Tracy's first arrival at HATS

Beauty, Joy and Love ?

August 14, 2017 Posted by HATS Visitors

I saw beauty during my first trip to HATS and Haiti by Tracy Lewis-Currie

I’m using the word “beauty” when I realize other words could be used such as “joy” or “love”. But to me, the word “beauty” best describes my observations.

Of course, I can’t deny the visibility of poverty and destruction in Haiti. Haiti is a third world country that has had corrupt governments and experienced disasters due to earthquakes and hurricanes that has affected the country in so many ways.

But the overwhelming impression I have of my first trip to Haiti and HATS is of beauty.

Here’s where and why I saw beauty in random order:

Our early morning walk one day, along the canal with some of the children and Karen. It had rained heavily the previous night and the ground was still muddy. The view of the fields, the canal and the sun coming up through the clouds was breathtaking. The children all worked together to scrape the mud off their own and then each other’s shoes that was building up and weighing us down.
Enjoying a walk despite tons of mud
The full moon that was just bursting at the seams on our last night in Haiti.

The visiting team from the U.S. The way Jesse worked with the children in Bible School and then her presentation at church on Sunday. The way Seth poured his heart and energy into our soccer games with such enthusiasm and skill. The way Jim (and Seth) worked so diligently to paint the new apartment (Jessie and Connie also helped when they could). (not to mention Jim’s pretty fingers and toe nails after a trip to the HATS “spa”). And Connie’s love and leadership with the HATS children and her own grandchildren was inspirational. Aleyah was pure joy to talk with and discuss whether or not I could do cartwheels and back bends like her. And cutie Solomon made everyone smile and want to cuddle with him.
Jessie has an assistant

Heather & Tracy at the hair dressing parlour

Aleyah was loved by all

Seth painting apt for Jocelyn’s arrival

Helpful Connie both on and off the compound

Heather and Mackenzie. Before my trip to Haiti, I read Heather’s blogs with great vigour. Her writing is so clear and descriptive, I had a good sense of what to expect even before I arrived. Her son, Mackenzie, was so patient and good with all the kids, even sleeping over with the boys despite the heat and lack of sleep I’m sure. Their love and commitment to HATS was also inspirational.
Mackenzie and Luc at a sleepover at Boy’s House

Beate. Pure beauty. My friend and team lead. She had us organizing the depot with such energy and focus. Through this effort, we were able to get the kids organized for school with clothes, shoes, underwear, backpacks, pencils/pens and notebooks. And we were also able to organize many bags of clothing and shoes for both the children at HATS and the community. But more so, I was privileged to witness Beate’s true love for the children and employees. She greeted everyone with a beaming smile and big hug, radiating joy and love. I so enjoyed my time with Beate on this trip.
These two organized the depot – some is kept for HATS kids and a lot goes to the community kids

Depot organized and truck full for the community

The children at HATS. It was such a joy for me to get to know the variety of personalities of the children. From little Magdala to big JJ, I was so impressed with the way the children played with each other, solved problems together and took care of each other. And no one is too shy to hug.
Our little Magdala getting her first ever school backpack.
(Ti) Luckner. This kid has touched my heart! With his quick smile, infectious giggle and loving heart, he had me wrapped around his finger. Beate would often refer to him as Prince Luc, and I have to agree – he’s definitely a Prince.
Tracy supervising Luc’s math problem solving

This says ‘LOVE’

Luc loves Tracy

(Big) Luckner. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with the co-director at HATS. But the little bit I did get with him, I found him to be warm, friendly and noticed that he’s always in teaching mode. Before I knew it, he was teaching me Creole in my first conversation with him. He made it easy.

Karen. This red-headed, spritely woman who runs HATS is a true inspiration. She is one-of-a-kind! I was bowled over, when I realized all that she created/co-created, from running an orphanage, a school – including elementary and secondary – a church as well as community donation programs. I watched her (and assisted where I could) as she dealt with many things all at the same time including office administration, depot organization, dealings with the children, outfitting the children for school, organizing a water balloon event (she’s the biggest kid!), human resources issues and taking care of her son. On top of all this, she’s plays hostess to the visiting teams, entertaining us with funny stories and commentaries. It was such a great pleasure to get to know this incredible woman.
Tracy was a fantastic help for the more than 5 hrs on the plane to Montreal

Now I have my memories of the beauty I saw in Haiti to keep me going until the next time I make my way to HATS.

This was an amazing experience for me, and I’m so grateful. Thank you

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
Amazing organization! Had the pleasure of visiting twice, and can’t wait to go back again someday. God is doing some wonderful things at HATS!

Jess MacDonald
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
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
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