‘Then, Now and In Between’ – Markenson and Dickieson

March 1, 2018 Posted by Karen Huxter

September 2015 found Luckner and I accepting two little boys, siblings, into our HATS-Haiti Children’s Home. These precious boys needed us and what HATS could put into their young lives.

I am attaching some photos of them ‘then’ the day we accepted them and shortly thereafter, some of them as they are ‘now’, and some of them over the 2 1/2 years since they joined our family.

You will see from the photos the condition the boys were in when they arrived. They were naturally unsure of where they were and with whom at the beginning. They soon warmed up to us and started fitting in nicely. They quickly loved the idea of having a ‘Mama’ and would come up by themselves to see Mama Karen for affection and play time.

We quickly had them both checked medically. We were informed by the hospital that Dickieson has Sickle Cell Anemia. He needs two monthly visits to the hospital, an injection monthly, which he handles beautifully.

They are both very precious and are important parts of our HATS-Haiti family. They love to laugh and play and Dickieson loves to ham it up in photos.

Their two personalities are quite different, as with many siblings. Both are delightful to spend time with and to get to know.

It is a joy to be Mama to these two boys, along with the rest of our children, to spend time with them and to watch them develop physically, mentally and emotionally.

I wish to say a huge thank you for the input into their lives from those who are working with me, those who come on teams and spend time with our children, and to all those who support our work with the needy children in every way.

May God bless you all richly for participating in the lives of our HATS children.

Karen

Photos Then

Markenson and Dickieson when they arrived at HATS.

Dickieson 1.5 years and his big brother Markenson 4 years old the day we took them into the childrens home.

Heading to the shower

Dickieson about to get his hair cut

I look like a little boy now Mama

Markenson playing with Mama Karen for first time

Markenson’s first day of school

Photos Now

Bike, helmet – now watch me go

Markenson and Dickieson now – taken Feb. 25th

Markenson & Dickieson in school uniforms now, February 26, 2018.

Photos In Between

Markenson and Dickieson three months after joining our HATS family

Look at me Mama

Our top notch climber

Dickieson – Cool Dude

Markenson & Dickieson in Nov 2016

Precious siblings

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

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
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
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
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
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
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’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
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
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