Slower Pace Due to Demonstrations After Election

December 1, 2010 Posted by Karen Huxter

And life goes on in Haiti, but, at a slower pace due to demonstrations – road blocks, rock throwing, shooting, after the election on Sunday. Not a lot of normalcy is being seen – lots of businesses are closed, schools are closed. Luckner is very involved in trying to calm people down and see that they demonstrate in a peaceful manner.

There was lots of corruption in the election throughout Haiti and the people are taking a stand against how it was done. I stand with the Haitian people in this, but for peaceful demonstrations. I am not Haitian, but this is now my country and I am standing with them for things to change in elections. People need to be able to go to the polls and vote for the person of their choice. Most did not go due to fear. Lots who did go were told they had already voted, when they had not. Polling stations in this area had major problems and corruption. Some were open only a couple of hours.

The election was Sunday. Saturday afternoon, in a town close to the mission, a group for one of the candidates was giving out $2000 and a gun to those who would stand with them and vote for the person of their choice.

Almost all candidates are asking for a re-election due to all the corruption on Sunday. I understand, from a report on the internet, the UN has stated that the election went well and it should stand. I have not heard them say this myself, but if they are saying this …Why? And for whom?

Here on the administration/orphanage compound we are operating with some normalcy today. Yesterday, due to all the problems outside, I allowed employees to leave early. Some have not turned up for work today.

The school remains closed and will stay that way, most likely, until Monday at least. Election results have been promised by Sunday 5th. What will happen then? Will things start to operate in a somewhat normal manner again or will things get even worse? Prayer is needed. Please pray for Haiti and for those making the decisions.

Cholrea continues to spread and the problems from the election are not helping that situation at all. I am trying to figure out I can get more vaccine from Canada to be able to help more people in the area. Medical help for the thousands who are ill is needed, but so is vaccine to prevent more from succumbing to the dreaded illness. I see that vaccination together with treatment is a very real need to see any kind of improvement.

The construction workers are back on site today and the work continues on the Children’s Home – Kay Timbrmart. They are doing preparation to be able to pour the cement roof. There is a lot of extra re-bar and cement going in this house. Some comments have been heard about it being able to support more than one more level, perhaps 2 or 3 should we desire some day.

Ongoing work on Kay Timbrmart

While school is closed the HATS video theatre (as it is lovingly called) at the Children’s Home, is open. The kids get a video a day. It keeps them away from the hot sun and somewhat quiet for a short time.

Kay Timoun Video Theatre

My children have nowhere to play outside and when the new Children’s Home is finished Luckner and I hope to see that rectified. We plan to move the swing set, that our Texas friends did a great job of transporting and putting up on our school compound, over here for the children. Too, I really want to see them have a teeter totter as well as some sort of climbing apparatus. JJ and Moise tried making a teeter totter with two blocks and a piece of wood, as seen here. Perhaps it is better if you do not know some of the things they have used for climbing.

My kids and their teeter totter – blocks & wood

My two littlest ones like to come to the door and call ‘Mama’ when they do not see enough of me. It is adorable to see little Jofky 18 months, and Karena 22 months outside my door calling me. Yesterday I went out the back door to take photos of them looking for me.

Jofky, I’m looking for my mama!!

Jofky & Karena singing Hallelujah

With school out I try to see that Ti Luc does a little work each morning – drawing or writing. Leica and Karena came to play and all three did some drawings for Mama.

Karena, Leica & Ti Luc drawing for Mama

The older children are very good at helping with the younger ones as seen here with Karma and Jofky. But, as in any family, some children are going to get in trouble more than others. I have four very mischievous ones – Josie, Ismyis, Dieunel and Judel. They are all very precious but sure do keep us on our toes.

Karma carrying Jofky

No matter what goes on in the country HATS is here to serve the children of Haiti. ” It Is All About The Children”.

Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Let’s continue together to help the precious people of the Artibonite Valley of Haiti.

~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’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
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
It’s going to be impossible to put my thoughts into words about this experience, so I’d say this – if you can get here – do. I think most people probably think they’re coming to help others. To some extent, that’s true (at least this temporary blogger thought so). To a larger extent, you’ll leave Haiti a better person than when you arrived. Nelson Mandela once said something like “Everywhere I go, I wear you”. It means that none of us is our own person entirely. Rather, we’re the culmination of the people and experiences we have had. I leave Haiti wearing 16 HATS children, 10(ish) Haitian staff members, a Calgarian, 2 Winnipegian’s, and a Newfie. And I couldn’t be happier about it. Until we meet again my friends.

Rick
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
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
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
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
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
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
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