Big Thank You to Brentview

June 15, 2013 Posted by Karen Huxter

A big thank you to Steve, Grant, Pete and Darren for coming to HATS. It was great having you four men from Brentview Baptist in Calgary.

(Pastor) Steve, Thanks for putting it together and seeing that it happened. Thanks for ‘everything’. ‘Everything’ covers more than I can express here. Your coming and bringing the group was indeed a blessing.

‘Pastor’ Steve – team leader watching Grant working on blog

(Dr.) Grant, Thank you for coming with Steve. I am really glad you did. Thanks for great blogging, and for every way that you entered into life here. It was delightful having you with us.

‘Dr’ Grant – the blogger

(Pastor) Pete, I wish to say thank you to you also for coming with Steve. It was fun having you around. Ti Luc still calls you his ‘buddy’. You have a great way with kids.

‘Pastor’ Pete – Ti Luc’s buddy

Darren, Thanks so much to you too for joining Steve and spending a few days with us. It was indeed a pleasure to spend time with you.

‘Mr Communications’ – Darren

You are all very welcome to return. I would like to have you back and Radio Creole wants you back.

When the team was ready to leave early a.m. Wednesday, Ti Luc pulled one suitcase to the bus (a major feat for him) and told the bus driver he wanted to go too.

Almost ready to leave

Ti Luc taking one suitcase to bus

Less than halfway to Port au Prince we encountered a huge blockage (blokese) in traffic. The folks in that area were protesting (and rightly so) the lack of electricity – lack meaning ‘no electricity’ from EDH for many months. They blocked the road and so there were many miles of vehicles stuck. Our bus driver decided to drive illegally (nothing new) to try to somehow get past the mess. That meant that the HATS truck with Luckner and Daniel, riding shotgun, had to do likewise as we had to stick together. It was an interesting experience, to say the least, for the team members who come from country/countries where road and driving laws are expected to be obeyed.

Blokis (blockage) in the road enroute to airport

Interesting drive illegally to try and get through the blocked mess of traffic

We made it to the airport just fine where we had to say ‘Bye for now’. Luckner and I believe they will be back. We believe God has started something that will continue.

Steve, Luckner and Grant chatting before leaving us for Canada

Thanks again Steve, Grant, Pete and Darren for coming and blessing us as you did.

Bye guys

All the children, the Reimers, and three of the house mothers say thank you too (as you will see in the photo) for not eating any of the sugarcane before you left as it is very difficult to find these days. They all thoroughly enjoyed eating what was purchased for you. (Reason the group did not get to eat it is because it was put in the freezer by one of the ladies working in the kitchen. Who looks in a freezer for sugarcane? Not Karen for sure!) I promise we will have sugarcane for you on your return visit.

Thanks Mama Karen for buying sugar cane for Steve, Grant, Pete and Darren but giving it to us

Blessings to the four of you as you return to your lives in Canada – a world that is very different from the world of Haiti.

With love from all of us at HATS where what we do is “ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN”

~Karen and gang

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.

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Testimonials

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
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
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
I am so thankful to God for allowing me the opportunity to be here and experience his splendor. This day will forever be in my heart and mind. The scripture that resonates with me today is “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40. I am so happy I decided to come to HATS, this experience will stay with me for my life time.

Crystal Young
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
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 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
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
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