Hello from “The Rock” in Canada

August 10, 2011 Posted by Karen Huxter

Hello from Canada, actually from the best part of Canada – Newfoundland – lovingly known as ‘The Rock’. Some may think the island is called the ‘The Rock’ due to the large amount of rock on the island which is obvious as soon as the ferry docks in Port aux Basques. I, however, think it is thus due to the people of Newfoundland, the Newfies, who are ‘rocks’. ‘Rock solid’ in every way. They are the best, friendliest, nicest, most hard working, most encouraging, most accepting, most supportive, and the funniest people anywhere. Oh, did I say I am I am a Newfoundlander – a Newfie? Did I say I am proud of it? Perhaps I am a tad prejudiced, but ask non Newfies and I bet they will agree with me. Throughout the world there are Newfies and there are Wannabees. If I were not a born and bred Newfie I would certainly wannabee one.

The morning I left Haiti I held the hand of my ‘special’ boy and assured him Mama would return to him after a couple of weeks. Our tears mingled as I promised him that but he believed me because when I have left him I have always returned. The Springdale town reunion celebrations are finished, people have gone, or are leaving, and I am now looking forward to going home to Ti Luc and to all my children. As much as I look forward to seeing my kids again I know it will not be easy to leave The Rock. Just as a part of me stays in Haiti when I come to Canada, a part of me stays here when I leave it again.

Mama Karen promising Ti Luc she will return to him soon

From July 29th to August 7th the town of Springdale held a fantastic ‘Come Home Year’ reunion celebrating the past 50 years. I have been blessed to be a part of this reunion. I am thankful to three people at the Hands Across the Sea – Haiti Mission – Luckner, Jessie and Seth – who are covering for me so I can be here. I have enjoyed the RCMP Musical Ride, fun family time, walking along the shore as we did as children, and much more.

RCMP Musical Ride

I have three siblings living now in Nlfd (well one was smart enough to not leave Nfld in the first place), one in NS, and all five of us have been together here on the rock this year. They are the best family any girl (okay old girl) could ever have. I have had fun reconnecting with extended family members and friends whom I have not seen for years – some many years. While here I sat on the deck of the old homestead, looking at the water, remembering and thanking God for what I had growing up and who and where I am today. I give credit to my mother that I am loving, living, and working in Haiti. The word ‘loving’ is more important by far than the words living and working. The loving I do on my children in the orphanage, on the children in the school, and the people in the community surrounding the mission, stems from my Springdale, Newfoundland upbringing and from the teachings of my mother. I will always thank God that I am a Newfie – a Springdalite.

When we five old kids were five young kids there was a photo taken of us in our yard in order of age, Don being the oldest and Sandra being the youngest. January 2011 the five of us had one done in Haiti when the four of my siblings came down to help. Last week we had another photo done of us five standing in the same spot, in the same order, in the yard of the old homestead. I will try to include them with this blog. Too, I will include some random photos of my time in Newfoundland.

Five kids (us)

Five ‘old’ kids in same order of age at old homestead

5 kids in Haiti

Karen & Micah (one fine great nephew)

Sandra with Springdale and old homestead behind her

On the last day for us together we held an afternoon reunion at the old homestead, with the awesome view of the bay, for the workteam that came to Haiti in January 2011. Cousin Jim from BC was missing as well as Luckner. We had a group photo taken, including Luckner in absentia but for some reason he had to remain sitting.

Jan 2011 reunion crew

Jan 11 crew minus Jim

Jan 2011 reunion Karen, Luckner and Dave

Don preparing to scan a photo needed for the blog

You will hear from me when I am back in Haiti hand in hand with my children again.

It has been good to see many of you here on ‘The Rock’. I would love for you to stay in touch.

Blessings everyone.

~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 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 have learned much about Haiti in my short stay here, much about generational, entrenched poverty, and much about hope. We can only be part of the bringing of hope if we become one small actor on the huge stage that is poverty. Thank you, Lynn Clark, for inviting me to share this life changing experience with you, and thank-you, Karen Huxter, for investing so much of your life in a work designed to bring hope to those who need it more than any Canadian could ever imagine.

Linda
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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
I had anticipated that I would enjoy spending time getting to know the children and being a part of Karen’s daily life in Haiti but I had not anticipated that it would capture my heart like it did. I will miss spending time with the children and Karen but I am hopeful that I’ll be able to see them all again in the not too distant future.

Sara-May Cardy
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
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
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