IRMA in Haiti
For the many people who are wondering and awaiting word -The Hands Across the Sea- Haiti (HATS_Haiti) mission fared well....
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.
For the many people who are wondering and awaiting word -The Hands Across the Sea- Haiti (HATS_Haiti) mission fared well....
It is wonderful to be back in Newfoundland. Comfortably waiting to checkin to fly to our happy place – Newfoundland...
Met in Halifax by Sandra and Dickie After the airport – a visit with Halifax family Between Halifax and Yarmouth...
Luc has continued to learn that what other children can do naturally with their hands. He can do too –...
A photo blog about our wonderful kids at HATS-Haiti Our kids love to play in trees as most of you...
A big Thank you to Mariah and to Sara-May from all of us at HATS-Haiti for coming to the mission...
Back home in Haiti. It is good to be back. Glad you are back Mama Karen, Luc, and Mariah Hugs...
Party on the roof of the admin building with Mama Karen Happy faces because Mama is back Even finger licking...
While in Canada Luc is kept very busy with Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Doctor appointments, Gymnastics, and now Soccer is...
HATS kids – fun times with Mama Karen. I am thoroughly enjoying time at home with our kids. The children...
Sometimes a team staying at a mission in our area ask permission to come see our mission, especially because we...
Greetings from Karen and Ti Luc (or Luc as he is starting to want to be called.) He says he...
Thank you Nicki and Mike. Thank you for returning to us and for bringing Frank, Deborah and Ashley. We enjoyed...
Thank you to everyone who sponsored a student following our previous posts on February 19 and March 3. Unfortunately our...
Karen Huxter, Founder & Director of Hands Across the Sea In honour of International Women’s Day, Hands Across the Sea...
If you’ve ever considered sponsorship, now is the time to do it. Your donation truly does make a difference!
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.
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!
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.
After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.
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!
It’s my hope that I manage to touch their hearts in some small way, the way that they have touched mine – in a major way.
I spent a week in Haiti at HATS in November 2017 and it was a wonderful experience. Karen is an amazing woman and is doing amazing work. She is dedicated to the children in her care and is changing lives. I would love the opportunity to visit again and help out where I can.
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!
Thank you Karen for everything you do, all the hard work and dedication that you put into this place, all of the work behind the scenes. Thank you for putting up with all the craziness that we bring when we come to your house for the week, just thank you times a million and one for everything Karen. I can write about my week until I am blue in the face (maybe not write that long but if you know me I can definitely talk for that long), and can sing about kit kat bars until my voice gives out, but I cannot even begin to try and articulate in song, dance, or other random art forms how thankful and blessed I am to have been given this experience not only once but twice! Thank you – thank you – thank you – thank you!!!!!!!
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!!
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