Praising with Drums, Tambourines & Singing!

April 27, 2015 Posted by HATS Visitors

Today was adventure day! We stared with some delicious pancakes made by the lovely Germaine, and then we got all dressed up for church. All the kids joined us in the living room, they all looked so cute I thought I was going to die.

Beautiful Sandra ready for church

Jocelyn with two handome boys, Judel and Jofky

Before church

We all headed over to church together, and the service was incredible. I’ll tell ya Hatians know how to praise Jesus. There were 115 of us together this morning. They all had the drums and tambourines out and were clapping and singing. Although we had no clue what they were saying/singing it didn’t seem to bother any of us, we were just happy to be here and see all the children worshipping. Jason spoke at church this morning. He used a balloon as an example to show how when the balloon has no air in it, it does not perform its purpose, and when filled with air it changes to do what it was meant to do. Just like how without Jesus we do not fulfill our purpose in life. But when Jesus enters into our lives we are filled with love, kindness and grace that we are meant for. Being here in Haiti for just a few days I’m already seeing myself, along with my teammates, being so filled up by God. Everyone on this team is here for a special purpose.

First group to sing this morning

Nap time in church for Magdala

Needed a nap too

Too precious for words

Receiving a needed cold drink after church

We had quite the time this afternoon. Twenty six people piled into one truck, to go buy some pop at Papa Luckner’s. It was so much fun seeing all the smiles and giggles on the children’s faces. They were all so happy to receive their pop/juice. Something as simple as a bottle of pop brings so much joy whereas I would not think twice about being thankful for a glass of pop. I am learning so much from these kids!

HATS TapTap

This afternoon we went for a drive to see a bit of the town. Our first stop was to the hospital and along the way we were discussing about how maybe people in Haiti are more fortunate than us in some ways. For the fact that they don’t want everything, they have what they need to survive (some) and that is enough for them. Upon arriving at the hospital our minds changed a bit. The hospital yard was packed with people standing outside trying to get inside to visit others. Since they don’t have enough nurses/doctors to care for the needs of the patients one of your family members has to take care of you. Many patients are put in one big room. It’s the sad truth of people living here. I wish I could change this for them. Some people came out wailing as they had just had someone die. It was difficult to see.

Hospital Albert Schweitzer

As we continued to drive around a little I was in awe of the beauty of this country. Mountains upon mountains and the grass and trees are so bright green.

Countryside beauty.

This was followed by a soccer game on the field in front of the church. We had the Canadian team and the Haitian girls from the HATS church and school on one team with Keith in goal for them. The Haitian boys from the church and school were on the other team. It was an action packed fun game of soccer.

Soccer game

I’m so incredibly happy and blessed to be in Haiti. I love hearing the stories of Karen’s experiences and getting to know the kids. I’m excited to see how God will continue to use us throughout the rest of the week!

~Marissa

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

They call Karen “the helicopter ” and after spending three days by her side I know why. She propels through life!!! If you want to get on the ride you better start running. It is an amazing work that the Lord is doing here through so many many dedicated workers…literally hundreds of children impacted every day with the love of Christ…but the task to do so is enormous. The dedication of staff is invaluable…they NEED US ALL!!

Barbara & Louis
HATS Visitors
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
A huge thank you to aunt Karen, who always seems to be doing something with her children and the HATS mission. The only time she takes for herself is long enough to spread some almond butter on a banana that she eats on the run. Thank you so much for all your hard work and unwavering dedication. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and so many others. We love you and our Haitian family very much. The longer I spend at HATS, the bigger piece of my heart remains. Take care of yourself and our kiddies until we see each other again.

Jocelyn Barnes
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
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
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 have learned much about Haiti in my short stay here, much about generational, entrenched poverty, and much about hope. We can only be part of the bringing of hope if we become one small actor on the huge stage that is poverty. Thank you, Lynn Clark, for inviting me to share this life changing experience with you, and thank-you, Karen Huxter, for investing so much of your life in a work designed to bring hope to those who need it more than any Canadian could ever imagine.

Linda
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’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 morning, we woke up as the sun came up and as we all began to trickle downstairs; we were met with warm welcomes from the precious children. As the children arrived, we were deeply touched and came to the realization of how important the HATS organization is to this country. Many children who would not have had any opportunities are now well nourished, educated and have a loving home and a mother who loves them more than we could ever comprehend, Karen Huxter.

Nicole Boudreau & Marcia Muise
HATS Visitors