Easter Weekend and Birthdays

April 8, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

Hello again from Karen and gang at HATS. I wrote a short blog to go up on Monday but obviously my computer did not send it properly. Another attempt here.

Saturday of Easter weekend saw me rushing to the hospital with Mirlande. Most of you know that Mirlande has vision in only one eye. On Saturday, JJ, who was supposed to be washing a pot decided to rub Mirlande’s one good eye with dirty wet steel wool. Her eye felt like there were still bits in it for a few days and the light caused it to hurt. It was covered for two days. Not easy to get around with no vision in one eye and the other one covered. Thank God now the eye has recovered. Going to the hospital means a long wait always, but going on Easter Saturday meant a longer wait. Not fun.

Please pray for JJ. He is always in trouble and likes to hurt people, especially Mirlande. Even if you see him do something he will stand before you and swear that he did not do it. When a confession eventually comes he has no remorse. It seems to mean nothing to him. He just does something else shortly after.

Mirlande with her good eye covered

Easter Sunday saw us have a short service in our room at the school. All who attended left with a sandwich and bag of goodies. Sunday afternoon I introduced my kids to the idea of an Easter Egg hunt but due to the heat, no chocolate in the yard. That had to be kept in the fridge until after. I hid candy of many various types around the compound – between the children’s home and mine. The kids had a blast. Vladimy took Ti Luc around to find some and at the same time Vladimy found some for Judel who was sleeping. If Judel had been awake Mama Karen would have needed to help Ti Luc hunt, because Judel would not have been willing to share Vladimy, who he adores, with Ti Luc. Vladimy is great with Judel which is a big help to Antoinette, the house mother.

Holding the results of the candy hunt

Enjoying the Easter candy

Yesterday we celebrated birthdays for Mirlande and Leica. We had a fun party that started in the yard but moved into the house at dark. I am including a photo of the birthday girls with TiFi. Those of you who know TiFi take a look at her. She is doing very well since Antoinette took over as housemother. She has gained a lot of necessary weight. She is moving around much easier. She is starting to say a few words. She is starting to let us know when she needs the toilet. And best of all she is happy all the time. She is relaxed because she knows she is loved, accepted and treated well all the time. Thank you, Lord, for what is happening there.

Gift opening

Two birthday girls with TiFi

Ti Luc continues to move around on his feet quite well. Yesterday I saw him walking around and kicking the soccer ball four times without falling. Too, I am happy to report he is starting to use his hands a lot. His newest thing is taking his clean clothes, one item at a time, carrying them into the laundry room, lifting his hand and throwing the clothing into the washing machine. Seeing this is thrilling to this mama.

Today I had a visit from Jane Hogan from Steady Brook, Newfoundland and a gentleman named David from the US. Jane and David are in Haiti, with some others, to do some assessment work on how they might be able to help with some reconstruction so badly needed here. Their time in Haiti is short so I did not think Jane would be able to come my way. But come she did. She and David actually were driven from Port au Prince to this mission site in a hired TapTap. It was good to be able to show them around and to share with them what HATS is trying to do in this area, and for them to see the present and proposed construction work. I had explaineld to Ti Luc that Jane was coming and we would come see him and the other kids at the school. We walked into the preschool class and I heard a yell of excitement from Ti Luc. He stood up from his school desk, and walked directly to Jane and hugged her in welcome. It was precious. Sorry no cameras were on at that time. Jane and David enjoyed some time with the kids while here. Then began the long drive back to Pap. Thank you, Jane, for working it out to come and see me. Thank you, David, for coming with her.

Jane, David & kids

Work continues on the water tower. The construction crew had a couple of needed days off over Easter weekend, but have been diligently at it again since Tuesday. The days off were good for them and actually also good for me. Now they are in the painstaking stage of preparation work for pouring the roof. Luckner wants to see the roof poured this weekend. We will see.

Jane, David & Water Tower work

~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

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
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
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.

Crystal Young
HATS Visitor
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
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!

Bernie Melanson
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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.

Matthew Sketchley
HATS Visitor
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
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.

Sara-May Cardy
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