Haiti
Everyone has heard about the devastating earthquake in the Southwest of Haiti. It is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and extremely painful...
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.
Everyone has heard about the devastating earthquake in the Southwest of Haiti. It is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and extremely painful...
This memories blog will consist mostly of photos of Haiti. My eyes are wet as I post these photos, the...
A friend from Springdale NL, Cavell Simms, wrote a poem for me 24 years ago, after I had been living...
Haitian-Canadian teenager goes sightseeing in North America’s oldest city. In early February 2021, Luc and his mom drove from Springdale...
Congratulations Jean Jacques (JJ) JJ age 19, my eldest at the HATS mission, graduated grade 13 at our school, IMKH,...
This week’s blog is a ‘Flashback’ of almost six years ago. Blog was written by brother, Don, after 9-year-old Luc...
Our children are all well. These very recent photos will attest to that. Jonathan Dickieson Sandra helping prepare spices for...
Many of you have been waiting and watching for some word from Hands Across the Sea-Haiti. I must ignore my...
HATS-Haiti’s school IMKH is very active. Our school started again in August, but not for the new school year 2020-2021....
Greetings everyone, I decided to again post a blog I wrote 5 1/2 years ago, when I had been in...
Check out this wonderful article posted on the Cape Breton Post on September 16th, 2020: Cape Breton teen’s delicious cupcakes...
Missing my life in Haiti and my children I started going through some photos. Not having blogged for awhile I...
Hello again. This is the fourth and last blog about the precious children at HATS-Haiti that I love and miss. ...
Introduction to/update on, four more children greatly loved and deeply missed by Mama Karen. Karena Mariah Pierre Karena 11 1/2,...
Now to tell you a little about four more awesome children Mama Karen loves and misses a great deal. Dieunel...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
Culture shock for this Canadian team at first, but a ride through busy, vibrant streets proved terrifically interesting; busy markets, vendors selling exotic fruits, clothing and shoes, used tires and rusty metal… and then the gorgeous countryside: banana plants, mangoes, cows and goats and pigs and dogs, the Golfe de La Gonave by our side. Rice patties indicated we were close to our home for the next week. We were greeted by Magalie, a house mother, with hugs for all and, of course, the children themselves, so gorgeous and endearing. A beautiful meal was followed by a sharing of impressions: there is a lot of poverty but so much potential and hope. We are already in love with Haiti.
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!!
I’m not sure what we’re doing here, just showing up for a week – it’s not like it’s sustainable. And I don’t want to become depressed by some of the harsh realities that Karen has to deal with every day. You know it’s ONE thing to start an orphanage and school (Yes, Karen has done things that are beeeeyond me), but it’s ANOTHER thing to raise the 20 babies that become YOUR kids!!! Not only are they a big family, but they are a big family containing individual stories that got them all to where they are in the orphanage. I don’t even know how to describe it…I have never seen a woman her age with this much energy…fun loving energy that is. She so inspired me today and really is a wonderful mother to all these children.
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!
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.
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!
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.
I am so thankful to Jesus for the opportunity to serve at HATS and to finally experience the great work that God is doing there. I look forward to seeing them all again when I visit next time.
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!
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.
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