The Day After...

Sitting at my parents' table with Patrick and Lindsay.
We are getting pictures gathered.
Whew! What a job!
Being home is a bit of a culture shock. And it doesn't help that it's at least 40 degrees cooler here now than it was in Haiti. Wow! So stinkin' cold!
Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and prayers!
I plan to share some pictures and talk about some of the experiences we had in Haiti.
Stay tuned.
I'm sure Lindsay will have plenty to write, too.
Until next time...

Actually from 3-17-10... the last one was from 3-16-10... oops!

This morning (Wednesday) we finished working on the supply rooms. It felt so good to finish what we’d started. Like we really accomplished something here. There have been so many things going on here, it is hard to start something and finish it completely. But, we did it!!! And we were appreciated so greatly! Brad and Vanessa Johnson and Otis Garrison have all expressed their thanks for all our team has done. That is so wonderful to hear.
That made me smile.
Once the supply rooms had been finished, our group split up. We continued to work with the Indiana team. Some of us came up to Maggie’s Kitchen at the top of the road to the Village of Hope. VOH is the expansion of the Hope House orphanage. I don’t remember if I said this before or not, so I will explain. The HH has over 60 children now and the mission wants to expand to more than 200 children. There are several long houses that are split into 4-plexes so the children can be separated by age. Maggie is a girl who came to live at the mission years ago. She had been brutally beaten, sexually abused and left in a trash heap on the side of the road. Maggie had some physical handicaps, but was loved by everyone here at the mission. About a year ago or so she got sick and went home to be with Jesus. That is why it is called Maggie’s Kitchen.
But I can still smile.
The rest of the group went down to lay foundation for a new guest house. Sergio and George had a blast! They ended up mixing and pouring cement with two Philadelphia Eagles players. Wow! The players were here to help with their team chaplain and their pastor. Pretty cool!!!
When Patrick gave one of the players a hard time for losing to UT when he played for USC, it made me smile.
This afternoon we went to Titanyen. This is the village where Jude lives, the boy I sponsor. The earthquake caused some serious damage there. This village is very close to the mission. We looked at houses that had been reduced to piles of rubble. We sang songs with the village kids and read a story about how God made the world.
I just kept smiling.
This afternoon we spent time at the Hope House. The kids made Thank You cards for a group of little girls who gathered craft materials for them. Then, we broke the kids up into two age groups: 9 and under & 10+. The 10+ kids had a huge kick ball game and the 9 and under kids had “stations.” There were different things for them to do: clothes try-on relay, four square game, frisbee toss and and adorable attempt at basketball. The kids had a blast. Many of them have worked so hard to help and keep things going here at the mission. Some of the older teenagers have been interpreting, the younger kids have been helping with their little hands and feet. They have been so helpful to us.
Watching them have fun made me smile.
There is a reoccurring theme here. Smiling. I can’t believe I could just keep smiling. But, I could. And I did. And I will. I will smile because there is HOPE in my heart! There is HOPE for these people who are close to this mission! There is HOPE for this country! There is HOPE for this island! There is HOPE for this world!
There is HOPE in Jesus! There is HOPE!!!
And even when this world doesn’t get it, there is HOPE!
And even when I can’t seem to get it right, there is HOPE!
And even when other people let me down, there is HOPE!
I am beginning to feel comfortable in that for the very first time in my life.
It has been too long since I took a serious inventory of me! But, my inventory is being updated. And it feels good.
All too often I have felt “unworthy” of Christ’s blood, love and grace.
But, not today.
I am WHOLE because of that blood, love and grace.
I can WALK in truth because of that blood, love and grace.
I can WIN the race because of that blood, love and grace.
Praise the Lord!!!
And to add the icing on the cake, I have learned that you can love someone more every day. You really, really can! And I know now that long ago, God knew that Patrick would be my husband. I was made just for him and I am continuing to be molded just for him. And he for me.
This trip has taught me so much! And I know there will be amazing testimonies from all of the people in the team!
Friends, get ready!!! ‘Cause we’re coming home and we’re on FIRE!!!
Thank you again for your prayers and your generous support!!!
p.s. We will be heading to the beach tomorrow (Thursday) morning for our beach day! Patrick and I will be renewing our vows at the beach where I wanted to get married. Such a beautiful place!!! It will be a nice time and I cannot wait to spend time having time with the team! Woo Hoo!!!
p.s.s. Phyllis: Lindsay wasn’t wearing lip gloss when she met “the doctor.” But, in her defense, it was 10p!

And much, much more!!!

Today has been a blast! We worked with the medical supplies again today. We worked with the team of students from Indiana and they were so helpful!!!
I wish I could explain all that God is doing here!
It is so amazing to talk to Brad & Vanessa Johnson and hear all about the plans for Mission of Hope. There is another piece of land not far from the mission that will be an extension and an another place in the mountains that may be a third part of the mission.
We went to an orphanage in Simonette called Tytoo Gardens. It is near the ocean and beautiful.
Tonight we went to worship at the church. It started at 5p, but we didn’t get in until about 5:30 because we needed to eat dinner before we went. It was amazing! Pastor Claudel (the music pastor) and Ruben (his brother who works with the worship band) each did a part of the time.
We had some reflection time tonight. We had a wonderful time of sharing and prayer together.
I look forward to what God will do through us.
I am so sorry that this is incredibly short, but I am very, very tired! What a long day!!!
Lots to do tomorrow!!!
Please keep praying for us!!!
We love you and appreciate you so much!!!

Pictures... (from Megan)

We've taken a ton of pictures and video! There will be much to share when we get home.
I know that's just a tease... and I'm sorry.
I tried to get just one uploaded so I could have an actual tease, but I couldn't get that accomplished due to the slow internet.
I think I'm just spoiled.
McBurns out.

From Mrs. Burns 3-14-10 - Happy Anniversary, babe!

3:58p

Happy Anniversary, Patrick!

My sincere apologies.
Yesterday was full of new experiences. Where do I start?
I think I said this before: this team is a test in patience for me.
On Saturday morning God saved us again! The shuttle was nowhere to be found to head to the airport. (We had reservations, just in case Michael Heflin reads this.) I promise, I called them and made a reservation. It just didn’t show. But, we know that God had our backs! We were all downstairs by 6a to make it to the airport by 6:45a, even though the airport is less than 10 minutes away. We were able to catch a ride with another shuttle bus and get a cab for a few of us. We all made it! Whew!
Then, we made it to Haiti and the mission had some car trouble so we waited. We waited a good while. The mission instructed me to keep everyone inside the airport and not come out. So, we waited for them to come get us.
It was much cooler inside the airport! Thank You, Jesus!!! Fans and some nice, cool water! We met up with a crew working on a film project. They were coming to Mission of Hope as well. It was nice to get the chance to chat with them.

So, there’s the “catch up.”

Today has been absolutely amazing! This morning we read a selah by Julie Carr. What an amazing story. She wrote all about how we as the bride of Christ need to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. To sum up, ballet slippers and high heels just won’t do for the bride! We gotta have combat boots!!! This led to a nice conversation between us. I have been confused about combat boots. Apparently, I am have been wrong. I always viewed them for “stomping the enemy!” But, really, they were created for protection of the person wearing it. Thanks to Julie for the wonderful insight!!! We can’t wait for more!!!

Church at MOH is so wonderful!!! Over an hour of worship! Pastor Claudel is such an amazing music pastor! I was asked to sing right before church this morning. I sang “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” with Vena and Madame Claudel. Vena is an interpreter for the mission and is the sister of the man-boy I sponsor. Madame Claudel is Pastor Claudel’s wife. I love those two like they were my own sisters! The pastor this morning was a visitor. He spoke about how we need to realize that there is a difference between our spirit and our flesh. Good word! Just a reminder that we are not in this skin for long! Praise God!!! We will be with Him when we are done here!

After church we went to Gwo Papa Poul. This is a wonderful restaurant that is run by two Haitians who have been part of the mission for a long time. I can only remember Wesley right now. We had delicious Haitian food. Chicken, beans and rice with bean sauce, piclis (a very spicy coleslaw-like salad you can eat along with anything – like a relish) and a pasta dish I am not sure what it is called. DELICIOUS!!! I got some stickers from the restaurant! Watch out!!! There will be one on my car very soon!!!

When we came back from lunch, I went shopping!!! On the mission, there are people who come to sell there items. There are all sorts of things to buy! And I did some serious shopping!!! SERIOUS SHOPPING!!! I love it!!!

We are about to head to the playground and spend some time with the youngest kiddos on the mission. We have been so blessed.

My heart is blessed to be here. It is good for me! Very, very, very good for me!!!

I need to send a little shout out to my mom. She bought be a journal a while back and I have been using it for church notes every Sunday. Yes, Pastor Randy, I take notes!!! When I was on the plane yesterday I was writing about how I didn’t want to have my heart break while I was here, but I was sure I would “lose it” at some point. After I wrote all about that, I looked down at the bottom of the page. And there it was. The verse that will be my reminder why I keep coming back to Mission of Hope Haiti!

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
-Isaiah 43:18-19

That could preach!

Off I go to the playground…

“I’m just joshin’ your taters.” – Ethan VanDerPloeg

This is an awesome guy we met here in Haiti. He is a 19-year-old student at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. He is a fine arts illustration major. One hilarious kid! His desire is to work with Wycliffe. They translate the Bible into different languages. They have a plan to translate the Bible into all languages by 2025. Ethan would like to create a graphic novel of the Bible so people who are illiterate will be able to understand and be able to learn about Christ.

I tell all of you this to give you the opportunity to step in. I told Ethan about Pastor Randy’s story from last Sunday. All about Randy helping someone out by connecting them, not just praying for them.

Don’t worry. I will be praying for Ethan, and I ask you to do the same.
If you would like to contact him to offer support or encouragement, please contact him.
etvander@iupui.edu

From Lindsay 3-14-10 (Lil Sis Kaitlyn's 20th Birthday!)

So while my friends and fellow Austinites are enjoying the SXSW festivities, I come to Haiti and run into a lil someone a few of you may recognize…

I Am Sam

Mystic River

Milk…

Bueller?

None other than Sean Penn.

We’re waiting in line to go down the stairs at the airport and up the other side walks this strangely familiar weird looking guy with good hair and sunglasses on…I elbow Patrick, “I swear that looked like Sean Penn.” Patrick shrugged, “It probably was.”

Ladies and gents, it was indeed! Palling around with 2 actresses I should know their names and for the life of me cannot remember, as we passed him on our way to the baggage claim area (reachable via bus) Megan patted him on the shoulder, “It means a lot that you’re here.”

Seeing him there was definitely a God thing. Here is this man idolized as an actor (like him or not – he’s good at what he does) by people everywhere. Idolized by a world looking for someone to pour into – time, money, energy. Seeing him was like a mini wake up call. We are here to bring the Good News to people that need Jesus more than a celebrity. Someone real to worship.

So that was a little bit of yesterday. After the airport adventure was a bus ride in the craziest traffic you wouldn’t believe (I-35 rush hour has nothing on Rt. Nationale #1) and finally a tour of the mission. I meant to blog yesterday, but wireless isn’t free up here, so I’ll have to detail about the mission later.

Church today was amazing. I had no idea what to expect (which happens to be true for most of this trip) but the worship was awe inspiring. They sang songs we know (like Mighty to Save) in Creole, so even though we didn’t know the words, we could still worship in English – and worship we DID! It was 1hr 1/2 before p&w ended, and I didn’t even realize it.  The sermon was like 90% Creole 10% English, but I still took some good notes and was uplifted by the pastor’s words.

I’m being hurried to finish the blog because it’s late and tomorrow’s an early early morn. So here’s the readers digest version:

After church – Haitian restaurant (we were going to eat goat , but only chicken was on the menu today…bummerrr)

After restaurant – bargain shopping on the mission (but my money was back in our room, so I couldn’t buy anything…Dad will be happy).

During bargain shopping – hung out and talked to a lot of the Hope House (the orphanage on the mission) kids. This one little girl Christella and I talked and played and twirled around. She was so sweet. Picture coming soon.

Tomorrow the hard work begins. Something to do with organizing a clinic supply room (yay!) that has giant, mutated rats living in it (eww). Then a trip to a nearby village orphanage where we’ll play games and hang out…exciting to say the least! Eat your heart out Seany.

I love and miss you all and appreciate your continued prayers :)

“When you pass through the water, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sleep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze for I am the Lord your God.” Isaiah 43:23

From Patrick Burns 3-14-10

Hi mom! I wish you could’ve been at church this morning! 90 minutes of worship! It was so amazing!

From the Seijas Family 3-14-10

What an amazing experience it has been thus far. God has revealed himself many times over. The people from Haiti are beautiful and full of faith. The children have so much hope and you can see it in their eyes and faces. Church was a wonderful and enlightening event that brought us closer to their culture, God and introduced us to many people. We have only been here for a couple of days and we have seen so much positive things that have happened since the earthquake. Nothing seems to slow these people down. It is like they know their purpose and are going the extra mile to fulfill it. The country is so beautiful beyond words. From Mission of Hope we can see the city lights of Port au Prince and on the other side of the mountains we can see the ocean. God is definitely present here and has been working non stop. In conclusion for today we thank everyone that has made this happen especially the man above with whom without nothing is possible. Thanks for all your prayers, Seijas signing out.

Almost there...

It has been such a long day! I can't wait to see what God has planned for us over the next week. He has already given us a few opportunities to bless people and we're not even in Haiti yet. God is AWESOME!!!

Goodnight y'all!

I can't wait to have patience...

"Because patience is a wonderful thing. Hurry up, gotta get it, gotta have it now! I want it more than anything..."

Years ago, my younger brothers had a cassette tape they loved. These are lyrics from one of the songs.

I don't think it is a coincidence that the more we try to be like Christ, the more opportunities we have to practice His characteristics!

Today had it's challenges. And I am choosing to leave those challenges in today!
I did not let my concerns, disappointment or impatience get the best of me today. I say "I," but I should clarify. I KNOW that God helped me the whole way. Let's face it, HE was in control!

I am about to go to bed in a beautiful hotel room after having a delicious dinner with an AMAZING group of people I call my FRIENDS!

Tomorrow will prove to be a challenge! I know my heart will be heavy tomorrow, but also full of excitement! There will be sorrow over piles of rubble and the memories of a city as it used to be.But, there are people there waiting for me. They are people I call my FAMILY! I love them and have missed them terribly!!! I cannot wait for my FRIENDS and my husband to meet my FAMILY!

God is so good! That phrase seems not quite enough to describe how grateful I am to be here.

Just a little over 400 miles to fly tomorrow... and I am already so excited I can hardly contain myself.

God's miracles have been so clear to me in the last few days.

I am going to lay down and rest in Him tonight. Glad to be used by Him and for His glory.

Don’t Let the Haitianbugs Bite

Repellent with Deet – check

Clothes coated with permethrin stuff – check

Mosquito/Insect net – check

Malaria prevention medicine – check

Garlic supplements (old wives' tale?) – *sigh* check

Finishing up my packing adventure, I look a little more on the way-too-overly-cautious side of things when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites, but knowing my inability to be outside for more than five seconds before I get swarmed, what else was I to do?

As afraid as I probably should be about bugs, disease, the “Haitian Sensation” (yeah, you know what I’m talking about), and significantly more dangerous risks going into a nation in post-disaster unrest, I’m not. At all.

When I first considered going to Haiti, I was opposed and challenged, supported and cheered. Following my initial lame attempt at trying to use a ‘logical’ approach to my decision, I paused. I prayed. I listened to my heart. And I knew.

I have this feeling of stillness; genuine contentment about this trip. It’s that little thing known as Supernatural Peace, or as I like to refer to it, that Peace that surpasses all understanding. Just goes to show how awesome God is! If I had even the slightest inkling that this was a bad idea in even the itty bittiest way – I wouldn’t be going. God knows this, thus- I’m at peace :)

It’s pushing 4am, I haven’t been to bed and it’s almost airport time. Someone is going to be zonked on those 3 hour flights tomorrow...er...today. I'm ready to get this show on the road, kids.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Less than 24 hours...

In less than 24 hours, we will be in the sky somewhere between Austin and Chicago. Yep, you read it right, Chicago! Funny how Spring Break makes travel difficult.
So, we'll be headed to Chicago, then on to Florida. And Haiti on Saturday!
I am looking forward to the airports, the people and the standing in line. Seriously, I love to people watch.
I think I've always been that way. I don't stare, much. I love watching people interact, especially in stressful places like the airport. It is a good way to gauge personalities. People like me just rush, rush, rush... unless there's some sort of sale on soft pretzels!
I digress. Shocking, I know!
The team got the chance to get together and pray (and pack) last night. That was a lot of work, but we got all the necessities together! And I am glad I have a sense of humor. I can laugh about it still! When everything was packed and everyone was long gone, I returned Amy Garrison's phone call. I find out that the mission has an overabundance of peanut butter and tuna fish. If you would have seen us last night trying to find room for all of the peanut butter and tuna, you would understand why this is so funny!
It is a good thing because it means that we can pack more "extras" to help Mission of Hope!
Please pray for out team in these areas:
* Wisdom - to see exactly what we are supposed to do
* Strength - mentally and physically
* Protection - that no matter where we are or what we're doing
* Boldness - to step out where our help is needed, no matter what it may be

Thank you all for your love and your prayers!

I can't wait for tomorrow!!!

If You Say Go

This song weighs heavy on my heart tonight.

"If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You"

I have come to notice how much more concerned I am with where I am in God's plans for me instead of worrying about pleasing people. Don't get me wrong, I like to see people happy! But, you remember that saying. How does it go? You can please some of the people some of the time and most of the people most of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time.  Is that it?
All I know is, I'm being called to step out.
It isn't just going to Haiti.
I'm not "scared" to go or "afraid" of what I will find. I am so familiar with the places we may go. I feel comfortable with the people and the culture.
God has called me out of my comfort zone in a big way!
It has been a long time joke that I am all talk and my BFF, Jacq, is all action.
Well, this trip is all action for me!
This is my passion and I get to see it for the very first time. Really lived out.
I knew for a long time that I was being nudged by God to bring people to Haiti so they could have their eyes openned. Not just to Haiti and the needs there, but for God's heart and who He would have us be to others.
And here I am.
A few days away from leading my first missions trip.
God is good!
Our team is amazing!
I have the most wonderful group of people going with me to a place I love more than almost anywhere in the world.
What an awesome opportunity!
I look forward to stories in the days to come!
God has big things planned!
I'm waiting to see the little girls jump rope and to lay hands on and send someone onto their own mission!
God is so good!!!

... and counting!

I feel the need to blog about the wonderful giving I have encountered over the last few days! Patrick and I have received generous gifts from as far away as Georgia and Montana! God is so good! He has blessed others so they can bless us. It feels so good to be right where He wants you to be!
Patrick and I are preparing to move into our new home when we get back from Haiti. That has been a chore. I certainly don't feel like slowing down what is going on for Haiti to pack the apartment, but I know I won't want to pack when we get home. What to do!?!?!?
Again God has blessed us with wonderful people who would do anything for us. There will be people in our apartment to pack and people in our new home to clean tonight. How amazing! And not our idea... they offered! Wow! What a wonderful God we serve! He knows how to give good gifts to His kids!
On top of all this, there are more wonderful people in our lives! They are donating items for our trip! This way we are able to donate the money we raised directly to Mission of Hope Haiti! These awesome folks are donating everything but the kitchen sink: soccer balls, peanut butter, cereal, twin sized sheets, pillows, tennis balls, diapers, insect repellent, batteries, formula, pencils, printer ink, and the list could go on forever!!!
What an amazing group of people! I must admit that many of them are members of our church, PromiseLand West. It feels so good to be a part of such a giving church. I must also say that there are several people outside the walls of our church who are giving their hearts out! And that makes me smile! Isn't that what we're supposed to be? Part of the Body of Christ? It all moves together in sync!
Thank you all for your love and support! It is so important to us that you continue to pray, pray, pray for our entire team!
We know that satan would like nothing more than to see this fail. And we rally against him and his plans! We serve the ONE TRUE GOD!!! And HIS love endures forever! HE has plans for us! HE commands us to be strong and courageous! HE owns the cattle on a thousand hills! By HIS stripes we are healed!
AMEN!

Getting Excited!

Good morning!
This is Megan signing in for my first blog entry.
I can hardly believe our trip to Haiti is so close!
We head to Ft. Lauderdale, FL on March 12th and will spend the night there. We will head to Haiti on the morning of March 13th and return to Austin on March 19th.
I am looking forward to returning to Haiti!
I have had the pleasure of visiting Mission of Hope Haiti three times: 2006, 2007 and 2008. I did not travel to Haiti last year because I used much of my vacation time getting married to my amazing husband, Patrick!
I have a feeling I will spend a lot of time blogging about our trip.
I want to thank you for taking the time to keep up with all of us.
Our team will be blogging and sharing our thoughts with you.
We appreciate your love, prayers and support!
If you would like to help us, we are still collecting items for our trip.
We are so blessed!
I look forward to sharing more with you as we get ready for our trip.