Arrival on a Trip Like no Other

June 10, 2013 Posted by HATS Visitors

It was with a great deal of excitement and a little bit of anxiety that today we began our first visit to Haiti and the HATS mission. The team is composed of Grant Peters, Steven McCready, Peter Morrison, and Darren Hailes. The day started with a very early morning as we needed to be up by 3:30 a.m. Miami time. All of us were very groggy but successfully got to the airport. Getting our tickets and clearing security was an easier process than expected. We arrived at the boarding gate to find a very eclectic group of people with many stories I am sure. There were several physicians going to work in relief hospitals, missions teams both young and old working on different projects and locals who were returning to their home. All going to the same country but with different purposes, goals and perspectives.

As we were boarding the plane, to our surprise, Darren was sitting first class due to his airline connections. We were getting ready to give him the gears but he successfully escaped our teasing (I think it was a perfectly timed bathroom break).It turned out that Darren upgraded to qualify us to take more luggage and more aid to Haiti. The flight was uneventful with times of prayer, sleep and enjoying our last little bit of an air conditioned environment. As we were approaching the airport the poverty became quickly apparent. We could see the tent cities and shanty dwellings. This would be a trip like no other.

Immediately upon leaving the plane the humidity and heat jumped up a notch. We went to claim our bags as a singing group welcomed us to the country. We were quickly met by Karen Huxter (director of HATS) who also welcomed us to the country. She wanted to ensure successful and safe transport to the orphanage.

Steve & Grant from Calgary at PAP airport

Two more of Steve’s group from Brentview Baptist

Immediately upon leaving the airport, we realized life here was very different. The parking lot was closely guarded with police with guns, there was barbed wire everywhere, there were people begging through the fences pleading “do not forget us and please help us”. We got into the van which was going to take us to HATS. We were followed by an escort vehicle which was armed to ensure our safety. Clearly, all precautions were taken to ensure our teams safety. Thanks Karen and Luckner!

Off we went not knowing fully what to expect. On the trip there, Grant sat up front to take photos while the rest chatted and slept. The landscapes were beautiful but the roads were littered with debris and poverty. People’s homes were often shacks and tents. The struggle for survival was evident. People were carrying water and food on their heads for miles. The buses were colourfully decorated but had people jammed into them. Too many mixed emotions to describe in one quick blog.

We arrived at the HATS compound to a large welcome banner, kids singing and the mandatory Clorox handwash to decrease the spread of disease. The security guard opened the gate and we entered. We were all excited to be here after a long day, but boom! The heat was intense and we all started to sweat profusely. We went for a quick tour and were very impressed by the mission and its work. The kids were lovely and welcomed us with song, hugs and lots of love.

Welcome Brentview group

Just arrived. Steve & Sandra – Love at first sight

After a quick bite of chicken pumpkin soup, we unpacked and then headed off to the radio station to watch the kids sing for a local radio program. It was a really neat experience.

Heading to Papas for kids to sing on the air at Radio Creole

HATS kids singing at Radio Creole for ‘Kids Day’

Later we had a time of devotion and singing. The kids really blessed us with song. Steve even sang a song. We were impressed! I see some special numbers in his future. The day was full, we were tired so now off to bed. Unfortunately, the adventure continued.

Duet – Judel & Karena at evening devotions

We slept or tried to sleep in tents on a back patio. It was so hot!! We quickly learned that even sleeping would be more challenging. After an hour in bed, Steve asks if anyone is sleeping. Everyone piped up that we were definitely awake, except for Darren. We could hear people talking, cars driving, animals scurrying, cocks crowing and the drums pounding from a local voodoo service. Despite these challenges, most of us got some sleep. We were tired and worn out from day one, but glad we made the effort to see this great work.

Setting up for sleeping (or not)

Praise God for HATS and 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

One thing that has impacted me on this trip is seeing the children and all the dedication in this orphanage. There is so much going on behind the scenes to keep the HATS orphanage and school running.

Donna Wheeler
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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