Finally Home

We are all finally home safe and sound , well our minds may not be sound, but safe nonetheless. I tell you, this was a trying 12 days for everyone, home and abroad. The 3 souls added to the church made it ALL worth while however. Yesterday wasn't easy. The day started for us at 1:00 AM, leave Georgetown, fly to Trinidad then to Miami. Once we got through the hoops at Miami, I checked in at Delta to find that my confirmation number held no ticket home for me. So, $375.00 later we get me a ticket on a flight to Atlanta then to Birmingham. But, while in Atlanta, my plane was broken down and had to be put in the hanger to be repaired before we left. So 3 hours later I get on the plane and the pilot said the AC was broken that we had to wait on a Mechanic etc. You see how the week ended. But we are home. Let's recount the trip:

1. "Miami" revenge stomach ailments for group day 1and 2.
2. Killer bees attck on day 3.
3. Power blackout during middle of night 3's classes.
4. The normal, show up for a scheduled study and the people all of a sudden ignore you and won't come to the door.
5. Plane crash (no deaths thank the Lord)
6. Rescheduling flights (nightmare in itself)
7. Me not having a way home from Miami.
8 Finding that my luggage got completely destroyed somewhere between Miami and Birmingham.

The moral to this trip? Satan puts obstacles in our paths when we do good for the Lord. We are to greet these trials with joy, knowing that our faith will grow stronger (James 1:2-4  ^2(E) Count it all joy, my brothers,^[b] when you meet trials^(F) of various kinds, ³for you know that^(G) the testing of your faith^(H) produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be^(I) perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.).

The ironic thing is, we taught the book of James all week in our nightly classes. Specifically, I taught chapter one, so I can officially say that it is hard to greet trials with joy.

The other moral? I might need to be nicer to the ticket counter folks in Miami. My luggage might have made it home in one peice.

'Til next time........

Let's Try it Again

It's 9:15 PM here in Guyana on Tuesday night. In approximately 4 hours we'll leave Linden and travel, once again, to the airport in Georgetown. Our flight should leave at 5:30 AM, stop in Trinidad then to Miami by 12:30 or so. From Miami to Atlanta to Birmingham hopefully by 7:40 PM Wednesday. It's been a great week and a half. We had one more obey the gospel today. There is a reason we stayed here longer. But, after 110 or so studies and 12 days, we are ready to come home. I'll try to lay my head down for a little while, then off we go. I'll post again somewhere in route back home. 'Til next time......

Back to Work - In Guyana

First off, Mercedes, Joel and Che' are in route to Birmingham (probably still sitting in Atlanta) for a 10:10 PM arrival. Back here in Guyana, the rest of us held several more Bible studies with more to follow tomorrow. We are definitely making the most of the time given us here. The five of us left, are officially scheduled for a 7:37 PM arrival in Birmingham Wednesday night. That actually wasn't confirmed until late this afternoon, so no nap today as we were a little anxious until we heard the news. Things can and often do  change on this trip so we won't be convinced that we are back in the U.S.A. until we face the shake down of customs agents in Miami, FL. Until then we are graciously being allowed to stay in the house here with a big group from South Carolina. There are now 26 people in this house. We are little cramped but nobody seems to be put out. One more day for us to get after it here then an early morning ride to the airport (1:30 AM). I'll post updates as long as I am able so you can follow us home. 'Til next time.......

As of Sunday Morning, Joel, his wife Che' and my daughter Mercedes will be traveling back to Birmingham late Monday night around 10:10 PM. The rest of us will have to wait to come home Wednesday night about 7:30 PM. This is the best the airline will do for us. Of course we already know things change pretty quick, especially this trip. I told Nigel as long as I'm going to be here in South America for a few more days, I might as well take in a little Peacock Bass fishing and tour some of the Amazon jungle. Well, maybe I'll stick to conducting some more Bible studies. I am going to try and post a couple of pics of the plane crash. 'Til next time.......

The Plane In Two

Some of the Responders

We Made the National News in Guyana as Stranded Passengers



Well, We're Still Here

Just a quick blog update to say all of us from the mission trip to Guyana from Hoover are A-OK. As we were about to pull into the terminal in Georgetown, a 737 ran off the runway, breaking in two. Apparently, due to rain etc. the pilot overshot the runway and it ran off the end barely missing a huge ravine. No deaths were reported bu there were some injuries. Obviously they closed the airport for a while, and we are waiting to hear from Caribbean Airlines as to when they find us a flight back home. We have come back to Linden until further notice. We possibly might leave today, more than likely tomorrow at least. I will keep everyone informed. Wow, what next this week? 'Til next time......

Sad to Leave, But Glad to Go

The week seemed to just start and now it is over. Good news up front. We had two people obey the Gospel this afternoon and we have at least 6 or 7 that I expect will in the following weeks if not days. So very close. Like all of the other campaigns I go on, you are sad to leave, but glad to go. We worked extremely hard this week, everyone, our team and the local congregation. We sowed many many seeds. I realize some will never mature and bear fruit, but some will. God will give the increase. We always get to see a lot of 'old' friends when we come here, but we all made many new friends as well. I hope we can all stay in touch.
Now the long night begins. We will hang out at Nigel's house, not really nap, then head to the airport at 2:00 AM for a 5:30 AM flight from Georgetown to Miami. If all goes as expected we should all be home about 7:30 PM central time. Pray we have a safe journey. I should have another post from the airport in Miami. So 'Til next time......

The Week is Flying By

Today has come to an end. Studies are continuing very well and we should finish up quite a few tomorrow, our last day. We had another strong night in attendance, 96 people. Each day is getting better and better, but, only one more evening session left. Before our classes this evening, we visited the local hospital where about 50 patients are being seen for various reasons. The pediatric ward is always very touching. We gave all the children there Beanie Babies and a little bag of fruit. They were so excited, especially for the Beanie Babies. It really tears at your heart to see them laying there and feeling so bad. I hope we could brighten their day just a little. All of the adults were glad to see us as well. They were each given some fruit, and, of course some inspirational tracts. This is the second time I have visited this hospital and it is quickly becoming a highlight of my experience each year. We'll try and finish up things tomorrow in a big way, pack up and head to the airport at about 2:00 AM Saturday to begin our journey home. I plan to have an update before we leave, and definitley while we are waiting on the plane in Miami. 'Til next time.....

Sandra and Emily Teaching 5 and Under

Glenn Teaching the Teen Class

Joel, Che' and Sandra Visiting a Sick Child

Mike and Che' Visiting Some Patients

How's This for Code

Nice Little Rainbow to End the day