Magnificent Sunrise Greeted us this Morning

May 6, 2013 Posted by HATS Visitors

Bonjou. Jodi se yon bon dimanch matan…and we wish we could share the magnificent sunrise that greeted Haitians this morning. Then again, you experienced it as it greeted our wonderful Newfoundland family and friends this morning. As we prepare for church, we are alive with anticipation.

A little recap from some activities of yesterday. Yesterday, Karen’s camo-short for camouflage and really I am being sarcastic. I can only liken it to the excited faces of children decorating the route of Downtown St. Johns anxiously awaiting the guy in the white beard and bright red suit. A white truck filled with 9 vanilla wonders journeyed to Deschapelles where Hospital Albert S. is located. It was absolutely amazing.

Then after another wonderful meal served by our fabulous cooks, we headed to the market in Verrettes. We left the compound-our Wall of Love, and landed in Discovery Channel’s Sea of clothing, chicken, goats, jewelry, sausage, veggies and anything else one can imagine.

At the market

We were then taken to the parking lot to have our photo taken among the machin yo. (donkeys)

Parking lot of the market

And now a soccer story. I, Cavell, decided to play soccer with the children yesterday. I kicked the ball twice. The first time I placed the ball on the foot of an opponent and assisted on his goal. And then on my second kick, I sprained my ankle. Ouch! I know very little about soccer – hockey is my expertise. I am a Canadian fan so I have a dear friend who will surely state that I know little about hockey as well.

While part of our team enjoyed their market experience, those of us left at the compound distributed more gifts of food into grateful hands. Echoes of mesi anpil (thank you very much) rang throughout the compound.

Food for their families

Later this afternoon we enjoyed a memorable fashion show!! Each girl in the compound received a fancy new dress for church. We decided that Karen may never have to worry about electricity again for the smiles on their faces were bright enough to light up all of the country! AS each name was called the girls would come forward and quickly run off to put on their new dresses. Coming out on the catwalk beaming brightly and blushing with pleasure over the ooos and ahhhhs received from the audience. All prepared to wear their precious garment to church in the morning!!! Our evening ended with devotions, sharing a delicious (did I mention it was delicious) mango cake made by the lovely Lois, and a visit to the rooftop with the older kids(no, not the goats). We were amazed at the beauty of the stars in the clearness of the dark night and sat in wonderful silence in awe of the our celestial light show.

Anne & Karena

Josie in her new pink dress with Emma

It is morning again and a beautiful one!! Ti Luc asked Emma to feed him breakfast but much to her dismay she hadn’t placed the bananas, peanut butter and nutuella in the right places on the plate!!! My oh my, still so much to learn. I hope we don’t miss church because of this. Trouble #2 will have to deliver the message if we do and that would surely interfere with her photography!!!!

What an awesome church service we had! Many of the school children and their families as well as staff came to join us for worship. Our team choose the selection “he’s got the whole world in his hands” to sing as our selection. Emma’s message relayed that no matter how big or small, short or tall to Jesus it doesn’t matter at all. It was based on the story of Zacceaus and Karen translated into Creole. Much singing and prayer were blended with the children’s music groups to make for a memorable morning. Each person was treated to candy and a drink as they left the service.

Our church service

Sandra sleeping in Rose Lore’s arms in church

We headed home to prepare the children for their Sunday treat!!! We all piled in the truck and headed to Papa Luckner’s to enjoy cookies and juice. Na we pita (see you later ).

Alycia with godson Dieunel

soccer uniforms made especially for a group

Two team members in uniforms

We spent a relaxing and fun afternoon before having to prepare to leave in the morning. We will go with heavy hearts that have been forever changed and the motto – “It is All About The children” resonating in our minds. We hope you have been blessed by our blogs this week as much as we have been blessed by doing them!!!

~Emma and Cavelle

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

I have learned much about Haiti in my short stay here, much about generational, entrenched poverty, and much about hope. We can only be part of the bringing of hope if we become one small actor on the huge stage that is poverty. Thank you, Lynn Clark, for inviting me to share this life changing experience with you, and thank-you, Karen Huxter, for investing so much of your life in a work designed to bring hope to those who need it more than any Canadian could ever imagine.

Linda
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
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
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 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
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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