Flashback... » Hands Across the Sea (HATS-Haiti)

This week’s blog is a ‘Flashback’ of almost six years ago. Blog was written by brother, Don, after 9-year-old Luc had spent a very enjoyable time in Newfoundland. I might add, when we had to head back to Haiti in 2015 Luc did not want to leave NL. He liked the idea of visiting his Auntie Sandra and Uncle Dickie in NS but wanted to go there only if we would return to NL afterwards. He cried on the plane to Halifax, asking to return to Springdale. He was happy to see family there and enjoyed his week in NS. When we returned to Halifax airport, however, he wanted to fly back to NL, instead of to Montreal. His face was very sad and wet all the way to Montreal. Once we were on the plane to Port au Prince he settled down and looked forward to seeing his HATS family. Luc had fallen in love with NL. He loved Springdale and the fun friendly people he met, plus he loved the freedom he felt here. We had no idea then that 2-3 years after that we would settle here and make NL home when not in our other country.

We are both happy and thankful that this is our Canada home. We, however, are very anxious to be able to return to our Haiti home for a while.

A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful people here who have accepted Luc for who he is – a capable, funny, thoughtful, considerate boy. Thank you for taking the time to get to know him and love him, for giving him a chance to be himself and showing you that he is quite capable of doing what other children do, albeit differently.

God bless you all.

Karen

The Adventures of Ti Luc with Mama Karen on Luc’s first trip to Newfoundland

Summer 2015 Posted by Karen Huxter

Springdale Haiti Team Leader Emma, with lots of enthusiastic help from husband Don and other Team members and friends, arranged a “Meet and Greet” fun evening for Karen and Ti Luc for Thursday, Aug. 19th, at Grace United. Although there are so many summer activities attracting attention, a large group met at the church to see Karen and Ti Luc. After a couple short videos depicting life at HATS Children’s Village, the audience were treated to a talk by both Ti Luc and Karen and a singing duet by Emma and Ti Luc.

As a follow-up, everyone moved to the downstairs hall which had appropriate decorations, lots of Newfie assorted treats, and a few surprise activities and visitors, mixed in with the wonderful music and song of the quartet of Steve, Clint, Kelly and Graham, and assistant drummer Ti Luc – overall, a fantastic NL “Kitchen Party”.

Enjoying time with his friends at Newfie kitchen party

Playing the cajon with the band

With a special and sweet team member

Suddenly, without announcement, appeared three ‘mummers’ to add to the fun atmosphere. Though characteristic of such parties in the Christmas Season, mummers have been known to also appear in any season, and they did so here in tribute to their Haitian visitors and they did get many others out ‘on the floor’ to the lively music.

Enjoying time with mummers

Soon occurring was another very important milestone in Ti Luc’s life, being dubbed an Honorary Newfoundlander and Labradorian in an excellent “Screech In” (Purity Syrup ) Ceremony by his Uncle Bob, assisted by Emma.

The codfish for Luc was actually a caplin

Being dubbed an honorary Newfoundlander. Now he says he is a ‘real Newfie’

Thursday saw Karen and Ti Luc and their group of nine others do the 3-hour drive to Twillingate to attend an evening Concert by the renowned 22-Year long career of the seven ladies band, “The Split Peas”. There, too, some mummers appeared. After the excellent Concert, Ti Luc and full Party were guests of the “Peas” in Eleanor and Alf Manuel’s home, another continuation of the finest of NL hospitality. Friday was the return day to Springdale. An happening very worthy of note was the very close observations of a blue whale (the biggest animal that has ever inhabited the earth) by Todd, Bob, and Elaine who had boated to Twillingate to meet with the rest of us for the Concert.

At Split Peas concert

More Special people at Split Peas concert

Dancing with one of the mummers

Saturday, Captain Ti Luc inspired by those whale encounters and stories, took Todd (the boat owner), Bob, and Karen out off Springdale in Hall’s Bay to view the scenery and various sea life, though no whales today.

With his Auntie Elaine

Best wishes to Mama Karen in her week-long ‘Retreat’ in Rocky Harbour in Gros Morne National Park (a World Unesco Site), and to Ti Luc residing behind with Emma and husband Don, and friends.

~Don