Sandra here again tonight...

.... because Pastor Dave, Jim and Jess sang at Radio Creole with Karen introducing and translating too!  Dickie and I sat out on the deck and listened and they did a great job!  I say I have to do it because they are now famous and don't do blogs!

Solo from Jess

Crew of Radio Creole

We have given out gifts to sponsored children and it is a joy to see them excited and thankful.

Sponsor gift

We have been giving food...rice, beans, cornmeal and oil to many families and today we added chickens too.  Again, it is a joy to see their appreciation and beautiful smiles.

Fritz asking about Pastor Jim from the Wesleyan church

Chickens to bless people

Kids like the chickens

One of these is an old chick & one is a chicken

A new type of augmentation?

Karen, Pastor Dave, Jim and Jess went to the market in Verettes this morning.  I think they all enjoyed this experience.

Richard just lost his job as our security.

Market 2

Market

After they all returned from market we all went to the school to finish the chalk boards.  Dickie fixed them and Pastor Dave and Jim painted them.  Karen, Jess and I cleaned the windows in the offices.

Window cleaning Haitian style

Let us out - please!!

Blackboard work

The kids were roller blading again today and they helped us move benches and set up the class for church tomorrow.

Benches for church

Sandra here

Another great day for most of us but not so great for Dickie!  He has been sick all day but no one else has fallen ill so far!  Dickie told me that Germaine gave him a purple drink this morning and you need to ask him about it some time.

Jess in HATS hair dressing salon

Karen was up and over at school most of the morning in meetings etc. Jess and I did payroll for the staff this morning, Jim fought with Karen's computer and Pastor Dave put together a dresser with the help of JJ!

Leica with Sandra

This afternoon we filled 2 buckets and a cooler with water balloons and waited for the kids to get their school work done and then tricked them and the house mommies into coming up to the house for a photo.  Karen asked them to come quickly for a photo and Jess got them all lined up by the front door to take a photo and backed up and we let them have it from the roof.  What fun!  We used the 2 buckets on them and then came down and gave them the cooler full to get us.  Pastor Dave and Jim were the wettest! 
 

Ready to start the water fight

The fight begins

Preparing to return fire.

The battle nears completion and the visitors were clearly winning

Then came the surprise counter-attack from the big guns

JJ soaked Jim and Dave.    Now they are getting him wet.

We have washed, sand papered and washed again the chalk boards at the school and tomorrow we will paint them all.

Getting blackboards ready for painting

Some people work

Some people make it look like they are working

I will not be the last person in bed tonight...there is hanky panky going on upstairs when someone is absent!

Hey all! Jess here.

Today is my 3rd day here at HATS, and it was a good one!

I was so exhausted last night I managed to sleep through all of the noises (including Jim's snoring), and didn't wake up until the sun started to rise.  We began our day today at the school.  All of the kids were singing and clapping and praising The Lord.  They are all such wonderful singers.  Such a joy to listen to, even if I don't understand the words!  We also got to see them raise the flag, which was super cool!

We were then all immediately put to work.  I spent most of the morning organizing the cupboard in Karen's office (it was no small task).  Sandra was "blessed" with the job of working on the payroll book for the year (quite tedious business when you have to write everything out manually, instead of using a computer).  Dave and Dickie spent the day putting furniture together.  Jim made his bed (literally), and worked on cleaning up Karen's computer so that it runs more smoothly!

Jess with a huge task of organizing the office supply cupboard in

Sandra working on salary book for 2013

Dave assembling furniture

Making your bed means literally making it at HATS - put it together Jim, then you can sleep.

We also had some women show up to collect the rice, beans, cornmeal and oil we spent yesterday dividing.  They were so appreciative.  They all left with huge smiles on their faces!

I went to play with the kids today and they decided they wanted to do my hair.  I had about 5 kids braiding and pulling on my hair all at once.  They are quite the hair stylists!  They seem to find my long hair quite fascinating.

budding hair dressers

My favourite part of the day was our walk along the canal with all of the kids.  Probably the most beautiful walk I've ever been on.  I can't get over how beautiful this place is, and the people that live here.

Walk along the canal

Along the canal

God is doing great things through wonderful people here at HATS.  I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of it, if only for a short time.  You can be sure that I will be back here again as soon as the opportunity arises!!

God bless!

Jess

Dickie brought Ti Luc a tool kit.  He used it first to take his bed apart.

Evening devotions

Sandra here.
I have to admit that we took Flat Jenna shopping with us yesterday and forgot her at the store and she spent last night, all day today and tonight at the store BUT she will come back with us tomorrow! She missed some fun times today but hoping to make it up to her. I was hating to have to tell the Ebbetts that she was missing in Haiti!

Hello all! My name is Jess Buckle,

a photographer/student from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and I am currently here at the HATS compound, taking a bit of a break from chores after enjoying a delicious meal of spaghetti with the gang!

I arrived here in Deschapelles yesterday evening. It was a long day of travel. I left Newfoundland around 7 PM Monday, spent the night at my cousins' house outside of Halifax, then met up with Sandra, Dickie, and Pastor Dave at the airport 4:30 AM. We had a short layover in Newark, and arrived in Port-au-Prince at 2 PM, with no complications!

Landing in PAP

I fell in love with Haiti the minute I stepped off the plane. The scenery alone was enough to take my breath away. Karen and Luckner were at the airport waiting for us when we arrived. Everyone was very welcoming. We waiting around at the airport for awhile for Jim's flight to get in, then drove for around 3 hours or so to get here. The drive was stunning! I enjoyed every minute of it. The pictures I had seen of this place didn't do it justice.

Waiting for Jim to arrive

When we arrived at the compound we got to meet the kids briefly before they did their evening devotional and went to bed. I'm already trying to figure out how to smuggle one of them home in my suitcase (haha). They're so sweet! They had a welcome sign up on the wall and an amazing hot meal waiting for us. I felt like I was home right away.

greeting sign

Sleeping last night was an interesting experience to say the least. There are so many different sounds coming from every which way. Roosters, dogs barking, trucks honking, Jim snoring... just to name a few. But I woke up feeling plenty rested for the day!

Jess and Sandra

We started out the day with a devotional at 7:30. Singing, dancing and prayer. They do this every day and I think I should probably start doing the same back home! We then got put to work right away portioning rice, beans, and cornmeal to hand out to some of the families.

Working hard when Karen was working at school

We got to take a break from work for awhile to get a tour of the school and see the students at work. The kids were super eager to have their picture taken during their recess break. They were swarming around me, all posing so that I would take their photo. I definitely got a few keepers!

Visit to preschool one clas

Visiting grade 8

We also got to go for a quick ride into town to pick up a few supplies. Sandra, Jim and I sat in the pan of the truck. It was a hoot! I am in love with this place.

relaxing in the back

countryside

It is only 2 PM right now and it feels like we've done so much today already. I suppose that's what happens when you're up and on the go at 5 in the morning! Anyways, I want to get the most out of every second I'm here, so that's all for now. I know one week won't be enough! God bless!

Jess

First Impressions! by Pastor Dave

As I flew into Port-Au- Prince I was apprehensive and excited, because this was all new to me and I was excited to see what God is going to do in my heart and through my life while here in Haiti. As I stepped off the plane and saw the city, the people, Karen, Luckner and the others I felt the excitement and reality overcome my apprehension. Even as I drove from the City to Deschapelles my heart began to break as I saw faces of people with stories, pasts, dreams and hopes. I saw pain, and poverty, laughter and hopelessness. We drove into the compound at dark and saw children dancing with excitement as we the quest were arriving. We all got hugs as the new guest were greeted and seasoned veterans got reacquainted. They even made a sign to welcome us.

Welcome 1

Welcome2

After some good food, and Karen’s rules (not slamming the door, which I am learning well) we had a good night’s rest - (even with a rooster crowing all night, - they don’t just crow in the morning). In the morning we had a great breakfast prayed with the children at the orphanage and then joined the staff having devotions. I love how they start their day.

Jim with god-daughter Anne

We were able to see the school and the precious children who have been allowed to attend because of the generosity of people back home. They are great children and we had fun just being with them and getting to share in some of the classrooms.

at school

Food is a big need here due to the lost crops because of hurricane Sandy. H.A.T.S not only feeds the children in the school and orphanage but also gives bags of rice, beans and corn to hungry families in the community. We spend most of the morning measuring (Karen gave us a crash course in how to do that, it is not a level measure it is a heaping measure) and bagging the rice, beans and corn.

packaging food

What hits me in this first day – is Karen and Luckner's passion to make Christ the center of all that happens here. They start the day and end the day worshiping God. What a powerful witness to the kids, staff, us and the community. I am also overwhelmed by the impact this school and orphanage is having on the kids and their family – this gives hope to people and families who did not have hope. This works and anyone who gives to this cause can rest assured this a cause worth investing in. I am reminded of the verse in Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. THIS IS STORING UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN.

I am blessed to be here and see what God has done and is doing.
Pastor Dave

Late again

I realize there has been a delay between blogs again, and I am late again.  Sorry.  Things, however, are looking up for blogs from HATS.  Why?

On Tuesday Luckner and I, and our trusty security, Daniel, will be heading to Port au Prince to pick up some important people.  While they are here they will be doing the blogging.  I figured perhaps, however, I had best find a little time to let you know we are all still doing okay.

With school closed for the Christmas and Independence Day break I was able to accomplish many things that needed catching up on. More importantly, however, I enjoyed some precious and valuable time with my kids.  Good for the children and good for their mama.

School reopened last Monday morning, Jan 7th and school closed last Monday morning January 7th.   We had very few students turn up. Parents are unwilling to send their children to school before January 12th has passed - the anniversary of the horrific, devastating, and still very painful, earthquake in Haiti.  Other schools did not even attempt to open, but we had hoped enough students would attend for our school to operate.  It did not happen.  On Monday, 14th our school will be in operation again.

The earthquake happened three years ago.  A lot of improvements and good changes have happened since then, but there is still a lot to be done. The devastation and the massive lost of lives can never be forgotten.

January 2010 - Port au Prince

PAP after earthquake

Anne has been asking to 'sleep with Mama' for some time.  She runs to me, hugs me, and says "Maman, mwen se petit ou" - Mama I am your child.  Then says I want to sleep with you.  Last night I had Anne and her bosom buddy Karena sleep at my house.  It started with the girls on the living  room floor with their mama.  Mama Karen, however, decided her bed would be better for her back.  By 2:00 a.m. I had Karena, Anne, and Ti Luc in bed with me.  By 3:00 a.m. my bed had Karena, Anne and Ti Luc and mama was back on the floor.  Too funny.

sleepover with Mama started here with JJ reading story

By 2 am sleepover was here. 3 am Mama was on the floor

Our kids were all sick with bad colds for awhile late December and this month.  I know the Haitians have some great natural remedies and I asked Germaine and Roselene what they could do for Ti Luc. They gave him a treatment, which I am not sure Ti Luc enjoyed, but he and I both liked the results.  He came through that nasty cold far quicker than any other time.

Germaine & Roselene giving Ti Luc a treatment for a bad cold

Ti Luc not sure about that treatment

The kids love to have Papa Luckner on the compound and he always makes time for them.  They need that male presence in their lives. They are anxiously awaiting Dickie and Jim's return and to meet Pastor Dave.  Now they are saying "and soon after that the new family will arrive and we will have Brad here all the time".   Be prepared guys.  They are waiting for you.

Karena and Anne - sisters and bosum buddies

Papa helping kids to not be afraid of frogs

Ti Luc playing with papa

Morning snack time

Jonathan sharing his snack with Papa

My last blog talked about the fine young man, David, who had died in an accident and his brother, Josue, who was in hospital near us. The funeral for David was held on Tuesday of this week.  It was the best organized and well run funeral I have attended since I have been here.  David at age 26 had been loved and respected by many people.  He was seen as 'an up and coming young man who would go far in helping his people'.   We will grieve his loss for a long time.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for David's brother, Josue, age 20, - the only survivor of that accident.  Josue was released from hospital last week.  His cousin took him to stay at his house in Deschapelles.   I had visited him at the hospital four times - three of which he did not recognize me, but on the fourth he said "Hello Mama I am so glad you came to see me.  Please come see me again."   At that time he had no memory of the accident.   Today I visited Josue again. When I arrived I was warned that Josue still has no idea that David died in the accident.  He, however, has remembered the accident and is starting to ask questions. Josue's cousin will go see the doctor on Monday to let him know Josue is remembering things and ask how, when, etc Josue can know the truth. I knew if Josue brought up the subject of David today I would quickly change the subject.  He did not for which I was very thankful.   While there, however, something happened that should not have.  A man pushed open the gate to their yard, stood in front of us, pointed to Josue and said "Is that the man they said was dead?" He went on to say he heard there had been an accident.  We responded that there was nothing like that there.  I told him he had the wrong house and helped him leave.  I hope and pray this does not cause problems to arise before the visit to the doctor on Monday.  Josue was thrilled to see me today and he told me he has a lot of pain in his head still and so he needs to lie down a lot.  He asked me about Liette, who is his godmother, about Mariah, Josiah, Ariane and Tevan.  I promised to bring photos of them as soon as I can. Please continue to pray for Josue's recovery and against a relapse when he knows the truth about David.  Thank you.

Josue & I - January 11th

Thank you once again for all the support during 2012.  You are the ones who have kept HATS running and making a difference in this corner of Haiti.   Thank you for the donations for the Mercy Food Ministry.  We continue to purchase, bag and distribute food to people in the area.  We are now starting to try and get food further away to the mountains around us where there are also a lot of hungry children.  Tomorrow Germaine will once again be making a huge purchase of food which will be measured, bagged and distributed by the team arriving on Tuesday.   Thank you for the donations of funds for chickens, Bibles and Hymn books.  The books will be purchased on next trip to Port.  Chickens are being purchased and distributed on an ongoing basis as they are available.

People are pleased and very thankful to this mission for its ongoing help to the community around us.  The thanks needs to go to God and to all of you who make it possible.

It is and always will be    'ALL    ABOUT    THE    CHILDREN'

With love and blessings,
Karen and gang