Baby Sandra Ruth Comes Home!

May 11, 2011 Posted by Karen Huxter

She is finally here with us. She came home from the hospital today around noon after spending 15 days there. She spent the remainder of the day here with me – in my arms a lot – and sleeping close by. Eat your heart out Sandra and Cheryl. She is 4-5 weeks old and she weighs 6.2 lbs.

Sandra at hospital May 8th

Baby Sandra approx one month 6.2 lbs

Now for more baby news. I have decided to take another baby desperately in need of help. She is now 6 days old and will likely join us tomorrow afternoon. I was asked to take her at day 3 as her mother had died. I took the weekend to think and pray about it. I am now moving ahead with the arrangements. Will post info and photos of her shortly after she is with us.

Most of you know Ti Luc. If not yet in person then through the blog. You know his story, have followed his progress and have rejoiced with me along the way. He is my ‘special’ little boy (okay not so little anymore) who was a lot smaller than Sandra when I took him. Difficult to believe now how little he was.

Sandra being kissed by big brother Ti Luc

The adoption of Ti Luc is not yet completed. It is in the hands of the government. I, however, have taken a big step of faith and have purchased airline tickets for him and for me to fly to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (to Springdale for Come Home Year) in July. This means the adoption papers need to be in my hands soon. We need the completed paperwork and a passport. Then we will apply for a visitors visa. Three months after the adoption is completed he will become a Canadian citizen, but we cannot wait for that before going to Canada. I have been told that there is a good chance of getting a visa for him when all paperwork is completed. Please join me in prayer for things to move ahead quickly as the change in government here could block things again. Thanks for caring and for praying.

Sandra just home from hospital

I have certainly not forgotten about blogging about my other children. For some strange reason, however, there are only 24 hours in each day and I am still busy as a bee for 18 of them. And again for some strange reason I am getting older, not younger. Not quite sure why these two things are as they are but I have reached a stage in life where I must accept – that I cannot work more than 18 hours per day and must continue getting older. But I will get the blogging about them done someday and hopefully in the not too distant future.

All the children are doing well for which we thank God. I thank God too that I have another lady starting to work with the children on Monday. Antoinette, Magalie, Naomi, and soon Lorette, along with Jessie and myself should be able to handle things. Those of you, however, who know my children may be a little doubtful as you know they are extremely active and mischievous, along with being gorgeous. Now we will have three babies as well as Anne is not yet a year old.

Karena Mariah

Anne

God is good and his grace and strength will get us all through each and every day. And through the nights. Ah yes, let’s not forget the nights with three babies. Fun and games. I think that Jessie and Seth might find out, before they expected to, what it is like to have a hungry baby at night. When I see the housemothers getting worn out I can call on Jessie and Seth to pinch hit for a night.

Again thank you for all your support in every way. Definitely cannot do it without you.

HATS motto “Orphans today, leaders tomorrow”. Thanks for helping us see this become a reality in the future.

I T I S A L L A B O U T T H E C H I L D R E N

God bless you.

~Karen and kids

PS.. I would like to ask those coming on a workteam with Gerry on May 23rd to put some small disposal diapers in the corners of your suitcases that are not up to maximum weight. Thank you.

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

Thank you Karen for everything you do, all the hard work and dedication that you put into this place, all of the work behind the scenes. Thank you for putting up with all the craziness that we bring when we come to your house for the week, just thank you times a million and one for everything Karen. I can write about my week until I am blue in the face (maybe not write that long but if you know me I can definitely talk for that long), and can sing about kit kat bars until my voice gives out, but I cannot even begin to try and articulate in song, dance, or other random art forms how thankful and blessed I am to have been given this experience not only once but twice! Thank you – thank you – thank you – thank you!!!!!!!

Kathleen
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
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
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
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
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
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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