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



Day 4 Complete

Today's total for one on one studies was again 21 with our 4 groups that we divide into. Tonight's classes were interesting. We experienced a "normal" and regular blackout in the middle of our lessons. Of course, the childrens classes held a little more excitement when that happened. In the adult class, which I was teaching, we never checked up. I reached into my bag, pulled out my lantern and told everyone to stay put, I wasn't done yet. It was a great night of classes. I believe our count for tonight was 92 in attendance. Not bad considering it was raining and most everyone has to walk long distances to church.
Earlier today, Adam and Emily was teaching a man who is a 7th Day Adventist. The gentleman cannot study again until next week,when we will be gone, but insisted that he give them his phone number so the local church could call him and set up more studies. It's always nice when people are that interested in learning The Word. 10:30 PM now. Off to bed. 'Til next time.....

A Couple More

Little Did They Know This Food They Just Ate Would Have Them Running

Me Teaching the Teenage Class on  Tuesday

A Few Pictures

So far, day 4 has been as expected. Finally a day with tropical downpours, power outages, a rat running around during the middle of one of Joel and Che's studies. Just a good Guyana afternoon, about to head out to our classes for this Wednesday evening. I'm not sure of our daily total of studies yet but will know more in a couple of hours.  We hope and pray everyone back at home is safe and sound. 'Til next time.....

Me and Mercedes

Walking Toward One of Our Studies

Our Group of Local Church Members Helping us This Week

Day 3 - Calm

A great day today. No bee stings. Just really full of studies. Our 4 groups had 21 Bible studies today then conduted classes tonight for all ages. As expected the attendance each night is growing, with 77 local people last night and 94 people tonight. This should be the trend all week. I know all of our next 2 days are fairly full already with one on one Bible studies, and we are still setting up more each day. I'll try and post some more pictures in the morning before we head out for the day's work. It's after 10:00 PM and if anyone knows me, it's past my bed time. 'Til next time....

A New Day

Well after a couple of "exciting" first days, we hope today will only be filled with Bible studies and sowing seeds. We have divided into 4 groups and conducted 10 studies thus far with more scheduled for today. It's nice to come back after being gone a year and see people you studied with before and remember each other. After our round-table discussions late last night, it was clear that some of the reunions were quite emotional for both sides. That just goes to show you that thousands of miles cannot seperate God's family. One quick story; last year, Joel Abbott left his sunglasses at Miss Norma's house while studying with her. When we showed up to the church building yesterday, there she was, waiting to return Joel's sunglasses to him. She held onto them a whole year knowing she would see him again. Her committment to Christ seems to be this  strong as well. Here's a few pictures. 'Til next time....

Glenn Studying With Faith (A Woman Named Faith)

Mike Studying With Lenny (Right Before The Swarm of Bees Got Us)

The Team (Lto R, Nigel our host, Sandra, Mike, Joel, Emily, Che', Glenn, Mercedes and Adam)

Mercedes Teaching the First of Her Nightly Classes. Here The Children Made Thier Coat's of Many Colors.

It took a while for the blog to get working. The Google service kept thinking I was a hacker being out of the United States and would not let me login. I didn't do anything but it seems to be working now. So, for how everyone is doing. Several of the group ate something from the airport in Miami (chicken sandwich I think) and spent the first night, and day, trying to, let's say, get rid of it. All are doing better as we just finished lunch and not much is left on the table.
The first day of studies has been a little slow although we've all had at least two studies with more set up. Tonight will be the first night of classes and promises to be crowded. We did have some adventure today. As my group was conducting a study with a gentleman, a swarm of killer bees was disburbed by the man's neighbor. Unfortunately Mercedes, who is OK mind you, got stung 4 times and the 2 young women helping us got it a couple of times as well. At the time, neither I or the man got stung. Actually after the girls went running down the street, I was left to gather all of their supplies (purses, backpack's, pens, paper, water bottles), tell the man it's been a nice lesson and we'll be back, and then high tail it out of there myself.
So let's recount; Satan sends "Montezuma's Revenge" the first day and a swarm of Africanized honeybees on day 2. We will not be defeated!  I hope to put a few pictures up later, if their not blurry from running.
'Til next time.....

Traveling Solo

As the rest of our team to Guyana left and arrived Saturday, I'm playing catch up today. Due to a previous work obligation (working the Aquapalooza event on Lake Martin) I was not able to travel until today. So here I sit in Miami airport, waiting a few hours for a flight to Georgetown, Guyana. I just finished a $13.00 cheesburger, a water and now working on a coffee. I'll spend more money between Atlanta and Miami airports in one day, than I'll spend all week in Guyana.  I pray everything has gone well for the rest of the team so far, and I will report late tonight if I get in before they go to sleep. If not? 'Til next time......

Getting Ready!!

Well, less than a week left before we are in Linden, Guyana for a great week of mission work. As of now most of the lessons have been prepared (I have a few tweaks left), devos have been prepared and most supplies are gathered. I have already been busy packing and re-packing, re-checking my list; most of us probably have. Alot of thought and prepartion goes into any mission trip, from the leader of the team to each member of the team. We study so much but there comes a time when you're ready to just go and it is what it is. For me, It's time to go. I'll check back as we start our journey.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we finish our preparations!

'Til next time......

Back in the USA

Whew! That was a long night. Well, we're sitting safely in Miami. Good to be "home". We are all tired and ready for a nap! Our next flight, AA3611, should land in Birmingham at approximately 12:20 PM a little later today. Keep us in your prayers. 'Til next time.

Wow!!

Wow! That's all I can say about yesterday's trip to Machu Picchu. It was a long 19 hour day, but very worthwhile. Words and pictures cannot describe Machu Picchu, or, this entire week for that matter. There comes a time in every mission trip where you kind of roll over the hump and your at the point of ready to go. As much I was into this trip and enjoying and being uplifted each day, I'm officially ready to come home. We'll leave Cusco today but won't arrive in Birmingham until 12:20 PM on Sunday. A lot of airport waiting. Here's a few pics from yesterday. 'Til next time.......

Como se Llama?

Our Group

Amazing

Thursday Night Thoughts

Well, it's Thursday night and the "official" campaign is over. After an unsuprising long day , we (the entire campaign volunteer staff) were treated to a nice banquet consisting of Peruvian style chicken cor-don-blue, potatoe salad and peruvian style music from a live band. A few of our group even got in on the act. It was definitely a nice way to stop and relax and reflect and enjoy the work that had been accomplished this week. Today's session was no different with well over a hundred Bible studies and more than 260  patients seen. People were definitely touched physically and spiritually. For this, I am a witness. So much for an early night. The bus for Machu Picchu picks us up at 3:30 AM, or, 4.5 hours from now. 'Til next time.....

Don't Know if She wanted Her Picture Taken

"My" Reception Team

Peruvian Band and Dancers

Dennis Joinin' In

The Entire Team. It took Everyone.

One More Day at the Clinic

One day left for the medical campaign. So far, these first 3 days have been exhausting as I have said. But I feel good every evening went I sit down to reflect and write. Today 240+ people were treated. When we walked to the building this morning, there was already a line of 40+ people waiting to get in. There will be even more tomorrow. Also, each day the Bible studies are getting more and more with phenomenal enthusiasm. This Church will definitely keep on growing. After another long day at the clinic tomorrow, we will have a banquet at the Church building, and then go by a market to buy some snacks etc. for our Machu Picchu trip on Friday. When get to the hotel it will be a quick note on the blog then off to bed. Did I say we were having to leave at 3:30 AM to go to Machu Picchu? We will take a bus for 1.5 hours, then board a train and ride for another 1.5 hours up through a picturesque valley, before we get on another bus to take a 20 minute winding ride up the side of a mountain to the entrance of the park. We won’t get back until late Friday night, then it will off to the airport on Saturday. You know, the 12 hour days standing almost constantly suddenly don’t look so bad. ‘Til next time…..

Friends

The Line Waiting to Get In

One of our More Vocal Patients

Jason Hard at Work

Another Jason and Rick Hard at Work

Medical Clinic Day Two

Medical campaign day 2 completed. Another long, but great day. We saw 220 patients, a lot of them with vision problems. A few people were older than 94 and 100 years old. Yesterday there were 17 follow up Bible studies scheduled. Today, there were over 100 Bible studies held during the day and 30 plus follow up studies scheduled. That is really what our goal is anyway, to sow the seed. We are just able to do that, and help those with medical issues at the same time. All of this is extremely hard work and taxing on all of those involved. But, you know, I’ve never met a mission trip that wasn’t. ‘Til next time……

Waiting Was Full All Day

Rush Hour With Cabs and Combi's

A Young Peruvian Boy Playing on the Sidewalk

Street Vending and Street Living

Day One Medical Clinic

I was right. It was a long day, but successful. On our first day operating a medical clinic here in Cusco, we treated (or at least the doctors treated) over 150 people for a myriad of ailments. I merely got them registered and headed to triage where all their vitals were taken. These are definitely long days but very worthwhile. Also, a lot of people chose to take part in Bible studies while they waited in line to see the doctors and nurses. That was very encouraging. I definitely should have learned a little more Spanish, but I’m getting along pretty well. I’ll probably be fluent by the end of the week. Right? Here’s a few pics of today’s activities. ‘Til next time………

Blood Pressure Check at Triage

On-going Bible Studies

Physical Therapy

The Final Wait Before Seeing The Doctor

Worship and Fellowship

Today we had a great day of worship and fellowship. Even though the service was conducted in all Spanish, I was able to follow along quite well. After service we set up the medical clinic for the work we are doing this week, had a great lunch of grilled chicken breast and wing served with French fries, then, we went to the artisan market where we could purchase gifts etc. For supper, we went to the Plaza (like the city square) and ate at a place called the Inca Grill. My main dish was grilled trout with potatoes, tomatoes, capers and olives. It was very good. I did, however, try Alpaca meat and cevice’ style fish. Both were surprisingly good, especially the Alpaca meat. Well maybe tonight my head won’t feel like it’s going to explode. I’m going to go now and try and get some good sleep. We’ll eat B’fast at 6:30am and meet at the church building at  7:15am to start a long but good day helping some of the local peoples. ‘Til next time……..

One of the Views of the Plaza

One of the Cathedrals at the Plaza

The Largest of the Cathedrals in the Plaza

View From In Front of Our Hotel

Another View From Behind Our Hotel

A New Day

After a so so nights sleep, I awoke to another huge headache (along with some of the others). I took another handful of Ibuprofen and a little breakfast with 3 cups of tea. I feel suprisingly good at this moment. Jason M checked most of our blood oxygen levels, and, we're all a little on the low side. In other words, the 2 days or so that I was told it takes to acclimate to this altitude, 11500 ft, seems to be holding strong and true. Here's a couple of pics that show the views from my hotel room. 'Til next time.......

The View Behind our Hotel

Safe in Cusco!!

Well after a mechanical problem sent us to another plane in Lima this morning, we finally arrived in Cusco, albeit a little late.What little scenery I´ve seen so far has been amazing. Today was filled with a much needed nap, a handful of Ibuprofen, good food and a meeting about our upcoming clinic. After what I hope to be a full nights sleep, we´ll attend worship tommorrow, set up for the medical clinic then have a chance to shop and eat at the Plaza. I will start uploading some pics tommorrow evening as we are just now figuring this internet access thing out down here. It helped once we were given the security code by the hotel to login. ´Til next time.......Goodnight

Under Way

Well we're off! We left Birmingham, AL at 1:05 PM today en route to Cusco, Peru via Miami then Lima. As I write, we are in Miami involuntarily participating in a 7 plus hour wait until our next leg which leaves at 11:50 PM eastern time. As usual, people watching has been oh so entertaining, but I'm not sure if it can quite hold me over until our next flight. But it is interesting to know that such people really do exist in this world! After an overnite flight, we should arrive in Lima, Peru early in the morning. Then, it's off to Cusco, to the hotel and then a long nap, hopefully. Importantaly, however, our group is safe and well. 'Til next time.....

Mike, Dennis, Nancy and Jason Leaving Birmingham

We Already Look Tired