Some Things Just Don’t Change

March 29, 2011 Posted by Karen Huxter

Some things just don’t change – at least not yet. Work, work, work, busy, busy, busy and then for a change it is more work and busyness. That is life in the fast lane of Haiti – at least at the HATS-Haiti Mission. It is 8:30 pm and while attempting to do this I am also trying to keep my eyes open and trying to keep my head from hitting the keyboard. I was up at 4:15 a.m. and am now quite tired – no exhausted is more like it. Will do this blog, and once more put the rest of the work on hold, and go to bed. If this does not read properly it is because I am doing it in a vegetative state.

Seth and Jessie were able to sleep in their place Friday night as planned. Truly a blessing. A minor bug to iron out yet – a copper attachment to the propane tank on the ground to the hose from their stove upstairs. Can’t find it in this area so perhaps in St. Marc tomorrow.

There was excitement in the air on Friday morning when I drove unto the compound and exited the truck with a baby, the latest addition to our family, in my arms. Anne is a ten month old cutite pitutie girl. Shortly after bringing her into my kitchen I had Jofky and Karena join us. Those two little ones were fascinated and amazed at Anne. Ti Luc wanted to kiss her. Anne was naturally not at ease with a lot of people so I had the other children stay outside in the yard. I could hear the excited voices of my other kids and there they were, cute little faces pressed against the screen door, looking in at their new little sister.

Anne being welcomed by Ti Luc, Jofky & Karena

Other kids looking at their new sister through screen door

Karma with Anne

Friday saw us receive a new shipment of the wonderful Reliv Kid’s Now for our school students. It was unloaded and packed away quickly with the help of the older children. This product has been, and is, a tremendous help to the health of our students. Many thanks to the providers.

Unloading truck of Reliv for our school students

Assembly line of workers to pack away the Reliv shipment

On Saturday morning we had another great visit from Juan Cabrignac and the Argentain Soldiers stationed in St. Marc with the UN. This was the third time they came to visit with us and they plan another visit before their stint is up in June. They brought us clothes, for our children and children in the area, and food. Wow. We are blessed. The soldiers and the children thoroughly enjoyed each other. One of the soldiers is a nurse and she was very helpful to me in regards to Anne’s health. I knew Anne was ill and I was doing my best in treating her. The nurse gave me some important and helpful information and directions. I are going to miss Juan and the soldiers when they leave Haiti.

UN visit Sat Mar 26, 2011

UN nurse helping me with my ill new daughter

Juan and Karen

Two fold blessing – Soldiers and the children

Our school had exams last week, and our elementary students have this week off. Secondary students are continuing to write two days of this week, and then they too will be off until Monday, 4th. My kids are happy about the break but not as happy as their mama is. The big questions is – will I be able to hide in my office for a few hours at a time this week and try to catch up on a few things. Or is that a pipe dream?

We have been continuing our walks along the canal and I am doing early morning walks again on weekends and when school is not in session. Our kids like this a lot and I will share a few photos of our excursions with you, plus one of Judel with a friend on his shoulder and Ti Luc and Karena doing laundry, by hand – oops by feet, as Karena chose to do it the same way big brother Ti Luc does.

Mother & daughter carying water early morning

Judel with a friend on his shoulder

Out for a walk

Enjoying time outside the compound

Karena doing laundry Ti Luc style

I have not forgotten about continuing blogging about my children. It is a matter of too much to do, in too little time, and not enough energy to go around. It, however, will get done.

Once again. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Blessings to all of you.

~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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
I am going to try to explain why a trip to Haiti is life-changing. No-one can be thrown into a group of people who have the common purpose of doing something for someone less fortunate and not be changed in many ways. As with those I joined in each of the first four trips I made to HATS, my respect and affection for each of the team members grows daily. To those who wonder if your donations and prayers are actually making a difference, I will answer you in this way…there are about 300 children in front of me right now and some or many of them God will use in a great way to change the future face of Haiti and its people. YOU have helped make that possible — AND THAT, FOLKS — is a fact!

Brian En
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
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
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
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
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
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