Beate in Newfoundland

Hi everyone, it’s me again, Beate…

Sadly, I won’t be making the 2085 km trek to Deschapelles again this year, and you all know why (Covid, political unrest, gangs)! So instead, I decided to travel the 1887 km to Springdale Newfoundland to see none other than Karen and Luc…a little bit of HATS, and a lot of heaven.

Just in case you didn’t know this, I came to know Karen in 2010, after watching the devastation of the earthquake unfold before my eyes and connecting with Karen through my friend Jess Fallis who happens to be a friend of Liette’s, Karen’s daughter. Each summer, I would head back to HATS, where aside from working and playing with all of the HATS children, my main focus quickly became “Ti-Luc.” I quickly learned what a gem he is: quick witted, intelligent, determined and most of all, kind. I am so proud to say that I’ve become “Momma Beate” to Luc. And a proud momma I am!

Just to demonstrate what a kind young man Luc is, he gave up his very own bedroom for me! I was worried where Luc was going to sleep, but no fear, Momma Karen had that covered. Thanks Luc for the Royal hospitality.

As you can see, we had a lot of laughs (and that was only the first night!!!!).

One of our tasks, during my visit,  was to get Luc to St. John’s for an MRI. And one of the highlights of my trip was to travel with Don and Lila Huxter! I finally got to meet the man who I’ve known for many years, but only through emails and HATS board meetings via phone. Of course, Karen had filled me in on what a wild, sharp, and funny guy Don is…and how sweet his wonderful wife Lila is.  Don and Lila are amazing people, and truly made me feel like I am one of the family. I love them both dearly.

Another treat for me on this trip, was to see the famous Puffins, at Elliston. These were my mom’s favourite birds, and I could feel her presence as I watched these beautiful little creatures. We were also treated to the glorious sights of whales on BOTH sides of us. I didn’t know where to look. I also got to meet another HATS Board member and friend of Karen’s, Emma O’Rourke. Emma lives in Eliston (where we saw the Puffins), and hosted us to a yummy Newfie dinner.

I took many, many  photos, and experienced dozens of memorable moments. How blessed am I to be part of this wonderful friendship, and a new momma-ship, and to be part of an organization that has helped hundreds, if not thousands of children and people on a small far away island. Don told me that for Karen’s high school yearbook entry, you know the one that asks “where will they be…” well, for Karen it reads: Karen Huxter will be on the Mission Field in Africa. Interesting isn’t it? Perhaps because Karen grew up on the beautiful island of Newfoundland, God chose her to help the children of another far away beautiful island. Believe me, Karen longs to go back to her children to her Haitian home. I long to go back to them too. When the world calms down, we will…we definitely will.

With much love

Beate