Big Rock Candy Mountain
Hey, it’s Seth and it’s my turn to blog again. I’ll start out by saying we haven’t forgotten about you...
Hey, it’s Seth and it’s my turn to blog again. I’ll start out by saying we haven’t forgotten about you...
Baby Sandra is doing well here at home with us. She is keeping us even busier but she is worth...
She is finally here with us. She came home from the hospital today around noon after spending 15 days there....
We are doing well. The children continue with their schooling, tutoring, and having fun. Precious little baby Sandra is still...
This blog is to introduce you to Baby Sandra and to ask for prayer for her. Sandra joined our family...
Hello all, Jessie Here. I hope you all are in for the long haul, because this is going to be one...
Noise, noise, noise at the administration building/Karen’s living accommodations. But the noise is for a good reason. Bang, bang, bang...
After sending off the last blog and then reading it again ourselves, we decided that we should ask for some...
So Jess and I have been in Haiti for exactly a month now! It sure doesn’t seem like that long!...
Since HATS-Haiti is “ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN” it is time for me to get back to blogging about my children....
Some things just don’t change – at least not yet. Work, work, work, busy, busy, busy and then for a...
As the sun goes down on yet another day here at HATS, I am not going to lie, I am...
Sorry about no blog for a few days folks but we have been a ‘little bit busy’. Getting the last...
Hey everyone, it’s Seth, which is also the reason the blog hasn’t been written in almost a week because I’ve...
Hello again from the fast acting, fast moving, fast changing mission of HATS. Never a dull moment. Never without lots...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
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!
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.
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.
I have absolutely loved the Haitian people and Haiti the three times I have been there. I go to bless them, only to be blessed myself!
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!
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!
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!
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.
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.
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