Almond Trees and Chalkboards

July 5, 2015 Posted by HATS Visitors

Heather

I would never starve on a diet of Haitian food, and Germaine, the cook, creates smells in the kitchen that put a smile on your insides! And I THOUGHT I didn’t like mangoes, but it turns out I’m a bit of a princess and just need mangoes right from the tree! Lucky for me, there are several close by, not far from the coconut and almond trees at the school next door. Who knew almonds grew on trees?

The school and the church border the compound, and this year, the school accommodated children up to grade 10. In September, Karen said, they will add a grade 11, then grades 12 and 13 the subsequent years. Some of the kids who came with us couldn’t wait to show us the classrooms, and then the kitchen where the women make the children’s daily lunches over hot charcoal stoves. For some of these kids, the meals at the school are the only food they get for the day…

From the classrooms, we cross the rocky lawn that doubles as a soccer field and end up at the church, which is so welcoming with its warm yellow walls. On a previous trip, Beate made drums by tightly wrapping packing tape over wooden frames –I can’t wait to hear them in
Church on Sunday morning. I am already lifted by the voices and songs that fill the devotion room every morning. It’s a good cup of soul food to start each day.

We cross back through the property, and the 2 boys with us, Moise and J.J., run ahead to one of the beautiful trees in the corner of the property. Turns out it’s an almond tree, and before we know it, J.J. was lost in the leaves and branches—tree climbing is a universal childhood skill.

Meanwhile, Leica found some ripe almonds on the ground and was hard at work opening one with a small rock. I didn’t realize getting one small almond from its shell was so labor intensive–guess that’s why they cost us a small fortune at home–but none will ever taste as good as the ones Leica proudly shared with me.

Time to make our way back to the compound–we can hear the chorus of little voices on the other side of the wall. There’s still a little time for playing before darkness sets in.

As one more day disappears, I have been reminded of the importance of education, especially to these children, and they are SO happy and eager to learn. But from almond trees to chalkboards, if you keep your eyes open, learning will happen all around you!

HATS beauty parlour Heather is the daring customer

~Heather

Beate

I’m getting to know how to do things around the compound more and more. For instance, I learned how to convert Gouds to Haitian dollars (1000 gouds is 200 Haitian dollars…a Haitian dollar is about ???? Haven’t got that one down yet!!!) I learned how to dispense the pay to the employees, update the payroll book for this month, prepare the new pay envelopes, change the power from generator to battery inverter, drive to the bank in St. Marc to pick up the money for the month…okay, I didn’t actually drive, but I acted as third in command to security (Ronald is our real security and went with us, and Ti Luc was our second in command…notice the blog he wrote today and the pictures he chose to represent Mama, Beate and himself…too cute). Oh, did I mention that I am also being trained for massage therapy duty (Vivienne, where are you when I need you)? Not bad for a start to my training to come back for a longer time next summer.

new secretary Beate

Ti Luc’s St marc blog

massage therapists for the princess

We went to Luckner’s place again to pick up a few things that we needed for the orphanage, and look what Mama Karen found. What two precious faces. Too bad we couldn’t keep her, but her real mama (a neighbour of Luckner’s) wouldn’t hear of it.

Karen and beautiful baby at Luckner’s

On our return, we managed to get a short walk in before supper. It’s amazing to see how well the kids can climb those beautiful trees. I stayed safely on the bottom.

a break under our favourite tree

The mornings are busy and everyone pitches in to do their chores…well almost everyone!

Ti luc doing laundry

Karen hiding from doing work

In the evening, after super, I give Ti Luc a shower and get him dressed for bed. I’m so glad that he trusts me enough to do this. I have been bathing him for the past five years mind you, but each year he gets older, and I always discuss with him what he would like me to do for him. Unfortunately for me, he doesn’t want to hold my hand anymore…hmmmpf…too much of a big boy for Beate!!!!! While I got Ti Luc ready for bed, the ladies set up 4 laptops for the computer club. Nothing is more exciting than kids discovering new tricks on the computer, and then sharing their new knowledge with each other. We adults, simply have to encourage them, and help out now and then, and more importantly, trust that these kids will learn their way around the computer faster than we ever will.

Computer Club with Leica showing the boys

~Beate

LaRae

It is day 2 of sewing classes & I have five students…Leica, Djemima, JJ, Moise & Dieunel. Typically, in Canada, my classes are filled with girls. Teaching boys is a whole different ballgame. They are interested in the foot peddle (and SPEED!), making designs on paper, hand sewing…which really surprised me! At home, I can hardly keep the attention to learn handsewing…we are just too interested in the “quick fix” & getting a project done. Here in Haiti, the kids are soaking it all in. Their stitches are straight, their interest in how a sewing machine is put together is incredible & they were really shocked that a sewing machine needs OIL! This had JJ smiling…so he is now the honorary sewing mechanic dude if anything goes wrong once I leave HATS They are making shorts this week, and being able to choose their OWN fabric & become their own designer, brought out the creative juices. We had to improvise if there wasn’t enough fabric & JJ had no problem creating a working plan to fashionably have 2 quarter sections of printed fabric & 2 opposing sections with matching solids. Moise had his eyes on a cool lime green & brown geometric pattern, Dieunel picked a sports theme, Djemima picked florals & Leica…of course CUPCAKES! After this it was go time & off to work they went to learn how to thread the machines, and begin their time sewing the first part of their shorts.

JJ pinning his waist band

Ronaele showing Leica how to hand sew

What did I get out of this? Well, Leica stepped on the gas peddle & a smile erupted immediately…I was a puddle of tears, trying to keep in my emotions. These kids one by one stole my heart with their expressive faces, their focus & enthusiasm. They did not want to stop for a break! It was 38 degrees in that room & TEACHER LAREE needed to find a cloth to wipe down her face. Life changing experience. This skill will hopefully blossom into something that they can use later in life. By the way…some of the world’s top fashion designers are MEN (ie. Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein), so lets not underestimate the power of boys in sewing!! The children are so appreciative and welcoming. This experience will be with me forever.

~LaRae

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

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
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 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
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 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
After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.

Mike & Nicki White
HATS Visitors
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
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
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
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