Jonathan & Sandra Continue to Delight with Antics

July 18, 2012 Posted by Karen Huxter

Once again I am delinquent in getting a blog posted, but better late than never.

First I want to remind you that you have the option of having the blogs automatically download into your computer. That way you will no longer have to keep checking our blogsite to see if something new has been posted. Many have gone that route and have let me know they are glad they have taken advantage of that option.

The construction of our school kitchen came to an abrupt stop last week due to no cement being available. HATS is not the only place with work being held up in Haiti due to lack of cement. We were able to do as much as we did on the foundation because we had a little cement left over from the last project. Naturally with the supply in the country almost nonexistant, what people did have on hand was sold at an exorbitant price. Apparently cement has been held up in customs for some time due to a work action there. Rumour has it that cement might be released from customs in the next few days. Hopefully when the supply increases the price will decrease, but then again – maybe not . . . . Luckner and I are hoping this won’t affect our cost estimates for work at the school.

Ready to pour cement to finish foundation – no cement

Lately Ti Luc has been spending a lot of time with older brother, Moise. They get along well, and Mosie enjoys being with him. Today the two boys asked to wash the truck – just the two of them. They had fun and did a good job on the truck to boot. I am trying to keep Ti Luc nearby so I can keep a closer eye on him.

My two boys, Moise & Ti Luc cleaning the truck

Many of you have been enquiring about Ti Luc – how he is doing, status of his adoption, etc. It has been difficult for me to respond or to blog about Ti Luc, as I had no good news to impart. I have been given hope several times only to see it come crashing down around my ears again.

Ti Luc has fallen a few times in the past couple of weeks, on his face, which meant more damage to his mouth/teeth. Ti Luc falling own is not new. He has learned how to roll and most times can do so and prevent hitting his head. Sometimes, of course, he has no control of where he hits. Within the past two weeks he fell and hit his two front teeth (second teeth) on the cement wall. One was broken a little, but is good. One of his teeth was pushed up into his gums. This tooth continues to bother him daily as it is not where it should be. Tomorrow we are taking him to St Marc to see a dentist, in hopes something can be done.

Ti Luc after accident with his teeth

It has been 3 1/2 long years since I approached someone to start the adoption proceedings for Ti Luc. Now, I am looking for help elsewhere to get this finished. I do not want to get my hopes too high in case they come crashing down again, but I think this is a necessary step to take. If, and when, you think of my boy I ask you to pray for him and for the new direction I am about to take, to try and get the adoption completed.

The children are all well and enjoying time away from school. Jonathan and Sandra continue to delight us with their antics. Jonathan does not permit me to enter a room or pass him anywhere without taking him in my arms. Dear little Sandra, 14 1/2 months, now leaves the safety of the children’s yard if the gate is left open, comes to my house, stands outside and says “mama, mama”. It is okay if we hear her, but if we do not, it is not okay when she sits down on the step outside the door. She cannot be seen by anyone leaving this house, and she would get hit in the head with the door. The front door at this place is in none stop use so I have encouraged everyone leaving to do so with great caution. Before too many more months Jonathan will be walking up and calling mama too.

Three pretty girls in three pretty dresses

Djemima

Jofky

Jonathan

Karena

Moise playing golf with his followers watching

Ti Luc, Anne and Karena with Papa Luckner

Thanks again from all of us for your ongoing love and support for the children.

It is and always will be – A L L A B O U T T H E C H I L D R E N

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 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
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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
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
After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.

Mike & Nicki White
HATS Visitors
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