Construction of all Shapes and Sizes

April 23, 2016 Posted by Karen Huxter

There are two lots of construction going on at HATS. One is by bosses and labourers, supervised by Luckner. One is by three of our children, supervised by Nicki and Karen. I must admit the construction by our children is the only construction supervision I feel qualified for.

I recently did a blog admitting the financial state of HATS was not a good one – it was difficult for me to write that truth. I have a huge problem looking for funds but I did mention it as it was for the children. HATS is all about the children. I want to say ‘Thank You’ to anyone who has responded.

Some of you may be wondering why – if we have a financial problem – not enough general funds to run the mission properly – we are starting new construction on site. The question would be a valid one.

I see a need for an apartment as I am trying to look at the longevity of the HATS mission. This includes needing missionary workers – long term and shorter term. To encourage people to join us in this work, being able to offer housing is ‘very important’. At the moment we have one apartment. It is a good place for a couple on their own, with children, or who may wish to start a family.

We, however, also need another smaller apt for a couple (or single person perhaps at times) who will come for a period of three to four months or so. Both are needed to have the mission run as it should.

I speak of the need of workers from my own experience!! I have done far too much for far too long and it has taken a toll on my health and continues to do so. Help is needed. I really do not wish to subject other missionaries – long term or shorter term – to non stop work and daily stress here in Haiti. To see HATS continue to run, and the children taken care of as needed, two apartments are required and the missionaries to fill both apartments. There is a huge need to have someone living here onsite ALL the time. The children need this. Children may rebel against boundaries but they need them and they also really want them. They have shown me that and have also told me that. They do not like it when I have to leave without someone living here to do some of what I do daily. One of my boys recently told me someone is needed here onsite to help keep them ‘in line’.

Whether missionaries are long term or shorter term they need to be able to take a break – visiting family and friends in North America – or just running away to a hotel or somewhere for a few days. They need to be able to do what is necessary for their well being knowing there are people here seeing that the mission continues to function as needed.

One person living on site can’t do it all. One couple living on site can’t do it all. On a short term basis one couple can cover but to see that everything necessary is done, it requires more people to share the work load.

In light of this I asked work teams for 2016 to fundraise towards the apartment instead of towards doing a specific project when here. We have had a good response from some groups – especially so from the hard working Springdale, NL group – for this cause. Work has been started on the apt as seen from these photos of the stairs to where the apt will be going. First step is the stairs. Soon the walls will start to rise. We will go as far as the present funds will take us. All funds being used for this apt have been donated specifically for the construction of the apt.

All donated funds to HATS-Haiti are used for the purpose donated. General funds for the running of the mission are used for this purpose. Food funds to feed hungry people in our community are always used to purchase food to distribute to families. School funds donated are used for the students and needs of the school. I would like to remind donors to please designate the use of the money you donate if you wish it used specifically. Otherwise it will be used for the general running of the mission and the needs of the children.

The second construction by the three boys has gone up quite quickly. No stairs required. Ti Luc passed the blocks with his feet. Judel helped build. Dieunel planned the design. I wonder do we have an up and coming architect in our family – Dieunel perhaps.

Construction by Judel, Dieunel and Ti Luc

House has finished bedroom for each of the boys . .

This coming week we will be purchasing food to once again distribute to some very hungry people in our area. The hunger problem around us is growing daily. Every day the radio news talks about the millions of hungry people in Haiti. We are a small mission with small amount of food funds remaining. We cannot help a lot of people with food but what we do distribute is always greatly appreciated by those on the receiving end.

Proverbs 22:9- “A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor.”

You continue to share with us here at HATS and we continue to share with the hungry and needy outside the mission.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do as we walk together to help the children in our area.

HATS-Haiti IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN

God bless you all.

~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

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
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 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
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
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
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
I’m not sure what we’re doing here, just showing up for a week – it’s not like it’s sustainable. And I don’t want to become depressed by some of the harsh realities that Karen has to deal with every day. You know it’s ONE thing to start an orphanage and school (Yes, Karen has done things that are beeeeyond me), but it’s ANOTHER thing to raise the 20 babies that become YOUR kids!!! Not only are they a big family, but they are a big family containing individual stories that got them all to where they are in the orphanage. I don’t even know how to describe it…I have never seen a woman her age with this much energy…fun loving energy that is. She so inspired me today and really is a wonderful mother to all these children.

Barbara
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
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
Culture shock for this Canadian team at first, but a ride through busy, vibrant streets proved terrifically interesting; busy markets, vendors selling exotic fruits, clothing and shoes, used tires and rusty metal… and then the gorgeous countryside: banana plants, mangoes, cows and goats and pigs and dogs, the Golfe de La Gonave by our side. Rice patties indicated we were close to our home for the next week. We were greeted by Magalie, a house mother, with hugs for all and, of course, the children themselves, so gorgeous and endearing. A beautiful meal was followed by a sharing of impressions: there is a lot of poverty but so much potential and hope. We are already in love with Haiti.

Team Canada
HATS Visitors