HATS is in Need of Support Workers

July 30, 2012 Posted by Karen Huxter

This time I am writing about my need of support workers at HATS.

Some of you realize I need help with the workload I carry here at the mission.

As I said on a previous blog Mariah has agreed to return to work with me for September to December and will have the position of coordinator of the children’s homes – overseeing things for the children and housemothers. I am thrilled to be able to pass this responsibility to Mariah for this time period. This is a tremendous blessing for me and for the children. She will be sorely missed at the school this year, but their loss on that compound is our gain on this one.

Mariah with Karena Mariah

Mariah has a need of some financial support which includes help covering the cost of airline tickets to return here at the end of August and to return to Calgary to live in December. Mariah has again delayed attending university in Calgary. She is doing this so she can return to Haiti to help me out for four more months while I wait for my permanent help to arrive. To say I am thankful to Mariah is putting it mildly. I need her help!!

Mariah helping little kids with their freezies

Brad and Lois Reimer and their children, Kaeli and Peter, will be joining me in the work here sometime in the new year. How long into the new year remains to be seen. That is up in the air at this point due to them needing to take care of something before moving here. I, of course, hope it is not too long after Mariah leaves, but we will make it to whenever their help arrives. When they move here Lois will take over the coordinator position of the children’s homes. Brad will be our resident Mr Fix-it and keep things running as best he can with what supplies we can find in the area. Brad, however, is not only a handyman but is also a bookkeeper. I am hoping to see his handyman skills in the financial area here as well. I have been waiting patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, for this kind of help. (Photo of the Reimer family will be posted in a later blog.)

Mariah feeding Sandra and Jonathan at the same time

Support with finances, prayer, and encouragement – will be needed for both Mariah and the Reimer family. The first need of this kind is for Mariah. She plans to return on August 27th.

Anyone wishing to help this mission, and the children we serve, by helping with these needs can do so through:

Hands Across The Sea Association
Box 101
Yarmouth, NS
B5A 4B1

All donations are tax deductible and all funds donated will reach those for whom it is sent. Donations can be made by cheque or by paypal.

Thank you once again for all the past, and ongoing, support for the HATS Mission, which includes the support Mariah received last year.

Mariah goofing around at Radio Creole

May God richly bless each and every one of you as your support continues to bless the children in this area of Haiti.

I T I S A L L A B O U T T H E C H I L D R E N

~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.

Archive by Month

Testimonials

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
One thing that has impacted me on this trip is seeing the children and all the dedication in this orphanage. There is so much going on behind the scenes to keep the HATS orphanage and school running.

Donna Wheeler
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 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 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
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
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
We’ve made a difference, I believe. Big stuff, little stuff; it all contributed to the greater good and that big picture: keeping HATS a surviving and thriving, safe haven for the children of Deschapelles, Haiti. And oh my, what children they are. As expected, it was tough to leave. There were tears, whispers, hugs and I’ll miss you’s. I learned that it gets easier (only a bit) for those who’ve done this a few times. As Bob says “I’m part of the furniture now. I don’t say ‘goodbye’, I say ‘see you later’.” Maybe that’s how you cope with leaving…you return. Once, five times, 10 times. However many. Guaranteed you’ll leave a different person than when you came in.

Aimee Feaver
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
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