Find YOUR Haiti

   

I love the time I get to spend in Haiti, and after 3 visits to HATS, it has become like a second family home, but I didn't know these trips would become a regular thing for me. When I first went to Haiti in July, 2015, I figured I would spend the week, see and learn a little about the country, as well as the workings at HATS. After that, I figured I would find somewhere else to go the next summer, because I've always had a love for traveling, as well as trying to do my small part to try to help out somewhere, in some way. But I wasn't counting on the children at HATS stealing a piece of my heart so quickly. You can't help but love each and every one of their beautiful faces and bright spirits--they truly fill your heart and soul. After one short week, I was hooked, and I knew I would continue to return as long as I could.
     Besides the children, though, there were two other important pieces of the HATS experience--Karen and Beate. There are no words to describe the kind of person Karen is, other than maybe an angel! She's lived in Haiti since 1995, which was when she decided to dedicate her life to helping the children in Haiti, and that's when HATS was born. Karen not only bettered the lives of countless children, but she has also saved the lives of many who were abandoned. She has a Haitian son, Luc, who has cerebral palsy, and he is one of the smartest, funniest, most loving children I have ever met. He has adapted to using his feet so well that I am sure he can  do some things better with his feet than you or I could do with our hands! He types on a computer, plays games on his Ipad using his feet on the controls, and he does his school work with his pencil between his toes! He even has a way to feed himself with a fork at the end of a long stick. He has taught and reminded me of the importance of patience and perseverance, and I'm a bit embarrassed to think of some of the little things I have complained about in my "first world" life.
     But Luc has been able to prove the Haitian doctors wrong because  of his Mama, Karen. You never tell Karen a child won't be able to do something. She had Luc from the time he was about 7 weeks old in 2005, but because of his CP, doctors questioned why she would even take him. They told her he would never walk or talk, but they obviously didn't realize who they were talking to. He speaks Creole and English (and some Newfanese!), and he runs like a deer, especially when there is a soccer ball in play. He continues to make his Mama proud with all that he does, and there is nothing he won't try.
     At 72 years young, Karen has the energy and dedication to Luc and the other children of HATS that would put some mothers to shame, and she is another part of the reason I keep going back. So, besides the children, I carry a little piece of Karen with me too... ❤
     And then there is Beate...
     I met Beate as a stranger in the Toronto airport in 2015. She was the team leader for the two other women and I who were going to  HATS for our first visit. (This year was her 7th time at HATS!) She is a tall, short-haired, blonde lady with a welcoming smile, a friendly face, and an easygoing, fun-loving personality.
     When we first found each other in the airport, we carried on a conversation as if we were long lost friends. I immediately knew I was in good hands, and that I was going to have a great experience in Haiti, but it was an unexpected bonus that she has become one of the best long distance friends I could ever imagine. In only these 3 short times we have spent in Haiti together, she has become a bright light and a positive presence in my life.  And now, after this trip with Mackenzie, he's a member of the "Beate fan club" too! It's people like Karen and Beate who continue to inspire me...
       Haiti has been life changing for me. I realized I have the courage to take some chances to travel on my own, at times, because there are too many things I would miss out on if I waited for the right time, or for other people, or for when I could truly afford it. I'm also lucky enough to have a husband and family who support my "need" to go, and who take care of things while I'm gone.
     Haiti has forced me to become comfortable with being "uncomfortable" at times--adjusting to being the minority, adjusting to different food, adapting to a different way of life that includes some different cultural rules and expectations, and I can't forget the language. This year I challenged myself to try to learn and speak a little of the language, and I did manage to learn enough to say my goodbye in Creole, without needing Karen to translate! 
     Although Haiti is what I love, and it works for me, it isn't the place for everyone. You do need some courage, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to adapt to a life quite different from your own. What people need to realize, though, is that they can find the same fulfillment in other ways of giving and helping. You don't have to look far to find something that feeds your soul and fills your heart, because you never know where you might find YOUR Haiti!  Hugs from us to everyone we left in Haiti, and thanks for being part of our journey!

Kids will be kids

     

    Before we came to Haiti this year, I had a discussion with Mackenzie about some things he should expect during the week here, and how it might be different from home. We talked about the weather, the food, where he would sleep, and, most importantly, the children. We talked about their names, I shared some of their "stories, " and I told him he would figure out the rest when we got here. 

     None of my kids are perfect, and I have never strived for that as a mother. I have only ever wanted kind, helpful kids who realize not everyone is as fortunate as they are. And still, trying to teach those lessons is an ongoing process, and, as any childcare provider knows, there's no instruction book!

     I knew Mackenzie was ready for this trip as much as he could be, but he has far surpassed what I expected of him. From the moment he stepped out of the van on that first day, I knew he would be as happy here as I am. His smile lit up his entire face, and the kids ran to him with hugs as if he was a long lost brother!

    Mackenzie spent the first night outside with me on the second floor in his bed tent, and then decided he'd move his mattress onto the floor on the screened-in balcony--away from his mother 😟 --for the rest of the trip! He had his own little piece of paradise under the Haitian sky!

    But now, he has moved even farther away from me, probably a whole 100 feet down the driveway! He's spending his last two nights sleeping with "the boys" in their house "en bas" (down below)! I kept asking him if he was sure he wanted to do that, but then I realized I wasn't asking because I was worried about HIM...it was me! I, his mother, foolishly worried about him being away from me to stay with the boys he's spent so much time with since last week. They've worked together and hung out together, doing all the things kids do, no matter whether they're "vanilla" or "chocolate," as Karen says!

     Having Mackenzie here has reminded me of an important lesson as his mother--I can only teach him so much, and the rest he can figure out on his own. The children here have the same hopes and fears in their lives as any child would, although their circumstances make things more challenging, but not impossible.

     When we teach our kids lessons in kindness, compassion, and some life skills, there's no need for us, as parents/guardians, to keep "fixing" things for them. Things won't always "go right" for them, but they don't always "go right" for any of us. Our kids WILL survive and find their way, and they will be all the better for it, because no matter where you go, kids will be kids! 🏃⛹🏀⚽💕 Hugs from us in Haiti

    

A day in the life at HATS Haiti

     People always ask what we do when we come to the children's home at HATS, and it's not an answer I could sum up in a sentence or two; I can tell you this--it's one of the busiest, and definitely the hottest, "sweatiest" times of the summer for me, and now for Mackenzie, too.
     Probably, my most favourite part of the day is morning devotions, which start at 730a.m. It's a time of singing and giving thanks for everything, and everyone, and every single person, including all Karen's employees, take time from their work to be there. The morning celebration breaks up with hugs all around, handshakes, and exchanges of "have a good day!"
    For the summer, some of the children are going to school for extra lessons in writing and math. They have been going for a few hours every morning around 7:30, so that they will be prepared for September.
     Yesterday and today have been devoted to chalk drawings in the yard, with  an occasional game of "chase" breaking out in between. The concrete yard is filled with bright pink, yellow, blue, and orange chalk outlines of the kids, along with some beautifully coloured Haitian chalk flowers. Sandra did 2 chalk "photos" of me today, and she even copied the "Ct3 Make a difference" text from my shirt to my chalk outline! I think we almost have a HATS family album of kids' photos all done in chalk! 💕
    Things get a little quieter from 1-3, most times, because the children, and some of us big people, take some time out from the incredibly hot, humid Haitian weather to "recharge" and give our sweaty clothes a chance to dry out!
     Later in the day, we all put on our sneakers and make the usual walk up the canal to the mango tree. I have lost count of the goats and cows, and occasional horses, that we see tied up along the banks. During the day, they are left to graze there, or in the water and grass of the harvested parts of the rice fields. I'm guessing the cows like it there because they get cooled off in the water, while they enjoy a good feed of grass. The walk to the mango tree is always an adventure, because it's not always easy to keep track of that many excited little people who like throwing rocks in the water and climbing trees!
      Haiti is always hot, but it is unlike any temperatures I have ever experienced. This year, I have really minded the heat, but that may also be partly due to the lack of sleep during the 6 nights of deafening noise of the nearby "fet"! Last night, it actually took some time to adjust to the quiet of just the crowing roosters and barking dogs when I got into my bed tent! ☺
    There is no shortage of things to do here, because it is just like home, but with 18 children instead of my 3! We spend time with the children playing cards, soccer, tag, basketball, or decorating the yard with chalk. The girls love to do braids, and there are always at least 4 pairs of hands working on my hair when I have "an appointment." Mackenzie's hair is also just long enough for the boys to put a few braids in his bangs--he's been very patient, but he also loves it! This is no quick process for me, however, as the girls are always very determined to comb through every little piece of my long hair. In temperatures above 40°, though, this is very sweaty work!
     Yesterday was pay day for the employees, so Karen entrusted me with that task. (Being a mom of 18 comes with an unimaginably busy schedule, so this was one thing I was happy to be able to take off her list.) There is an organized system of employees coming to the office for their envelopes, counting their money, and signing for it. Just like home on pay day, everyone was especially cheerful, and it was a real chance for me to test my ability to match everyone's faces to the name on the envelope...I passed!
    I love the peace that comes with the simplicity of life here. We have everything we need, and I love listening to the giggles of the children, or even the normal little sibling disagreements that break out on occasion. So maybe it is easy to answer that question of what we do when we come to Haiti-- we live like we are at home, taking care of all the things that matter, like this wonderful, loving family of children! Hugs from us in Haiti 💕