Bridge just outside of HATS blocked

LOCK DOWN in Haiti

February 14, 2019 Posted by Karen Huxter

Thank you to all who have been praying and sending notes of encouragement. Please continue to do so.

The situation in the whole country is NOT GOOD. Everything is on lock down. Our roads are blocked. There are more and higher blockades daily. The bridge just outside the HATS mission is blocked and often with burning tires as well. The past two days has seen the bridge and the roads in our area covered with rocks and broken glass in between the many blockades. Some places in this area are now throwing rocks at people on foot. In the evenings people lie in the dark with guns at the blockades.

Some embassies have been encouraging the evacuation of women, children and non essential employees. Groups have been hiring helicopters to fly them to the Port au Prince airport so they can leave.

Our own Mr. HATS, Luckner, who is extremely well respected by the people has been using his voice and common sense on his radio station ‘Radio Creole’ to try and calm the situation. Luckner has been using his motorcycle to check on us here at the mission regularly. He has been getting here by avoiding the roads, driving over, through, and around some unimaginable things, to be sure we are all okay. At night when he leaves the Radio Station to return to his family, he returns here again to check with security. He then makes his way home on motorcycle using the road. He calls out loudly at every blockade to let the people know it is him. If they are fully aware it is him, they will allow him to pass. Please pray for his safety – pray that no case of mistaken identity ever happens as he is trying to return to his family.

I have been surprised to see some of our employees arrive at work after walking for 2-2 1/2 hours to get here. This is dedication.

Keith, Joan and I are trying to keep the kids busy and active and seeing life as normal as possible while schools and everything around here is closed.

We were excitedly awaiting our own David and Brooks team from Texas to arrive today, as well as Seth, Jessie and kids. The disappointment for our HATS American family members and for all of us here is huge. They will, however, come when Haiti once more reaches a ‘Haiti normal’. To help the children with this disappointment of them not arriving this afternoon Joan, Keith and I are going to have a surprise birthday party for two of our lovely girls – Leica and Josie.

We continue to be okay here inside the compound. We still have some diesel and we have food staples. The many innocent people outside are in great difficulty for food and water. My heart breaks for the plight of those people.

Again, thank you all for your phone calls, emails, messages, and especially for your prayers.

We love you all. God bless each and every one of you.

Helicopters to the resuce
Near by
Customs Office and Govt building in St Marc

Karen and gang

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

This is my first time traveling outside of Canada and I am proud to say it was for a mission trip. I have always wanted to go on one and see what it like in other parts of the world and do what I can to help out. Haiti is a terminus life change for me and how I look at things. Seeing these kids and how they have such a passion for each other and for us is truly inspiring. I look back to what I was like at that age and I don’t think I was half as kind or generous as they are. This morning we did devotions and as I was speaking about what an impact they had on me only in one day I started to tear up…it was very emotional to talk about.

Isaiah Henderson
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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