Matthew here, writing at the end of a hot day's work.

Matthew here

We got all the trusses up from the pile they were in onto the roof, and they're all nailed up there now. The boys up top had a really hot time, but that didn't stop things from getting done.

Bob, Isaiah, and Brian De - Top crew

Trusses being passed up

Personally, this is my first time here. I've never done a mission trip of any sort before and I've certainly never been anywhere this hot before. I keep seeing things that are different from what I'm used to, and hearing about things even more unfamiliar to me. One of the most surprising things to me is how quickly I've grown to love all the people here. Everyone here is great, and the team is wonderful too. Watching everyone support each other warms my heart almost as much as the sun warms my skin.

Young cute kids in front. Two old goats in the rear

I've learned a lot from this experience, and I know that this trip has already had a profound impact on my life. Seeing how these people go about their lives, despite hardship, makes me truly grateful for everything I have. I feel a great respect for these people, as this trip reshapes my perspective. I think it's going to be interesting once I get home, to see how much I still view as normal and how I'll look at everything differently.

Some sit straight on

Before I forget, today we gave away thirteen goats from Erin Newell's goat fund. She raised enough for twenty-one, and I know all of them will be greatly appreciated.  (Note from Karen.  Preschool students who received goats came directly from school but are not in uniforms as today is Friday.)  Back in Canada, Erin asked me to get a picture of Gerry chasing after the goats. I'm sorry, but there was no chasing of goats so I didn't get the picture. I was looking forward to it just as much as she was, believe me. |And with that, I have exhausted my words. I'd like to bid you all good night.

HATS secondary student, 1st place in grade 9

HATS student receiving a goat

acqueline, 1st place student of HATS school, receiving a gift of a goat

One of HATS' grade 11 students

Preschool 2 student receiving a goat

Hi everyone. This is Brian en.

Brian En is tonight's blogger

Another warm day in beautiful downtown Deschapelles. At nootime today, the thermometer read 48 degrees C.  Despite the heat, the other six guys accomplished an incredible amount of work. They all have taken pity on the "old guy" and assigned me to take care of a variety of minor things that Karen needs to have done.

Brian En checking out electrical wattage

 I am going to leave the description of the project and the work being done for the other fellows to fill you in on.

 I  am going to try to explain why a trip to Haiti is life-changing.  No-one can be thrown into a group of people who have the common purpose of doing something for some-one less fortunate and not be changed in many ways. As with those I joined in each of the first four trips I made to HATS, my respect and affection for each of the team members grows daily. It seemed we had such a series of annoying difficulties on the way here that I began to wonder if Sandra MacD had stowed away in our group.

But in his ever present flamboyance and flare, Gerry handled each incident as it came along. Whether things are going smoothly or not, Gerry has the ability to make them seem like they are.

Writing Heather.

Bob The Builder and Brian De are two incredible men to work with along with the fact that that they are the only two who REALLY know how to go about what it is we are trying to accomplish.

Bob The Builder

Brian De

The three who have never been here before have literally thrown themselves into the work and it is inspiring for me to see the obvious love these three have for the children at HATS and the adjoining school.

One, two, three - let's go

Look at the blan measuring carefully

Bernie Melanson amazes me with his stamina in this heat and the heart of compassion for others that beats inside him. Two high school students round out this group and it is my profound pleasure to get to know them both.

Bernie

Matthew Sketchley from Dartmouth and Isaiah Henderson from Summeride have taken to the work and the Haitian people completely.  No-one can get to know these amazing Haitian people of all ages, and not be inspired by them.

Isaiah

Matthew with a couple of cuties

 They know such suffering and it seems so little else and yet their attitude and graciousness makes me hang my head in shame for the things I seem to find to complain about. It is not possible to fully explain how a trip to a place like HATS can affect you. To those who helped make this possible for me --- THANK YOU!!

Recess time is so much better when visitors are here

To those who wonder if your donations and prayers are actually making a difference, I will answer you in this way. This morning as we watched the school teachers lead the children in a half hour of praise and prayer to God and then the children saying their pledge of allegiance to their flag, I kept thinking this. For all of you who have given of yourselves in donations and prayers, there are about 300 children in front of me right now and some or many of them God will use in a great way to change the future face of Haiti and its people. YOU have helped make that possible ---- AND THAT, FOLKS --- is a fact!  Have a wonderful evening.

hello everyone,

 Isaiah Henderson here,

Isaiah - Blogger for today

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 everything that has been done in the last four years and what still is left from the earthquake is shocking. People were always telling me stories and what it is like.. but until you are here and experience it first hand you really don't know.

Hard at work first thing after breakfast.

Isaiah & Matthew taking wood down and then passing it up

              Yesterday we got to the compound and started to unpack what we brought and getting everything set up, after that we got the wonderful privilege of spending time with the children playing outside, even going on a nice walking adventure. 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.

Back up on other side

This needs carrying up

              The team that i have come down here with are truly amazing and they have all been here more then once except three of us and want to keep coming back to do what they can, that to me shows a lot. shows me that they have been impacted as well and i look up to them so much! i really do plan on coming back to Haiti and doing another mission trips and also do more in other places of the world.

Working on the top in direct sun

This roof saw lots of action today. Nine trusses completed

              Day one of working and we have half of the roof trusses built to go upon the mission house. Working hard and taking breaks all the time because of the heat and drinking A LOT of water. The team is doing a fantastic job.

Hi All !

Note from Karen.  There was a blog written last night, Tuesday.  Due to some computer problems and internet problems it would not go out last night.  Even though the motley crew were  very tired they actually did a blog for all of you followers.  Hopefully Wednesdays blog will go out properly tonight.

Hi All !

            Brian Deux here (our fearless leader Gerry Rhyno was supposed to be writing the first night blog but by the sound of the snoring coming from his tent right now I doubt that will happen ! lol) That being said he's getting a very well deserved nap , we've had quite an experience getting here .

           We left for the airport at 4:00 am yesterday only to get there and find out our first flight of the day to Philadelphia was cancelled so that meant being re-routed to Boston . We actually got into the plane and airborne from that flight when they turned us around because of some maintenance issue with the aircraft(they told us later the front door wasn't operating properly ) They fixed that and we were under way again but hopelessly late for our next connection so when we got to Boston the running to try and get re-routed again began .  They re-routed us through Newwark and then on to Fort Lauderdale and things seemed to be getting a little better until we realized that because of all our plane hopping only 12 of our 15  bags showed up and by the time we had them track down the other 3 and get a shuttle to the airport hotel it was after 10:00 pm and we had to be back at the airport by 4:00am.  Not much sleep was had by any of us and we were on the way to Haiti the next morning!
 

Team arrival complete with luggage

The rest of the crew leaving airport

Gerry & Bob tying down the luggage

Happy to be reunited in Haiti

Team being welcomed by Luckner

        The trip from the airport to the HATS compound (which is normally very ...interesting shall we say ) went without a hitch !
 

It has been a rough couple of travel days

        I have to say as someone that has been here a few times there has been a dramatic turn around in Haiti since the earthquake ! It was so encouraging to see the remarkable changes (sometimes we think the little bit we do doesn't amount to much but when you have a country full of people doing things it makes a HUGE difference!)

 

The HATS Hilton.

         We spent the afternoon playing with the children and getting prepared to start building trusses for the roof on Karen's house so we've been busy since we got here. We are all pretty tired and are signing off for the night .
 

Team & kids time together

Fun with kids time

Isaiah with three new little friends

But so very thankful to be here ,what a tremendous blessing  :')

    On behalf of our entire team ....Gerry Rhyno ,Bob Comeau , Brian Roberts , (and Newbies) Bernie Melanson, Matthew Sketchley and Isaiah Henderson ......goodnight to all

           Brian Bowers

Thank you Keith.

Thank you so very much!!!  You not only fly high in the skies, you fly high here at HATS too.  In the work you do, in relationships with the children, relationships with the employees, and certainly not forgetting with myself and Luckner.

Keith's last night- almost 9 o'clock - finishing up the school kitchen

How about returning to us again now.  After all you have been home with Joan for three nights. No?   I know, I know we can't be greedy.  No doubt the lovely lady needs her husband and most likely has a long  "Keith Do" list.

Mr. Blogger

Folks, it was very difficult to see Keith walk into the airport. He walked out of sight and Luckner drove a short distance, stopped for him and Daniel to look for something to drink, i.e. to give Karen a chance to control the tears.  I knew I was returning home to handle the daily running of the onsite mission work alone once more.  And to do so without any fellowship or fun to help.  I should be used by now to seeing family off at the airport and facing returning alone to the mission.  Still gets me.  Oh me nerves Keith b'y.  Oh me nerves!!

Half way to the airport. Keith happy. Me not so much

Airport arrival

The children enjoyed a game of basketball with Keith the afternoon before he left.  They have mentioned several times since, after finishing homework and studying, that they wish Keith were still here to play too.   

Fun with Keith

Oops, where is the ball

While the others play Ti Fi is hugging Djemima

Judel & Ti Luc enjoy the swings while basketball is on

It is obvious that everyone connected with HATS are  missing his presence big time.  Everyone wants him to return real soon - with Joan.  I just miss him more because he was such a fantastic help in everything in every way.  Too, as I said on an earlier blog - Keith fell from the same 'nut tree'  in Newfoundland as my sibblings and I.  Two other family members, Dickie and Jim, by the way, fell from branches of that same tree that had been carried to NS and to BC some years back.  Having a great sense of humour is important anywhere one lives, but here in Haiti it is often the saving grace of a day. 

Until we meet again

So is this blog about saying 'thank you'?  You bet it is.  Is this blog about saying 'you are missed'?  You bet it is.  Is this blog saying 'Please hurry and come back with the lovely Joan'.  YOU BET IT IS.

HATS   IS    ALL   ABOUT   THE   CHILDREN.    People like Keith help me keep it that way.

Blessings everyone.   Karen

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014

Keith

This is my last blog for a little while. My vacation is coming to an end!!

After nearly 5 weeks it is time to go home and see my Canadian family. I have certainly enjoyed my time here at HATS and I will be returning with my wife Joan in the fall.

This orphanage and school are amazing and is a little piece of heaven on earth for these kids. Their future is bright and filled with potential.

Thank you Karen for your hospitality and for the amazing job you have done here over the past 19 years.

(Someone should write a book about you.)

Karen you are a remarkable lady and an inspiration to us all.

Karen

It’s all about these kids.

Orphans today and Haiti’s leaders tomorrow!!

Kids

Monday February 3rd, 2014

Keith

Sunday evening Karen and I, accompanied by security guard Richard, spent an hour being tourists. We drove to Ti-Rivière which is south of HATS in the Black Hills and is the site of fort dating back to the French colonial days. As yet it has not been restored but the views of the Artibonite Valley are spectacular.

Laundry and bath day

Ti-Rivière

Richard and Karen

Fort

Haitian houses

Lush farmland

Driving back we came upon a naked gymnast who performed back flips for us. Karen needed these pictures for her award winning grand-daughter Ariane in Calgary.
Viewer discretion was advised!

I attended flag raising at the school this morning. The kids all look so clean and keen in their school uniforms. The class rooms are stark with little light and only a blackboard but this school has one of the best academic records in the area.

The Haitian Flag

Flag raising

Off to class

Secondary classroom

The rest of the day I finished up some jobs on the compound. Yesterday’s emergency plumbing repair got a more permanent fix, the blue bathroom cabinets are ready for the new missionaries and the school kitchen exterior has been painted the world famous Aqua Chintz!!

Before

After

Karen’s clinic now has 3 kids home from school and we hope that it doesn’t spread throughout the compound.