The Heat and the Rain Intensify

July 8, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

We are wondering if this year we might get a short (week or two) break from the rain, as happens sometimes in July. We hope so, but weather predictions are otherwise. Actually the prediction is for a very wet year with lots of hurricanes. Hopefully this is not accurate as Haiti cannot handle more problems.

The projects that have been ongoing since the earthquake are almost 100% finished. The Kid’s Home needs the kitchen sink finished and water hooked up only. The steps and cement work outside the front of their house has been finished. The repairs to the cement wall enclosure of the compound has been completed. The removal of the cement roof at the top of the main house has been done and the cutting and removal of the rebar is almost finished. The outer walls on the second level of this house will be started soon. Things that had been in storage in various areas of the compound has been moved into the new storage rooms under the water tower building. Oh happy day!

Kitchen sink going in Kid’s Home

Front of Kid’s Home being finished

Moving things into new storage rooms under water tower

The construction of the Boy’s Home is the next big project. We will soon be starting to dig so the foundation for this can get underway.

Our kids are all doing well. They are all very happy about the end of school for awhile. No one, however, is happier about that than I am. One less demand and stress for a short time. Ti Luc goes flat out all day long walking and playing . When the fatigue hits it hits. I was trying to feed him and get him into his pyjamas one evening at 6:00 p.m. I stepped out the back door to turn on water pump and returned two minutes later to find him in a deep sleep. He went to bed as was and did not awake until 7:00 a.m. I could not resist the photo.

Ti Luc asleep before supper finished & pyjamas

The school students and parents returned to our school on Friday so students could receive their report cards for the year. In light of the earthquake and the following months, when neither students or teachers could properly focus on schooling, all of Haiti has been expecting a drop in the number of students who pass. Our school did fairly well considering. I am enclosing a couple of photos of students (both are in the sponsoring program) receiving a gift for placing first in their grades.

Report day at HATS school

Effrainse with gift for placing 1st in grade 2

Shiloi 1st in grade 3

All the work that HATS has done and is doing is “ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN.”

~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

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
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
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
I’m not sure what we’re doing here, just showing up for a week – it’s not like it’s sustainable. And I don’t want to become depressed by some of the harsh realities that Karen has to deal with every day. You know it’s ONE thing to start an orphanage and school (Yes, Karen has done things that are beeeeyond me), but it’s ANOTHER thing to raise the 20 babies that become YOUR kids!!! Not only are they a big family, but they are a big family containing individual stories that got them all to where they are in the orphanage. I don’t even know how to describe it…I have never seen a woman her age with this much energy…fun loving energy that is. She so inspired me today and really is a wonderful mother to all these children.

Barbara
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
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
They call Karen “the helicopter ” and after spending three days by her side I know why. She propels through life!!! If you want to get on the ride you better start running. It is an amazing work that the Lord is doing here through so many many dedicated workers…literally hundreds of children impacted every day with the love of Christ…but the task to do so is enormous. The dedication of staff is invaluable…they NEED US ALL!!

Barbara & Louis
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.

Mike & Nicki White
HATS Visitors