Things are coming to a close

 (this is my least favorite part of the Haiti Adventure).

Last night I got to hang out with JJ, Moise, Vladimy, Djemima and Leica on the picnic table while the little ones were getting ready for bed.  We had fun teasing each other and talking about our full names rather than the names that we use to talk to each other.  They thought it was funny that I had two middle names and when they tried to figure out what my nickname would be they were shortening Kathleen to Kath.  That’s a new one but hey, I am pretty much game for anything.  We took the kids up on the roof a little later on.  JJ had flannel pajamas on!!!!!!!!!!!  I was sweating just looking at him!

After the older kids headed in for the evening we had story time with Karen (one of my favorite times).  Mariah and I are trying to convince her to write the book (Mariah wants the first half to be about her, we figured that is probably a good idea :P ).

We all were able to get a fairly good sleep last night because it had been raining which drove everyone in the surrounding areas inside for the evening.  (There was one cow that was mooing at me but I put him in his place).  I swear I get a better sleep in Haiti than I do at home.  I might have to record the chickens, goats and cows tonight so I can ensure a good sleeps until the next time I am here hahahahaha.

Today we prayed with all of the kids before they went to school.  You should hear the children pray.  This morning Jofky age 4 and Jonathan age 2 did the praying.  Then off to Devotions with the staff.  All of us visitors got a chance to thank the staff and share about our week in Haiti.  There were definitely some tears.  I told them how after being here twice I finally got a chance to bring my Dad to the Country I have completely fallen in love with (yeah you guessed it, that is when I had the water works just a flowing).

Morning devotions with employees

Morning devotions

Germaine made Haitian styled eggs for breakfast (I swear her cooking will make me gain 6000 pounds!!!! It is SO GOOD!!!).

Mariah has been teaching some of the girls from the school a dance for flag day which I believe has been blogged about already.  Today however Tifi, Sandra and Jonathan were watching with me.  The little ones were trying to do the dance as well.  Too precious!!

For lunch we had Tuna Melts!!!! Germaine is the only person who can successfully get me eating Tuna hahaha.  After we went and hung out with the kids.  It is really nice to be able to spend so much time with them before we head out.  Today was report card day, which was not so good for some but Mr. Ti Luckner has achieved a 6!!!!!!!  We could not be more proud of that young man.

We are proud of Ti Luc

Tonight we tentatively scheduled to go to Radio Creole, so we need to prepare some songs (the Haitians should prepare their ears because if I am singing this is not going to go well hahahahahaha).

Radio Creole Hour

Fun time at Radio Creole

Mariah did a great job as announcer tonight. She is a natural.

It has been amazing though.  I have loved being able to meet the Newfoundland team members!  They are hilarious and cannot wait to see how they apply their experiences to their world back home.  Shout out to Mariah!!  (Who I finally got to meet)  Thank you to Karen and Luckner for letting us come in and be a part of your family here in Haiti, you are such a blessing!!  Thank you to all of the parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and children and friends who have supported all of us.  We have had a blast and would not have been able to have this experience without your support.  I could go on saying thanks for days!!  Most of all though the praise, and glory goes to God. He has ensured our safety through and through on this entire journey to Haiti.  He has made such a beautiful country with such beautiful children, and I am so grateful that he put the right people in my life so that I could end up experiencing all that Haiti and HATS has to offer.

As we wrap up our week I honestly cannot think too much about leaving without bawling.  This is not ‘goodbye’ but rather this is a ‘I will see you very soon’

Crystal's View

This morning I woke up with such a heavy heart. Ms. Karen was on my mind, I watch her keenly as she tends to all the children ensuring that she divides her time evenly and makes them all feel as though they are the only one. I am a mother of three and I find this task difficult at times but she makes it seem so easy.

I listen to her speak about the need for others to partake in missions, as there is so much work to be done, then I think about Moses, when he was leading the children of Israel and the task was wearing him down in Numbers 11:16-17 “ And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people….. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.” When Ms. Karen starts to explain the next steps for the HAT’S organization, I just think about Moses, and say a prayer. Truly there is so much to be done…here in Haiti the word of God is ever so real. Matthew 9:37 “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out labours in the harvest” this is my fervent prayer for Ms. Karen.

Today  we are celebrating Labor Day Holiday in Haiti.  I look around at the efforts of the individuals at HAT'S. Though today is a holiday Karen is busy getting things organized for the day and Luckner is conducting a tutoring class, getting the 9th graders ready their big government assessment exams. There's no room for holidays at HATS or so I thought.

This morning we got a treat as Karen took the team  sightseeing at the Ti Riviere.

Heading off to Ti Riviere

Ti Riviere has a palace of 365 doors and a Fort. It was amazing; we were able to see the natives as they go about their daily routines… so carefree. As the sun bearded down on us, we found shade in the Palace as we roam from room to room enjoying the view...imagining  what it must have looked like over 200 years ago.

Palace in Ti Riviere. Restoration work being done on it.

The size of this place is amazing

Original wooden doors (265 of them) over 200 years old

Wonder what the view outside the palace was like 200 yrs ago

The group took pleasure in the court yard view.

checking out courtyard of the palace

Then on to the wonderful views from the Fort….it is amazing, you can see down in the valley, it is a priceless view. As I looked out at the vegetation and livestock, I tried to wonder how and why there are people hungry in a place so lush in agriculture. Then I remembered a verse in the bible, Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee….. seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Whenever we forget God he will remind us that he is the creator of all.

At Fort.  Artibonite Valley and the HATS Mission behind

Karen with precious granddaughter, Mariah, overlooking the valley where HATS is located

The trip is now coming to a climax, but for me the journey is just getting started. Many may assume that Haiti is far away and the issues here don’t affect them or is not their problem…but this is very false, we all are just a major disaster away from being displaced like Haiti. We should all seek to do our part like Karen…

Through the eyes of a teacher (by Patricia Edwards)

 …But aren’t we all teachers? My day started with an interview with Bernice Hillier from the Corner Brook Morning Show. I knew I was in trouble when I started crying last night just thinking about what I wanted to say. It is too difficult, even with photos, to convey the hardships the Haitians have to endure on a daily basis. I tried to paint a picture of the landscape and got through that fairly well. It was when I tried to speak of the children that I my voice caught. I can only hope that those listening could feel a little of what I am experiencing. How can you explain the feel of little arms around your neck, knowing that they are filled with such joy and wonder as any child from anywhere would be, but also knowing that these children are in such great need?

After breakfast, we headed to the school for devotions. I chose to stay near the front with the preschoolers but listened to all the students sing their praises before heading off to class. It is awesome to hear them singing and clapping with such energy!

School Devotions

The first job of the day was to get the new library cleaned. There were many layers of dust on the shelves and books. Karen has a method to her madness (her words not mine) in organizing the textbooks so we simply removed the dirt from windows, shelves, books and floor. The text books are in hard shape and they would have been replaced if I had them at my school at home. There are no resources besides texts that the teachers use in their classes. It is a stark contrast to the Apple TV and 20 Ipads I use in my own classroom. To witness how these kids are being prepared for the world beyond school and what awaits them and what we have in Corner Brook to prepare them for the world beyond their school years is very humbling.

Team cleaning up the textbook library at the school

Jenny and I then headed to the grade 9 class to teach English. We did some basic lessons and they all were very engaged and tried so hard. The hour passed too quickly learning how to greet each other, review the days of the week and months of the year. I think back home I would have been more apprehensive to take on a class of grade 9 students but, here in Haiti, there is such respect expected I figured I could handle the challenge.

Patricia with the grade nine class she taught this morning

It was soon recess and we were swarmed again by the littlest of the students. There is so much love and curiosity from the youngest of them. Is it terrible to want to take them all home? I would certainly make room at my place for them.

The little students run to the team members

Recess time again

Recess

After recess, I headed to a grade 5 class for a math lesson. Again, I was amazed at the power that this school has on these young people. I don’t know how I am going to feel walking into my own classroom next week…truly blessed to live where I do, have what I have and work with the resources I have.
After a great lunch, three children came over to receive gifts from the group members who sponsor them. It was very heartwarming to see their faces light up at the gifts and hugs.

Kathleen with her sponsored student in PS1

Jess with her and Caleb's sponsored student in grade 7

Grade 10 student sponsored by Terry & Stephanie of Corner Brook

After lunch, Jenny and I decided to go back to the school to clean the blackboards. Jess decided to join us as it was a pretty big job with all those layers of chalk dust! Teaching the classes this morning using blackboard and having to get chalk from the director is not something I will soon forget as I teach back in Corner Brook. At home I have an interactive white board so I can only imagine what these students would think of the technology we use. I figured the least I could do was wash their boards to make it easier to see their lessons for next class.

Blackboards getting a washing by Patricia and Jenny

In the afternoon we had a wonderful time playing with the kids outside, teaching them games and getting served in Judel and Josie’s restaurant. I find it amazing that the kids here can occupy themselves with anything without complaining. They could certainly teach us all about being grateful for the important things we have: our friends and family.

A fun game - What time is it Mr Wolf

No matter where we live in this world, what we have or have not…….it is all about the children.

Jess here!

Wow. It sure is great to be back! Ever since my first visit to Haiti in 2013, I knew I had to make it back ASAP. I left a piece of my heart here for sure.

As you've been reading, we're all having a great time here so far. Though it has been HOT. And I am not the greatest in the heat. Last night I became quite ill with heat exhaustion. It was a pretty rough night! Thankfully Karen is the sweetest woman on the planet and gave up her room so that I could sleep in the AC for awhile. This morning I woke up feeling much better!

The heat was quite brutal today so we all took it pretty easy. We started it with devotions with all of the staff, so the newcomers had a chance to introduce themselves to the workers. After breakfast Patricia and Jenny went over to the school to teach English to the grade 7 class. Apparently it went pretty well!

Teacher Patricia with assistant Jenny teaching a class in English for Luckner

We drove into Verettes so that Mariah could buy some new hair, and the group got to experience the meat market briefly. It wasn't as crazy as it would be on a Saturday, but there were definitely some interesting sights and smells on the go.

Off to Verrettes

Verrettes - waiting for Mariah to shop

When we got home a few school kids came by to pick up some food donations for their families.

Students picking up rice, beans, cornmeal & oil

Student with food items for her family

Mariah is teaching a group of local girls a couple dance routines to perform on Flag Day, and Karen even joined in for a bit. You should have seen her shaking her hips!

Dance class with Mariah

Old lady trying to follow the young lady

Trying to follow Mariah's dance moves was funny

We spent a lot of time playing with the kids. Crystal had the idea to teach them some worship tunes in English, though it seemed as though they already knew them all! It was fun to sing them together nonetheless.

Late afternoon fun time singing with the children

Jofky only interested in messing up Erika's hair

While I'm here I've been given the special task of taking video and photos of the kids for the website. It has been going pretty well-- getting lots of great shots that will be shared on my Facebook sometime next week for sure!

Anyways, that's all for now! I made myself drink lots of water today and avoided spending too much time in the hot sun, so I'm sure I'll sleep better tonight!

God bless!

Written by Kathleen and Mariah

Ladies and Gentleman,

You all better hold on to your hats (not HATS) because it is story time!!!! Featuring the loud and crazy Kathleen, the Sassy but Styling Mariah and the Stubborn but SuperWoman Director.  Trust me this is a good one.

Pictures will be dark due to the secret spy cam that we had :)

For those of you who have the privilege of knowing Karen you know that she does not sit still for a minute, she is constantly running everywhere.  Yesterday was especially busy, every time she turned around there was another something for her to do or someone that needed attending to.  Last night Mariah and I realized the Madame Director needed her beauty sleep!!!!!  "You going to go to bed?" was responded to by "...mmmmmm NOPE!"  Karen wanted Mariah and I to get sleep though so we used this to our advantage :)  Two words:  SLEEP STRIKE!!!!!

Thats right, we told Karen we were refusing sleep until she was asleep!!!
We would not leave her side until her head was on the pillow with her pj's and evening reading material in hand. (We thought this was going to be easy, jokes on us i guess hahahaha)

The evening started out with Mariah and I starting our business, "The Mariah and Kathleen Cafe".  On the menu... EGGS!!!!  After our restaurant was opened we took the order from our first brave customer, the Director herself!!!  Eggs sunnyside up is what she wanted and was served to her in record time with two kinds of cheese and special yummy salt.  With this a glass of water on hand to wash it all down.  Now i know you are all getting hungry hearing about this wonderful cafe and all it has to offer but after making two last eggs for the us Chefs we decided it would be better to close the restaurant.

The director had yummies all in her tummies, but still had pictures to sort and a blog to get out.  So Mariah and I sat and sat and sat and sat and finally convinced her to pack things up. (Now here comes the crazy because by this time we are all tired so things are just getting ridiculous).

With recent event Madame Director decided it would be best if she slept in the living room, renting her room out to a Canadian.  So the group got her a pillow, mattress and sheets.  PERFECT.... right?.... WRONG!!!!!!!  oh so VERYYY wrong.  The director has a very special directors pillow, designed for directors head.  Turns out the Canadian (who shall remain nameless) had her head on this very special pillow.  The director doesnt want to take it and tells Mariah and I that we need to get it or she wont be able to sleep.  However she does say "I can sleep anywhere as long as I have my pillow" LIES!!!!!!!

Mariah and I fix the pillow but then she realizes that she forgot her tooth brush in the room rented out the the Canadian!!  But no worries we get that as well.  But wait!!  "I cannot sleep without my fan" (Mariah at this time is like "I called it") So while the director is brushing her pearly whites we get the fan into position.  Mariah is laying on the bed telling me where the fan needs to be moved so that the wind is at its best.  It is at this time that Mariah and I pull out the measuring tapes and make sure that her bed is parallel to the walls and the distance between her and the walls are an even number of centimeters, not odd and that she has a regulation walk way between her bed and the couch.  She caught us measuring and could not stop laughing!

So Director is in bed, but we realized this had all just been a hilarious series of events soooooooooo we became spys and came in through the kitchen to take a picture of Karen for the blog.  My head lamp ended up reflecting in the window though and Karen caught us red handed!!!

Mariah and Kathleen being super spies

Mariah and I thought that it might be a good idea to keep an eye on her so we moved in.  However we didnt want bugs on us.... Soooooo we moved our tents as well.  Germaine and Ti Luc did not know what to do with themselves when they got up in the morning.  I am sure it was much more hilarious for us, but a fun sleep over for sure.

Kathleen's new home in Karens home

Karen hiding from Mariah's Camera

SMILE YOUR ON CAMERA

Selfie!!

This morning...

...we woke up and went over to the school to do devotions with the children, lots of singing and clapping! It was truly amazing to experience such joy and passion in worshiping Jesus!

After devotions we came back to the compound to eat breakfast, pancakes and lots of fresh fruit!! We then bagged rice,beans and cornmeal to give out to the community.

Measuring the food to distribute

Preparing rice, beans, cornmeal

Two little helpers

During the children's break at school we went over to meet and play with the children, it was overwhelming to interact with them and see their reactions to us. Our eyes filled up with tears and a part of our hearts will always be here.

Visiting school at recess time

Surrounding the visitors

Patricia with preschool students

Jenny surrounded at recess

Karena Mariah with Ti Mama Mariah

It was heartwarming to be able to feed the preschool children their lunch and see their faces fill up with big smiles.

Delivering a meal to preschool students

Afterwards, Karen took us into Verettes to go to the pharmacy. We rode in the bed of the truck, it was refreshing to feel the nice breeze as we drove as it's very hot and humid!

After lunch we had a mango eating contest Erika ate 3 and Emily ate 5... the winner was JJ with 12!!  We are definitely all enjoying the fresh mangoes!

Four kinds of mangos for the contest

Who can eat the most

After cleaning up we all took a walk down the canal.. we are all very exhausted and are looking forward to getting a good nights rest!  Can't wait to do it all again tomorrow, as we are feeling very blessed to have this experience!

Judel & Jofky - two loving brothers

-Emily Gaunce & Erika Watson