Updates on the Kids

March 18, 2021 Posted by Karen Huxter

Congratulations Jean Jacques (JJ)

JJ age 19, my eldest at the HATS mission, graduated grade 13 at our school, IMKH, this past year. He is now the assistant to Luckner, HATS’ other director.

JJ came to me from the hospital in the area, at 4 days old. He grew up at HATS, and attended our school yearly, graduating in November. When little, JJ would always remove his clothes in the yard to play. Nothing would entice him to stay dressed until I made him realize if he did not keep his clothes on he would not be able to start preschool at age 3 as he wished. I explained a boy with a backpack but no clothes on would not be accepted in school. The desire to attend school won him over. There was no problem remaining clothed from then on.

To say I am pleased about Luckner’s decision regarding JJ is putting it mildly. I am delighted. I am thankful and happy for both JJ and Luckner.

Luckner has encouraged JJ, and helped him be a part of whatever he was building, doing, or repairing, since JJ was four years old when Luckner joined the mission. Whatever Papa Luckner was doing JJ was there with him. Luckner did a beautiful job over the years, both at the school and at the Children’s Home compound, of teaching and preparing JJ for his future. I, too, was able to rely on JJ’s help when needed. When there in 2020, before returning to Canada due to Covid, JJ assisted me with many tasks.

Having grown up there, knowing how the mission is run, having a lot of respect for, and loving, both Luckner and me, and appreciating what we do there, JJ was a good choice by Luckner for his assistant. Luckner has needed help for quite some time and thankfully JJ has the job.

Proverbs 22:6 ‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.’

HATS IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN.

God bless you 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.