Thank you Lord!

We thank the Lord for all that he does and for his continuous provision in so many ways. Until I came to Haiti, though, I thought the phrase “Thank you Lord” was just useful for thanking our Lord, but I’ve realized it can also be used for art and a bit of humor (which still doesn’t take away from the ability to thank our God!). If you’ve been to Haiti you know how religious the country is- there is some sort of religious statement on most vehicles and businesses. There’s a bus around here that has “Thank you Lord” written on the side of it, but underneath the words there is a big shooting missile. I found it slightly humorous, so in my free time last week I recreated it in an art piece I titled, “Thank you Lord with a missile underneath” (Mediums- Paper and Sharpie). And I’ve priced it very reasonably, at a measly cost of $3,287.56(US) and all the proceeds will go to HATS. Here it is....

Thank you Lord with a missile underneath

Seriously, though, Thank you Lord! Jess and I were blessed with the company of our family a few weeks ago! My brother, Saul, Jess’ brother Jordan, her sister Jamie, and our friend Mark came to visit with us and help out with a few projects here. It was a much needed time of fellowship with those we love most, and we made the most of their time here! Before they came, we decided we wanted to shape our time based on The Festival of Shelters in Leviticus 23. It’s a weeklong celebration to honor God, and it’s easy to celebrate with family and friends! We all slept in our gallery together (which we figured was kinda like sleeping in tents!) We had a dance party one night with the kids and a cookout another night; We had a water fight one day; We shared a birthday celebration with Judel and Vladimy; We made funnel cakes because we were missing out hometown’s homecoming; we did a song together at church; and we also went mummering one evening(a Newfoundland tradition Karen taught us- she picked 4 out of 6 of us correctly)! Also, Missionary James brought us along with his team to the beach one day and also on a hike to Verrettes Falls.

Lets dance!

Cookout

Jordan with the birthday boys

Mummering; can you guess who's who?

Jamie,Seth,Jordan,Mark,Jess,Saul

Mark strolling on the beach

The hike to the falls

The falls

On top of all that, we also enjoyed serving together. Jess and Jamie painted the inverter house as the boys got the “Delco House” started, and then we all finished it together. We told the kids we were building another house for an alternate generator, but we were actually building them a big playhouse. Karen didn’t want them to know what it was until it was completely finished so that it could be a surprise to them. As Karen said in a previous blog, we lost the generator for a few days, which meant we quickly lost all of our battery power (including power tools). We had to revert to hand tools. Although, it’s a lot more work, hand sawing a piece of wood always makes you feel like more of a man (even if you’re a woman)!

Jamie and Jess finish the inverter house

The Men

More than one of us usually work, I promise!

Real men

Jess takes a turn

Karena checks our work

Photo for our hometown newspaper

Before our family got here and while Karen was in Canada, it was the hottest it had been since we’ve been here. It wasn’t raining and the sun kept getting hotter! It was pretty miserable at times. We were praying that it would cool off for our family, but actually, only half prayers, because you kinda want those back home to really know what you’re experiencing. God listened to our prayers though! It was beautiful while our family was here. The days were hot, but it rained almost every night which cooled it down tremendously. I think we all used 2 sheets most nights. Now when we go back home and complain, “man, it was so hot in Haiti!” They’re just going to roll their eyes and say under their breath, “doubt it.” Our family had such a great time here with us, serving with us and getting to know the children! HATS will always be a part of Jess and I, and now when we talk about it in the future, we will have people who can talk with us and understand fully!

Unfortunately, our celebration left with our family, because the day they left, Jess got sick. We thank God so much that is over with now, but that was a rough week. We’re so thankful for Karen’s help in getting a nurse here to get Jess an IV in our own home! And we’re thankful for all of your prayers.
Mariah and Liz came while Jess was sick so we missed out on their first few days, but we’ve quickly realized what wonderful people they are and we’re excited to have them here with us. We had a good time in fellowship last week when they came up to our place for chocolate chip cookies and banana bread.

Over the past few weeks, Jess and I haven’t gotten a lot done work wise. Partly because Karen told Jess to take a lot of time to rest, but also because a lot of the construction stuff is done and school doesn’t start until October now. I realize now, that I may have worked too hard while Karen was gone in Canada. I got all of my projects done and now I’m just left with some small paint jobs (that I will be sharing with Jess and Mariah). I’m sure that won’t be the case for long, Karen is good at working stuff up! This is the first slow period I’ve had since I’ve been here. Last week, I did fix some small repairs around the compound and I built a small dresser for Jess and I’s room. Saturday, Jess and Mariah spent the afternoon getting the kids new shoes and underwear, and fitting them for swimsuits.

JJ waiting for his shoes

Is this the right size

Djemima, Josie and Ismyis wait patiently

They're ready for the beach!

Karen gave us Monday off because it was my birthday! Jess asked me what I wanted and I told her I wanted to go to Six Flags- She said no. Then I asked for Olive Garden- and again she said no. Then I asked for a Dr. Pepper and she said we could share one (We did share one, but not because she said we had to). We’ve realized that it’s kinda tough to make things special in Haiti because of the lack of ability to go somewhere or get certain things. Jess did a great job though and made me a wonderful dinner that evening- Sweat and sour meatballs, [Editors note - I think Seth meant sweet and sour...but it has been hot in Haiti so I left it as written] potato wedges and garlic bread! We also went swimming at the hospital pool that day and I had my NFL fantasy draft that night with all my friends back home! One of the best gifts was the next day, though. We got to go with Karen to St. Marc on a bank run. We love going because its a sort of a date for us because Karen drops us off at the Deli Mart which has a fast food restaurant above it. We got bacon cheeseburgers and fries and they even had Dr. Pepper (which is the first time we’ve seen it here) so Tuesday we didn’t have to share! It was such a blessing, because our “dates” typically don’t involve leaving the house!

I know Karen has already talked highly of Luckner’s radio station, Radio Creole, and I must do the same. It has brought a lot of good to the community and I was more than happy to hear that another person came to Christ through it in the past few days! Another thing it has done is heighten discussion on Voudou and Christianity. Because of that, Karen invited Luckner to come and talk with all of our employees yesterday. It was an encouraging and insightful thing for all who were there yesterday and I pray that more people will be able to gain understanding and life through the radio station! I ask that you pray for the radio station and also for this place, that we will always be growing in our relationship in Christ, which will also strengthen our light to those around us and to the world!
God bless you and enjoy the rest of the pictures!

Jump for joy

Moise why aren't you jumping

Goal!!!

Karena, Jamie, and Djemima

Jofky, Saul, and Anne

Tifi and Jofky playing baseball

Jordan, Judel, Diunel and Jofky

Lizard class

Ann just finished her candy

Jofky too!

who's going to win?

Jordan with the kids

Surprise. We are really working on blogging more often.

The past couple days have been full and quite busy as usual but especially good for me because of having Mariah here. I enjoy having her around and she is quite helpful. She helps with Ti Luc early mornings before the devotions we have with our employees and children, and then she does school work with him after devotions. She is great with all the children and gets along really well with all the employees. Most everyone here has known her for years and all are thrilled to have her back.

Mariah with Ti Luc

She leads a gymnastic and exercise class three days a week with my children and house mothers. We are now thinking about having her teach worship dance. She is willing to do whatever is needed at any given time. Her language skills are a tremendous blessing to me as she can take care of many things with people who think they must talk with me. Her dealing with those things allow me to take care of other things.

She is spending some time at Luckner's business helping Rose Lore. She has made numerous visits with me to the radio station, where she gets along with everybody and they with her. Mariah fits in wherever she goes. It gives me great joy to see her here in the country of her birth - the country of her people - working, helping, worshiping, playing, and being a blessing to many. At times just watching her interacting with others and being a help to many, brings me to tears. I have good memories of her and I walking, dancing and skipping around Deschapelles fifteen years ago singing our special little pumpkin song. Now she is grown up and back here to work with me for three months before heading to university or whatever else God might have for her in January. No matter what God's plan is for Mariah's future, I believe it will always involve times to come and help her own people here. If you have not already figured it out - I am proud of her!!

I was trying to get word to Maiah's biological father that she was here so he could come see her, and he could see Liz before she leaves again. We had decided that Luckner would send someone to his town with a message. But then one of those God incidences happened. Before Luckner could send someone to look for him my security came to me yesterday to tell me that Jean Pierre was at the gate to which I quickly responded 'let him unto the compound and bring him to the house please'. We saw him walking to the house loaded with gifts - a live chicken, a sack with avocados, oranges, limes, bananas, mileton, tomatoes. What a gift. I assumed he had heard Mariah was here and so came to see her. He was pleasantly surprised to know Mariah was here but said he had come to see me as he had not been able to get here for some time. He and Mariah enjoyed time together and he will return soon with his family. Liz was so pleased to see him as she had met him fifteen years ago when she had been in Haiti to see her granddaughter, Mariah, who was then four years old.

Mariah with biological father, Jean Pierre

My kids and house mothers look forward to Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays so they can join in Mariah's gymnastics/exercise classes. I enjoy watching and taking photos.

Mariah & group she is leading with gymnstics & exercises

Mariah leading her gymnastic & exercise group

I have my own personal exercising that I do early mornings and evenings. The work I do here requires my keeping my health as it is so I now have a treadmill that I use twice daily.

The director needs to stay in shape

Jessie has been slowly and steadily getting her health and strength back. She and Mariah may paint the two big gates next week - the one to the main compound and the one to the school compound.

We continue to spend time at the radio station. Ti Luckner gets extremely excited every time he hears his papa's voice on the radio and then wants to go down. He sits in the studio with earphones on just like papa. This morning at 10:00 I arranged to have my children in my living room to sing, via telephone, on the radio station. The older ones spoke greetings to people and they all sang several worship songs in both English and French. Apparently it sounded very nice and was well received and appreciated by people who heard it. I may end up giving them this opportunity every Saturday and perhaps including other children from our Sunday school and the community who might like to be involved.

Luckner on radio. God's word going out

Ti Luckner sharing mike with Papa Luckner at Radio Creole

My children are all doing well. They continue to enjoy time with Seth and Jessie and now with Mariah and Nana Liz too. Since school opening is delayed they will have a little more free time than expected.

Cutie Pitutie Sandra

Afternoon walk time. Rice growing in background

Karen's little monkey, Leica

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN

God bless you all.
Karen and gang

Wow what a day!!!

Wow what a day!!! had a great morning in the devotion room praising the lord. Everyone always full of joy and thankfulness which is just so awesome to see.

Went to St.Marc with Grammy and had some interesting adventures there. Arrived in St.Marc with the usual busy streets and no place to park. Finally found one and hopped out of the car. Arrived at the bank. Me and Nana huddled in a corner since it was so full of people that day. Because of all the people in there a bank director took Grammy into an office so he could help her get money. Suddenly out of the blue a fight broke out! Yelling and shouting from everyone and everyone putting their two cents worth into everything. It was complete chaos. Security started running towards one of the guys and pulled him out of line. Guns in the air security dragged him out of the bank. Meanwhile I decided to leave Nana and get Grammy in case we all had to get out. So I guess you could say I ditched the one Nana, who did not know the language or anything else, and went to the grandma that had the cash and the language!!! ha ha ha ha.

We had the chance to also change my phone and get a new sim card and take some amazing pictures of the huge Bible in St.Marc.

Mariah and Liz in St. Marc with Ten Commandments.

After the trip to St.Marc I had the chance to work at Luckner's shop that he has in his house. I filled up freezers with cold drinks and helped costumers. I'm learning about the money and such so that's great. Had such a great time so can't wait til tomorrow.

Luckner's business where Mariah helps Rose Lore

Mariah
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Liz here,or should I say the grandmother in the bank that got ditched for the rich one who was in an office with a bank employee!! Rather an exciting time, lots of yelling and shouting but quickly handled by Security. Downtown St. Marc could easily win the prize as the busiest rush hour in the world and this was only 11 am! Mind you also the most likely place to get struck and killed by a motorcycle (moto) a very large truck or even a pedestrian or two

Thank goodness we had to rush back to HATS to get the Security person with us back to work by noon. Security here was short handed because the day before the one on duty shortly before supper collapsed and fell and hit his head and was out for the count for a short time. Karen rushed him to the hospital in Deschapelles. He was off two days and he is back to work today.

Injured security back at work

The children continue to be such a joy and unfortunately I taught them the word toes so when they see me they rush to me yelling toe toes, toe toes! Isn't it true you must watch what you say to children the world over!

Karen's Toe Toes kids

Today we drove to Deschapelles and is was amazing to me how much it has changed. So much more building but I recognized it and was glad to see it again. The trip to Verrettes also brought back memories , such a nice slower pace than St. Marc! I love the architecture here, the very old buildings are made of cement on ground level, next floor wood, and top floor tin, then the gradual changes from mud huts to small cement buildings, and the much larger cement homes painted such bright colours. As ever the people fascinate me, their persistent spirit and enterprise despite such daunting circumstances, their ability to overcome and survive all the barriers placed in their path with almost no belief that things will ever change. As they say here Mesi Bondye! How many of us in the western word and elsewhere will say that in our worst circumstances and trials ?

Hello from the oven !!! Mariah here.

It has been an amazing first few days so far. So happy to see everyone I hold dear to my heart. All the house moms and the HATS staff, all the kids and especially my grandmother and Luckner. I love every minute here and I am glad I have the chance to spend three months in Haiti. I am doing extra work with Ti Luckner and Leica with their schooling. I have the chance to teach gymnastics to the children and also the house mothers (who love to take part). The gymnastics class is for an hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and also Fridays. I find it is great exercise for everyone and so much fun. Everyone loves it! I will be possibly working in the school (once it opens) in order to help children with their English. I will also be painting and just being a helping hand to whatever Karen (my grandma) needs doing.

Mariah & Karen

Mariah doing gymnastic class with my kids

Mariah doing schooling with Ti Luc

Mariah helping Leica with homework

Walks along the canal are a big hit and me carrying little Sandra is a blast. Most of the little kids being pushed in the stroller fall asleep along the way however everyone else seems to have a fabulous time. I enjoy every minute I pass here in Haiti and so thankful I arrived safely.

Mariah with Ti Sandra

Hi Everyone. Liz here. Mariah's doing one too.

Almost one week in Haiti and I am still pinching myself that I am really here. Fifteen years ago when I first arrived in Haiti to meet my granddaughter Mariah, Haiti and its people took hold of my heart and have never let go. It is wonderful at last to see and experience HATS first hand see the work that HATS and Karen are doing. For those of you who worry about Karen I had a successful Sunday after Church. I ''ordered" her to bed to rest and she actually listened. My threat to sit on her may have helped since I am no lightweight. I will continue this effort until I leave.

Driving through the Artibonite valley again was an answer to prayer as were views of the rice fields, the animals along the way and the beautiful blue sky.

Rice Field close to HATS Compound

Baby Cow on canal close to HATS

Each evening so far has brought thunder and lightening storms. and on two occasions pounding rain. Meeting all the children and if course Ti Luc is a highlight. I have toured the compound and the school and watched the teachers help some students with remediation including Mariah teaching. TI Luc forms letters with his toes. He does a great job. This is in preparation for the start of the new school year. By far the most exciting experience has been my visit to the new radio station in the area RADIO CREOLE FM 104.7. This is is a Christian station and I am most impressed with it. Please pray for it's success and share some financial support for electricity, equipment, and for whatever is needed. It has already made a big impact on this community.

Karen's kids with new clothes brought down by Mariah & Liz

Ti Luc writing with his toes

Luckner on radio with God's word

Radio Creole FM

Hello from Haiti once again.

I last blogged from the fabulous island of Newfoundland. In the two weeks that I have been back home in Haiti there has been no possibility of my finding a few minutes to blog or even to respond to emails. I told people awhile back that I was going to blog more often and they would be shorter. Good intentions. I am still planning on that, but life gets in the way here of following any plan. I will try to explain a little about how crazy it has been since my return but without being here and seeing first hand the insane busyness of my life you may not understand. I ask, however, that you have patience when you write me or when I am behind in communication with you. I am literally on the run all the time until I fall unto my bed late at night.

My time with family and friends in NS and NL was wonderful and needed. As friend Aimee predicted, the moment my feet hit the tarmac in Port au Prince, I was once more back in the saddle big time. I have since then been the red headed helicopter again flying high and low trying to handle things.

It was fantastic to be back with my children and to be so warmly welcomed. They truly did seem to be happy to have me back. Luckner, Jessie, and Seth did a good job of keeping things going nicely while I was away, for which I thank them again. Ti Luc enjoyed staying with Jessie and Seth but was one happy boy to have his mama back again.

The day I returned Seth and Jessie had family visitors arrive, four very nice Christian young people, who stayed with Jessie and Seth. We met up at the airport in PAP and travelled to the mission site together. I will let Seth and Jessie blog about that.

The day after my return home, Tuesday, the generator broke down once again. The batteries that provide back up electricity for my place had run out of charge while I was away. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we were without electricity. No electricity, no lights, no fan, no fridge or freezer running, and no computer. Total blackout everywhere on the compound. Florence Nightingale I am not, but I thought of the stories about her as I wandered around my house in the evenings and nights from 7:00 p.m. on with a small flashlight.

Generator repairs again

To top it all off Ti Luc was quite ill during this time. He had to sleep quite close to me for several nights.

Jordan with Ti Luc as he takes treatment

Papa with his sick boy and other kids trying to pay workers

There were many things awaiting my return and I was busy running from one to another. These things coupled with the huge problems caused by the broken down generator, made saying I was busy all the time an understatement. At the same time I was trying to spend valuable time with my children who had missed their mama.

Karena loves her gift of a mirror from Mama

Mirlande, Leica, Karma, Djeumima

A surprised Anne

During this busy time we managed to have a birthday party for Vladimy who turned 16 and Judel 4.

August birthday boys - Judel 4, Vladimy 16

The family of Jessie and Seth left on Wednesday of last week. That meant a day off the compound for Luckner and I to go to Port au Prince. We did manage to take care of a few necessary things on our list that day. Jessie started to feel ill before going to the airport with her family and she continued to get worse over the next few days. She was a very sick girl and I must admit I was more than concerned. I wanted to try to take care of her on-site to shield her from having to go to the hospital. Luckner and I were able to find a nurse and medical supplies, i.e. IV fluid, etc and have her taken care of here at their house. We thank God that now Jessie is much better - not yet back to complete health - but she is up and around and smiling again.

Jessie getting nursing care

Early Saturday morning saw us back in Port au Prince once more. This time to pick up my precious granddaughter, Mariah, who has come to help me for three months, along with her other grandmother, Liz, who is with us for a short visit. It is good to have them both with us. During the next three months Mariah is going to be very useful in many areas and already today that is very apparent. On the ride to the compound after picking them up we had a flat tire. Change it quickly in the heat right? Not! No spare under the truck where it should have been. Oops. I had dropped the spare tire off for repairs a couple of days before heading to Canada. Obviously in the excitement of packing to leave I forgot to get it picked back up and also forgot to let Luckner know it was not back on the truck.

Sleeping Mariah, Liz and Daniel in packed full truck

Enroute to home with Mariah and Liz - flat tire no spare

The latest word on schools in Haiti is that we will be opening on October 3rd. This will actually give Luckner and I a chance to do a little more work on the construction project underway at the school. The cement roof on the office/library building was poured a couple of days after my return. There will still be more work to be done on the school compound, which will be undertaken later when funds arrive for same. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will be able to get in touch with you, the sponsors, who have a change in your sponsored students.

Just finished pouring cement roof

Over the past few months a very important project - a Trade School - has been constructed, by Luckner, on land that he was able to purchase next door to his house. He had it built as a community project and I might add a necessary project for this area. People here, visitors from Canada and the US, as well as myself, saw this need and are thankful for it. I, however, also saw the need of it being separate from the HATS mission. I, however, am, and always will be, a part of it. Involvement and support for this project is needed and there is a possibility of this coming from a group of people in NS. Hopefully help for courses to be taught and for people in our area to be able to attend the Trade School will come.

Radio Station on top. Trade school below

Luckner has built not only a community trade school but also a Radio Station which sits on top of the school building. Radio Creole FM has quickly become well known and has become a very important part of this community. Radio Creole plays a lot of Christian music, has prayer time three times a day, and very important Christian messages are going out to the people. Lives are being changed, people are seeing the need to leave a life of darkness to walk in the light. Of all the projects and work Luckner has been, and is, involved in I see this as the most important of all. This is something else I am happily involved in and plan to always be a part of. Today Mariah and I spent 1 1/2 hours down at the Radio Station when Luckner had a person in the station explaining Voodooism. Luckner, knowing the word of God as he does, asked the right questions and gave the right responses. It is fantastic to see people coming to the Lord through the word and music of the radio station.

Radio station at Luckner's. Announcer with Ti Luc

Luckner and I are working together to help meet needs of the people in this area physically, emotionally and spiritually. We do this through education - elementary and high school, daily meals at the school, mercy ministry into the community, further education through the Trade School, and Christian teaching and prayer support through the radio station.

Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU for all the support. We will continue to do what we can at this end but without you at the other end nothing will be accomplished.

May God richly bless each and every one of you - our extended HATS family.

Mariah and Ti Luc happy to be together again after 9 months

Nana Liz with Karena Mariah

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Karen R. Huxter, Founder/Director
Hands Across The Sea - Haiti
www.hatshaiti.org
www.hatshaiti.blogspot.com
509-3-624-7401