The construction and reconstruction continues.

Luckner has finished the drainage pipes on the opposite side of the compound as well. Hopefully now the rain water will run out of the yard instead of pooling inside.

More plumbing drainage work

Water pipes laid for kitchen in Kay Timoun

The digging for the new septic tank is held up due to finding water, and the rented pump to take it out, refusing to work. Our little Judel did a good job of supervising the first day's digging and JJ took a pick and tried to help.

Digging for new septic tank, Judel supervising

JJ with pick. Wanting to help

The house for support missionary staff is looking good. Quite nice in fact. This week Mariah and Beate spent most of two days sweeping and cleaning the inside of the house. Luckner hopes to get a chance soon to finish the electrical work and the plumbing. Then it will be ready for furniture and God's choice of a couple to occupy it. We have had six enquiries into the position. We are not rushing into a decision but are praying about each one. Please join us in prayer to find the right couple to work with the HATS-Haiti Mission.

Hard working helpers Mariah & Beate

Luckner and I continue to go from project to project, directing, supervising, and also doing lots of hands on work. This week we've been working on plumbing problems due to little kids throwing things in the toilets. Never ever a dull moment here. Always one step forward and two back.

Directors fixing Kid's Toilets

The house that was supposed to be a boy's home, and was damaged in the earthquake, is looking different these days. One room was in bad shape and the cracks throughout kept opening up further. That room is no longer a part of the house. Our plan for the rest of that house is to fix it and keep it for storage for construction supplies, large tools, propane tanks, etc. Luckner had to do electrical work there to move the electrical box for that house from the room that came down, into the main room. Too, the door that opened into that room was closed off with blocks and cement today.

Storage depot house looking different

The heat is atrocious. Yes, atrocious. The humidity is very high too and drains one's energy quite quickly. But life goes on and the work continues. The children like to cool down with a frozen juice made by Papa's Luckner's business.

Awe yes. Frozen juice on a hot day

They are all well and continuing to enjoy time with Mariah and Beate. They will miss them when they leave on Monday. Cutie Pitutie Tayanna is going to greatly miss her Ti Mama Mariah. But then I don't think the missing is going to be all one sided.

Tayanna Mariah is going to miss Ti Mama Mariah

I regret that I am not getting enough time with the children. That is always a problem for me and for them. We love having time together, but as I am still trying to do what 3 or 4 people should be doing I don't have time for Karen, or the children, or for anything besides 16 hour work days. That, however, will change. And hopefully before too much longer.

This week we have teachers working onsite here with our HATS children for two hours a day - one working with JJ, Mirlande and Moise, and one with Ti Luc, Leica, Josie, Ismyis, and Dieunel. The kids seem to enjoy it and we will continue four days a week for awhile.

Antoinette, Magalie, and the children, are pleased and thankful because they have a sink, tap and running water in their house. O happy day when that was completed. Dancing and singing with thankfulness was heard.

Finished Kitchen at Kid's Home

Magalie, in case you don't know, is our second house mother. Two women are needed onsite with the children and we are thankful for Magalie. She and Antoinette have been friends for years. I actually helped educate Magalie for a few years when I lived in Borel. Now she is a part of HATS. We are looking around now for another lady - part time, four days a week - for when Antoinette and Magalie have their days off. There is just too much work for one lady to do. The HATS children are almost all little and one child quickly leads another child into trouble. We no longer have any grown up girls to help with the younger ones. They are all adorable but they 'are children'.

Magalie, Leica & Tayanna

Work is continuing on the signs outside both HATS compounds - the main office/ orphanage compound and the school compound. Don, please take note.

New Sign in progress

School sign also being worked on

I have not forgotten my promise to do a blog about my girls. Beate is doing a blog of lovely photos today so I will hold off on that for awhile.

Sunday morning with both trucks, Luckner's and HATS, we are taking our children, and the Sunday school children who have kept coming during the summer, to Riviere Montrouis which is a 30-35 minute drive. Our kids are so very excited about playing in the water, on shore, and having a meal there that includes 'chicken'. Such a treat. Leica has told me numerous times that she plans to put her head in the river water. We could drive a lot further in the heat, and pay to use a beach, but this outing is going to make our kids very happy.

Thank you again for all you continue to do to enable the HATS mission help needy children in this area of Haiti. The needs are great, the work days are hot and long, but lives continue to be touched. We will not give up on Haiti and we ask that you do not either.

God bless you all.
Karen

It's me again...Beate...

Where do I start? I have so many things to tell you about that I fear this blog could have pages and pages. Usually when I travel like this, I write an email journal. I write for "me" and hope that others can make sense of what I am trying to say. So that's what I will do here as well.
It's Monday...The rooster kept me up all night. As well, this truck drove up and down the town honking and honking. Karen explained to me that it was the " 3 a.m. alarm" to get the workers in the village up (since they don't have their own alarms) and to wake up anyone who is catching the 3:30 a.m bus to Port Au Prince. So I guess I'll have to try to ignore that this week as well as that rooster.
Construction starts early here, and the main house (where the office is) is a revolving door of men asking for Karen...Poor woman, she can't sit down for one minute to try to get her reports done without someone seeking her help or instructions.
I love watching the construction crew. It is incredible to see what they have managed to build here with very simple tools. Sooooooo smart and capable. I am in constant awe. I realize that technology has made our lives simple, but what will happen when or if we ever run out of oil, or lose our power????? The so- called first world industrialized countries will suffer greatly and will surely be relying on the knowledge and abilities of the people in the world who have managed without what we have had.

Construction work

We drove into the village yesterday for a bit to visit another mission and got to see a soccer game in action. It seemed like the whole village was there to watch the game. Several vendors were set up and sugar cane was being sold, along with some kind of mystery booze, and I think I saw beer. We didn't stay long as the mission people weren't there and I was told that these games can get rather crazy.

Borel Mission

Soccer game in Borel

Since I've had the opportunity to see a couple of villages, I have been able to "see" the homes that Haitians live in. Very basic needs are barely met. I don't know how to get you to relate other than to imagine going to a camp. Some of you quite enjoy the "camp" experience; the cooking over a fire; the day spent preparing for the next meal; hauling in drinking water; maybe even washing dishes in the river or at a makeshift sink, where you've had to boil water for washing dishes; telling stories by campfire because you don't have electricity....and yes, even the outhouse experience can be somewhat fun and adventurous...but In Canada, usually going to camp means having a good time and.being close to nature for a weekend, a few weeks and maybe a month or so....Imagine though, doing that every single day...and imagine that what I listed above can be considered a luxury...food, fire, water. Because, the reality is that some of the people here don't even have that. So, the picture you see of the houses, and the football game going on...those are the lucky people here in Haiti.

House next door

Next time I write, I want to run through a typical day here at HATS. Now that I have experienced a couple of weekdays and a weekend, I am starting to get the routine. Until next time...BYE BYE....

Beate

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLOOOOOO from Haiti...or Alo!

I can't tell you how much I have been enjoying this wonderful place...yes...wonderful! My flight was rather uneventful until I got to the PAP airport. Actually, I don't want to complain at all. I found the chaos of searching for my luggage rather exhilarating, and it gave me an opportunity to meet several Doctors and Engineers who were volunteering their time here from places such as Alaska, California, Alberta, and Toronto. I felt very proud of each and every one of them.
Luckily Karen and her granddaughter Mariah, were able to get right up to the door to greet me. Boy, the moment I laid eyes on their smiling faces, and received their big hugs, I could just feel it in my soul that I had come to the right place. The drive through PAP was interesting to say the least. I saw hundreds and hundreds of tents in several spots and just couldn't imagine what it has been like to live in these tent cities with the extreme heat and the heavy rains.

Tent City in PAP

We kind of skirted the city, so I didn't see much of the earthquake damage, and made our way to the countryside for the 3 hour drive to Deschapelles. I was so very impressed with the highway that has been built. Newly paved and well irrigated, this road will last for along time. The only thing that was scary were the crazy drivers...honk...honk...is the signal that you give when passing a transport around a bend to warn the oncoming truck that you aren't moving over. Mind you, I felt totally comfortable with Luckner at the wheel, and I totally enjoyed the ocean view, stopping at several village markets and getting gas (it sounds silly, but even getting gas can be exciting when your travelling).

Market in Montrouis

Arriving at the compound, I was greeted by squeals of delight from the kids...Ti Luc even said my name...wow...was I ever impressed. I was made to feel right at home, and Karen gave me the upstairs bedroom...with a private bathroom and balcony to boot :) I absolutely love it.

Beate's bedroom at HATS Mission

It didn't take me long to remember everyone's names; although, I do get some of the kids mixed up. I get my daily dose of hugs and affection from them, and I'm beginning to learn their personalities. They are wonderful kids, and I love them all already. I am enjoying helping out with Ti luc as he does need some extra care, but he did beat me in a game of soccer ...Brasil against Germany...3 to 2 :)

Beate with Karen's kids

Ti Luc and Beate

I know that I've only been here two days, but I feel so at home. My only complaint is the heat...oh my...I can't explain it. I carry around a wee towel to mop up my sweat (sounds gross, but it helps). Thankfully, it cools down after the afternoon rain, and yaaayy, I have a fan in my room. Marta, the woman who cooks here, is unbelievable. I will certainly gain weight with her delicious Creole cuisine (red beans, rice and goat stew...yum...corn cake lasagna...wow...). I can't wait for her to cook the chickens that Mariah's dad bought. I watched Marta kill and prepare them...very interesting indeed :)

Mariah, her biological dad & Beate

Yesterday, we went to Pont Sonde to pick up the "chocolate" which is actually a highly nutritional powdered drink donated by the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. It was interesting to see how quickly the men unloaded the big truck. Back home today, we unloaded the pick up truck (which we had to leave under the carport due to the rain), and it took no time at all with all the kids helping. I just love the way they put the packages on their wee heads and off they ran to the storage unit. I honestly couldn't keep up with them.

Leica unloading the Kid's Reliv Chocolate

Dieunel unloding the Reliv Kid's Now

Okay, I will sign off now as Mariah is making guacamole (here she is smashing the garlic)...and I don't want to miss out. We get to bed around 9 after a nice chat and maybe a bit of television. The rooster wakes me up around 5...but thank goodness I did remember to bring ear plugs!
I realized after these two days that, even though I can't perform surgery, nor can I build bridges or repair buildings, I can do what I think I do best...play with and love the kids...which I hope gives Karen a bit of a break so she can fill that with a million other things she has to do around here.
Bye for now....all my love.....Beate

Tested and Tried

If you have been following the blog you know that lots of work has been done at HATS to help prevent flooding. The raising of the bridge to the compound , removal of huge gate, and subsequent reinstallation of gate was finished yesterday afternoon. (We had only one night with the big barrier/gate lying on the ground. Luckner sent a second armed security to sit there for that night and we all slept well.) That same night we returned from PAP and I parked the truck in the wet school compound as there was no way to get into the main compound. Yesterday a truck load of gravel was dropped in the entrance immediately after the gate was put back up and quickly spread inside the yard by workers.
Then the rain came.

Putting Big Gate to compound back up again

Soon feel safe again

Load of gravel to be spread inside the gate

Luckner and I looked at the sky, then at each othe,r and said "Now we are going to be tested." We had to take a quick run, in the rain, to Pont Sonde with both trucks (his and HATS) to meet a vehicle who had brought our Reliv product for the school and orphanage from Titayan for us. The product was quickly packed into the two trucks, tarped and tied, and we headed back to the compound.

The rain continued and we saw lots of evidence of flooding in Liancourt and Coupon/Borel area on the way home. We knew the HATS compound was truly being tested and we were anxious to see how it stood up after all the work Luckner had overseen. I am very happy to report that as we drove over the new bridge into the compound and then to the Devotion/Meeting room to unload the Reliv boxes we did not do so in water. Thank you, God.

There was water on the compound but it was on the areas not yet worked on. There was water between the gate and the generator room that does not yet have the drainage pipes in or any fill there. There was some water between the Kid's Home and the Devotion/Meeting room too, as that also has not been worked on. We wanted to get our first rain and see what would happen there. And if it could wait we would build the new Kid's Home "Kay Timbrmart" before putting fill in that area of the yard. It was getting dark and raining so I did not get photos of where it was wet. Wet, but not flooded!

As far as I, Karen, am concerned, yesterday we were tried, tested and passed. If all that work had not been done the compound would have been flooded again. Boss Luckner, and our great team of construction workers, have done a great job. They have all worked long and hard in intense heat. I am thankful and proud of them.

On Thursday Luckner, Mariah and I went to the airport to pick up a lady from Ontario, Beate Rufft, who came to help me and will be leaving with Mariah. She will travel as far as Miami with Mariah and see that she gets to her gate for her flights to Dallas and on to Calgary. For this I am very thankful. The arrangements for her coming to help were made shortly after the earthquake and I am glad we did. I feel as if I have known her for years. She was a godsend in her first day here. Her first night here, however, was marked by the constant crowing of roosters. All who have been here know of which I speak.

Beate's arrival at airport

While in PAP we drove Mariah through some of the earthquake damaged areas so she could see for herself. It is still very difficult to see and it was obvious Mariah too was finding it thus. Not a lot of progress that I could see. We took her to see the broken palace and all the crashed government buildings - some of which have been removed.

Mariah & the Palace in PAP

While there we could not resist a photo of an ingenious young man selling pop from his moto.

New method of selling pop

On our way back I arranged for Mariah to see David in Montrouis. He is a fine young man who received an education here through Education Haiti. He is special, to Liette and family as well as to me. He informed me that he was interviewed and retested again recently, and rehired to teach English again in September. David is a good example of sponsoring a student.

Mariah & David

Things Mariah was helping with are now on Beate's shoulders as Mariah has truly become the Little Mama for our cutie pitutie, one-year-old Tayanna. Mariah has her hands full there.

Yesterday, payday, Mariah was ' Madamn Directrice' for awhile. She took my place in paying all employees, even to borrowing my glasses to look the part. (I might add she did this job while Tayanna was napping.)

Mariah paying salaries (Note glasses)

Last night we had our very own 'crowing rooster' just outside my house. I was thinking of Don and Ed. I was remembering sitting on the roof top with the HATS family and other workteam members while Ed did the rooster dance and Don did the crowing which had us all in stitches.

When we visited Mariah's biological family early in the week, he said he would come see her on Friday. He did so, complete with gifts. He brought Mariah a rooster and a hen - live I might add - and a large bag with bananas, plantain, limes, militon. He is a nice man. He has a reputation of gentleness which is evident. It is awesome to see him with Mariah and see the pride on his face. Martha will come to work today, kill, prepare, and cook the birds along with the other things Mariah's dad brought her. Sleep should come easier tonight with the rooster in the pot instead of under the window.

Mariah & biological father (His gifts to her)

When I blog again hopefully I will have photos of our new signs going up outside the compound. One on each of the compounds - Main compound and school compound.

Beate will blog today or tomorrow and a few times while here. This will free me up to do some of the million other things that is awaiting my attention. When she arrived she was warmly welcomed and all the children are happy she is here.

For those who might be interested in knowing - I will be going to eastern Canada for 3 1/2 weeks on Aug 27th, I will be in Yarmouth area first, at Sandra and Dickie's - 742-5234, and then on Sept 7th in Newfoundland, at Don & Lila's - 673-3491. I will be talking/sharing about Haiti and HATS but also getting some needed time visiting family and friends. I am looking forward to touching base with friends - old and new.

Blessings to all of you and again THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VARIOUS FORMS OF SUPPORT. YOU ARE ALL GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Karen

Work continuing on the Mud Mission

Yesterday lots of work was done. When the time arrived for workers to finish and go home to their families, instead they stayed on and worked another 7 hours. Some arrived at 7:00 a.m. and helped unload the cement truck. Worked all day. Then worked again from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. The bridge entrance to the mission's main compound was rebuilt last night. The level was raised so the water would no longer run into the compound. By 11:30 last night everyone was covered with mud and cement and extremely overtired. This morning the final touches were put on the new bridge. Today they started to work on removing the huge gate. That will continue again tomorrow.

Lots left to do and getting dark

 Pouring of cement on bridge to compound late at night

11pm. All covered in cement. Luckner checking it out

Mariah saw all the work that needed to be done last night and wanted to help. She found a wheelbarrow that could not stand up by itself but could be pushed around. She worked hard for more two hours wheeling lots of rocks, sand, and gravel from one area of the compound to the big gate area where the cement work was going on. She was a tremendous help. She out ran the young men who were doing similar work. At 11:30 p.m. when work was almost finished she sat on the cement in front of depot and leaned against a wall. She was instantly asleep. She did not stir when I took the photo. Thought for awhile I might have to try to carry her to my house. Now that would have been an interesting sight.

Mariah helping with construction work at night

Almost midnight. Mariah sat down and asleep immediately

We've raised the bridge level this much

Thanks to Liette for her suggestion of a name for our new little one. We are calling her Tayanna and I think we call her after Mariah as her second name. Mariah is a great Ti Mama for her. Mariah is also a blessing to Ti Luc who adores her too.

Ti Mama Mariah, Ti Luc & Tayanna

Ti Luc loves to have Tayanna around but does not like it when she is in Poppa's arms. He, however, does not mind his mama or Mariah holding the baby as he likes to call her.

Poppa Luckner with Tayanna & Ti Luc

Today we had a visit from John Chew and his three boys. They brought clothes to bless our children and left others with which we will bless children in our area. John, Annie, and their boys, Samuel, Josue and Emile are in the process of moving back to Haiti from the US. Samuel and Josue used to be playmates of Mariah after she was adopted, by my Liette, but still living in Haiti. Nice for them to be able to connect again after thirteen years.

Samuel, Josue & Emile Chew & Mariah with our kids

Mariah with Samuel, Josue & Emile Chew

Tomorrow Luckner, Mariah, and I, along with our trusty police escort, Daniel, are off to PAP airport to meet a lady, Beate, from Ontario. Hopefully next blog you can hear from her.

Registration for our school is happening this week. In other years it was held in the school compound but under a tree that offered shade. It has to be held inside this year due to all the water on the compound. Before school opens we will be needing some truck loads of gravel spread in the yard.

I have not forgotten my promise to do a blog about my girls. You will have photos and a little info on them soon.

Our family is growing slowly and I like it that way. We are a family. I want to keep the number of children to a maximum of 16-18 so we can remain 'a family'. We will continue, too, to help children who are able to live with extended family outside the HATS compound.

We are here for the children. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN.

Blessings. Karen

Greetings from "Mud Mission"

Greetings from what is jokingly know these days as the "Mud Mission" But as you will see that is quickly changing. We are doing everything possible to change the name of the mission back to HATS.

Our family is growing. Here is our newest addition yesterday - a cute one-year-old girl. I have not yet decided on a name for her. The story we have been given is that her parents died in PAP in the earthquake and she was recently brought to Verrettes and dropped off.

Mama and her newest one

My gorgeous granddaughter quickly became a mother when the little one arrived. Not bad. Someone 17 1/2 coming to Haiti to help and in a very short period becoming a mother. I figured my new little one most likely was not used to my colour skin and would adjust more quickly if Mariah held her. Mariah held her lovingly and gave her something to drink and eat and she quickly attached to her. Now she wants Mariah all the time. Mariah went to the kid's homelast night and walked and sang her to sleep. It is sweet to see the two of them together. I love it!! Now I know what Mariah will be doing a lot of the time she is here. Today she followed Mariah around like any baby (human or animal) follows its mother. Yesterday she called me Mama. Today no one is Mama besides Mariah.

Mariah and her first child

Two ladies brought her to the house and we sat in the gallery. Ti Luc was fascinated. He wanted to be close to "bebe". When it was time for them to leave I asked Mariah to take the little one into the house and out of sight. Ti Luc and Leica went in too. When the ladies left Ti Luc scurried into the kitchen and said to Martha (in Creole of course) "Martha, I have something good to tell you. They left without the baby." Then he danced with joy. Martha was absolutely thrilled about the beautiful phrasing that Ti Luc used when talking with her and with the joy on his face about the baby staying with us. When she needed a nap Mariah put her in Ti Luc's bed. He was quite pleased about it.

Ti Luc who's that sleeping in my bed

Lots of work going on these days to raise the level of the compound due to the flooding problem which gave us the name Mud Mission. Luckner has work going on inside and outside. When it is finished I will no longer have great concern when heavy rain comes. No guarantee we will not get a little water sometimes but we will not flood as in the past. We have decided to raise the level of the bridge unto the compound as well. This means we will also need to raise the entrance gate. He is putting in draining pipes so when the rain comes the water inside the compound will run outside.

Work proceeding on compound

Another truck load of gravel

Luckner at work on drainage for compound

The work continues

This kind of work needs cement - lots of it. Early this morning a delivery arrived.

Cement delivery this morning

Sunday we had a lovely afternoon with a visit from Heather and family, a friend of hers and her family, and a gentleman (pastor I think) from the US who are presently at the Borel mission. Some Bible stories were told with visual helps which greatly touched my kids and the two house mothers. As of September Heather and her children will be living in Borel. That will be good for myself and my children. We can occasionally get both families together. Yesterday, Monday, we had another great visit from the Borel mission. This time from Theresa and her children and a couple from the US. "Better than Christmas" was what I overheard one of my kids say to another one after they had discovered all that was in their gift sacks that the couple presented from their church. Hopefully January will also see Theresa and her family living in Borel.

Heather & kids, friends & kids with us

Kids with gifts from a couple representing their church in US

Despite all the work on the mission site this morning I took Mariah to see her biological father, his wife, her two half brothers and a half sister. She had a very nice visit with them. They, of course, were thrilled to see her. I am glad we went today. Her father is obviously so happy and proud of who Mariah is - how she has turned out. And so am I.

Mariah with biological father and family

Again, thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support of what we are trying to do in this area of Haiti.

Jesus said " Let the little children come to me." We are trying to help Haiti by "Changing Lives, One Child at a Time."

God bless you all. Karen and family