Busy, Busy, But Fun

January 24, 2011 Posted by Karen Huxter

Due to the busyness at the moment by several members of the team of sorting out beautiful handmade children’s clothes by groups in Newfoundland I’ve ended up on blog duty.

A photo is better than a thousand words so I will write very little, but will let some lovely photos of the team and my children speak to you.

But before that I must enlarge a little on Cheryl’s entertainment to the Haitian construction workers, and to the rest of us I might add. The person who blogged the day she entertained us was just too nice, or too tired, to let you know what happened. We decided Cheryl would be in charge of the painting crew. Well, the first day she ended up with a container of paint, that sat on the top of a ladder, falling on her. She had paint all over her, including her head and face, and in her eyes. She had no cloth to wipe her eyes and no water. She quickly removed her t-shirt to find a corner of fabric to wipe her eyes and then sprinted, or streaked, up across the compound in her shorts and bra, with her body covered in paint. I could not believe my eyes. I laughed at Cheryl but more so at the Haitian men with eyes and mouths wide open watching this spectacle. Lots of painting will be happening all this week to prepare the missionary house for Seth and Jessie, who will join us at beginning of March. Now we are all waiting to see what Cheryl comes up with to top that for the entertainment for this week. While watching this, Cathy, quietly asked the question “Did I shave my legs for this?”

Enjoy the photos. And stay tuned, same place same time tomorrow night.

Cheryl with Karena, Jofky, & Judel

Jim & Magalie

Karen and her children

Ken & Ti Fi

Don & Josie

Bob & Ti Luc

Kathy & Leica

Assembly line meal preparation

Dickie & Sandra with Dieunel

Jim & Karma

Jofky, my ‘feed me’ boy

Lisa with Jofky and Dieunel at church

Karen & Timotee

Ti Luc and Papa Gwo Luc with caps from Dickie

The motly crew and gorgeous kids

God bless.

~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 spent a week in Haiti at HATS in November 2017 and it was a wonderful experience. Karen is an amazing woman and is doing amazing work. She is dedicated to the children in her care and is changing lives. I would love the opportunity to visit again and help out where I can.

Sandy Eastly
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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
This is my first time traveling outside of Canada and I am proud to say it was for a mission trip. I have always wanted to go on one and see what it like in other parts of the world and do what I can to help out. Haiti is a terminus life change for me and how I look at things. Seeing these kids and how they have such a passion for each other and for us is truly inspiring. I look back to what I was like at that age and I don’t think I was half as kind or generous as they are. This morning we did devotions and as I was speaking about what an impact they had on me only in one day I started to tear up…it was very emotional to talk about.

Isaiah Henderson
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
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
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
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