Adding Bicycles & Tricycles

August 11, 2012 Posted by Karen Huxter

Yesterday was bicycle day here at the HATS Mission. The children were thrilled when Luckner and I surprised them with bicycles to share and enjoy. Two bikes are not for all to share. The special trike for ‘special’ children which was purchased by TIM-BR Mart in Canada for Ti Luc and an adult bike for Vladimy. The special trike is already a tremendous blessing for Ti Luc. Yesterday when the bikes were given, Ti Luc did not have to sit and watch the other children. O Happy Day!!! He, too, had one and he was one excited boy. Once he had his runners on and we had his feet attached to the pedals he was off and running. His ‘special’ trike can be steered by someone from behind, as well as in the normal fashion, which is exactly what we need by Ti Luc. We did not have to do a lot of steering for him but it is extremely helpful that we are able to do so.

A bunch of happy children

Learning to bike ride

We have a total of seven now (including the two little ones for Sandra, Anne, Jofky and Karena). I am already seeing that perhaps we need one more, a little smaller than adult size, but little bigger than what we purchased. We purchase them secondhand in St. Marc. All the children were anxious to ‘try’ and were yelling for a chance and for help so they could get going. Lots of excitement and happy faces.

Sandra riding bike too

Thank you to Brian Bowers and TIM-BR Mart for the wonderful gift of the ‘special trike’ for Ti Luc. It is well suited to this ‘special’ boy. It is what he needs.

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Ti Luc says -Thank you very much for my bike

Thank you to the group in Yarmouth who donated funds for us to purchase bikes for the other children. May God bless each and every one of you.

Ti Luc on his new bike. Getting a feel for it.

Now, once again, I have a photo for my precious sister, Sandra. Just to let her know that we are indeed doing our best to find most of these cute, not so little, critters before she returns. This one was found yesterday morning in Mirlande’s bedroom.

One more for my precious sister

Thanks for continuing to support, and work with, those of us here on the front lines. We appreciate you all very much.

Always remember in everything you do where you are, and in everything we do here at the mission, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN

~Karen and crew

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 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
It is our last day and there is always a certain amount of sadness and joy when we come to the end of a trip . We look forward to our homes and loved ones but there is a part of us that wants to stay and be near these dear dear children. They open their hearts and arms to you when you enter the front gate. They give you laughter and tears all week long and then they cry and hug you when they know you are going away. Being near that kind of unconditional love effects us all very deeply. So we leave part of our hearts here and promise to return.

Gerry Rhyno
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
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 am going to try to explain why a trip to Haiti is life-changing. No-one can be thrown into a group of people who have the common purpose of doing something for someone less fortunate and not be changed in many ways. As with those I joined in each of the first four trips I made to HATS, my respect and affection for each of the team members grows daily. To those who wonder if your donations and prayers are actually making a difference, I will answer you in this way…there are about 300 children in front of me right now and some or many of them God will use in a great way to change the future face of Haiti and its people. YOU have helped make that possible — AND THAT, FOLKS — is a fact!

Brian En
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
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
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
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 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