Organizing, Payroll, Furniture Building & Canal Walks

January 18, 2013 Posted by HATS Visitors

Jess

Today is my 3rd day here at HATS, and it was a good one!

I was so exhausted last night I managed to sleep through all of the noises (including Jim’s snoring), and didn’t wake up until the sun started to rise. We began our day today at the school. All of the kids were singing and clapping and praising The Lord. They are all such wonderful singers. Such a joy to listen to, even if I don’t understand the words! We also got to see them raise the flag, which was super cool!

We were then all immediately put to work. I spent most of the morning organizing the cupboard in Karen’s office (it was no small task). Sandra was “blessed” with the job of working on the payroll book for the year (quite tedious business when you have to write everything out manually, instead of using a computer). Dave and Dickie spent the day putting furniture together. Jim made his bed (literally), and worked on cleaning up Karen’s computer so that it runs more smoothly!

Jess with a huge task of organizing the office supply cupboard in

Sandra working on salary book for 2013

Dave assembling furniture

Making your bed means literally making it at HATS – put it together Jim, then you can sleep.

We also had some women show up to collect the rice, beans, cornmeal and oil we spent yesterday dividing. They were so appreciative. They all left with huge smiles on their faces!

I went to play with the kids today and they decided they wanted to do my hair. I had about 5 kids braiding and pulling on my hair all at once. They are quite the hair stylists! They seem to find my long hair quite fascinating.

budding hair dressers

My favourite part of the day was our walk along the canal with all of the kids. Probably the most beautiful walk I’ve ever been on. I can’t get over how beautiful this place is, and the people that live here.

Walk along the canal

Along the canal

God is doing great things through wonderful people here at HATS. I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of it, if only for a short time. You can be sure that I will be back here again as soon as the
opportunity arises!!

God bless!

~Jess

Dickie brought Ti Luc a tool kit. He used it first to take his bed apart.

Evening devotions

Sandra

I have to admit that we took Flat Jenna shopping with us yesterday and forgot her at the store and she spent last night, all day today and tonight at the store BUT she will come back with us tomorrow! She missed some fun times today but hoping to make it up to her. I was hating to have to tell the Ebbetts that she was missing in Haiti!

~Sandra

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

Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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