Hi hi hi!
I’m Hayden Burdsal, and you are kinda stuck with me today.
Before I begin on how amazing everything is, I have some fun facts:
1. I get motion sick very easily. (You will understand how that severely affected me today)
2. This language barrier is one of the hardest things to overcome.
3. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN SUNBURNED… yet.
4. I’m the only college student who doesn’t go to Tech.
So today we made the “journey” out to Preskul, a small fishing village that is about a 30-minute boat ride away. Okay so back to that whole motion sickness thing, I threw up. 20 feet before we made it to shore. It was a grand ole time. But in the midst of feeling like I was going to die, I took a look up to see what we were heading into and all I saw was people gathered on the edge of the cliff waving at us with such joy. The joy was not only evident on by our entrance, but the smiles on their faces.
As we began to walk around the village, I did my best to approach people and begin intentional conversations. But let me tell you it is hard. We can’t directly communicate to these people, whom I so desperately desire to convey a certain topic, i.e. how loved they are. I am better understanding that my actions are more powerful than my words. When I speak, my words become the focus of my mind, instead of the people hearing them. Also God doesn’t use English, Creole, or any other language, to explain the mighty love He has for ALL of His children, he sent His only son to be murdered on the cross, so that we may be extended mercy. As I am writing this, it is finally setting in. I can’t allow the language barrier to get in the way of showing people the undeserved love that we ourselves have been shown.
Oh and if you don’t know me, I have red hair and fair skin. So the whole thing about me not getting sunburned is a VERY BIG accomplishment! But I’m doing construction tomorrow, so you can bet your best dollar I will be lathering up in sunscreen every 5 minutes. Also, yeah I’m not a Tech student, but I am a Lubbock Christian student, so that counts, right?
Alright I think that all. Goodnight from Haiti!
Oh yeah love you mom & dad!! Please keep commenting & tell everyone to do the same!
Much love,
Hayden
**
HEY Y’ALL!!!!!!
It’s me — Alyssa Bernier. Today I got to work in the clinic, so really call me the next Meredith Grey (Push one of epi, am-I-right?). But honestly, working in the clinic was such a fun and rewarding experience. I did multiple things there, but through all of them, knowing that I was going to help these beautiful Haitian people become well was so humbling and rewarding. We saw over 70 patients today, ages ranging from 9 month old babies to 50-60 year old people.
My small group was scheduled to do construction today, so while me and a couple of others served in the clinic, my group was picking up rocks and moving sand with the construction workers here in the Mole. Other groups took the boats to Preskul to do a VBS and to do hut-to-hut evangelism. In the afternoon, we had the VBS for the children and the teen conference here on campus.
Instead of participating in the teen conference, I was able to help one of the workers here with her special needs class. There were 3 kids there today, and it was INCREDIBLE to get to hang out with them. I was in my element and totally, 150%, felt the Lord while I was getting to love on these kids. One of the three, GiGi, was not a fan of me. But I was a fan of her. She hit me and pinched me (honestly she dug her nails in my skin and just ripped them off as hard as she could), but that made my heart overflow with joy.
I think that my favorite part of today was being able to see this little blind boy put his face on the guitar that Bullet was playing just because he couldn’t see what was going on, but he could feel it. These Haitian people have so much joy it radiates off of them and it warms my heart to see how much more I have than they do, but how much more pure joy they have than I do. I am in awe of how God has shown himself so far this week, and I can’t wait to see what He continues to do. He is wrecking my heart and transforming it, and although I am nervous for what is coming, I am so excited to see how He is going to use me with this in the future.
Thank you for all of your prayers and comments. Keep them coming, we really love it!!!!!
XOXO – Alyssa
PS. Mom, Dad, and Bub, I love you guys and miss you lots. Get ready for constant Haiti stories 😉
PPS. @Bear, Papa loves you so much ???
***
It was an incredible day of ministry!! They are working really hard… all day long. I’m so very impressed with their humbleness, faithfulness, flexibility, and willingness to serve. Satan can’t be happy with the seeds that are being scattered, watered, and taking root. Please pray for strength, boldness, health, and continued focus as the come to the middle of this life-changing journey!
Kristen and Tatum:
We are happy to see you and your team having so much fun and happiness in spreading God’s love this week! Tatum, do the Haitians know who the NY Yankees are?
It is officially March Madness here in the U.S. Dad said he would fill out your March Madness brackets for our annual family competition since you are not here. Tatum, we know to only pick the top seeded teams for you and to help you out, Ohio State is not in the tournament this year so you will have to pick a new possible champion! Kristen, we know you don’t care, so we are choosing the mascot way of picks for you – we will pick the cutest one for you as your champion! We miss you and can’t wait to hear stories about your mission work in Haiti when you get home!
Much love and hugs –
Mom and Dad
p.s. Dad is missing some of his favorite t-shirts, did they happen to make it to Haiti? LOL!
We love reading the post from Haiti and seeing the pictures. Keep them coming, it makes our day! Proud of you Averie Holder!
Mom and Dad
Bailey Shephard
We miss you and love you so much:) we are praying for you and everyone around you!!!LOVE U SO MUCH DUDE!!!! Love, Lauren <3
Hahahaha 👌!! Go Chaps!!
Love your dedication Hayden!! I guess you forgot that we used to dose you with benadryl before traveling when you were little 😂🤣😂!! Droggy was better than vomitty 😕!!
Spread the word!!
We love you!!
Dad & Christi
What a fantastic day of hard work and ministry! So proud of each one of you! I’m impressed that you haven’t burned, Hayden! Don’t get lax-keep slatherin’ on the sunscreen! Alyssa-to count being clawed and scratched as joy!? You rock! Sweet Gigi. And Bullett, what a precious experience with the little boy. Oh, no kisses today?
Maddi says she misses y’all and wishes she could be there. Btw Jody, she will be there again with Wolfforth UMC in July!
Maddux and hubs-so happy to see your pictures. I love and miss y’all!
Many prayers from this part of the Martin clan!
Loves.
Oops, Groggy!! Not Droggy 😂
Ashley Kate–
Hope you had a fruitful, spirit-filled day. God is so good! The men worked cows today and Hootie is hauling off calves tomorrow. Perini’s may be in the works for supper tomorrow evening if John is feeling better–he’s been sub par the past few days. Miss you Princess!! Remember, “Serve wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord, not people.” Ephesians 6:7
😘❤ Mrs. Pritch
PS-Hoot says, “Hmmmm!” You know that translates to “miss you!”😍❤😘
Hi Ave how r u doing I am just wondering what the temp. Is like there. Your cat is as crazy as ours cuz our cat climb a tree today.dont worry we got it on video👍.I love u very much and I am praying for u—–Graden😎
In a spring break that is full of work and homework for me, reading this blog is literally one of the only highlights of my day! This and hanging out with Jason and Erin Owen (which BTW, they are amazing people). But anyways, keep up the good work, and yall are all in my prayers! Love y’all, and God Bless!
I have loved keeping up with these blog posts and getting to see everyone’s pictures- it looks like you’ve got a team of rock stars and y’all are doing incredible things! As your trip continues and your amount of energy may be beginning to decrease, I pray that everyone continues to love on the Haitians intentionally, the way I know you already are! I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories when you get back to the states!! Thinking of y’all all the time!
Love,
Mia B 🙂
P.S. Kelly and Ash- I am glad to see that you guys are keeping hydrated.
P.P.S. Can someone please say hi to Pat the Rat for me? Miss the little guy.
Erika,
Love seeing the work you and the group are doing. You are all an inspiration to us! Keep breathing in life to its fullest extent and spreading love. Our prayers are with you all.
Love,
Dad, Mom, Travis, and Kendall
PS: Can’t wait to share pics of the new baby chicks:)
It’s so wonderful to hear of all the Joy you are spreading in His name. I’m also happy that you are learning skills such as digging and moving rocks.
Molly McClain, we miss you but we know you are in your element. Try to get in front of the camera a little more!
We continue to lift you all in prayer.
Mitch & Susan McClain
Y’all my heart is SO FULL reading these blogs! Hearing how much love you are pouring out onto the Haitians brings tears to my eyes. I miss their big smiles and frantic waves when they see us! Hayden you are right, the language barrier is hard, but love has no language.
K-Fouse, I saw a picture of you in the clinic yesterday doing what I used to and I AM SO PROUD!!!
It sounds like y’all are having a BEYOND amazing time and I am so stoked to keep hearing how the Lord is moving!!
Hayden,
I loved getting to hear your description of the day and how you are overcoming barriers that Satan puts in your way to spread God’s love! Of course, you were the one who got sea sick! Lol! Sorry, we should have thought about getting some of those motion sickness patches! I’M SO PROUD IF YOU NOT GETTING SUN BURNED!!! That is a really big deal, folks!! Hopefully you’ll be able to keep it up through the construction! With all that working out that you’ve had to do, you should be able to do well with helping with construction without being too sore! I can’t wait to hear more about what y’all are up to tomorrow!
Love you bunches,
Mom
Hi Cole and all of the wesley team!! It fills my heart with joy to see all of you, all of the smiles and the hard work!! I am so proud of all of you! Cole, how was that boat ride and VBS? I can’t wait to hear all about it! We love you! Mom, Michelle & Lora Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
HHHHHHHeeeeeeelllllloooooooooo Haiti Team!
Loved the stories from Hayden and Alyssa. I really enjoyed hearing about loving on the special needs kids…what a joy and a blessing! So glad yall got to go the village and I know its a struggle since the language is a barrier, but your love for them and God’s love is not a barrier…keep smiling and hugging them and showing the love of Christ, He is shining through you all…through your smiles, your eyes, your faces and through your hugs!
Well, I didn’t see any pictures of Khalil moving rocks or sand and I didn’t hear he was moving rocks or sand or doing any manual labor….so is he slacking or did he not survive the tennis ball Goliath lesson!?!
I bring you wonderful news from Lubbock…Mr. Luke Marcum made his appearance early yesterday morning…a whopping 8 lbs and 1 ounce…Mom Kat, Daddy Ryan and big sister Elouise are all doing well and they bring mom and Luke home tomorrow. Praise God for this little life for the Marcums!
I cannot express to each of you how proud I am of all of you for answering God’s call to travel to Haiti over spring break…from raising your support,,,,taking and making the time for team meetings (especially you Shannon!)….spending your spring break with the Haitians where you could just be sitting around on the couch eating chips and salsa.
So THANK YOU for moving out of your comfortness and stretching yourself and going beyond borders and obeying the Lord…and GOING….Mark 16:15 He said to them, “GO into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature..
Matthew 28:19 Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the son and the holy spirit.
All my love, hugs, prayers and blessings,
Penny
Hey hey.
I just wanted to take a serious minute to say that on this side of the blog I have seen several people moved by the stories and photos you guys have shared. I hope you’re soaking it all in and realizing that God is definitely using you to minister to hearts both in Haiti and back home. I wanted to share this prayer with y’all…it’s the Prayer of Saint Francis; I hope that God will use it to refresh your spirits and encourage you in these final days of this trip.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offense, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. O Master, let me not seek as much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that one receives, it is in self-forgetting that one finds, it is in pardoning that one is pardoned, it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.”
Keep loving well and serving well; all of you. And when you come home, don’t set that aside until the next time you go on a mission trip. This week it’s Haiti, next week it’s Lubbock. Keep loving well and serving well; wherever you are.
Praying for y’all.
– Beth
P.S.
Chris, I have to confess that I watched the season finale of This Is Us without you. And since I can’t see how you reacted to hearing that I’m going to just assume you forgave me…or that by the time you get home you will have anyway. I LOVE YOU 🙂
What beautiful stories from each one of you! Bullett what a wonderful experience you must have had with that little blind boy❤ We love you and cant wait to hear about your trip! Love you! Mom. Dad and Ashley
Alyssa-We can’t wait to hear all of your Haiti stories! Sounds like yesterday was an incredible day that fit you perfectly!
Love and miss you lots!
Mom, Dad, and Bubbie
Hayden,
Let me start of by saying I am so proud of you for doing the Lords work. I have no doubt that you sharing Gods love through your great smile and actions! I am so impressed that your are not sunburned yet. I know you are going to kill it tomorrow in construction. I am so lucky to be dating such a great girl like you and I know you will continue to show God to these people. I miss you.
From
Branch Jones
Alyssa, I’ve been praying for y’all every single day!! I’m so proud of you and love you soooooo much!!! Jett says hi, too!
Can’t wait to hear all about what God has been doing this week!
Xoxo
Kristi
Hi Hayden! Much love from Lubbock! We are so very proud of the work you are doing. You are beautiful inside and out. It’s so much fun reading about your progress in Haiti. Keep up the great work! We pray blessings on you and your team as you complete your journey and return to us. With love, Sandy and Family
Hi Kelly!
I just got through scrolling through some pictures of you on the blog. They really made my day! I miss you SO much and I can’t wait to pick you up on Monday. Keep spreading the good news and being the light. Continuing to pray for you and the rest of the team. I love you and safe travels home!