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