Pray for a Behaviour Change

April 11, 2010 Posted by Tim Newell

Another ‘Never a dull moment’ day at HATS.

It started with an early morning call from the orphanage house mother, Antoinette, about a problem. All I heard was JJ and I told her I would be right down. No point wasting time and money on the phone when JJ is involved. This time he decided to dump lots of sand in the sink where they wash dishes and wash it down the drain, knowing full well it would block the water draining system here again. Thus, a boy named JJ was in trouble with his mama this morning. Help, Lord. Please pray for Antoinette and for me as we work with JJ and try to help him see that his behaviour must change. A big problem is that the former housemother allowed him to do anything and everything.

Now picture this. Walking nonchanlantly through your living room and glass exploding with a very loud noise all over the room and over you. And the explosion sounding like a gunshot. Maybe in Canada it would not sound like a gunshot but in Haiti, well…

I purchased a new stove 12 days ago in Port au Prince, after dropping Bob and the group off at the airport. It has not yet been used. Actually it has been sitting in the living room since then because something that was needed to hook it up did not come home with us. It still has tape on it. The stove came with an attached glass cover that can be lifted up for use and put back down when the stove is not in use. There was nothing on it or near it. As I walked past it the explosion happened. To say I was startled would be putting it mildly. I was scared half to death. The shattered glass covered me and the floor – from the front door to the kitchen door. What a mess. Luckner came right away as he was with me when it was purchased and I needed him to witness it before anything was touched. We took photos to show the store where I bought it. Couldn’t get them on the phone today but hopefully we will on Monday. Now this is Haiti. Will they do anything about it?? We certainly hope so.

New Stove after glass top exploded

Glass top exploded everywhere

The last of the rebar work was finished this morning for the pouring of the roof on the water tower. The plan is to pour the cement roof on Monday. Luckner has been trying to book the cement mixer. While that is drying the work will move back down to the new house to do the floors. Lots more to get done but we need to get these two projects finished first.

The children are doing well. Ti Fi is like a different child with Antoinette as housemother. She is enjoying life and doing everything the other kids do. She knows she is accepted and loved. The need of every child!!! She is saying a few more words than just Mama now and has actually indicated she needs the bathroom. Those who have been to HATS will know what an awesome thing this is.

Ti Fi & Antoinette

Ti Luc continues to do very well. He is on his feet all the time, never sitting anymore, which makes things more difficult for me, but I would never have it any other way. He sat for far too long and now is making up for lost time. He stands and playfights with the kids and with me. He kicks the ball easily and keeps his balance. He knows if he is going to lose his balance and he tries to reach a wall or furniture that can support him while he regains it. When he falls he laughs and says Oopsy. I had the kids playing musical chairs in the yard this week and Ti Luc and Ti Fi played too. What joy it was for me to watch these two walking around to the music, giggling and trying to find a chair. Falling on the grass meant nothing to Ti Luc. But joining in the game meant the world. It was a first for him.

Ti Luc & Leica

The kids are doing a little studying this weekend as exams start at our school on Monday. Wonder what their report cards will show this time.

Thanks again for everything to all of you, from all of us. Until next time.

~Karen

About Tim Newell

Tim Newell has been involved with HATS since 2009 when he went on his first visit to Haiti after hearing of the devastation from hurricanes in the area. Wanting to do something, his wife challenged him by asking, “What is stopping you?” That challenge led to his first incredible experience in Haiti, followed by another visit in 2010 with his wife Heidi & their three children. They were in Haiti during the earthquake but were thankfully protected throughout that experience. Tim has worked in Information Technology and computer security for the past twenty years. He lives in Nova Scotia and currently serves as Board President.

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Testimonials

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
This week has been amazing – one of the best weeks of my life thus far, hands down. I can’t really think of any other experience in my life that can even come close to comparing to this. Though my visit here was short (too short), it has been incredibly eye-opening, and life changing. I will never forget the people I have met here, or the things I’ve gotten to experience! Most of all, I would like to say how remarkable it is to see first-hand the amazing work God is doing here. I am behind this ministry 100%, and will continue to support it. I am so, so blessed to have been given the opportunity to come here, and I am REALLY not looking forward to saying goodbye to the children tonight. My heart sinks just thinking about it. There’s no doubt that they’ve had a bigger impact on my life than I’ve had on theirs. I will be leaving a big piece of my heart with these people and this country. God bless.

Jess Buckle
HATS Visitor
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!

Ashley Withrow, Nicki White & Deborah Gilbert
HATS Visitors
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!

Jess MacDonald
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
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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