So Much Excitement in 2 Days!

December 14, 2017 Posted by HATS Visitors

Here at HATS-Haiti things are still exciting and you never know what the next hour will bring. We’re in love! Bring it on!

Wednesday started with the school devotions at the church which they do every school day. What an inspiring and lively bunch! You couldn’t help but tap your feet and move to the music. They were little people but very big in stature!

Morning devotions at the school

Morning staff devotions

After staff devotions Karen took us to town for a little jaunt and some sight seeing. The sights and sounds of Haiti never cease to amaze me. Liam was excited to ride in the pan of the truck!

In the afternoon we sorted little gifts for the HATS children’s Christmas stockings. It was so much fun and so heartwarming to choose gifts for each child while imagining the smile on their faces on Christmas morning.

Thursday started with a tired and exhausted Karen sitting on the couch as we walked into the house. She was up all night chasing, or running away from, some four legged creatures which none of us were in love with.

Then the day started with a prayer circle with the children before they left for school and then devotions with the staff. It was so cute and special to listen to little preschool children pray. The devotions with the staff was also very lively and uplifting! We were prepared for the day!

Then the mouse hunt began with the partners, in running HATS-Haiti, Karen and Luckner. It was a successful hunt and they quickly returned with the loot! Karen is hoping that she can sleep alone tonight!

Any critters hungry. Please come eat and DIE

The first located critter that Luckner and Karen found in her bedroom

In the wastebasket, very much alive

We finished up the Christmas stockings today and off they went to the depot for Christmas morning.

Preparing to fill the Christmas stockings

In the afternoon we went to town to pick up medications for the children and took another little drive around. Liam has another ride in the back of the truck and he loved every minute! The Tap Taps and motorcycles kept it exciting as they sounded their horns and shouted at us. Never a dull moment here!

Lew has the toilet installed and the sink almost finished in the new apartment. Oh happy day. Both Jocelyn and Karen are thrilled. Luckner came this morning to check and told Lew he was doing a great job! Tomorrow Lew will work on keeping the four-legged creatures outside Karen’s place.

Good and important work going ahead in Jocelyn’s apartment

Liam played with the children and got to sample a sour orange which one of the boys got from a tree here.

Kids sharing a very sour orange

Wow! A lot of excitement in two days! We are more in love and our hearts are full! We can’t wait to see what the remainder of our time here will bring!

Blessings everyone.
~Hope

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 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
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
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
This week has been amazing – one of the best weeks of my life thus far, hands down. I can’t really think of any other experience in my life that can even come close to comparing to this. Though my visit here was short (too short), it has been incredibly eye-opening, and life changing. I will never forget the people I have met here, or the things I’ve gotten to experience! Most of all, I would like to say how remarkable it is to see first-hand the amazing work God is doing here. I am behind this ministry 100%, and will continue to support it. I am so, so blessed to have been given the opportunity to come here, and I am REALLY not looking forward to saying goodbye to the children tonight. My heart sinks just thinking about it. There’s no doubt that they’ve had a bigger impact on my life than I’ve had on theirs. I will be leaving a big piece of my heart with these people and this country. God bless.

Jess Buckle
HATS Visitor
It is our last day and there is always a certain amount of sadness and joy when we come to the end of a trip . We look forward to our homes and loved ones but there is a part of us that wants to stay and be near these dear dear children. They open their hearts and arms to you when you enter the front gate. They give you laughter and tears all week long and then they cry and hug you when they know you are going away. Being near that kind of unconditional love effects us all very deeply. So we leave part of our hearts here and promise to return.

Gerry Rhyno
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
It’s my hope that I manage to touch their hearts in some small way, the way that they have touched mine – in a major way.

Cherie MacDonald
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 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
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