A Springdale woman, who would typically be in Haiti this time of year operating her children’s home and school, is frustrated that the pandemic is preventing her from making the trip this year.
Karen Huxter is the Founder and Director of Hands Across the Sea and spends six months of the year operating her children’s home and school.
Huxter admits she’d rather be in Haiti than home right now. She loves Newfoundland but says it’s not where her heart is at the moment.
She’s been involved in Haiti for the last 26 years and she’s lived in Haiti for the last 20.
Huxter says it’s been difficult on both ends. Her son, who is in grade nine, continues to say he wants to go back, and her children in Haiti have been calling her, saying kids are crying and asking for their Momma to come home.
Right now, it’s still too early to say when Huxter will make her way back to Haiti, but as soon as she gets the green light, she and her son will be on the first flight.
The Children’s Home and School is doing okay despite the difficult situation, but being home during Christmas is bothering Huxter even more because normally she would put off a big Christmas celebration for children in Haiti, but that can’t happen this year.
She’s raising money to send to the home instead.
Huxter plans to send the money raised so her assistant in Haiti can buy all the students something new for Christmas, and depending on what she can raise, a Christmas meal for all 500 students in the school.
Those looking to donate can visit www.hatshaiti.org.