Flat Tires, Canadian Quarters & The Market

September 2, 2012 Posted by HATS Visitors

Having such a great time with the staff, the kids and of course Karen (grandma). Today was a pretty eventful day. This morning I sorted Jofky’s, Dieunel and Judel’s clothes and turns out there was a lot they could give to other kids outside HATS.

On floor of Kid’s Home – 2 sleeping beauties

Karen was getting ready to take me, Yolene and Lucie to the market. Turned out there was a flat tire on the truck. So Karen called Luckner and he sent over someone to fix the flat tire. During that time I helped Ti Luc with his breakfast. He was being such a silly goose. Earlier this week Ti Luc had removed training wheels from the younger kids bike. He used the tools and did it by himself.

Ti Luc removed the training wheels off bike for Judel and Dieunel by himself

Earlier that morning grandma had given Ti Luc a 25 cents Canadian. Ti Luc was happily playing with it and taking the pleasure into throwing the quarter at me. He also hid it and I tried to take it away. We just had a blast.As soon as Ti Luc was fed, Lucie , Yolene and I followed grandma out the door to the truck. We were on our way!

Mariah & Lucie ready to take on the market with Yolene.

The market was crowded as usual and it stunk and people were busy lifting bags, calling moto, rearranging their produce, buying and haggling over prices. Grandma was too busy to stay so we had Yolene go with us. Grandma tried to get some quick pictures before we were hidden in the sea of people. I bought some groceries for the house and fruit as well . I yelled out different produce and merchandise that Lucie has not seen before. I also just yelled at her to watch out most of the time, but it was fun being at the market again.

Heading up road to market #2

Note: Karen here. It is good to have Mariah’s help once again. It is needed and I am very thankful. I want to thank those who donated for Mariah’s return trip to help me. Too, I am pleased to let you know that sufficient funds have come in to cover her expenses. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. May the blessing be returned to you.

(Lucie):

Hey everyone!!

I’m having a great time in Haiti. This is an awesome experience. I never thought I would ever have the chance to come here and help them like I always wanted to do!!

Today was a pretty busy day while Mariah was doing her things I was taking care of the kids… I really appreciate Haiti it’s an amazing place all the kids are so amazing and smart and CUTE!!!!! I just love them a lot.

Jonathan

Sandra and Judel

Today we also went to the market, it was amazingly crowded. I didn’t really enjoy it because everybody was yelling at me and pushing me, being rude, but Mariah told me it was a normal thing so I just got along with it…

Today we also had a huge storm with A LOT of rain!!!! If you ever have the chance to go there just take it!!! At first it’s a little surprising but you will get used to it and you will love it the way they talk, they live, they dress EVERYTHING!!!!

Showering in heavy rain

In Canada you shovel snow. Here my kids shovel water.

I just saw a huge tarantula, it is totally disgusting but they told me it’s certainly not the biggest one they saw.

Lucie’s tarantula

When you’ve seen all the kids and how lovely is everybody you will never wanna go back home. It’s the greatest experience in my life and if I ever have the chance to go again I wouldn’t miss it.

Ps: Karen (Mariah’s grandma) thank you for everything you did for me. You’re amazing. I love you!!!!!

Karen here.
I can’t let this go without saying in our church service this morning two lovely young ladies sang a duet – and in Creole yet. Certainly no problem for Mariah but Lucie has only been here a few days but was willing to do it. Next Sunday we will be able to once again have our service at the school. Due to the cement work being done there we lost access to it for a couple of weeks.

Duet, sang in Creole, in church this morning

Thanks again everyone. May God richly bless all of you.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN.

~Karen

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 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
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 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
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
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
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
Thank you Karen for everything you do, all the hard work and dedication that you put into this place, all of the work behind the scenes. Thank you for putting up with all the craziness that we bring when we come to your house for the week, just thank you times a million and one for everything Karen. I can write about my week until I am blue in the face (maybe not write that long but if you know me I can definitely talk for that long), and can sing about kit kat bars until my voice gives out, but I cannot even begin to try and articulate in song, dance, or other random art forms how thankful and blessed I am to have been given this experience not only once but twice! Thank you – thank you – thank you – thank you!!!!!!!

Kathleen
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
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