Consuming Double the Water Intake!

March 23, 2015 Posted by HATS Visitors

There are many experiences here. I tell you it is Hot!! From the Canadian weather to here that is pretty good jump. Drinking lots of water that is the key. Almost double than I would have in Canada.

We have similar interests. From Hockey, singing with drums playing, bugs including the dreaded mosquitoes. Spiders are huge and hairy. One of the things I notice more above is that these Children don’t have Xbox or TV for that matter. But somehow have something to do with a smile or laugh.

Hockey!!! They play hockey just without the ice because it melts so fast. Doesn’t keep them from having fun and play the national hockey game of Canada. A couple of these kids are really good. Wonder how they would be with the Canadians and ice.

Spiders here are big but this tarantula is very tiny compared to what they can be. Either way my mom would be across the compound. First hearing about the spiders here in Haiti, I didn’t know how I was going to react. Well it is just the same as I did in Canada.

In Church this morning the tambourines were going along with the drummers and singing. Wow if that is not praising God I don’t know what is. I would really like to learn songs of praise to God in one or both of my native languages. Just thinking of how powerful a tool it can be.

Stories flood in as everyone has their own story how they ended up at HATS including my own. God has placed his humble servant Karen Huxter who is such an inspiration for the short time I am getting to know her. Her passion is for the children. One of the words that she hates to hear is “Can’t” I’ve seen it for myself in the children who people had written off. She adopted a beautiful boy who is full of life and intelligence. I have learned many lessons from him myself. The rest of the children in the property too are cared for just as if they were her own. Karen has been teaching independence to the older children as they have to face the real world of Haiti. What an incredible solider for Christ. Karen has been here 20 years and states “I know a lot but there is lots I don’t know. I am still learning” My heart has been touched by her story and the more that is to come.

This past week I learned so much. From the people in the HATS organization, Karen, even the children (who I would love to take home to Canada). God has blessed me with this time in helping paint a church and also learning of a different worldview and way of life. Nothing is too small or too big to ask God about. It is just simple faith. My faith in God has grown and I want to continue to grow.

~Tashina

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

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
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
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 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
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 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 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
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
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