workteam scheduled to arrive in PAP this afternoon did not make...
I’ve tried several times today to put some of my thoughts and memories into words but have not been able...
I am hoping and praying that 2011 is a much less stressful year than 2010 was. With the strength of...
Christmas Day and Magalie’s wedding have come and gone but the work onsite continues. The men returned on Dec. 23rd...
Haitians celebrate Christmas the evening of 24th. This year I pushed for the 25th but I was out voted again....
May the love of Christ surround you as you celebrate his birth with those around you. Jesus truly is the...
I said more trouble lay ahead for Haiti and it has arrived. This year, an earthquake, a hurricane, Cholera, and...
Haiti certainly is troubled. What a horrible year 2010 has been thus far, and more trouble is on the horizon...
And life goes on in Haiti, but, at a slower pace due to demonstrations – road blocks, rock throwing, shooting,...
It was with joy we received the latest of HATS many workteams who come to help – volunteering their time...
I am asking for prayer support for Liette, and her team, to be able to arrive in Haiti tomorrow with...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
Culture shock for this Canadian team at first, but a ride through busy, vibrant streets proved terrifically interesting; busy markets, vendors selling exotic fruits, clothing and shoes, used tires and rusty metal… and then the gorgeous countryside: banana plants, mangoes, cows and goats and pigs and dogs, the Golfe de La Gonave by our side. Rice patties indicated we were close to our home for the next week. We were greeted by Magalie, a house mother, with hugs for all and, of course, the children themselves, so gorgeous and endearing. A beautiful meal was followed by a sharing of impressions: there is a lot of poverty but so much potential and hope. We are already in love with Haiti.
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!
It’s my hope that I manage to touch their hearts in some small way, the way that they have touched mine – in a major way.
The time has passed so quickly. We know what we’ve done this week is important and makes a difference here at Hands Across the Sea. But it’s easy in Haiti to feel that anything we do here is simply a drop in the ocean. So much need on so many different levels: political, organizational, educational, social, spiritual…But we remind ourselves that each individual life is of infinite value so changing the life of one child and one family is worth the effort.
This is my first trip to Haiti and I’m hoping that it will not be my last! I could start by telling you all about my experiences however I’ll start by saying that Haiti DOES hit you in your heart! Not a day goes by when I’m not fighting back tears. Hands Across the Sea is an amazing place! Our team has been assembled of different men that all who all felt God calling them to do his bidding. Since I have been here I was quick to realize that we are just helpers here. Karen and her team of workers are, what I believe to be, the real workers of God! Each child presents their own challenges and Karen and her staff make sure that all of the children, not one child, are seen to!
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.
I had anticipated that I would enjoy spending time getting to know the children and being a part of Karen’s daily life in Haiti but I had not anticipated that it would capture my heart like it did. I will miss spending time with the children and Karen but I am hopeful that I’ll be able to see them all again in the not too distant future.
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.
Personally, this is my first time here. I’ve never done a mission trip of any sort before and I’ve certainly never been anywhere this hot before. I keep seeing things that are different from what I’m used to, and hearing about things even more unfamiliar to me. One of the most surprising things to meis how quickly I’ve grown to love all the people here. Everyone here is great, and the team is wonderful too. Watching everyone support each other warms my heart almost as much as the sun warms my skin. I’ve learned a lot from this experience, and I know that this trip has already had a profound impact on my life.
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.
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