Water Tanks Must be Moved

January 21, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

At 6:00 a.m. this morning the earth moved again. Another after shock – 6.1 is what they are saying. All I know is that it was scary after what happened last week. Is it ever going to end??

I had to take Serlande back to the hospital at 1:30 a.m.this morning. She was very ill. Odner was on duty so he went with Cecile and I. They admitted her again and Cecile stayed with her. I ran back and forth to the compound, with Odner, to get things she needed. I was not happy about Odner not being on the compound with the children, but it was not safe for me to be out driving alone in the middle of the night. What a dilemma!

I could not leave Ti Luc by himself, in the yard in our mosquito tent, so got Sabine up to stay there with him. When I arrived home at 4:30 a.m. I decided to go to the office and work, instead of looking for a place to lie down. At 5:30 a.m. after falling asleep at the computer, I decided to lie on the swing sofa for awhile. I was lying perfectly still, no movement at all. All of a sudden the sofa started swinging back and forth by itself. I jumped up and found the floor moving and house shaking . I could hear Odner outside my house yelling for me to come out. By the time I got out things had calmed. Odner then informed me that he had watched the top level of my house – water tower level – swaying back and forth, just as it had done with the quake a week ago. It really scared him.

The top level with the tanks must be removed. It is too dangerous.

Today, I decided that the most important project at the moment is to get the water tanks off the top of my house. That level has to come down. This morning’s swaying has done more damage. I have decided to start construction tomorrow on a place for the tanks just behind the fence at the back of my house. Men will be coming to start digging out for the foundation tomorrow morning. This cannot wait!!! It will have a good foundation and will be constructed with LOTS of rebar. My house is not safe with those tanks up there.

Tomorrow is going to be an extremely busy day here onsite. It is the day to pour the cement roof on the new construction project the group from Canada were working on.. The compound will be filled with people tomorrow. They will be busy as beavers working on their dam.

The bank in St. Marc might open again tomorrow. I know that after being closed since the quake that the line ups will be atrocious,. I plan to leave here at 7:00 and head to St. Marc in hopes of getting in the line before it gets toooooooo long. If it is as bad as I expect it to be, I will not be hanging around for money. Apparently, there is a daily limit, $2,500.00, that a person can withdraw.

I am very overtired. I am falling asleep at the computer again. I am off to bed in the yard with Ti Luc. I will be hoping and praying that I get up to solid earth beneath my feet tomorrow morning.

~Karen

About Karen Huxter

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.

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Testimonials

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
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
They call Karen “the helicopter ” and after spending three days by her side I know why. She propels through life!!! If you want to get on the ride you better start running. It is an amazing work that the Lord is doing here through so many many dedicated workers…literally hundreds of children impacted every day with the love of Christ…but the task to do so is enormous. The dedication of staff is invaluable…they NEED US ALL!!

Barbara & Louis
HATS Visitors
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!

Yvette Calderwood
HATS Visitor
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.

Nicole Boudreau & Marcia Muise
HATS Visitors
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
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.

Jocelyn Barnes
HATS Visitor
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!!!!!!!

Kathleen
HATS Visitor
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.

Rick
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter