Vladimy, Our Oldest Child

December 18, 2013 Posted by Karen Huxter

I am asking for prayer support for my son, Vladimy. Also for the rest of us here at the orphanage who love him very much.

Vladimy off for first day of Seconde (Gr. 11)

Vladimy, age 18, is the oldest child we have in the orphanage. He has been with me i.e.’my son’ for 15 years. Since he came to me Vladimy has been a little different, special in his own way, and in need of a lot of patience and understanding. He has demonstrated some unusual behaviour over the years that has slowly and steadily escalated. One thing he has been diagnosed with is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). There have been other, but yet undiagnosed, problems over the years. Last Thursday Vladimy had, in my words, a ‘sort of psychotic breakdown’. Luckner and I quickly contacted a doctor in St. Marc and got the name and address of a psychiatrist in Port au Prince. With the help of our policeman security, Daniel, who always travels with us to pick up and return people to the airport, and our chief security, Richard, here at HATS, we took Vladimy to PAP to see this doctor. Tests were ordered but it was too late in the day to have them done. He prescribed medications for Vladimy while he waited for test results.

Upon our return home Vladimy refused to take any medication, and refused to eat or drink. He had to be watched all the time, due to aggressive and dangerous behaviour (starting a fire with his clothes). This resulted in very little to no sleep for myself and the house mothers. No one, including the children, were relaxed, as all were concerned about him. The security were kept on their toes as both entrances to the compound had to be constantly locked, and they helped us keep a close eye on Vladimy.

Yesterday Vladimy was taken to the hospital in PAP where the prescribed tests, by the psychiatrist, could be done. He refused, and despite efforts and help of Luckner, Daniel, and Richard the tests could not be done. Vladimy had to be taken back to the psychiatric hospital for help to calm him down. The doctor advised Vladimy stay at the hospital for a month. Tests are to be done, and help given.

It was extremely difficult for us to leave Port au Prince yesterday without our boy, but we know that there is absolutely no help for him elsewhere in Haiti. Many tears have been shed, and are still being shed, here at HATS over the illness/situation of Vladimy.

Thank you to those of you who have been praying and encouraging us. Please continue to pray for Vladimy and for the other children who can not possibly understand what is going on with our family.

Vladimy is the eldest of our children. We will do everything that is possible to get him the needed help.

I T I S A L L A B O U T T H E C H I L D R E N

Thank you one and all for your love and concern. God bless you.

~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.

Archive by Month

Testimonials

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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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