Hello All,
It has been so good hearing from everyone this week!
Today was the typical halfway point kinda day (if ya know what I mean). It was also different because we did not have to travel at all, BLESSED. That means less dirt in between our toes, but sadly less smiling faces that we pass while traveling. This morning we also changed things up and had an adult conference rather than splitting up in groups and going hut to hut or construction.
The day was filled with dancing (mostly by Ashley Guy… what’s new?) and Al’s classic sermon. While the majority of the team was focused in the church, a few strong men were slaving away diggin’ up dem holez DIGGIN’ (get it? From Holes the movie?). Winding down the day with Pasta and no bake oatmeal cookies (yumm), we got together in our small groups and like always got to break down the happy’s and crappy’s of our day, but mostly happy’s.
Waking up with sand fleas was for sure not the highlight of my day. But, as I continued on with my day, I could not help but to be thankful for the little things. Playing with the orphans for the hour between VBS’s was the best part of my day. I can’t help but be selfish with how much I love to hold them and just love on them in general. Prayers are in need for the sand fleas and as the mission trip is coming to an end, that I continue to have energy. Miss & love all my friends (who are not already here) and my family.
Sara Rodriguez 😀 Brady Mikeska 😀
***
HIIIIIIIII my beautiful peeps! 🙂 So, today along with the rest of the week has been oh so amazing. God is great and has done some amazing work in all of our hearts. The people here are so sweet and I am so thankful God chose me to love on them. But you already know my favorite part……the BABIES! I have hugged and kissed so many cuties this week! It is so heart breaking to hold them and have them latch on even tighter when it is time to put them down.
They genuinely love anyone who will just spend time with them; anyone who will just hug them; anyone who will just hold their hand. The feeling is indescribable. I met my one little man, Jerry. Jerry is the youngest of the orphans at the mission -2 years. He is so special to my heart. He brings me so much joy. I look forward to my time with him as well as all the orphans every single day. I’ve also gotten to know a mission kid the past few days. Izzie is the most outgoing little 4 year-old I have ever known. She has a heart of gold and brings everyone so much joy, especially in the mornings. Izzie is my SPIRIT ANIMAL.
Even through the struggles of Pat the Rat, mosquitos, hot water, and blisters, I could not imagine spending my spring break anywhere else with anyone else. God is fearlessly working in Haiti. I have learned so much this week and am so thankful I get to be a small part of God’s work.
Mom and Dad, I miss you so much. I cannot wait to see y’all!! I love y’all incredibly much and realize I could have never done this without y’all’s help. God has blessed me with much more than I deserve. I can’t wait to share pictures and stories. I want to come home, but I never want to leave this beautiful place. My heart is on fire for Jesus. (Aka Jezi)
I love you people,
Ashley Guy! 🙂 Brady Mikeska! 🙂
***
Mommy and Daddy (Marsha and Mitch),
Like I can’t tell y’all how much I miss y’all, seriously so so so so much… also everything I do here, I just think about how much I can not wait to tell you both all about it. I’ve grown so much here spiritually and in maturity. I’ve gained a greater understanding of what blessings I have in my life and what they truly mean. I cannot begin to thank y’all for not only what you’ve blessed me with growing up, but the way you’ve raised me and shown me grace. No matter how much glory I give you, it all goes to God and through him that you are both my greatest blessings.
Y’all I have had such joy in my heart this week. Small baby Haitian’s or elderly Haitian’s melt my heart with their big smiles and shiny white teeth. We know that I’m such an affectionate human, but the affection of the Haitian’s cant even compare. I literally walk up to a group of children in the street and their arms open wide.
Although my heart is filled with so much joy there’s been times of weakness. There’s snoring… ya… y’all know its very difficult for me… but you know what, God has been so good and eventually I’ve been so exhausted I sleep right through the roars. There’s also been a rat. I’m sure y’all have read his name is Pat. I’ve seen him four times now, but again God has blessed me with comfort and peace to not be afraid while I’m sleeping.
Mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I love you so much best friend, and I really wish I were there to celebrate with you and dad. You are so special and you deserve the best day!
So just want to let you both know I’m alive and doing so well and love Jesus more than ever. He is so good!!!!!!!!! Ok can’t wait to see y’all and tell you both about this amazing journey. Hope all is well, tell Will, Sam, and Jayden I say hello! Love you all very much, see you soon. <3 XOXOXOXOXO Go Kappa.
Love ya lots,
Claire bear (Porter) & Brady (Randy) & Brad bear
***
Brad and Randy’s Daily Adventure (Two Real Poets…with God)
Ham, Spam, Give me some lamb…of God.
Hit, fit, sit… with God daily.
Hay, bae, get ready for another day…with God
Roosters, also don’t forget that Hepatitis booster…shot…with God
Handy, Dandy, Candy, sweet like Randy….. and God
Brad, Rad, Random guy named Chad,…and God
Stray dogs, wild hogs, killer blogs…with God
Cheese curds, Sheep heard…ers…of God
Moss, toss, Cross..of God
God, God, God… with God.
Sun, Son… with God
Lead us, meet us, Jesus… with God
Orange… wait… nothing rhymes with orange…with God
Purple, Ferble, merble… with Gurple
Last rhyme, running out of time, but never.. .with God
Brad and Randy are such great poets
Cant believe we didnt even know it
until boss man told us,
we had mad skillz
so we dropped the mic,
like dynamite
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers too
books of the Bible is what got me through
It’s been real in Haiti
such a good time with my maties
…with God
Sincerely,
R&B
**
Feel free to leave comments. Comments will be read at dinner each night.
Oh my goodness seeing all of you guys pictures is killing me! I wish I was with y’all. I have been praying so hard for you guys this week as you spread the news in Haiti. For all of last years crew just remember we are called grape vines not peanuts and that God treasures his crop! Squeeze all those beautiful people for me.
Jwa Chok Jou!
PS Lindsay I accepted the Labor and delivery position at UMC. Lubbock
Or leave it! I love you!
As your week has quickly come to an end, I’m sure you feel that you have accomplished so so much, yet so so little at the same time. Each one of you have made such an impact in these children’s lives. God chose each of you to do his handiwork and from the pictures, y’all have done an amazing job. The saying all good things must come to and end,……..Well the trip has come to and end but what all of you did for Gods people in Haiti will never end. They will always remember and practice the good that you have done. Jesus provided you an amazing opportunity and you should be very proud of yourselves. I’m so ready to see my Ashley Kate ! But I’m thankful that she and everyone else wanted to take time to spread God’s word.
Now as all of you travel back home we will be praying for safety and good health!
Ashley, Sara,Gabby,and Mia come home to us and tell all your stories! We love you! What a wonderful group the Wesley Foundation is and thanks again for everyone that helped make this trip possible! God Bless each of you! See you soon!🙏❤️
Donna Guy
What exciting things God continues to do through those connected with TTU Wesley! I think about the many, many students who have made the trek to Haiti over the past several years with Al at the helm, and I have to say how incredibly proud and humbled and blessed I am to be the one he chose to be his wife. Especially when he looks so cool in stolen Ray Bans.
I know this trip every year is hard physically and mentally, but he is obedient to the call God has given him, and he rocks it!
I miss you, Al!
Maddi, I pray you are loving your time in Haiti. To get to go twice in 8 months is nothing short of a miracle! Just like you are! I hope Pat isn’t getting anywhere near you!! Spring break sure is quieter here without you, but I know you are where God wants you to be. I’m so proud of you! Give all those sweet kids big hugs!
Praying for protection over all of you physically, mentally, and spiritually as your time in Haiti is past the half-way point. It can be exhausting and a struggle at times, but continue to keep your eyes on Jesus and His goals for this trip.
Can’t wait to have you all over for some banana puddin’ and hear all about your adventures! Loves!! Jodie
Hello Team! I hope all is well and no one has gotten eaten alive by bed bugs (cough cough cody). Wow you have come so far congrats! Ive loved keeping up with the blogs. I hope everyones butts arent too sore from the tap tap, but even if they are the lord is still good! Kristen, i love that you went to the beach with magdalie I fell in love with that little girl. Keep it up in the clinic guys, Lindsey your hair rocks. Jacob and scott, sounds like you killed it with animal noises at VBS praise God! Bread and randy your daily updates give me life. I shall pray for the roosters to be silent and for pat to stay hidden. My friends that I didnt mention by name, i cant wait to hear all of your stories and see your sick tanlines. I LOVE YALL STAY SAFE HUG BABIES AND BE THE FACE OF JESUS YOU ONLY HAITI ONCE UNLESS YOUR EMILY AND HAITI 4 TIMES. P hunt and arujo keep it real homies and sally keep the sass on a resonable level. Ok bye for real i love yall.
Holly Hogan
Hello from the Texas Panhandle! So proud of each and everyone of you! What sacrifice each of you have made to serve others and share God’s love. You are the true hands and feet of Christ! I have to admit-when I hear the stores of Pat the Rat….I would be out of there! That is my only fear-mice and even worse…rats! lol Praying for your continued strength physically, mentally and spiritually! What an awesome God we serve! Blessings to each and everyone of you! Love and Prayers-Jodie
hello party people. this blog has blessed me much this week and I am so excited about the ways God is moving in and through you guys! I know that Haiti is the actual best place and also one of the few places that you might see me cry in front of people because help, I’m feeling. I very very very much love to read the posts of people who are first timers, it’s so beautiful to read about the joy experienced in serving and loving God’s people. also how cool is it that God has each of y’all there for a very specific reason and knew it before we were even a thought in this world, mad crazy. I pray that He receive glory in all that you do this week, much bless fam.
PS PS PS
SHOUT OUT TO AL AND MADDI FOR KEEPING THE MARTIN NAME STRONG I WAS FIVE KINDS OF EXCITED TO SEE MADDI WAS GOING, WHOOOP.
also Khalil, I sent you a snapchat the other day because I forgot you were in Haiti, so look forward to that. ALSO HELLO RANDY BLESS YOU. ALSO HELLO EVERYONE I LOVE ALL OF YOU. PLEASE HUG THE PUPPIES FOR ME I MISS THEM.
That’s all love you, bye.
(whoever reads this, you must sing it to the tune of Adele’s “Hello” song) Hello, its me, I was wondering how you are in Haiti? Hello, its me, you are over half way done in Haiti. Hello, can you hear me? I am in Lubbock…do you miss me? There is a mission trip between us and its two thousand miles. Hello, from the other side, I must have prayed for you a thousand times, to ask God to protect you and sustain you. I can’t wait to see you when you get home. Hello, from the outside, I have tried to tell you how proud I am of each of you, for loving on the people of Haiti. Hello, how are you? Its typical of me to check on you, I hope that your well and healthy. Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happens, except for wild wesley dances. Hello, its no secret, that your time in Haiti is running out. Hello, its me and I love you all.
Oh Penny! I just read this and you are so funny!! I LOVE this!! Blessings to you in the sand storm capital and can’t wait to see you in MAY!!!!
The best way I could ever start my birthday was to wake up and find a message and birthday wishes from my girl! I do miss you so much and wish you were here, but I know nothing can compare to the things you are experiencing there in Haiti.
I knew you would be head over heels for those babies and I’m so overjoyed that you are loving on the often overlooked elderly.
Our whole family can’t wait to hear all about your journey and we love hearing the blog posts every day (Hey you’re a blogger now!) We love seeing all of the pics. Aunt Di had the idea to put one as a screen saver to remind her to pray for you guys everyday.
It such a blessing to hear how God is working in and through each one of you, even through the snoring, sand fleas, rats and shoveling. God is good and mighty to save. In His great mercy and grace when you are blessing these precious Haitians, you are the ones receiving an even greater blessing.
I wish I knew everyone one of you personally. You sound like such an amazing group. Even though I don’t and can’t put a name to the faces in the pictures, know that I am still praying for each of you to have energy, encouragement and boldness.
Keep sending pictures – the highlight of my day!
We love you, Claire. Looking so forward to seeing you at Easter. Btw, Daddy Bill went home from the hospital on Monday.
Love,
Mom and Dad (Mitch and Marsha Porter)
I love seeing pictures of all the smiles and hugs! Haiti is a better place because of all of you. I’m so extremely proud and of course with the medical kit I sent there is no calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for the sand fleas, BOO 🙁
I cannot wait to see my Sara’s face and squeeze her tight! Ashley, Gabby, Mia and Claire you will all get a great big hug as well. Blessings to all and safe travels back home. You are missed.
Love,
Mommacita
Proud Aunt!! Love you Sara! Sending prayers daily.
You all are doing an incredible job spreading God’s love through all of your words and actions! We continue to pray for your safety, health and reprieve from sand fleas! Hey- Marissa try to get into one of the pictures so we can see you! We are so proud of you and miss you so much but we are blessed to have you be a blessing to others. Everyone hang in there! You are doing an incredible job!
Thank you to the Wesley Foundation for giving these young adults to opportunity to serve and spread the word of God to many who are in need. I pray that this message continue and that they reach out to those in need locally as well. I am so proud of this group of students for their time and caring spirit. Blessings to all.
It has been such a joy to see all the pictures, hear all the stories, and laugh at the adventures of Brad and Randy each day. Ashlee, we have loved seeing the smile on your face even though you are not here with us. We are so proud of the work this team is doing and we know God will continue to work through you during the last two days. Ash, here is one of your Nena’s favorite verses for your last few days. Isaiah 40:29-30 “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Love you lots!!
Love, Mom, Dad, Kelsey, Austin and Nena (& family)
💌Hello! 💌
Wow! Y’all have done some *amazing* work this week!😊
I hope you’re sleeping well at night despite Pat’s antics and that despicable rooster.
Mia, I want to remind you of how special you are and what a blessing you’ve been to me and your family❤
Sending love, hugs and prayers your way😙 Praying for your safety, strength and good health😊
I can’t wait to hear your voice and listen to all of your stories!💖