Sharing all I am Thankful For

October 9, 2011 Posted by Karen Huxter

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian family and friends. As you celebrate together may you truly be thankful for who you are; for your children and theirs; for all you have; for all that you have done – the good and the not so good; and thank Him for the wonderful country of Canada you live in.

We do not celebrate a “Thanksgiving day or weekend” in Haiti. I, however, endeavor to give God thanks every day – for the privilege of serving Him in Haiti, and for the things I mentioned above. This certainly includes the good and the bad throughout my life as it is the combination of it all that God has used to shape me into the person I am. I am thanking Him for all of you and for all of your support. Your friendship and loving kindness is what keeps me going and keeps me in touch with the needy ones here.

I would certainly enjoy a thanksgiving turkey dinner today with all the trimmings and would enjoy chatting and laughing with loved ones in Canada. I, however, am enjoying the chicken drumstick cooked by Magalie and for the love of my child, Leica, who proudly delivered it to me here in the office so I can keep on working. I am thankful for Mariah being here with me and for all seventeen of my precious children. IT TRULY IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN. If I tried to write all the things and people I am thankful for I would do nothing else so I will leave it at this. I thank my God for his presence in my life and for all of you.

School should actually operate normally this week and for this I am very thankful. By the end of this week we will know who is, and who is not, in attendance at our school. We will be using Mariah’s help at the school every morning until she returns to Canada at end of November. Teachers at our school also dress in uniforms (which I might add gives them a very professional look) and I will be having one made for Mariah also. I detect some reservations from Mariah about what it will look like, but I promise I will post a photo later of her in uniform. There was a lot of excitement on Friday when my kids received a new backpack for school. O happy day. Karena, Jofky and little Anne are not yet in school but I gave them a bag too. They were thrilled and hopefully it will ease the disappointment that they are not yet able to go to school.

My kids – happy over their new backpacks

At the moment my house is a mess due to textbooks and boxes. It is ugly and not comfortable but a necessary part of life for the school to operate. Mariah says we look like we are moving house. I might add I do not at all enjoy the first month of school – but survive it once again I will.

Small start on huge textbook job

Hopefully we will be able to get Phase Three of the present construction at the school – especially the room that is for an office for Luckner and I – underway soon. It is not easy to meet with parents, teachers, or anyone else without an office.

Yesterday we had a ‘ti fet’ for Ti Luc. He was quite excited to be celebrating his birthday.

Baby Sandra kissing Ti Luc Happy Birthday

Ti Luc getting birthday kisses from Rose Lore

Papa Luckner brought Ti Luc gift and icecream

The last blog talked about the two voodoo priests who came to the Lord and were baptised. On Thursday morning a fasting and praying time was held for six hours at the land of one of these men. The, well attended, prayer time was for both of the men and was broadcast on Radio Creole. That day most of the HATS employees were turned to the radio station and praying along with those of us, including Mariah and I, who had gone.

Happenings at prayer vigil going to Radio Station

Prayer and fasting. Mariah & Magalie in foreground

Computer skills and Basic English are being taught presently at The Trade School. Many people are interested but despite Luckner’s helping with school fees (just taking enough to pay teachers) most are unable to attend as of yet. I am enjoying doing English pronunciation with the students Monday and Wednesday afternoons for an hour and I must add I do enjoy getting out of this office and doing this. For my friends who know me and have made me laugh, I want you to know I am being careful to have them pronounce the words in Canadian English and not Newfie English a.k.a Newfinese. Because, however, I am writing this and no one can edit it, I am taking the liberty here to speak from my heart. Newfie English is by far the ‘best’ English there is. It takes a Newfoundlander, a true Newfie, to speak it properly. ” Deres nuttin like it by. Nuttin a tal. So dere! ”

Some students of English course at the trade school

“Remember one person’s life being changed is more important than all the material things the world has to offer.”

Love from

~Karen and family

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.

Archive by Month

Testimonials

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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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