Royalty

Today is a holiday here so our day started off a little differently. We got to enjoy a walk along the canal with the older children. We left at 7 and just strolled along and stopped to look at scenery, a baby horse, tiny fishes, white birds and whatever else we could see. It was a great way to start our day!

Early morning fun time

Early morning walk

Photo by Leica on our walk

We then came home and got back to work… Guess what we had to do!? If you guessed more material cutting, you are certainly right. Then we did a lot of odd jobs... we prepared the payroll for the end of the month among other things. There isn’t much time to stop around here. Karen wouldn’t even let us have our half hour nap in the afternoon… I guess she thinks we are big and ugly enough that we don’t need it anymore.

Jennifer got to give her godson Judel a present… At first the poor boy was terrified… getting called into mama’s house, he didn’t know what he did wrong this time! He was quite pleased to learn he was getting a present rather than a lecture!

Happy Judel with gift from his godmother

Our Djemima had come first in grade 6 this year after the government exams so she also got presents. She was quite blessed… She got a present from school for being first and also from mama and papa for all her hard work!

While Karen worked in her office today, she had a little helper... She was checking over an email she had written and noticed extra letters kept popping up on the screen. Turns out Magdala was already put to work… helping mama type! We then got baby Magdala out into her jolly jumper, we have been too busy relaxing every day to even think about Magdala needing to go in it!

Karen's new office help

She finally let us go off the compound today… further than the canal. We got to go to Luckner’s store to pick up some cold pop and other things we were running out of here! It was a treat just to be enjoying the air conditioning… We were happy as clams with that; we didn’t need the change of scenery too!!

This afternoon, on our third trip here, Karen FINALLY showed us what her life here is really like. For anyone who visits, she always seems sooo busy and running around non-stop but we all know the difference… She’s busy because she only works when a team is here! Thank you so much for letting us have a taste of reality… It is so nice to see how you really live and to be treated like royalty.

This is how Karen lives all the time and team members when they come

We are too hot. Wave it a little harder please

Tomorrow is going to be a very exciting day here at HATS. The little ones are having a party… Everyone in preschool and under gets presents and cookies! We are putting together a special gift for each child. The older kids and Jennifer and I are really disappointed that we aren’t invited but it turns out Karen has other plans for us… We are getting a beach day! Every year, she tries to take the older children to the beach. It is nice and rare for the older children to get off the compound. There aren’t many places that are safe that you’d want to take them! It is almost like a vacation for these kids. So tonight will be quite busy… We have to call them up and tell them and then make sure everyone has a bathing suit and trunks they can wear! Stay tuned for more! :)

Water fights, more material and school registration

Last night, after a long day for Karen and everyone here at the compound, we decided we needed a little fun. We decided to make it a multipurpose event... a cool-off and spending time with the kiddies. We brought enough water squirters  for everyone to use! So we filled them all and Karen, Jocelyn and Jennifer attacked. It was perfect! Everyone had a blast.. especially the younger ones. Sandra and Jonathan had a blast and were so sad when we stopped! I think Magdala had the most fun of all! Every time she got squirted, she giggled and laughed.

Refreshing water squirter play

Water squirter fun with Magdala

Afterwards, the older kids washed the truck and drenched us with the hose... it couldn't have been better! It was a blast to just hang out with the kids (and be cool!!). Most of the kids were drinking out of the hose, I just hope that none of them peed the bed (If they did, no one yelled at us for it). Once we changed, Karen let us sit on her bed and watch tv with the air conditioner on! I'm not sure what we did to deserve it, but boy was it nice! I guess it must have been all that material we cut or the almond butter we brought (I think its all she's eaten since she got it!)... whatever it was, it sure was great. Don't worry folks, we tied her to the bed so she sat and watched the majority of an episode of Law and Order (Thank you Dickie for peaking her interest... She would have fought a lot more if it was a show she didn't like!)

Last night the humidity was awful... The air was so thick, it was almost hard to breath... Especially for Karen. She went to bed with all the windows closed and the fan on low to keep her cool... In the middle of the night, she woke up in a sauna.. She had forgotten to change the power from the delco to batteries. We aren't sure if she was purposely trying to suffocate herself or not... But she is being closely monitored from now on in.

This morning we had to register the HATS children for school. It seems that IMKH has too many students in some classes and Karen was starting to worry that her children wouldn't have a place in the school.. So we marched all 13 that will be in that school next year over and sat them in the office in order from Jonathan and Sandra who will be in preschool one all the way up to JJ who will be in grade 8. We arrived before the director, Luckner (AKA papa) and just hid out in the office and waited. Once he arrived, mama Karen begged him to take her children in the school and to sponsor them because she couldn't afford to pay! We all had quite the laugh! We are still working on getting the two newest students into preschool one but since mama knows the director so well, we think he might be able to squeeze us in!

Mama Karen waiting to register her kids for school before all classes are over filled

Anne giving her info to school director for PS 2

After that, we came home and started on the pay roll for employees. Tomorrow is normally pay day but since tomorrow is a holiday (apparently every second day in Haiti is a holiday) we had to have it done today. We think we did it right, and Karen approved it so sorry to the board if we paid anyone extra.. This Goudes to Haitian dollars business is a little confusing.

J & J fighting for the cool air from airconditioner in offfice

We then got to spend a little time with Ti Luc.. Karen's a slave driver but occasionally she lets us have a little fun.. not often, but sometimes. Don't worry Emma, we haven't forgotten about him since! Jennifer (Or Jocelyn.. the identity crisis is at it's peak so I'm not sure anymore.. The one that isn't me) played games with him on his iPad and then used a speech therapy app to practice his English (Karen got your message Emma.. when you see him, you won't get him to shut up!!).

After that we were allowed to have a nap. Apparently I am really fitting the part. Before I leave, I am gonna be a true Haitian. I haven't worn shoes in the last two days (I'm not even sure I know where they are anymore) and fell asleep twice on the concrete floor.. I claim it was only once but I am told that I may have dozed while Ti Luc and the other one were using the iPad. If only I could go home with the beautiful coloring and skin that never wrinkles.

Then we did some more work.. We put together presents for all the kids at school who scored highest in June. First and second in every grade receive something. We cut a little more material; but never fear, Luckner has bought more so we won't be bored tomorrow.. Another day with no breaks and lots of hard work!! It rained tonight so hopefully we will have it a little cooler and the heat won't zap our energy too much! We spent more time with the kids and water squirters again tonight! It was a blast as always, except it starting raining the same time so some of them were cold and kept asking not to be squirted but still wanted to squirt us.. That was when it was time to finish for the night! It was to the point that even we were almost chilly... There were weird bumps on our arms, I think they are called goose bumps caused by the cold. I'm not positive though, I think I have forgotten the feeling.
We are all exhausted from another busy day!

Yay, cool off time. Playing in the rain

Anne & Karena laying in rain water to cool down

 More from us again soon!

Day 3

Last night we were treated to an amazing thunder and lightning display! It was welcomed after a very hot, humid day and after dancing in the rain for a short time, we went to bed after a long night.

For those of you who follow the blog regularly, you know that Vladimy has been in the hospital in Port Au Prince a couple times over the last year. Over the past few days many staff, Karen and even Jocelyn and I have been noticing his behavior change a little every day since our arrival. Last night, the difficult decision was made to bring him back to the hospital today so he can receive the necessary care, for his safety and that of others at HATS. Please pray for him during this difficult time and pray for strength for Karen as she deals with the added stress.  This is very difficult for her.  On a more positive note, Karen has made the trip safely and is back here at HATS with us. Vladimy is in the best place for him for the time being.

Vladimy

While Karen was away today Jocelyn and I have been enjoying some time with the kids. Don't worry she made sure she left a 'To Do' list for us! We're getting smarter though and got help  from JJ, Moise, Leica, and Djemima so we would have time to play afterwards. The kids were a great help, if only I could say the same about Jocelyn. I'm sure she spent more time chasing and wrestling with kids than she did cutting or folding material! Good help can be hard to find!

Sandra & Jonathan keeping Jocelyn from working. Yeah right.

Jonathan is growing up

Jonathan with Jennifer

Our monkey doodle with Jennifer or Jocelyn. Not sure which any more

We took time to play with the kids today in the devo room. They were playing school with Leica and Djemima as teachers. JJ was the director and Moise the assistant director. The rest of the children changed into their old school uniforms and participated in class. The room was setup with a chalkboard in the middle to separate it into two classes.  The kids answered questions when they were asked. The teachers were strict, the students all sat quietly because otherwise they were yelled at! It was too cute!

Director JJ, Asst Moise, teachers Leica & Djemima

This afternoon, we sorted donations and watched tv with Ti Luc while the rest of the kids watched a movie. Karen's room has air conditioning (possibility to run it for a couple of hours if/when generator is running) and for a short while we were not too hot. While the air conditioning was amazing we are now dying with the heat again. We are now melting into puddles while we await to see what is for supper and what our evening has in store!

Blog Numero 2!

Our first day here was quite busy! It started off with an amazing breakfast. (My mouth has been in food heaven for two days... I think I am taking Germaine home with me.) She made Haitian oatmeal with mangoes and honey dew. For anyone who doesn't know... I'm convinced Haiti has the best mangoes in the world. They aren't worth buying in Canada.. there is no comparison at all.

Ti Luc had started the morning being super charming... Aunt Karen had come in and said "Oh! I love seeing two beautiful young ladies in my kitchen!" and Ti Luc pipes up and says "No, 4! ... Jennifer, Jocelyn, Mama and Germaine!"

 Jocelyn has been doing physiotherapy with Ti Luc... He is gaining so much control over his arms... It is incredible. There is such a huge difference in him from when we were here about two and a half years ago. His determination is quite something. By physiotherapy, I mean play fighting... It helps him to try to control the movement of his arms. He has quite the strong hit. I might be black and blue by the time I arrive home.

After breakfast, we went to the school yard so we could see the progress on the church. It is coming along great! It will be amazing when it is finally finished. They only have one corner of the walls to finish which is being worked on right now. Then more money is needed to finish the floor and the church will be ready to paint! It won't be long until that is full of singing and praise!

The inside of the church is coming along nicely

The church is badly needed... for the school too. Luckner was doing parent-teacher meetings with everyone jammed into two classrooms and then more are piled around the doors.

Parents in a meeting with Luckner about the coming school year

Luckner had the office FULL and they were pushing to get in from outside

When we left the school, we came back to the compound and were put to work... We started to cut material which will be distributed to the students so they can have their uniforms made. We cut and we cut and we cut. then we folded and folded and folded and then we bagged and bagged and bagged. Finally it was lunch time which means a quick break! We had yummy tuna melts.. Did I mention I'm taking Germaine home? (Sorry to future teams.) After lunch the work continued until we were able to take a break from working to take a quick nap. Its amazing how the heat can drain you of your energy. (According to Karen, yesterday was "cool" for a summer day.. not too hot at all ... Yeah, right!)

Then we continued to work until it was time to take a walk with the children along the canal... It was nice to take our time and stroll along, stopping to let the older ones climb trees and the younger ones throw rocks in the canal.

Our canal walk with the kids

Two precious children

Jennifer's godson

Tree climbers

Accident of stroller with Magdala. Sandra decided she could push her

Jennifer picked this one up on our walk. Thought he was cute and kept him

After our walk it was supper time and then back to the cutting of fabric. This time the older children (Vladimy, JJ, Moise, Leica and Djemima) helped us and the process was a lot quicker... Although, I'm not exactly convinced that the boys have been taught how to fold.... After this it was rather late and we were far too tired to do any blogging.  It didn't rain last night and us Northerners are sure suffering for it today...

Fabric for J & J to cut up

Cutting and packaging uniform fabric

Just an important note for anyone who knows anything about Karen Huxter... she RELAXED today. She sat and ate THREE meals.. and even sat after to chat. I'm not sure where she found out how to do it, but she finally is taking a little time to slow down. She even rested in the afternoon. It truly is a miracle!

Day Two

This morning we had Magdala in her jolly jumper. She was terrified and cried most of the time but she will get used to it! She did jump a little but was too tired, she needed to be put down for her nap. When she woke up she was alone in the room and started to cry.. I went in and she was willing to come with me.. She still cried because shes terrified of my paleness but it is progress! The goal before we leave is for her to not be afraid of us!

Mama Karen's fearful little girl

By 9 am, it was already quite hot and we realized we were in for a rough day. We thought that since it was hot, we could get to go to the beach and relax with the pina coladas flowing.. but Karen insisted we continue working. All work and no play it is around here. We cut more material again this morning and then went to the school for the better part of the day helping to distribute it. We distributed around 200 lots of material. Oh me nerves, what a crowd! People were pushing and shoving to get into the office (The Haitian way) and lined up outside for hours waiting to get the material for their children's uniforms and some were still hoping to register their children for school.. Poor Luckner is awfully exhausted by now. It's been quite a long day for him.

Last night with the older children, Aunt Karen was trying to confuse them so she told them Jennifer was Jocelyn and Jocelyn was Jennifer. We are currently having an identity crisis. We are mixed up enough as it is.. Now I wouldn't be able to tell you what my name is. All day we have been called Jennifer and Jocelyn and I think we are soon changing our names so they are the same and we won't have to worry about it anymore.

We left the school at 3 and came home to have a little rest and attempt to cool down.. By that I mean I showered and felt 'cool' for the whole ten minutes I showered. Karen has finally arrived home from school and informed us we need to cut more school uniforms tonight. We are leaving to walk to Port in the morning.. We quit!!!

It has been another busy day.. we haven't gotten to spend much time doing things with the children yet but we know it's coming..  We have some plans in store! :) Please pray that it rains tonight!!!

On another note, Emma, Ti Luc is in desperate need of his second momma! He was allowed to watch tv while the other kids watched a video as the generator was running.  He was there a long time and was tired so he climbed onto Karen's bed and fell asleep because we had all forgotten about him.. Karen, Jennifer and Jocelyn were all busy at the school, and  Germaine and Roselynn were busy working..  They thought he was down with the other children. He thought he was just resting while the other children watched a video.. actually he was there an extra hour as everyone forgot to tell him the poor video was over and so he slept. On the bright side, one of the other kids came to tell him supper is ready so we know no one is forgetting to feed him!! Don't worry Emma, we promise to take better care of him from here on in!

J & J

We've arrived!

Just a quick blog to say that we are here safe and sweaty.. or sound, how does the saying go again?

At HATS there is never a dull moment, traveling here is just the same.  We left St John's at six am this morning where the fog was so thick you couldn't see the tip of your nose.  We were worried we wouldn't get out but we managed to fly through it!  When we arrived in Montreal we found out our flight would be delayed by over an hour.  Can anyone guess which airline we used?!  That's right..  Air Canada. If anyone wonders... it's also Karen's favourite because its so reliable (not... It is always delayed). By the time we actually left we were just over two hours behind schedule!  We were a little worried that we wouldn't get to HATS until after dark.. luckily Luckner and Karen didn't come get us so the drive was a little shorter than normal. I'm not positive but I think the van may have taken flight a couple times... We only ran about a dozen motos off the road and that always makes it a successful day.

We managed to arrive safely to a very excited and special welcoming committee. We said a quick hello and then got supper.  Germaine is an angel... she knew exactly what to make for us, chicken, rice and beans and salad. (We may have special ordered). Supper was filled with laughter and many of Aunt Karen's infamous stories. We then got to say a quick goodnight to the kids before we get organized ourselves.

They have arrived

Jennifer, Magdala, and Jennifer's godson, Judel

Jocelyn and Sandra

We are lucky though.. there's a very nice breeze outside now and its pouring rain so that should ease some of the humidity. I tried to go out and enjoy the downpour but it slowed when I went outside!  I took it as a sign from God to finish the blog and go to bed so that we can be well rested for a busy day tomorrow.

You'll hear more from us soon!
J & J

Good News

I was not planning on blogging tonight but I have good news (fantastic news to Luckner and I) about out HATS school to share.

In our grade 9 class who wrote the Haitian government exams all of them passed - 100% !!  Does HATS have a good school?  You bet we do.  Are the director, Luckner,  and the administrator, Karen, happy?  You bet we are.

I let you know on the last blog that only one student in our grade 6 class, who wrote the government exams, did not pass. Our grade 9 results are even better.  Many students here who write the government exams have to repeat their year.  Some schools have very low numbers who pass.

The word on the street is "The HATS school is the place to go.  Also heard on the street, and on TapTaps, (public transportation) is "The HATS school is the place for parents to register their children if they really want them to get an education."  Our reputation as a school has been very good for years and this year the public is placing us as tied for first place as the best school in this area.

Luckner had to turn several parents away this week who wanted to register their students in certain grades in our school as those classes were already full, or more than full, in some cases.  Some parents actually cried and begged Luckner to take their children. That was before the news of our grade 9 results could even hit the street.

Luckner said tonight "Karen, I will do everything in my power to see our school results become even better and to help all students find the desire to study, to pass, and to make something of their lives."

I am going to give you an example of the dedication of Luckner to preparing our grade 9 students for exams.  In June Luckner had Chikungunya and he suffered a great deal.  For quite some time he could not walk.  He was teaching the grade 9 class on Saturdays in May and June.  He did not want to break his commitment to them and so when quite ill, one Saturday in June, he went to school.  People helped him into his truck.  He drove to the school extremely slowly as he had a lot of problems with his right foot .  He had the students sit on the steps outside our office and he sat in his truck for four hours and taught the students.  With an attitude like that, together with his dedication and hard work, we have the results.

We are here to help children - in our school and in the orphanage.

I T     I S     A L L     A B O U T     T H E     C H I L D R E N

Karen

School School School.

It is the getting ready time of the year again for HATS-Haiti's school.  We are very busy preparing for the coming year.  Registering of students for the next two weeks, along with buying, cutting up, and distributing fabric for uniforms.  Germaine and I cut up approx 400 samples of uniform fabric to attach to the school lists for parents.  Today Martha and Yolene are cutting the uniform fabric we had on hand. Luckner needs to purchase more fabric.  On Monday we will start distributing the fabric to those students who are in our sponsoring program.  Then we need to start purchasing textbooks.  As well there are workers in the school yard changing it from the forest it had become in the past five weeks to a school yard once again. A big thank you to all who sponsor students for schooling.  You are the ones making it possible for them to get an education.  This is a huge gift to all the family.  You can see that we are spending money for uniforms and textbooks for your students.  I ask that you pay your sponsorship fees as soon as possible to enable us to take care of things on our end.  Thank you so very much.

School uniform time again

Today Luckner is a very busy man with the registration of students.  This is day one, of a two week period, of registration.  Apparently some parents were outside the school yard at 7:00 am and registration was due to start at 9:00.  Every student must register every year.  The word on the street is that HATS has a 'really good school' and parents want to be sure to find a place for their children.  Too, there is excitement in the air because this year we are not sending our grade 9 graduate students to a lesser quality school outside of HATS to continue their education.  Parents have been requesting this every year and they are very pleased that finally their children will remain with us until graduation.  This will also mean more parents will want to register their children with our school for preschool each year as their children will be able to start and complete their education with us.

Registering students for our school

Almost finished registration for day 1 and they are still lined up

There was a lot of happiness and many squeals of joy on this compound today too because the results of the government grade 6 exams were released.  Our school, IMKH, had only one grade six student who did not pass.  This is 'good' results as many students in schools in the area do not make it.  Now we anxiously await for our grade 9 government exam results.  The news that had us jumping and squealing with joy, however, was the news that one of our HATS children came first in our school for these exams.  Our own Djemima got top marks for our school.  Yay Djemima.  The other children were thrilled for her, as were the employees.  They were all moving so much I could not get a good photo.

Such joy that Djemima came in 1st place in grade six govt exams

Our children started back in 'lessons' (tutoring) today and will go to school for two hours a day, three days a week, for a month.  We find this very valuable for our children to be ready when school reopens.

Our kids get a month's help with their reading and writing skills before school reopens

It is important to me to see our children learn to cook, and to do so outside over charcoal.  When they leave here there is very little chance they will have a nice gas stove to cook on.   I had them start on Saturday.  JJ, Moise, Djemima and Leica started off in a small way with making popcorn to share with the other children.  This week they are going to prepare cornmeal as the Haitians like it.

Munching popcorn made by the older kids who are learing to cook by themselves

On the weekend I discovered that the storage unit for meds, etc in my bathroom was infiltrated by bugs that were eating the wood.  Wood does not stand up in this hot and humid country.  We build with cement but wood is needed for some things.  This whole unit will have to be replaced some day but for now we think we have chased them away.   Everything was removed and spread all over my room and Germaine scraped, washed and sprayed. I could not even walk through it.  Another big job done for awhile.

Work is on again at the church.  The work on the finishing of the inside walls and ceiling has started.  We, however, will need to find funds to do the finishing of the floor.  Can't wait for this work to be finished so we can start using the building regularly.  Thanks to all who have helped with the construction of our church.  If anyone is willing to help us get the floor finished and or the walls of the church outside finished please get in touch.  We certainly could use your help!   Thank you.

Work started on inside walls of the church

Please join me in prayer for whatever is continuing to block us receiving Ti Luc's passport to be resolved and to be resolved this week.  I need it desperately as I need to be able to apply for a visitor's visa for him.  I plan to take him to Canada with me in September and we are quickly running out of time.  Too, I need to be able to do the paperwork for Step 2 of application for him to become a Canadian citizen.  I must have the passport before I can move forward on these two things.  Thanks for your prayer support once again.

Our Magdala has settled in beautifully.  She goes from one child to the other now and likewise for the employees and Mama Karen, and Papa Luckner whenever she sees him.  This is home to her now.

Our Magdala

On Sunday 10th two special young ladies, my neices Jennifer and Jocelyn, from Deer Lake, Newfoundland are coming to give me some help.  With all that is on the go here right now I certainly appreciate them coming. Our children are excited about their pending arrival and Ti Luc is counting 'how many more sleeps'.  No doubt you will hear from them in a few blogs.

I must finish this blog with two special photos for my sister, Sandra.  Saw these two days in a row, Sis.  I asked them to wait for you in January.  Would not want you to be disappointed when you come.

Another one for my sister, Sandra

And yet another one for Sandra

Thanks again everyone.   You are the ones who make this work for children possible.  We are all a part of the family of HATS-Haiti. 

I T     I S     A L L     A B O U T     T H E     C H I L D R E N

May God bless you all.   Karen and gang