Ti Sandra Turned Three

April 1, 2014 Posted by Karen Huxter

We had a fun birthday party. The highlight of the party food was a big mango for everyone. The mangos are not yet ready in this area so mangos are a huge treat right now.

Birthday girl Sandra

Mangos for Sandra’s birthday party

Mango birthday feast

Mango juice everywhere

Happy Birthday Sandra

Sandra likes her birthday gift

Those of you who follow the blog know that my kids love to be outside the compound with their mama and love to climb trees. Sometimes it is nice to leave with just the two older girls, Leica and Djemima. They love it because they have mama Karen’s undivided attention. We talk, laugh and have an English lesson together. The girls like to climb trees just as the boys do and do it quite well.

Two precious girls

We go through a lot of food at our school. The kids filled the truck and off we went to store it elsewhere so two cases can be cooked every morning. Keith, this is another of many ways you are missed. We are all waiting for you and Joan to join us.

Food for school loaded to be taken to front storage

April fools. I am known as a prankster. When in Canada I almost always pulled some things on April 1st. I have done some things here, but not on April 1st, and mostly to visitors. When message chatting with friend Heidi last night about April Fools Day I decided to do something this morning to Ti Luc and Germaine. I knew that by doing something to Ti Luc it would be doing it to Germaine too. They both love the pranks that happen here when Dickie is with us. Ti Luc is getting good at it and he still tells people that he is Dickie’s accomplice.

When Germaine opened the jar of peanut butter to feed Ti Luc this morning she found what looked like bugs mixed with the peanut butter. It was actually black raisins. Ti Luc saw it and ran away.

Ti Luc needed to use the bathroom and so I helped him sit down. Germaine was there too. Ti Luc quickly stood up with a very puzzled look and said “problem, problem, something is stuck to my bum.” He and Germaine laughed so much over the plastic wrap on the toilet.

Germaine was putting his uniform shorts on him but could not get his legs to go in. Germaine asked Ti Luc to try harder and said if he was playing a game to stop as he might be late. After several tries Germaine took the shorts off to investigate as she started to suspect something. When she discovered the legs were sown together she and Ti Luc laughed so hard they fell on Ti Luc’s bed.

These uniform shorts will not go on..

Ti Luc then wondered about his uniform shirt. It was hanging on ahanger in his closet and Germaine checked and told him the shirt had nothing done to it. It didn’t either to the sleeve that was in front. She took it down and got Ti Luc’s one arm in the sleeve, not easy to do a lot of the time, and proceeded to try put the second arm in. No way. It was blocked. Again gales of laughter from both of them.

Removing thread from sleeve

Germaine kept saying “Dickie is here this morning. Dickie is here. When did he arrive from Canada?” Dickie you have a reputation here so I told them to blame you for everything. That works well for me.

Again from the bottom of our hearts – thank you for everything that you have done, are doing, and will continue to do for the children in our area of Haiti.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN

~Karen

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

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
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
Personally, this is my first time here. I’ve never done a mission trip of any sort before and I’ve certainly never been anywhere this hot before. I keep seeing things that are different from what I’m used to, and hearing about things even more unfamiliar to me. One of the most surprising things to meis how quickly I’ve grown to love all the people here. Everyone here is great, and the team is wonderful too. Watching everyone support each other warms my heart almost as much as the sun warms my skin. I’ve learned a lot from this experience, and I know that this trip has already had a profound impact on my life.

Matthew Sketchley
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
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
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
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
It is our last day and there is always a certain amount of sadness and joy when we come to the end of a trip . We look forward to our homes and loved ones but there is a part of us that wants to stay and be near these dear dear children. They open their hearts and arms to you when you enter the front gate. They give you laughter and tears all week long and then they cry and hug you when they know you are going away. Being near that kind of unconditional love effects us all very deeply. So we leave part of our hearts here and promise to return.

Gerry Rhyno
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