Rising Temperatures and Dropping Energy Levels

April 30, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

Another week gone. Is it really a week since I blogged?? Yikes. As the days and weeks pass the temperatures and humidity levels rise, and energy levels drop. A shower makes one feel good for a few minutes.

Still no roof poured on the water tower. This is Haiti. Still no size 10 blocks that are needed to pour the roof, despite Luckner’s finally asking for them to be specially made which would cost more. Promises were given. But . . . . .

No roof blocks. No gas. Extreme shortages on lots of other things we need. It does not make things easy. It, however, does test a person to see how much patience and understanding one has. Things not available. A continuing rise in prices. The old supply and demand is very obvious.

While waiting for supplies to finish the water tower building work is progressing on the changes to the present Children’s Home. Walls are coming down and walls are going up. What used to be the gallery has been closed in to be used as a bedroom. What was the girls’ room is opened up and is becoming the gallery. The entrance to the house now opens into the centre of the yard, towards this house. The living room on that house has always been dark and hot. We are giving it two very large windows for light and air flow. We plan chnages, too, to the little room they use for a kitchen. Hopefully when we are finished it will be much more comfortable for the children and the workers. When these changes near completion we will be starting the foundation for the boys home.

Taking Down Walls

Putting up New Walls

Ti Luc has been ill since Monday – very high fever and diarrhea. Tuesday night around midnight saw us going to the hospital with him as his fever spiked to 41.8. He was very ill. Sure enough they had meds that helped bring it down to a tolerable level quickly. Back home after a couple of hours and back to almost constant bathing. Today, Friday, our wonderful boy is doing much better. No meds have been needed today. He is looking and acting normally. Thank you, God. Yesterday, Gwo Luckner, as Ti Luckner tells people his name is, spent some time with him. When he was leaving Ti Luc draped himself over his shoulder and said “Okay, Papa, let’s go. Take me with you.”

Take me Papa

We thank God that all the other kids are well too. They are quite excited about the changes to their house. This morning I found little Judel standing inside the house by himself, with eyes like saucers, watching the men work. When they started breaking a wall to the boys room he let out a wail (that only Judel can do). He was quite upset because they were breaking his room. After being held by Mama Karen, and having it explained, he was quite okay. Then he started running back and forth watching it all even more.

I am going to add a few photos of my kids and will endeavour to do so each time I blog. After all, it is ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN.

Josie – deep in thought

Leica

Mirlande

Teary-Eyed Ismyis

Thank you to all the followers of this blog. May God richly bless each and every one of you.

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

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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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