Inspiring Love for the Children of HATS

February 14, 2014 Posted by HATS Visitors

Another warm day in beautiful downtown Deschapelles. At nootime today, the thermometer read 48 degrees C. Despite the heat, the other six guys accomplished an incredible amount of work. They all have taken pity on the “old guy” and assigned me to take care of a variety of minor things that Karen needs to have done.

Brian En is tonight’s blogger

Brian En checking out electrical wattage

I am going to leave the description of the project and the work being done for the other fellows to fill you in on.

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 some-one 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. It seemed we had such a series of annoying difficulties on the way here that I began to wonder if Sandra MacDonald had stowed away in our group.

But in his ever present flamboyance and flare, Gerry handled each incident as it came along. Whether things are going smoothly or not, Gerry has the ability to make them seem like they are.

Writing Heather.

Bob The Builder and Brian De are two incredible men to work with along with the fact that that they are the only two who REALLY know how to go about what it is we are trying to accomplish.

Bob The Builder

Brian De

The three who have never been here before have literally thrown themselves into the work and it is inspiring for me to see the obvious love these three have for the children at HATS and the adjoining school.

One, two, three – let’s go

Look at the blan measuring carefully

Bernie Melanson amazes me with his stamina in this heat and the heart of compassion for others that beats inside him. Two high school students round out this group and it is my profound pleasure to get to know them both.

Bernie

Matthew Sketchley from Dartmouth and Isaiah Henderson from Summeride have taken to the work and the Haitian people completely. No-one can get to know these amazing Haitian people of all ages, and not be inspired by them.

Isaiah

Matthew with a couple of cuties

They know such suffering and it seems so little else and yet their attitude and graciousness makes me hang my head in shame for the things I seem to find to complain about. It is not possible to fully explain how a trip to a place like HATS can affect you. To those who helped make this possible for me — THANK YOU!!

Recess time is so much better when visitors are here

To those who wonder if your donations and prayers are actually making a difference, I will answer you in this way. This morning as we watched the school teachers lead the children in a half hour of praise and prayer to God and then the children saying their pledge of allegiance to their flag, I kept thinking this. For all of you who have given of yourselves in donations and prayers, 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! Have a wonderful
evening.

~Brian En

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

Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
This week has been amazing – one of the best weeks of my life thus far, hands down. I can’t really think of any other experience in my life that can even come close to comparing to this. Though my visit here was short (too short), it has been incredibly eye-opening, and life changing. I will never forget the people I have met here, or the things I’ve gotten to experience! Most of all, I would like to say how remarkable it is to see first-hand the amazing work God is doing here. I am behind this ministry 100%, and will continue to support it. I am so, so blessed to have been given the opportunity to come here, and I am REALLY not looking forward to saying goodbye to the children tonight. My heart sinks just thinking about it. There’s no doubt that they’ve had a bigger impact on my life than I’ve had on theirs. I will be leaving a big piece of my heart with these people and this country. God bless.

Jess Buckle
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
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
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
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
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
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
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