Thank You Beate

July 21, 2015 Posted by Karen Huxter

It is very difficult to express the thankfulness in my heart for Beate. Having someone return year after year in the summer heat and humidity to help and to support. At the same time accepting life in Haiti, and at HATS, helping anywhere and everywhere possible, is one of the best gifts a person can give.

It was great to see you enter the compound again Beate.

First one to reach Beate was Ti Luc

Beate happy to be back with us

Having that person willing to change flight reservations, no matter the cost, and stay longer when they see a real need is a bonus to the already huge blessing. I thank you Beate from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for being a great team leader, for putting the team together and being flexible with the other gifted/giving people who came with you, to enable them to be a huge blessing to the children.

First sewing instructions from the master

Computer Club kids working away while teacher gets to rest her back

You spent a lot of time playing with the children when I was unable to do so. Thank you. I am, once more, enjoying lots of fun times with them myself. Want to let you know the computer club is continuing to work away. Tomorrow, Tuesday, we plan to get the sewing machines out and do a little sewing again. Both skills learned this summer are greatly appreciated.

Skipping rope fun

You have always been a gem with both Ti Luc and Ti Fi, as well as the rest of the children. Thank you.

Precious Ti Fi

Bedtime story with Ti Luc

Giving and receiving love

We are back to walking every day and loving the fun times together but you are sorely missed.

Our daily walks are not the same without Beate

The time came when you had to leave us – you had too much booked at home to change your ticket again. Saying bye to loved ones is never easy and it was not easy for you or for any of us..

Bye Jonathan and Judel.

Beate you cannot leave

Luckner and I also found it difficult to say Bye and let you go.

Arrival at airport to return to Canada

Bye Luckner

We are already looking forward to your return.

May God continue to lead and guide you Beate every step of the way. Continue to walk with Him and He will do just that.

With love from all of your HATS family.

~Karen and gang

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 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
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
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
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 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
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