Four More Children

May 20, 2020 Posted by Karen Huxter

Introduction to/update on, four more children greatly loved and deeply missed by Mama Karen.

Karena Mariah Pierre
Karena 11 1/2, was brought to the HATS compound and joined our family at age 1 1/2 after she had lost all family members in the devastating earthquake in 2010 in Haiti, that killed 300,000 people. Karena is a grade five student, who is cheerful and loves to have fun with the other children. She is quite helpful to the housemothers when needed with food preparation, as well as other chores. Karena has a beautiful voice that we are blessed to hear in church. She enjoys playing with the other children, but has had to learn to stand up for herself against the boys on occasion and against another girl close to the same age often. Overall Karena is a well rounded sweet girl.

Anne Augustin
Anne turned 11 this month. She joined our family as a sick 1 1/2 year old. Anne had lived with her mother in another part of Haiti before joining our family. Her mother wanted us to take Anne as she knew was ill physically and mentally. She was unable to continue to care for Anne and felt she did not have a lot of time left. There was no father in the picture. Some years back Anne’s biological mother did die. Anne is an intelligent girl academically, but not always so in relationships with others. She likes to have fun on her terms. She likes things her way, and if they don’t fall in place as she wishes she is too often quick to act, with unpleasant, unsavory words and actions. This is when crying is heard from other children as they head to find Mama Karen to help sort out the problem.Anne does likes to help and if presented with a task she likes does a good job of it. She likes to laugh, play and have a lot of fun. I am assured of one thing, this precious girl will be able to stand up for herself when the need arises.

Sandra Ruth Pierre
Sandra 9, was abandoned on the road side as a tiny baby. She is a pleasant girl who likes to play and laugh. She is good with the other children and helpful to anyone who needs her. Sandra is intelligent, catches on quickly, is doing grade three this year, and always has a good report card. She is eager to offer help and likes to do things to please others. She likes to sing and lead our morning devotions when not in school. Sandra, called after my sister, Sandra, is a precious child who has learned to stand up for herself against any other child who might be trying to give her a hard time.

Magdala Saint Louis
Magdala is 7. Magdala joined us at 2 1/2 but appeared in every way to be barely one, if that. She has no known family. She had been receiving care for awhile from a lady, not related, who stepped in temporarily but had no means to continue. Magdala was very malnourished and withdrawn. She is still small but is now flourishing and happy. She was spoiled a little by the older children due to her condition. Sad to say she has learned to squeal unpleasantly, when trying to stand up for herself, or get her own way in the midst of the older children. She is, however, a cute little gem and a joy to have in our family.

Magdala sitting on Papa’s desk at school

Mark 9:37a “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me“.

Thank you to everyone who has helped in some way with the lives of these precious children.

Stay tuned for one more blog about the remaining three children.

May God bless you one and all.

Love, 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

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
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
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
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
After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.

Mike & Nicki White
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
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
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
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