Hey y’all, its Kendall today. Today has been a long, refreshing, and fulfilling day. The lock-in was a success last night/this morning but we are all so thankful that we got to have a relaxing day to recover. My favorite part about the lock-in was watching the sun rise this morning on the beach with all the youth.
Church started at 9 and we all made it, it was an amazing experience to see how different cultures worship the Lord, we even got to sing “No longer a Slave” in creole with the youth choir. It is so rewarding to see God working throughout the entire world.
After church, most of us went to the beach to take advantage of the free time we had with each other and we enjoyed every minute of it. There is no hot water showers in Haiti but I am starting to enjoy the cold water more than I thought, it is so refreshing.
The days are going by so fast and we are all starting to realize how precious every minute is here in Haiti and with each other. Not only have I begun to love Haiti, my love for this team and the friendships are so special. Even though I am having the time of my life in Haiti, I sure am missing my family! Love you guys and can’t wait to see y’all!! Until next time, XOXO
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the following article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect reality or the position of NWHCM! 🙂
Hello. First off I need to say that this is all written through a translator because after 2 days, I’m completely fluent in Creole and forgotten all 24 years of English. I’m sure the translator will do a great job at capturing my amazing personality. You might already be wondering, “WOW who is this guy, who is probably really smart, obviously funny, and let’s just assume dashingly handsome… oh and humble. This is Brad from the once popular and well known blog “Brad and Randy’s Daily Adventure” which was discontinued due to lack of finances and public interest.
I saw Randy yesterday as his cruise ship passed Haiti. I’m sure he is doing great mission work while drinking mimosas. As heartbroken as I am, I’m the funnier one so I’m thriving.
I am writing to everyone based on around two hours of sleep…so honestly a pretty average night in Lubbock.
First of all, I’m sure y’all are all aware that Maddux and I have been honored as international heroes for saving a goat’s life. It’s probably all over the news. Two legs were tangled while this goat was dangling off the side of a small cliff. After we rescued the goat and did some minor counseling, the goat was perfectly ok. After we determined it was ok, It was slaughtered and we ate it.
Speaking of goats that are still possibly alive…
Kayla thinks she is going to die. She pet goats forever and then eats candy. THEN DOSENT EVEN WASH HER HANDS. Haitian Kayla is N-credible.
We put on a lock-in for around 100 youth (14- 24). The lock-in consisted of a lot of games, small sermons, and small groups. At one point there was even cake. Our theme was Olympics and through that we competed in different teams (VERTTTT!!!!) as well as focused on our identity in Christ. We went from 5pm to 7am non-stop.
At the end of the lock-in, we went to the beach. It was a special moment because Al got to baptize me. I have been reading and meditating in Job 1 a lot and I am amazed at Job’s steadfast love through trials and tribulations. He didn’t blame anyone but gave thanks to God. He didn’t know that Satan asked God to test him, yet he was faithful. This was the very thing his integrity was put to the test, yet he didn’t know. God that has given all, may take what He pleases. I am not Job, but I just saw the connection to Baptism. He shaved his head and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and Naked I return to the Earth. The Lord gives and the Lord takes. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” So just as a symbol of a new creation, I shaved my head. The Lord hasn’t physically taken all things away from me, but I count it all as lost to knowing Christ.
I always remember something that Al told me, “Your testimony is amazing. God has been so faithful to you.” And that’s truly my story.
To celebrate we all sang, Americans and Haitians together, “I’m no Longer a Slave”.
We then got the privilege of attempting to stay awake in the Haitian church service. We suffered heavy losses, and I regret to inform you that most people did not make it. RIP to these brave men and women that almost stayed up the whole night. One of them, was unfortunately Al. Al was caught snoring so loud the pastor called him up to the front…
Beth. I fully expect your paper to be at least half done. Yikes if its not. Keep up with this unrealistic timeline!!
And somehow the night has taken a turn for the worst. Everyone, and I mean everyone has shaven their heads, girls included. Even Al got in on the fun!!! Pics to come!!!
I’m supposed to say hi to dogs named Jerry and Diane and parents name Sadie, or maybe that was the other way around? From HQ, this is Brad, signing out!
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Katie W- I’ve been waiting for the post today… so glad to see you’re smiling face! You already have a tan!! Sounds like yalls lock-in was a blast!! I continue to pray for you and your whole team!! Miss you like crazy!!
My love will find you anywhere!
Mom
Kendall, you are so right, it is SO cool to see God working in all nations. And the fact that he is using you and your team members to help proclaim His name to the nations is such an awesome and special experience!!
B-RAD aka BRAD!!!!! I am beyond thrilled you have decided to continue on with the “Brad and Randy’s Daily Adventure” minus Randy. You and Maddux are the GOATs (greatest of all time) for saving a goat but then eating the said goat.
On a more serious note though, I am just filled with immense joy hearing about your baptism and also getting to see photos from it. I’m sure that morning was so special for not only you and Al and the rest of the team, but also for all of the Haitians that were there to witness your bold and freeing step into the waters to proclaim that our God is your Father and fully accepting Him into your heart.
Wesley team- sending you all so much love. Keep loving boldly not only to the Haitians but also to each other.
P.S. Susan, Hiiiiiii!! (I didn’t type your name in the last comment)
Love,
kfouse
So happy to pics and see the wonderful work the Lord is doing through you all !!!! Love from LUBBOCK !!
Alyssa-We’ve been waiting to see your smiling face. Sounds like the lock in was lots of fun! Glad y’all were able to relax and spend some time at the beach! I sure miss getting to talk to you whenever I want to! Continued prayers for you all!
Love you much!
Mom, Dad, and Landon
The lock screen in sounds like it went great and y’all are rocking it!! Praying for y’all as you spread the love of Jezi!!
Okay I’m not sure if this comment will be read because of the lock in/no sleep. (So cool)
BUT- brad shine….my brother in Christ forever can’t wait to see u in heaven someday, so happy for you, what a way to be baptized. Al+haiti….yes.
Everyone else, I love the pictures, I love y’all, this is amazing!! I shed one single tear, praying for each of you!!
Lots of love
Good Morning Sweet Abby,
So glad to finally see the new post. What amazing pictures and what an amazing way to start the week. I am sure the teens got as much out of the lock in as your team did and how great to spend so much time with them in worship and play. Have a wonderful day and love you bunches. Gigi and Bill
Hi All!
Thank you Kendall for your sweet words about the lock in and Haiti! Time flies when you’re having fun, eating amazing food, and learning more about Jesus every day!
Brad, I think everyone is just happy you shaved your head instead of Ella (I mean really, it wasn’t that bad when we groomed her)! So joyful for your baptism, the return of my favorite syndicated column, and for the emotional rollercoaster that was that goat story. I hope you performed No Longer Slaves with the same vigor as we did in Juarez! Make unto the Lord a JOYFUL noise – doesn’t have to be an in key noise 🙂
Sending each and every one of you lots of love and prayers from Richardson, TX!
-Emily (mostly me because I typed this up), Parker (he’s at work so I can’t really fault him for not typing this), and Maxwell Hunt (she’s a dog so she gets a free pass for not typing)
PS please tell Malaya that we play Euchre ALL THE TIME and thank you for teaching us!
Hayden – glad to see you using your cleaning skills in the pictures. However, knowing how your room was at home I’m not sure where you found those skills 😂!!
It is great seeing your beautiful face & the joy in you in the pictures 😊!!
Can’t wait to hear all your stories from this year when you get back.
Prayers for all, enjoy yourself & don’t forget to use the dramamine. 🤗😓
Love, Dad
I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6
Love you Tyann
It’s all about Jesus.
Keith
Hey y’all! Love to my Al, Maddux, and Maddi!!
Sounds like it is all going really well so far and y’all have already accomplished so much! It’s only Monday, for goodness sake! Just imagine how much more awesomeness God has planned for you and the Haitians you will encounter.
Al-I hope you got some rest and aren’t killing Yourself. Remember, you are not an all-nighter kind of person. So excited you joined in and shaved your head with Brad! What a great bonding moment.
Maddux-I love you and I’m so glad you saved the goat. I’m sure you had no hand in the demise of said goat. Praying for an amazingly fulfilling time for you and for Lex. I pray you are both filled to the brim with God’s love for you.
Maddison-First of all….I am getting your stuff turned in today. Praying you are having an amazing time and that you are making good connections…just think:you will be an actual Tech Wesley student next year! Hope you get to see Luvna. She’s probably grown a lot. Praying you are filled with the love of Jesus and that it radiates out of you as you encounter each person. Are you taking pics?!
Love you all and praying for the VBS’s y’all are doing!! God is so good and is using each of you this week in unique and big ways!
Love,
Jodie
Hello from Holly and Nick in New Mexico. Amber, thanks for the shout out to Sadie (im assuming it was you, could be wrong). Brad, the shaved head suits you, you should grow a beard and match Al. Nick hopes Cole and Kayla both shaved their heads. If you meet a little girl at the Mole named Magdale, PLEASE HUG HER NECK I LOVE HER. ps Maddux hope no one drops a sea urchin or a rock on your head this year. Sending love from the USA!
Green in these pics! Hugs from Grandpa, Little Gran and Uncle Clint. You should see his Aggie. She’s really grown!!!
Sounds like the lock-in was amazing! God is already doing amazing things!! Loved seeing that y’all got some beach time and got to relax! Looking forward to more updates and seeing more pictures! Tori loved seeing a picture of you and Abby! We miss you so much but are so proud of you and know God has you where you need to be!!!!!
Love you with all my heart , mom!! 😘😘😘😘
Hi Taylor!
I am so proud of you and the work you are doing. It looks like you are having a great time!! Praying for you and the rest of the team!
I love you and miss you like crazy.
-Jason
Wow there is just so much to talk about here.
1. I’m so so pumped that the lock-in went so well! I can’t even imagine how amazing it must have been and what an impact it had on the teens and the community. Praise God for his faithfulness and blessings on this project!
2. Olivia, it makes me so happy to see your smiling face after nearly four days without you(that’s probably a record).
3. Kayla, keep petting goats. If you go down petting goats, that’s how you go, and it’s worth it.
4. Amber, keep slaying.
5. Matt Clark, hello from your favorite Woolsey.
6. Brad, I’m so glad that you were able to be baptized in such a special place by such a special person. While I am obviously devastated that we no longer have the same haircut, I will get over it (eventually). I’m proud of you, little buddy.
7. Cole, racquetball?
With love,
Amelia
WOW! OH WOW! Look at all the things God is doing through each and everyone one of you Praise His name for that!
So grateful and thankful the lock-in was such a huge success! Loved the theme, t-shirts and the ages you got to minister too. Their identity in Christ is so important at any age, but especially 14 to 24 years of age.
Oh Brad! Love how you referenced Job and shaved your head for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and chose Haiti the place to be baptized. Such a powerful witness in front of all those kids and your team! I love it!
1 Peter 3:21 Baptism is not an outward cleaning, but saves us through an inward cleaning. It is an appeal to God for a good conscience and asks God to take away the guilt of our past sin.” So thrilled that Christ paid for, wiping our “inner slate” clean and as it says in Galatians 3:27 We “put on Christ” when we are baptized.
Amber…I miss you girl and hope your doing well, looking forward to next week when I can hear all about your experiences.
Baylor…So glad we got to finally meet and hope your first mission trip is going well and your feeling blessed as you are being a blessing to others.
Shoutout to Al…hope you are behaving yourself and keeping the team spirit going!
For all of you….I pray and hope you are feeling the almighty presence of God in Haiti and not feeling any attacks from the enemy. I am asking God to grant you strength, energy and encouragement as the week progresses and you continue to do Kingdom work. I am so proud of each of you for taking your week of spring break to love on the Haitian people.
Pdawg!
Tyann and Taylor,
WOW! My roommates are just the coolest. I’m so proud to call you my friends, but I’m even more proud of your hearts for Jesus. I’m enjoying reading these updates, and I’m praying for all of you every day. Y’all keep sharing your light! I know God is shining through each of you.
See you soon!
Payton
WHADDUP WESLEY FAM!!!
In regard to Brad’s shaven head…the girls who went to the Wesley progressive dinner totally predicted this in a Mad Lib!!! Technically it said “Al shaved Brad Shine’s head during the Renaissance at Forever 21 because they freaking felt like it”, so some of the details were off, but it still counts. Question for Brad: do you and Al share a special bond of baldness now? Question for Al: is shaving your head some sort of symbolic ritual for Wesley directors? I got a lumpy skull Al, but I’ll do it.
Today’s shoutouts:
Amber Pickett – I hope you are embracing uncomfortableness and are being bold in showing others the love of Jesus. (Rest of Haiti team: please hold her accountable to this because it was her goal for herself!) I AM SO PROUD OF YOU & LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! P.S. Drink some water
Jake Lester – Keep living out 2 Corinthians 5:17 well, my friend! Also, remind me to tell you what I found in our hometown this weekend. Hint: it involves honey, so GET HYPE.
Brad Shine – DUDE YOU GOT BAPTIZED! DOPE DOPE DOPE! Also, I have begun the research paper and it looks like a scene out of A Beautiful Mind in the intern office right now. P.S. the birds have begun screaming in the tree by the shack at 7:30am and it is not well with my soul.
For EVERYONE: Know that you are being prayed for by so many people!!! I am praying that you will resist the temptation to complain, even when you’re weary, but that instead, you’d continue to encourage one another and celebrate the things God is doing around you. I’m praying that through sleep and spending time alone with God, you will be rejuvenated, so that you can continue to give your all in this Kingdom work. And I’m praying that God would be glorified in all that you do, even the most ordinary things so that both the Haitians and the team of people around you will see what it means for God to SO love the world, SO love your neighbor, and SO love you. In the words of Paul, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
MUCH LOVE FOR Y’ALL.
Katie Wash I can not even begin to tell you all the good things I want to tell you. So happy for you. god be with all. Love you Luly
Hi Madeline!
Saw your sweet face again in a photo! Looks like you were all gathered in a circle to join in singing ! Made me miss you even more but know you are sharing your love of Jesus with the sweet children in Haiti.
Your mom has tried to get a message sent but not sure if she’s been successful ?? Will keep trying. Wanted me to tell you she is praying for you and all the group constantly and misses you so much! Also wishing she had a cat around as she has had some little critters wanting to share her space !?!?
Love you and miss you 😍
Be careful 😍
Brad – so so so proud of you and glad that I can see the photos!!!! I cannot wait to hear all about it. So happy that you were baptized by Al and in such a special place. Wish we could have been there to witness.
Love you little buddy!
Hi Taylor,
We love seeing the photos, thanks everyone for sharing your wonderful experience! I even recognized you from your backpack. Miss my girl, but we are so very proud of you and your heart for this mission. Thank you all for going and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love and God Bless!
Mom
Aunt Averie,
We are in Houston and I miss you so much. Olivia is staying with us tonight on her way to a dance camp. I hope you are having fun in Haiti. I know the kids are having fun with you there. I will show you my new Hatchimal when you get home.
I love you so much,
Garrison
Kendall!! We love and miss you SO much but am so glad you are there sharing the God’s word and God’s love!!! Remember every single second of every single day so you can tell us all about it! Praying for you and your team! This is such an amazing journey! So glad we can follow along! Love you sweet girl and love you to the moon and back a million times!!
Dogs Jerry and Diane just found the blog! So excited to read of your lock in and all the other good God is doing through you all!. We are praying for all of you every day! Love seeing all the pics, I can see the Holy Spirit at work!
Love you Hannah Godwin😘😘😘😘😘!, mom and dad….. Cooper & Chi-Chi
TYANN!! Miss you so much & hope you are having a great time! Can’t wait to see all your pictures & hear all your stories from your trip! Stay safe & keep sharing your love for Jesus!
Love ya!
– Tif
Hey sis! Hope your having a great time and learning a lot. I can’t wait to hear everything when you get back! Try to survive without you phone and calling mom 10X a day! Love you brat.