When the mangos start to ripen the children go a little nuts willing them to fall off the tree in our compound. One of our kids did a big no, no, as he climbed upon one of the houses in the dark and tried to knock mangos to the ground, almost falling himself in the bargain. We had a very unhappy security guard that night and one ‘in trouble’ boy.

Eventually mangos start becoming plentiful here on our tree and Papa Luckner gives us other varieties we do not have access to. Everybody likes and eats lots of mangos. Our little Sandra, 1-year-old, loves her mangos. She is a joy to behold as she crawls around the compound looking for one to start munching on.

How many mangos can a 1 yr old eat

How many mangos can Magalie eat.

Give me mangos and let me be

Every day we see our three musketeers – Karena, Jofky and Anne – enjoying mangos, morning , noon and evening. The only time they are not walking hand-in-hand is when their hands are full of mangos. We all, and especially security, have our hands full trying to keep these three little ones from standing or sitting underneath the mango tree. When the mangos fall they fall hard and it feels like a big rock. I know as I was under the tree today taking photos of the kids doing clean up. A mango hit my shoulder and now I am sporting a bruise.

Three musketeer mango lovers

Would anyone like a mango

Recently Mariah and I decided to have a sleepover (or sleep out) with the children. We slept in the devotion/meeting/playroom with 14 of our 18 children. We decided the babies should stay and torment the housemothers and we would handle the others. It was actually a fun time. When I took photos early the next morning I could see less bodies than when we went to sleep. I discovered I had not actually lost any kids but they sure were hidden under sheets.

8 p.m.  Female side with Ti Luc ready to sleep

Boy’s corner at night.  Ready to sleep.

Early morning – some bodies difficult to find

Early morning – any boys here

I know how much my sister, Sandra, loves spiders – especially tarantulas. She has yet to see one when here. We see them often and I feel I should share some photos with her occasionally. The photo of the first one here was found hidden in the food depot inside the devotion/meeting room. The second one was found recently in the devotion room itself, but not hidden under wood this time, Sandra, just sitting there under the bench waiting for you to come visit again. There are “a lot” of baby tarantulas seen around the compound now and we are squashing as many as possible so we are not overrun by big ones later on.

For my sister, Sandra

This one for both Sandra and Blair

Last night we had a wiener roast with the children and house mothers again, which they always love, and of course there had to be mangos. Smores can wait for another wiener roast when mango season is finished.

Weiner roast and basketball

We are excitedly awaiting a team to arrive on Monday, April 30th under the leadership of my brother, Don, or Mr Komic (as he is lovingly known down here). Don is coming with a group of Newfies. That says it all. A good time will be had by all for sure.

The last time I blogged I wrote about Radio Creole. It continues to do some great work in this area. I want to share one thing with you. Hospital Albert Schweitzer has been going through a rough time with manifestations, road closings, threats against doctors and administrators there. This escalated recently and there was a plan in effect to close the hospital for some time and several employees were to receive letters of lay offs. The man in charge of it all had gone to see Luckner prior to that and had been given radio time to share his feelings, etc. When things got worse and word was out about the planned layoffs and possible closing, there was danger of it getting much worse. Luckner used Radio Creole air time to speak to both sides. He encouraged the man in charge at HAS to do nothing without giving him a chance to mediate and try to help. Early the very next morning Radio Creole was contacted by the hospital saying they were ready and willing to meet. Good things happened. The planned layoffs are not happening, the hospital is remaining open, and those causing the manifestations and trouble decided to stop and work things out. Luckner has been on the air from the radio station a lot, encouraging both sides, and teaching those who like to handle things with violence to change their ways. This does not mean all problems for the hospital are over, but at this time things are going well, and Radio Creole remains on alert to help as needed. This area has needed a radio station like this for a long time. Too, it has needed a man like Luckner who is willing to take a stand for the betterment of everyone in this area, but against all violence and angry ways when something does not please them. Taking a stand means a lot of anger against the person who stands, but Luckner does this with wisdom and with no fear.

This past week saw another English class and another plumbing course started at the Trade School. I am again helping Luckner with the English. Another computer course will get underway soon.

I can never blog without saying thank you, thank you, thank you to all who support us – here at HATS (and also Radio Creole) – in every way. None of the work being done here could be done without all of you who are behind us. You are all of major importance to the running of the mission and to the lives of all the children who are receiving help through HATS-Haiti.

May God bless all of you.

With love,

~Karen and gang