Bye Mariah, We Love You ?

December 15, 2012 Posted by Karen Huxter

Mariah left today and she is missed already. She came late August 2011 for 2-3 months. We kept her and she left today Dec. 14, 2012. Her planned few months stint at this mission turned into a 1 1/2 year stint.

Mariah asking preschooler’s name

Mariah’s first year here saw her doing a fantastic job as preschool teacher at the HATS school. She returned to Canada at end of June to work for a couple of months but returned here once again late August as she knew I was still without help. This year the school wanted her back as a teacher but I fought to keep her on this compound this time. Since she would be moving back to Canada in December I won. Am I thankful for the help she was to many of us on this compound? You bet I am. So are the employees here and the children.

Djemima singing in church for Mariah’s farewell

Mariah has been extremely helpful, not only in the school, and with employees and children here, but also every Sunday in church. Last Sunday we had a special farewell service for Mariah with special music – solos, duets, and groups – some written just for her.

Judel & Karena praying in church at Mariah’s farewell

Wednesday, was the last day of exams and thus last day of regular school for our elementary students (they return on 21st for report cards and a party), and it was also a farewell for Mariah from students and teachers. At one point in the get-together Mariah was mobbed by students, many of them students she had taught last year. She was hugged by so many that she could not be seen in the group for a photo.

Students PS to Grade 6 saying farewell to Mariah

Mariah with a student she had last year

Yesterday, Thursday, we had a farewell and thank you Mariah on this compound with employees and children. (Two of our children were missing from the photo.) Tears flowed freely, employees and children. Mariah tried diligently to control the tears but when precious little Karena Mariah (her kid as we all see it) went to hug her and talk to her Mariah could no longer hold back the water.

HATS employees and children with Mariah

A sad Mariah as her special Karena Mariah went to say she would miss her a lot

Trying to leave the tears for later

Mariah will be missed a lot

Early this morning we headed to the airport in Port au Prince so she could head back to her other home. It was very difficult for me to see her walk though Immigration and out of sight but such is life. Our loss, after 1 1/2 years, is once more the gain of her family and friends in Canada. When seeing her walk away from me at the airport today I was remembering my arrival at the airport in 2005 to meet Mariah. I came to meet my first grandchild and at age two, the first time she saw me, she ran to me with hugs. We have grown very close over the years and today she left me with hugs. Hugs and tears. She knew I was crying so she did a Mariah thing as she moved through immigration and in the security line, which she knew would make me smile. It did. Tears and smiles often go together.

Sandra packed in the carry-on and ready to leave with Mariah

We all know that Mariah will be back to see us. We do not know when but we will all be waiting for her visit. Haiti is her second home. Mariah is a wonderful young woman, and not because she is my grand-daughter, and not because I am prejudiced, but because she is who she is. She is already a woman of God and proudly lets it be known. Mariah is Haitian. She is Canadian. She loves her people in both countries. She easily fits in both worlds and is loved and appreciated by people in both.

At airport ready to leave Haiti for Canada

Bye for now Mariah. Thank you for all your help and support. It feels empty here tonight. Ti Luc had tears for you when I put him to bed. I am missing you. God bless you precious one.

~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

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
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
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
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
It’s my hope that I manage to touch their hearts in some small way, the way that they have touched mine – in a major way.

Cherie 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
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
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
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter