Heat humidity and more rain.

June 10, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

That, most likely, will be the story of HATS for the next 4-5 months.

Along with that we have construction ongoing, school operating -which will end this month for a summer break, children running around the yard in the rain and in the sun depending on what time of the day, blan workteams at another mission coming to play with, and love-on, my kids and me trying to keep it all going and keep the office work under control. Luckner spends a lot of time trying to find supplies and dependable workers/contractors and see that they are not slacking off on HATS time, plus keeps the school going with teachers preparing exams which will start on Monday.

Our grade six and grade nine classes will write the governmental exams in July with results coming in August. We will not be surprised if this year our exam results are lower than other years. We expect that throughout Haiti, due to the earthquake and affect on everybody, that exam results for the present school year might be lower. And understandably so.

Speaking of grade nine governmental exams – our school does not offer classes past grade nine. The students who pass will move to another school in the area. I ask sponsors of students in the grade nine class, if possible, to please continue to sponsor your student. We will put funds in their hands for uniforms and books and we will pay their school fees. It is important to the student, to their families, and to the country of Haiti to see these students go as far as they possibly can.

Construction – the kid’s home is nearing completion. The children have been living there again for over a week. Door frames were made and the two necessary doors are now there. The construction of door frames is continuing for the missionary support house. Luckner continues to look for doors to purchase. Difficult to find. All construction materials are scarce and the cost is much higher. Not easy for anyone trying to rebuild.

Making Door Frames

The past few days work has continued on preparing the places on the roof of the new water tower building so the the four water tanks can be moved. The moving of the tanks will happen today or tomorrow. I am very interested in seeing that happen and will take photos for the next blog.

Preparing cement for tank work

Preparing places to hold tanks

After that the whole third level on this house – that the tanks sat on – is coming down. It is very heavy and is causing more damage all the time. The two storage rooms on the floor of the new water tower building need to be cemented inside and screens put on. Then I will start moving things from various temporary storage places on the compound into those two rooms. I plan to use my precious granddaugher, Mariah, in July to help me see it all organized ad labeled.

There have been some workteams at a mission close by and they like to visit and enjoy time with my kids. The kids love it. It is good for the kids and for those who spend time with them. I love watching the interaction and fun going on in the yard. The visitors have been very gracious and generous. The kids have some new clothes, shoes and toys.

My kids & visitors

Yesterday, during heavy rain, we had a ‘ti fet’, little birthday party, for Dieunel who just turned four. I have learned that parties do not have to be big or take lots of organizing for them to be special for the children. We had fun together and Dieunel loved his birthday gift of a nice car.

Ti Fet for Dieunel

Ti Luc is learning something new now. Driving. He loves to sit in the truck with Papa Luckner and drive. It is actually good for him because he diligently works at using his hands on the wheel. Maybe more time in the truck is warranted.

Ti Luc driving

When the rain came yesterday it came down torrentially. In a very short time the yard was extremely wet. The kids stripped to their undies or, in the case of the two littlest boys, stripped to nothing and off they went – running, sliding, laughing, playing in the rain and water. They played water soccer for awhile. It was fun to watch them. Then out with a cake of soap and shower time in the rain before bed.

Before the rain hit we ran and put the two sleeping tents for Ti Luc and I safely under the carport. All is well, I thought. Not! The land behind my house – behind carport – filled and the water rushed into the carport and soaked the bottoms of the tents and the mattresses. Fun. Fun. Fun. Better days ahead!!!

Blessings everyone. Until we meet again on the HATS Haiti Blogspot. 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

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
One thing that has impacted me on this trip is seeing the children and all the dedication in this orphanage. There is so much going on behind the scenes to keep the HATS orphanage and school running.

Donna Wheeler
HATS Visitor
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
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
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
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
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
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
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