Day 4. Lacee & Don.

The heavy warm rain of yesterday seemed to take away a lot of the humidity and last night was very very good for a full night’s sleeping, and a number of us used our bed sleeping cover for the first time.  We know some mention  has been made about the abundance of ‘ Nature ‘ sounds before, so here we may only mention the animals seen on the way down our outside stairway : roosters, hens and their chicks, guinea fowl, pigs, donkeys, horses Technicolor geckos, crickets ….  Perhaps we shouldn’t forget the late night chanting from some neighbours over the fence.

To start our chores for the day, we sorted and wrapped pain relieving medication that came with our supplies for people in the community.

packaging pills to help with fever and pain

This is very important because the relatively new mosquito carried disease, Chikungunya, that is spreading throughout the Caribbean, has hit Haiti and more and more people right here in Deschapelles.  For example, one of Karen’s own employees showed up this morning while we were sorting the pills and his wife and child have the Chikungunya and he had to walk back to his home with these kinds of pills and walk back again to work.  And these past couple of days more students have been absent and some have had to leave for home during the day. Today a teacher is off with it and Luckner had to send six students home on motos.  They were too sick to walk home.  For our families back home, this isn’t classified as a fatal disease, but can be very uncomfortable and painful for five to seven days (Lacee says for her Mom not to worry and not to come and get her before our trip is over ).

Students ill with chikungunya sitting in our office

Students with chikungunya being sent home on motos

When the pills were sorted, Karen drove the five new members of our Team to the market about 10 Kms away in Verrettes.   We walked through the market, trailing very close to Karen, and saw many people selling anything from old used clothing to many parts of  newly killed unrefrigerated  animals, including goat, pig, beef, chickens, intestines and all …….  As we continued to the parking lot, we saw whole fried frogs ( I thought you might enjoy  a meal of them, Mom ), fried whole fish, machetes, weaved chairs and baskets.  We got to the parking lot to discover it was a gravel area with donkeys and horses tied on and not a car or truck in sight.  Apparently, some of these people may leave 2 or 3 AM and walk, with or without footwear, to the market hoping to make some sales to be able to buy some rice or food products to bring back to their families and walk back again.   It’s hard to put into words how grateful you are for the things you have, and how convenient it is to get the things you need after a Haitian market experience.

Verrettes market

At market in Verrettes

When we returned from the market it was recess time and several of us went to the school and Todd got to meet the child he is starting to sponsor.   After recess, we went back to the house to enjoy some mango cookies that Emma and Alycia had baked while we were gone to the market.

Enjoying time with students at recess

recess time at school

Early afternoon some adults and students came to pick up food packages.

Food going home to feed family members

Some students came for goats that had been donated.  A goat can be a tremendously important gift for a family for several reasons.  There had been hope of  chickens being purchased today for families too, but they were not available for purchase.

Joseph, Nashley Grade 5 from sponsor Calvin Gosse

Charles, Jolinda PS2 with donated goat

Perhaps over the years, our electricity supply has had a consistency of 99 % at least on an average.  Here, in brief, are some electrical problems of today.  The inverter and generator weren’t in sync ? or whatever ?.   Our electric supply was about nil in midday.  The batteries weren’t charged and hardly  anything was working – well, the kiddos were as highly charged as ever and didn’t miss a beat, and Ti Luc continued to beat all the visitors in gallery soccer.  We waited on an inverter technician.

However, our Team decided to use the Haitians as role models and since they had endured slavery and earthquakes and recent cholera,  our Team decided we could continue to work in the heat and continue we did.  An excellent job was done with rake and wheelbarrow to clear rocks, gravel, etc out of the back garden area of the Compound and piled conveniently out of the way for further use.  No electricity so no fans worked for our break, but we weren’t deterred.  And we knew that our Germaine and Roselene were busy cooking up another excellent supper.

Shovelling up cement and dirt in 40 + C

Hard workers lowering body temps with communal pan of cold water.

We’d like to  THANK  our HATS Director for getting us that enjoyable heavy warm rain shower and cool night last night because later today we learned that that refreshing rain and cool night didn’t happen in  Verrettes,  less than 10 kms away,  or in Borel, close by, where Luckner lives.

Until next time, Don and Lacee!

Hi everyone, Jenny and Alycia here writing about day four here at HATS!

We have experienced an eventful night of trying to sleep on our cots in our tents on the rooftop here at HATS. Sleeping outside in Haiti is much different than sleeping in our own homes. Sounds of drums, animals, insects, loud bangs, local music, etc. makes for sleepless nights. The day started bright and early at 5:30AM with the voice of Don softly (as always) telling everyone to get up and get ready to go for a walk with Karen (Todd and Jerry) or to the guard house to see local villagers walking on the paths with baskets, sacs of food, etc. on their heads. We also witnessed several men standing on the road waiting for their opportunity to get a job for the day willing to do anything to provide for their families. Most of these people walk several hours each day in search of work.

After this our group met for a well prepared, nutritious breakfast consisting of boiled eggs, fresh fruit, and bread with peanut butter and jam. As we finished eating, the children surrounded us for good morning hugs and kisses and a prayer before they were off to school. So special!! We then followed the children to school and joined with them in their morning devotions. The children start every day with song, prayer, and togetherness exploding with tons of energy and laughter. Absolutely priceless! After this, they proceed to the school yard where they gather in a line showing respect to their beloved country while raising the flag and singing the national anthem. What a great way to start the school day!

Prayer time during morning devotions at the school

School devotions. Mama Karen's Karena not feeling well

After this the group returned to see what Karen and Emma had in store for us next. We have realized as a team that we MUST listen to these powerful women at ALL times - or else!!

We then finished unpacking all of the supplies that were brought here with us and organized them for Karen to give to the people in the community. There were so many important things donated that make such a difference in the lives of the people at HATS as well as in the community. We want to send the biggest thank-you for all of the donations and support. It is so appreciated, and seeing this first hand puts it all into perspective.

Karen then decided that the team should get together to portion the donated food (thanks to Emma's mom and Jerry) for 30 families in the community. These families are carefully chosen and are asked to come to the orphanage to pick up their greatly appreciated food. In each bag we portioned rice, corn meal, beans, and oil. It works out to be enough food to last each family for approximately two weeks. This was definitely a great team effort as we all made an assembly line to conquer our goal.

Huge sack of rice being moved by Don & Todd

Team members measuring food for distribution

As a welcomed surprise to Todd and Jenny, Karen decided that today she would bring them on a tour to the local hospital. Can you say excited?! This was no easy task, with one way gravel roads, oncoming traffic and detours. But after some time and Karen's crazy driving, a large stone building came into view. We had arrived at Hopital Albert Schweitzer. There were people lined up everywhere, every corridor had congestion with really sick patients on stretchers waiting for hours to be seen by a doctor. Some of these patients included children holding their own IV bags as their were no poles to hang the medicine on. There were areas just for malnourished children, so sad. We even got to see the premature baby unit. Unlike Canadian hospitals, there was no fancy high-tech equipment, no IV pumps, no emergency equipment, no chemotherapy, no radiation, no cardiac equipment, no feeding pumps. The basics seemed to be the lifeline of healthcare here. Sad. When you experience people who struggle for survival with so little, it makes what we complain about trivial. These people can only dream about the things that we take so much for granted.

Dr Todd & Nurse Jenny had a tour of Hospital Albert Schweitzer

What an eventful morning! At lunch, we all gathered for chicken baked in a cranberry sauce, salad, and whipped potatoes. The food here is authentic and SO delicious!

After lunch, the boys decided to build more drums for the church.

Drum builders. Karen's Newfie one is squish!

New drums for the church. One especially for Karen

The girls gave out food to the selected local people. By that time, the children were out of school and ready to eat the lunch that was prepared for them by the house mothers.

Meal time at Children's Home

After that, it was play time for the busy, energetic children of HATS. Alycia, Lacee, Don, and Jerry decided to play soccer with some of the bigger boys. Jenny and Joanne got some lovely new hairdos. Emma enjoyed some quiet time with Ti-Luc while Todd is super busy with two of the younger children on the swings while balancing the youngest on his shoulders! Busy man, but he loved every minute of it!

Fun for all three

At around 4PM, Karen decided she would like to drive us to Luckner's house for a coke and a chance to cool off. It was a very hot day here - 50 degrees!!

Temp in the shade

Temp in the sun

Jerry prayed for some Newfoundland easterly wind all afternoon. On the way back, Karen decided to go to a local gas bar in search of propane, but had no luck. On the way back home, Alycia, Todd, Lacee, Jerry, and Jenny who were all riding in the pan of Karen's truck were treated to a massive downpour. (Not quite easterly wind, but it did the job!) To our surprise, the rest of the team including Karen took no pity whatsoever and decided to miss the turnoff to HATS to extend our ride in the rain. But in 50 degrees, we did not mind at all! Dry Emma and Don got very wet hugs from us all upon return while Karen fearfully "napped" in her truck to avoid getting soggy hugs!

Accidently caught in the rain

We are now drying off and waiting for our meal. The smiles on our faces from these memories will last a lifetime. What a fantastic day, a fantastic experience, and we get to do it all together and with the most amazing woman on earth! Thank-you Karen, you are such an inspiration! Xo

Jenny and Alycia

Day 3 – Todd & Jerry

The two bloggers for Monday

Another fascinating day at HATS! Many adventures and lasting memories! As we rose with the sun at 6am, we gathered to plan our day. At 730am, we had devotions with Karen, staff, and our team. This is a daily gathering where scripture, song, and respect help start everyone’s day with ‘positivity’. Both Creole and English are spoken. It ended with a display of respect for one another. Everyone simply hugged others and said ‘have a good day’. Simple yet there was no better way to start our day then with a hug and a smile.  It makes us reflect on how we usually start our days; Tim’s, dealing with stress, negativity, etc…

HATS uses food supplied by ‘Kids Against Hunger’, a non-profit US company, to feed over 280 school children daily. The team was tasked with organizing the storage area for the food to allow better access for Karen but also to gather enough for the remainder of the school year.  Besides Lacee's injured toe from Emma dropping a box, no other injuries were reported. Well, except Jerry overdosing on RAID and having to run to the shower to be decontaminated! Jerry was trying to protect himself from Chikungunya, a mosquito borne disease now in Haiti. Alycia in her helpful spirit suggested he simply ‘spray on lots of this Jerry’ and after doing so we realized it wasn’t OFF but RAID!  It was hard work for all in 40C but all were sweaty and had biceps to kill after lifting all these boxes.

Add caption

The team went to the school for recess. When the bell rang, we were met by a swarm of smiling faces, all dressed in their school uniforms, and so delighted to see us. They are all very affectionate and polite to others. Alycia was thrilled to sit and talk with her sponsored child. About 80% of students at the school have outside sponsorship and there are always opportunities for anyone to sponsor a student.  The team was able to go into as few of the classrooms and meet the students. We were all welcomed but especially Lacee whom the boys took a liking too.  All classes are taught by Haitian teachers. Education is a part of daily living at HATS and recognized as a vital part of improving their lives!

Preschool students loving on Jenny

Students love the visitors

Alycia with her sponsored student Kimberly

Recess time at school

It was obvious yesterday that the Haitian people love to sing. At the church service, their strong voices sang aloud, but after a while Karen started to distribute her instruments to the children. Simple instruments such as tambourines, homemade drums, and bongo drums. Today the 3 musketeers (Jerry, Todd, and Mr. Huxter…oops I mean Don) decided to craft a drum to add to the collection. Its amazing how a drum made of 4 pieces of lumber and clear packing tape can make 3 grown men laugh so much!

The three stooges drum makers

The team was blessed with many donated items to bring to HATS. Today the girls (and Don) unpacked the containers of toys, clothing, school supplies, etc. Karen was so thankful! A few of the kids were eager to try on new clothes and are eager for Karen to distribute everything in the upcoming weeks.

Supplies donated by three churches in Lewisport area

Lots of beautiful donated things to bless the people in the area

Meanwhile we (Jerry and Todd) were busy in the toilet, bath tub, sinks, and the generator room. Of course, Jerry was the Chief plumber and Todd the humble assistant. Karen often has things needing repair and visiting team members repair things. The most impressive repair was Jerry fixing the generator exhaust with tie wire and tin.

After our repairs, we went to check on the girls (and Don) to see how they were progressing only to find Don dressed in a pair of panties, red ones at that! Oh the fun he must have had helping the others! We (Jerry and Todd) did get roped into a picture also.

Karen took us all for a ‘tap tap ride’ to the local store. Haitians are often seen piled into the back of a pickup truck and as they travel they will simply tap the truck when they want the driver to stop. So we piled into the back of Karen’s truck but didn’t have the nerve to ‘tap’ because she was driving so fast we dare not let go! As we were leaving the store, a Haitian man had a newborn in his arms. Jenny especially was excited and obviously touched when she held her as we have not seen any babies before today during our visit.

Heading for Luckner's, TapTap style, for a cold drink

 Our afternoon ended with what we all enjoy the most… playing with the kids! Lots of laughs, giggles;  lots of affection, caring, and love; the attributes that just seem to make HATS a wonderful place and has taught us all lots about others but also about ourselves.  This was followed by a short evening devotion where the children sang.

Gorgeous Jonathan

Evening devotions with solos from the children

Hi everyone

Emma and Joanne here. Sorry about not getting to the blog yesterday, we were so overwhelmed with the excitement of the trip and it was very late when we stopped to blog....soo here are two days (which feels like a week)

SATURDAY
After a stop over in Miami; which lead to a wonderful evening, we hunkered down for a few hours of sleep. Our flight to Port au Prince began with an early rise to catch a 6:30 departure, We were "pumped".  After arriving at the Port au Prince airport Our fiery Redhead (who bribed her way in to arrivals) met us with humor and smiles. Then it was time to collect our luggage and precious cargo.

Airport arrival

Needless to say the event did not go smooth as we had anticipated as our Don realized that his camera was not in his pocket.  That camera has documented every detail of our journey since we left Deer lake, NL (so we decided he was important enough for us to look for it...leave it to a man).  After going to the lost and found without any luck,  a few airport employees went to check the plane.  After waiting awhile hoping for the best the employees returned unsuccessful.  We hope whoever has this camera enjoys viewing our beautiful and handsome faces.

Is Don trying to remember something

Then came our journey to customs. Easy you may think...but this is Haiti and we have 16 totes and several suitcases.  We approached customs with confidence thinking it would be a breeze (but a breeze is hard to come by in Haiti) For the first time since Karen has been accepting teams at the HATS mission we were stopped at customs. (....its not what you think there were no police dogs involved!!!) Thinking we had been diligent and  properly labelled all our luggage by putting lists on the outside, the word Tylenol proved to be a red flag. The security officers proceeded to herd us all into a side room. As we stood speechless and not sure what was going to happen....our fiery redheaded leader (aka Karen) took charge and delivered  an Oscar winning performance with her teary display of emotions. "please don't take my vitamins kind lady" This worked like a charm. Some of the bags were checked and we were cleared.

We gathered everything and headed to the parking lot while attempting to discourage some Haitian men who felt we needed help (which Karen had already made arrangement for). This is how some of the Haitian people attempt to make income. Luckner (Karen's assistant director) and Daniel (policeman security) assisted by our own Gerry, Don and Todd swiftly loaded the vehicle and we were on our way.

Van and truck loaded. Ready to head for the mission.

We left the airport in a van driver by a trustworthy person of Karen and Luckner's choosing for the two and a half hour drive to Deschapelles.  For those of us who were first time visitors this scene played out like a movie. Instead it proved to reflect the daily life of people simply trying to survive.  It is an eye opener when you see people in their desperation trying to sell sticks and rocks among other things simply to make a dollar. The speed of Haitian drivers would make one dizzy.

We arrived at the Orphanage and as the gate opened we were greeted with the beautiful smiles and waves of the children. We got off the bus and there was an abundance of hugs and kisses. When we walked through the door of the house there was Roselene and Germaine we were treated to a wonderful meal.

Then came the big tour. Karen showed us all of the compound, children's homes and school. I was amazed by the library and how well everything is organized and available. It shows the diligence and hard work of Karen's labor of love. With great enthusiasm came the " Piece de resistance" A new church. Karen gave us the tour with all of the details of what is yet to come. The church will eventually have doors, windows and a place to serve water to the congregation. Quite a change from using the children school rooms for the past number of years. We were excited to know we would be holding the Mothers Day service there tomorrow.

We then took all the children outside the compound for a walk and short play time.

First afternoon fun time outside the compound

Ti Luc with his Mama Emma

Happy Ti Fi with Gerry

Our evening ended with Emma giving each child a new outfit for the Mothers Day service for which they very proudly modeled. The it was off to our tents on the roof. (thanks guys for caring enough to spray our tents to keep away the creatures )

Boys in their new pants, shirts and ties

SUNDAY
Bonne Fette.. .Happy Mothers Day

After a much needed, restful sleep it was up and atam again. Today is the big Day that Karen and Luckner have planned for all the mamas and their families in the community.  There will be a church service and  Karen estimates there will be 250 - 300 people attending . Following the service they will be served a hot meal and cold drink. Preparations took place yesterday with some of the older children from the school helping prepare the food to be served. After a breakfast of fresh fruit and Haitian porridge we all did final preparations for the "Big event".  After getting the children all dressed in their finest we headed off to church. Wow what a service!! Our fine leader |Emma delivered a special message in English translated by Karen. Emma then delivered a beautiful solo "Make a joyful noise".

Emma doing a solo after a little pushing from Karen

The heat was tremendous but was overshadowed by the beautiful children all dressed for their mama's special day. The church was filled with prayer and praise and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Karen's estimation of attendees was a little low as Luckner had mentioned on the radio about the service. Last rough count was 450. Wow and double Wow! Luckner had to rush to get more rice and beans as Karen was feeding EVERYONE!! The loaves and fishes were stretched to capacity - there were no baskets of food left over!!!

Mother's Day Church Service

Luckner helping serve the meals for all the people

A meal for those attending the Mother's Day service

People enjoying a meal after our Mother's Day service

After the last people left we returned to have our meal then spend the rest of the afternoon playing with the children and the men of our team assisted Karen with clean up of the school yard and removal of chairs and garbage. To have experienced what happened here today gives a deeper respect and admiration for Karen and all that happens here at HATS throughout the year.

Our Mothers Day ended with the children presenting two of the house mothers Yolene and Germaine with a present.

Karen had a Mothers Day photo opt (that the kids had to change back into their dress clothes which we are also chalking up to a new experience.) The children sang a song ( taught to them by Emma on Saturday) especially for their mama and they each said they loved her.

Karen with most of her family on Mother's Day

Talking about mama....she is telling us we are taking too long with this blog so we are signing off and the rest is up to your imagination. See you tomorrow. God bless

Thank you Mariah.

We miss you. We love you!

Mariah left us Monday morning to return to Canada for 4 days before going to Jamaica for three weeks with her class at university. She truly is missed by many.

Tomorrow morning we will be picking up Emma and Don's team from Newfoundland - from my home town of Springdale no less.   Should be a fun week