Thank You Lord!

September 7, 2011 Posted by HATS Visitors

We thank the Lord for all that he does and for his continuous provision in so many ways. Until I came to Haiti, though, I thought the phrase “Thank you Lord” was just useful for thanking our Lord, but I’ve realized it can also be used for art and a bit of humor (which still doesn’t take away from the ability to thank our God!). If you’ve been to Haiti you know how religious the country is- there is some sort of religious statement on most vehicles and businesses. There’s a bus around here that has “Thank you Lord” written on the side of it, but underneath the words there is a big shooting missile. I found it slightly humorous, so in my free time last week I recreated it in an art piece I titled, “Thank you Lord with a missile underneath” (Mediums- Paper and Sharpie). And I’ve priced it very reasonably, at a measly cost of $3,287.56(US) and all the proceeds will go to HATS. Here it is….

Thank you Lord with a missile underneath

Seriously, though, Thank you Lord! Jess and I were blessed with the company of our family a few weeks ago! My brother, Saul, Jess’ brother Jordan, her sister Jamie, and our friend Mark came to visit with us and help out with a few projects here. It was a much needed time of fellowship with those we love most, and we made the most of their time here! Before they came, we decided we wanted to shape our time based on The Festival of Shelters in Leviticus 23. It’s a weeklong celebration to honor God, and it’s easy to celebrate with family and friends! We all slept in our gallery together (which we figured was kinda like sleeping in tents!) We had a dance party one night with the kids and a cookout another night; We had a water fight one day; We shared a birthday celebration with Judel and Vladimy; We made funnel cakes because we were missing out hometown’s homecoming; we did a song together at church; and we also went mummering one evening(a Newfoundland tradition Karen taught us- she picked 4 out of 6 of us correctly)! Also, Missionary James brought us along with his team to the beach one day and also on a hike to Verrettes Falls.

Lets dance!

Cookout

Jordan with the birthday boys

Mummering; can you guess who’s who?

Jamie,Seth,Jordan,Mark,Jess,Saul

Mark strolling on the beach

The hike to the falls

The falls

On top of all that, we also enjoyed serving together. Jess and Jamie painted the inverter house as the boys got the “Delco House” started, and then we all finished it together. We told the kids we were building another house for an alternate generator, but we were actually building them a big playhouse. Karen didn’t want them to know what it was until it was completely finished so that it could be a surprise to them. As Karen said in a previous blog, we lost the generator for a few days, which meant we quickly lost all of our battery power (including power tools). We had to revert to hand tools. Although, it’s a lot more work, hand sawing a piece of wood always makes you feel like more of a man (even if you’re a woman)!

Jamie and Jess finish the inverter house

The Men

More than one of us usually work, I promise!

Real men

Jess takes a turn

Karena checks our work

Photo for our hometown newspaper

Before our family got here and while Karen was in Canada, it was the hottest it had been since we’ve been here. It wasn’t raining and the sun kept getting hotter! It was pretty miserable at times. We were praying that it would cool off for our family, but actually, only half prayers, because you kinda want those back home to really know what you’re experiencing. God listened to our prayers though! It was beautiful while our family was here. The days were hot, but it rained almost every night which cooled it down tremendously. I think we all used 2 sheets most nights. Now when we go back home and complain, “man, it was so hot in Haiti!” They’re just going to roll their eyes and say under their breath, “doubt it.” Our family had such a great time here with us, serving with us and getting to know the children! HATS will always be a part of Jess and I, and now when we talk about it in the future, we will have people who can talk with us and understand fully!

Unfortunately, our celebration left with our family, because the day they left, Jess got sick. We thank God so much that is over with now, but that was a rough week. We’re so thankful for Karen’s help in getting a nurse here to get Jess an IV in our own home! And we’re thankful for all of your prayers.
Mariah and Liz came while Jess was sick so we missed out on their first few days, but we’ve quickly realized what wonderful people they are and we’re excited to have them here with us. We had a good time in fellowship last week when they came up to our place for chocolate chip cookies and banana bread.

Over the past few weeks, Jess and I haven’t gotten a lot done work wise. Partly because Karen told Jess to take a lot of time to rest, but also because a lot of the construction stuff is done and school doesn’t start until October now. I realize now, that I may have worked too hard while Karen was gone in Canada. I got all of my projects done and now I’m just left with some small paint jobs (that I will be sharing with Jess and Mariah). I’m sure that won’t be the case for long, Karen is good at working stuff up! This is the first slow period I’ve had since I’ve been here. Last week, I did fix some small repairs around the compound and I built a small dresser for Jess and I’s room. Saturday, Jess and Mariah spent the afternoon getting the kids new shoes and underwear, and fitting them for swimsuits.

JJ waiting for his shoes

Is this the right size

Djemima, Josie and Ismyis wait patiently

They’re ready for the beach!

Karen gave us Monday off because it was my birthday! Jess asked me what I wanted and I told her I wanted to go to Six Flags- She said no. Then I asked for Olive Garden- and again she said no. Then I asked for a Dr. Pepper and she said we could share one (We did share one, but not because she said we had to). We’ve realized that it’s kinda tough to make things special in Haiti because of the lack of ability to go somewhere or get certain things. Jess did a great job though and made me a wonderful dinner that evening- Sweat and sour meatballs, [Editors note – I think Seth meant sweet and sour…but it has been hot in Haiti so I left it as written] potato wedges and garlic bread! We also went swimming at the hospital pool that day and I had my NFL fantasy draft that night with all my friends back home! One of the best gifts was the next day, though. We got to go with Karen to St. Marc on a bank run. We love going because its a sort of a date for us because Karen drops us off at the Deli Mart which has a fast food restaurant above it. We got bacon cheeseburgers and fries and they even had Dr. Pepper (which is the first time we’ve seen it here) so Tuesday we didn’t have to share! It was such a blessing, because our “dates” typically don’t involve leaving the house!

I know Karen has already talked highly of Luckner’s radio station, Radio Creole, and I must do the same. It has brought a lot of good to the community and I was more than happy to hear that another person came to Christ through it in the past few days! Another thing it has done is heighten discussion on Voudou and Christianity. Because of that, Karen invited Luckner to come and talk with all of our employees yesterday. It was an encouraging and insightful thing for all who were there yesterday and I pray that more people will be able to gain understanding and life through the radio station! I ask that you pray for the radio station and also for this place, that we will always be growing in our relationship in Christ, which will also strengthen our light to those around us and to the world!
God bless you and enjoy the rest of the pictures!


Jump for joy

Moise why aren’t you jumping

Goal!!!


Karena, Jamie, and Djemima

Jofky, Saul, and Anne

Tifi and Jofky playing baseball

Jordan, Judel, Diunel and Jofky

Lizard class

Ann just finished her candy

Jofky too!

who’s going to win?

Jordan with the kids

About HATS Visitors

HATS – Haiti encourages individuals and work teams to travel to Haiti to be a part of the work we are doing. Those who come to Haiti are given the opportunity to join in construction projects, visit in the local community, spend time with the children, and minister in church. You can help us in our work for the most needy and most vulnerable members of Haiti’s population. Come be transformed by seeing the need and being a part of meeting that need. Be part of the story

Archive by Month

Testimonials

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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