Sunny Day for our Cold Weather Calgarians!
Today was another beautiful, sunny day in Deschapelles. The weather was warm – especially for the hardworking team members who...
HATS – Haiti encourages individuals and work teams to travel to Haiti to be a part of the work we are doing. Those who come to Haiti are given the opportunity to join in construction projects, visit in the local community, spend time with the children, and minister in church. You can help us in our work for the most needy and most vulnerable members of Haiti’s population. Come be transformed by seeing the need and being a part of meeting that need. Be part of the story
Today was another beautiful, sunny day in Deschapelles. The weather was warm – especially for the hardworking team members who...
The first thing this morning we went to the school to sanitize the students and Teachers as they entered the...
We arrived yesterday and were overwhelmed at the airport by porters (at least 50) wanting to take our bags. Most...
Its our final full day at the HATS Orphanage and its hard to keep this short as there are so...
Saturday started out with a wonderful pancake breakfast cooked by Karen, even though she was ill and trying not to...
It’s Friday in Haiti but it’s with heavy hearts we all woke up this morning. Late Thursday afternoon we were...
Day two in Deschappelles started with resounding voices of the kids in the school as they sang their morning devotions....
Well we’ve all had our first morning wake up call in Haiti. We arrived safe and sound after a long...
Hot, sticky, wet, and complete chaos in airport… yup, hmmm I’m back in Haiti. The baggage claim area was packed...
It’s 7:30pm and we’ve just spent our last few minutes with the children. Writing about work, temperatures and accomplishments seems very...
We rested. Well not entirely. The day began with church on the second level of the main house with some...
Today, HATS was a beehive of activity thanks to a few things. The delivery of some seriously rough-hewn planks that...
Today was a cool 45C. The new carport is well on its way, more than well in fact, it’s nearly...
Sometimes it takes small, seemingly routine things to make you think about big things. This morning we watched as the...
“I don’t think I can say anything without crying, so I’ll ‘ferme ma bouche maintenant’.” I’m Aimee, one of three...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
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!
Amazing organization! Had the pleasure of visiting twice, and can’t wait to go back again someday. God is doing some wonderful things at HATS!
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.
This morning, we woke up as the sun came up and as we all began to trickle downstairs; we were met with warm welcomes from the precious children. As the children arrived, we were deeply touched and came to the realization of how important the HATS organization is to this country. Many children who would not have had any opportunities are now well nourished, educated and have a loving home and a mother who loves them more than we could ever comprehend, Karen Huxter.
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.
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!!
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!
We have so enjoyed our time here. The work we have done has been fulfilling, the fellowship has been memorable and our hearts are forever impacted by the sweet, sweet children. A piece of HATS will always stay with each of us and who knows, maybe a few will return!
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.
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.
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