Our HATS Family has Grown

September 27, 2015 Posted by Karen Huxter

Two little boys (brothers) from the mountains have joined us. They are Markenson – 4 and Sonson – 1 1/2.

Sonson is 1 and five months and Markenson is 4

The first time Luckner and I saw the children we thought – a boy, perhaps 2 to 2 1/2 and a younger girl, and neither one in good shape. HATS employees and HATS children thought likewise. We quickly discovered it was two little boys, one being four and the other a year and five months.

The first time we saw our two new children

Those of you affiliated with HATS know that Luckner and I do not normally move quickly to take children into the family. We like to check and recheck the stories and situations, etc. This time, however, after hearing the story we moved quickly and welcomed the two children, who were badly in need, into our family and into our hearts.

Heading to the shower

Markenson and Sonson have been motherless for some time. Both are malnourished, both have pneumonia and possibly the littlest one has Sickle Cell Disease. The first thing Luckner and I decided was to have them carefully checked out medically. The hospital in our area had a positive result for Sickle Cell in Sonson. Blood work was redone and we are awaiting results from Port au Prince.
Sickle Cell is a red blood cell disorder inherited from parents. Thanks to advancements now in early diagnosis and treatment for Sickle Cell most kids born with this inherited disorder can grow up to live active, healthy and productive lives.
We are praying and hoping that if the test returns positive that our cute little Sonson will grow up here having an active and healthy life.

Markenson playing with Mama Karen

Markenson, Sonson, Jonathan and Magdala

They are settling in nicely as part of the family. Sonson loves to be with Mama Karen. He needs lot of hugs and cuddles and he is getting it. Office work is being left undone but the boys are being well looked after. Markenson is learning that our family has rules and order coupled with love and affection.

Hair cut started for Sonson

I look like a cute little boy now Mama

We need sponsors for our two new children – sponsors for both of them at orphanage and Markenson needs one for schooling. Anyone willing to sponsor one of these cute little boys can get in touch with me, or my sister Sandra at 902-7423-5234 (sandra.hatshaiti@gmail.com), or my daughter Liette at 403-220-1012 (liette.hatshaiti@outlook.com). Thank you in advance for helping a child in need.

Markenson

Sonson with sister Magdala

This week was a birthday celebration week. We celebrated Judel and Magdala’s birthdays from August and Jonathans’s was last week. Markenson and Sonson had only arrived and were not sure what on earth was going on but they both sure liked the cake and juice.

Our three birthday kids

Jonathan is now the happy owner of a bike – a gift from Canada – which he will be sharing with his little brothers and sisters. They, of course, all want to ride at the same time, but there are not enough bikes to go around. Taking turns and staying patient is being learned.

Jonathan on his birthday bike

We continue to take afternoon walks as often as we can. We all love to go outside, walk and play.

Afternoon walk

Jofky with Ti Fi

Karena and Sonson

Thank you once more for all your suppor. Your prayers, your encouragement and your financial help is the reason we can continue to take little children in need. We all belong to the HATS-Haiti Mission and we all work together to better the lives of children.

IT I S A L L A B O U T T H E C H I L D R E N

God bless.
~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

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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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