There is no way for me to put into words what I am feeling. So, to the group that just […]
Well, the toughest day of the trip is almost over. The last day when we must say goodbye to the […]
Sunday, Beautiful Sunday
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. We rejoiced in it […]
We all slept in today! The first person up (on the team) was Ken about 5:45AM! We all dragged ourselves […]
A Beehive of Activity
The morning started with Martha’s wonderful porridge and then we went to devotions here on the compound with the children […]
We are a little late in posting this but thought that it is ‘ better late than never’…Don, Ken and […]
Some early morning inspirational singing by the combined Kreyol – English Choir. After that morning session, Dickie, Karen, Cathy, and […]
Another Day In Paradise
The day started quite early with Bob and Karen being interviewed on CBC radio from Gander and Cornerbrook at 05:30 […]
Hot, Hot, Hot in the Sun! ?
This morning started with devotions and the flag raising ceremony at the school. It was a joyous beginning to our […]
It started off with devotions on the compound with all staff, the youngest children who are not in school and […]
Busy, Busy, But Fun
Due to the busyness at the moment by several members of the team of sorting out beautiful handmade children’s clothes […]
A Tour In Rhyme
The trip to the citadel in Cap Haitian was organized for family. This was written by one of them today. […]
Sandra Sorry for delays with the blog BUT we have been working/playing too hard to find time to get here. Yesterday […]
After spending an extra day in Montreal due to mechanical difficulties, Air Canada blessed our entire crew of ten with […]
Team Arrives Safely
The new team arrived safely today and after a reunion with the kids and introductions all around settled in for […]
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Testimonials
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I spent a week in Haiti at HATS in November 2017 and it was a wonderful experience. Karen is an amazing woman and is doing amazing work. She is dedicated to the children in her care and is changing lives. I would love the opportunity to visit again and help out where I can.
Sandy Eastly
HATS Visitor -
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.
Isaiah Henderson
HATS Visitor -
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.
Aimee Feaver
HATS Visitor -
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!
Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter -
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.
Cherie MacDonald
HATS Visitor -
I am going to try to explain why a trip to Haiti is life-changing. No-one can be thrown into a group of people who have the common purpose of doing something for someone less fortunate and not be changed in many ways. As with those I joined in each of the first four trips I made to HATS, my respect and affection for each of the team members grows daily. To those who wonder if your donations and prayers are actually making a difference, I will answer you in this way…there are about 300 children in front of me right now and some or many of them God will use in a great way to change the future face of Haiti and its people. YOU have helped make that possible — AND THAT, FOLKS — is a fact!
Brian En
HATS Visitor -
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.
Team Canada
HATS Visitors -
It is our last day and there is always a certain amount of sadness and joy when we come to the end of a trip . We look forward to our homes and loved ones but there is a part of us that wants to stay and be near these dear dear children. They open their hearts and arms to you when you enter the front gate. They give you laughter and tears all week long and then they cry and hug you when they know you are going away. Being near that kind of unconditional love effects us all very deeply. So we leave part of our hearts here and promise to return.
Gerry Rhyno
HATS Visitor -
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.
Liette Wilson
HATS Visitor, Supporter & Board Member -
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.
Nancy Goodwin
HATS Visitor
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