The Friendly Neighbourhood Rice Maker

March 23, 2012 Posted by HATS Visitors

Our friendly neighborhood entrepreneur, the rice maker, proudly woke us all up at 4:15 a.m. as he fired up his equipment for another day’s production in the factory! Not everyone woke up then, but shortly afterwards, everyone was up for a big day of activity and work.

Breakfast included a wonderful serving of oatmeal and juices. We then had our morning Devotions with the children and staff and began our work day.

Friday morning devotions

Up and coming Pastor Jofky

The boys loaded up all the premade trusses and headed up the hill to the waiting church site. After many trips in a rented vehicle, all the product was delivered.

Load up wood to head for the church

Enroute to the church

Now unload and transport it up hill

Adonna moving wood so Karen can drive in

By the end of the day, 4 of the 7 trusses had been put in place and were standing proudly atop of the church walls. Bob and the team worked for most of the day battling not only unlevel surfaces, but 56 degree temperatures, as well (yes-that is 133 degrees Fahrenheit!!!) Plenty of water and fluids drunk throughout the day and well deserved-cold showers taken upon return. Now more than half way through the project and Karen and the team couldn’t be happier or prouder of their progress to date. All were grateful for the help of Mariah, who translated with the local men who were on hand to help.

Hard work

Moving ahead nicely

Cheering section

Time to head home to shower

The guys dirty legs – not leggings

Temperature where men were working today

Throughout the day, the girls continued to re-organize the children’s quarters and Maddy and Robyn took the opportunity to “chill” with the children and share in their day, exchanging stories and smiles. Aldonna and Carolyn went into St. Marc with Karen to do the weekly grocery shop: it is always fascinating to leave the compound and absorb the locals sights and sounds, and to hear the many, many captivating stories she has to share.

Piggyback riding at the best

Dinner served early, again a wonderful chicken dish, as all the team feeling weary and ready for an early night.

~Steve and Adonna

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

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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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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