The Compound is an Island of Peace & Tranquility

March 24, 2013 Posted by HATS Visitors

This is Rick from Chicago, temporary pilot of the HATS blog. I arrived yesterday with Liette for my first trip to Haiti, not quite sure what to expect. I had done some research, heard some stories, but nothing could prepare me for what I saw when we hit the ground.

We arrived Port Au Prince around 10 AM, and Karen, Luke Ner, and 2 other staff members retrieved us from the airport. Right away, the feeling that I was in an extraordinarily different place washed through me. The people seemed friendly, but the country is in a desperate situation. Poverty is everywhere, but the folks seem happy despite their challenges. We started out on the 3 hour journey to the HATS Compound immediately from the airport.

airport arrival

The ride to the Compound took us through some very challenged towns, with people selling everything you can think of on the side of the road. The situation is desperate, there is no tourism or industry, and the locals are doing their best to make ends meet.

When we arrived at the Compound, the children were very excited, to see Liette. Karen hadn’t told them that she was coming ahead of time so they’d be completely caught off guard. Clearly they have great love for Liette. They welcomed me with hugs as well, despite the language barrier (I don’t speak Creole, though several of the children speak English). We spent the afternoon playing soccer and getting to know each other. These. Kids. Are. Amazing.

Another family on our walk

Four new helmets arrived for biking and rollerblading

HATS family walk time

Despite being in a very difficult location economically, Karen and the HATS crew have created an amazing place for these children to grow up. They are fed, educated, and generally kept after by HATS – and they are thriving. Each child has a special story, and each radiates optimism. Their smiles, their demeanor, is unbelievable. I’m proud to know these kids, and to have been invited down. After dinner, I watched their Devotions, where each child sang a song of their choosing, as well as group songs, and their voices were angelic.

Karen, Liette, and I ended the day laying on thin mattresses on the roof, watching the clouds pass across the sky, and the moon peaking through occasionally. Karen shared stories of some of the crazy situations that have played out around the Compound (it’s a fortress, with 12′ concrete walls topped with razor wire). Though this spot, the Compound, is an island of peace and tranquility – the
areas around it don’t offer the same. We’re not talking about routine gunshots or anything like that, but there’s an armed security guard on the premises at all times (and with us when we travel). As a result, Karen (and Liette for the matter, as she’s lived down there too) have had some fascinating experiences.

Today is day 2, and we got some early exercises accomplished (with the larger children, and then on our own), and then went to the market. The market is a crazy place, and a neat experience. After returning, we spent time playing with the kids, and Liette and I installed and painted new doors for the front and back of the house. I convinced some of the kids to sing while we were working, and
….. wow. Just a really neat place to be in the world.

Jonathan’s first time on mini trampoline

New man on the block time

Play time at HATS

Ti Luc slam dunk the basket ball (with help from Brad)

Water shortage bath

Rick ready to paint the doors

After dinner, two of the older children came to Karen’s house (on the back of the Compound), and Karen, Liette, and I played Uno with one, and then dice with another. And now, the day is winding down so I’ll sign off.

Not allowed to wait for Sandra to return

I’m amazed to be at this place, and to have been fortunate enough to have been asked to be a part of it. Karen, Liette, Luckner, Germaine, Brad, Lois, and the rest of the HATS staff have worked very hard to make the children their top priority, and it shows.

~Rick

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Culture shock for this Canadian team at first, but a ride through busy, vibrant streets proved terrifically interesting; busy markets, vendors selling exotic fruits, clothing and shoes, used tires and rusty metal… and then the gorgeous countryside: banana plants, mangoes, cows and goats and pigs and dogs, the Golfe de La Gonave by our side. Rice patties indicated we were close to our home for the next week. We were greeted by Magalie, a house mother, with hugs for all and, of course, the children themselves, so gorgeous and endearing. A beautiful meal was followed by a sharing of impressions: there is a lot of poverty but so much potential and hope. We are already in love with Haiti.

Team Canada
HATS Visitors