Still Getting Hotter…Yikes!

May 6, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

Hot and hotter. Humid and more humid. Yikes.

It is 7:00 a.m. and my body is soaked. My hair and clothes give the idea I showered after getting dressed. The idea of feeling dry and comfortable for a few minutes today has gone out the window.

Our kids continue to enjoy being involved in our little Sunday morning service. Sunday past saw Mirlande lead the service. Ti Fi, who is enjoying being involved with things these days, decided to help Mirlande with the leading. That was beautiful to see. Leica helped with the flannel graph for the story and some of the HATS kids sang for us. A family affair.

TiFi helping Mirlande lead service

Leica & flannel board

HATS kids singing in church

Walking & carrying

Ti Luc has recovered from his raging fever of four days. He is once again walking all over the house and trying to carry things as well. It is joy to my soul to see him not only walking but using his hands more as well. He likes to walk and carry things. If doing so he calls out to me “Mama, gade m.” “Mama, look at me.” Typical kid, right!!! Too, like any other kid he does not like to go to bed – never ever tired. Yeah, right.!! Since he has been my office assistant I think I’ve been allowing him to work like his mama – too late at night.

Ti Luc sound asleep

Someone asked me a few years ago if, in one sentence, I could give something about life in Haiti that stands out to me. I responded with “Hurry up and wait.”:

Still no # 10 roof blocks for the water tower to enable us to pour the cement roof. ‘Hurry up and wait.’ We, however, have been promised to have some from an area around St. Marc by Friday. Promises were made in the past so…

In the meantime work is progressing on the Children’s Home. We have decided to give the children a lot more light and air flow. They had been living in two much darkness for too long. Instead of the special block windows for safety, that are used a lot here, we are putting screen with rebar outside.

Work continuing on Kid’s Home

Luckner was in touch with someone in this valley awhile back who makes windows like those in this house. The person was supposed to come and give us a quote to do the windows in the new house. Yeah, well, … ‘Hurry up and wait.’

I started this shortly before 7:00 this morning. It has been a very busy day so now at 6:00 p.m. I am just finishing it. My body, hair and clothes are even wetter than this morning. Is that possible?? Yes, indeed! No point in showering yet. Guess I will go and play with my kids for awhile and get even wetter.

Shorts are too big, Judel

Be blessed.

~Karen & kids

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

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
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
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
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
It is our last day and there is always a certain amount of sadness and joy when we come to the end of a trip . We look forward to our homes and loved ones but there is a part of us that wants to stay and be near these dear dear children. They open their hearts and arms to you when you enter the front gate. They give you laughter and tears all week long and then they cry and hug you when they know you are going away. Being near that kind of unconditional love effects us all very deeply. So we leave part of our hearts here and promise to return.

Gerry Rhyno
HATS Visitor
I have learned much about Haiti in my short stay here, much about generational, entrenched poverty, and much about hope. We can only be part of the bringing of hope if we become one small actor on the huge stage that is poverty. Thank you, Lynn Clark, for inviting me to share this life changing experience with you, and thank-you, Karen Huxter, for investing so much of your life in a work designed to bring hope to those who need it more than any Canadian could ever imagine.

Linda
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 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
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