Hello From The Oven ?
Not only hot oven but wet as well. Hot and humid it is!! With rain and flooding too. I am...
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.
Not only hot oven but wet as well. Hot and humid it is!! With rain and flooding too. I am...
Update on Haiti Haiti continues pretty much as it has been the last few months. Here is some info that...
We are wondering if this year we might get a short (week or two) break from the rain, as happens...
Just a note to let you know that Ti Luc is better and Brazil is still winning – in case...
My days are all hectically full and so I try to blog in the evening just before bed. On the...
Hello everyone. Not a good time to need something urgent done. Very difficult to keep workers on the job. A...
Hello to all followers of the HATS blog, thanks for doing so, and for your comments on the blog and/or...
Haitians call soccer football. They really love the sport. They are basically for one of two teams – Brazil or...
Not much news. I just want to get in touch. All kids love to play and mine are certainly no...
I promised on today’s blog to post photos of the moving of the four 1000 gallon water tanks from the...
That, most likely, will be the story of HATS for the next 4-5 months. Along with that we have construction...
Heat, High Humidity, Heavy Rain. Day after day. Don’t you want to come down?? Our construction project – the water...
Here is some information on Haiti at present. Most of this is from my friend in PAP and the info is...
Too long again between blog postings. I agree. Thank you for contacting me and reminding me you are missing the...
Saturday – An extremely busy day!!!! Thank you, God, it finally happened. The cement roof was poured on the water tower...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
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.
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.
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.
Amazing organization! Had the pleasure of visiting twice, and can’t wait to go back again someday. God is doing some wonderful things at HATS!
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.
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!
I’m not sure what we’re doing here, just showing up for a week – it’s not like it’s sustainable. And I don’t want to become depressed by some of the harsh realities that Karen has to deal with every day. You know it’s ONE thing to start an orphanage and school (Yes, Karen has done things that are beeeeyond me), but it’s ANOTHER thing to raise the 20 babies that become YOUR kids!!! Not only are they a big family, but they are a big family containing individual stories that got them all to where they are in the orphanage. I don’t even know how to describe it…I have never seen a woman her age with this much energy…fun loving energy that is. She so inspired me today and really is a wonderful mother to all these children.
We’ve made a difference, I believe. Big stuff, little stuff; it all contributed to the greater good and that big picture: keeping HATS a surviving and thriving, safe haven for the children of Deschapelles, Haiti. And oh my, what children they are. As expected, it was tough to leave. There were tears, whispers, hugs and I’ll miss you’s. I learned that it gets easier (only a bit) for those who’ve done this a few times. As Bob says “I’m part of the furniture now. I don’t say ‘goodbye’, I say ‘see you later’.” Maybe that’s how you cope with leaving…you return. Once, five times, 10 times. However many. Guaranteed you’ll leave a different person than when you came in.
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!
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