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
Dear Mrs. Burns,
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary. What an exciting day! I wish I could have heard you sing with Madame Claudel.
I hope you know that we all expect you to cook for us when you get back! Creole!
I will send Ethan an email.
Grannie Mae is here. We have been praying for the team. We are heading for San Antonio Tuesday. Her church is praying for all of you as well.
Sounds like such an amazing trip--and I am so honored that you used one of the Selahs I sent--really touched! Thank you! Blessings to you all and all you are doing!
ReplyDeleteHugs!