1st Sunday

The "Encuentro Con Dios" Church rents an Anglican Church for it's meetings, so our service doesn't start until 12:30, a half-hour after the Anglicans finish.  Makes for a nice relaxing morning.  I spent the morning reading and studying and then went with my host family, Tomas and Gisela Siquera, to the church.  The fact that I had already met 6 couples during the week took away some of the stress that a new pastor usually feels when he is being introduced to the congregation.  Venezuelans are friendly beyond belief, and it's not hard to right away feel at home here in Caracas.  I felt again today that the Lord has me here for a purpose, and even though it's hard being away from family, He has promised to walk along side me and give me the strength I need for each day.

Caracas

The trip went smoothly - no surprises.  Spent 3 hours at the Houston Airport with Ricardo Diaz, a friend from Bogota days.  I have never gotten together with Ricardo that I didn't come away feeling like I had just been given a gift from the Lord.  

I arrived in Caracas at 5:30 a.m., was met by Eduardo Mercon, and was taken to the home where I will be staying for the next 2 months.  I have a small room with my own bathroom. It's actually the maid's room, but since they don't have a live-in maid it works perfectly for me, and will be a good reminder that my role as a follower of Christ is that of a servant. The family is very gracious and have gone out of their way to make me feel at home.   

The evening was spent in a home Bible study, where 5 couples are studying the Sermon on the Mount.  I'll be continuing the study with them during my time here.  Tonight will be another study in a different home.  

Seattle

The Ebys left this morning for Saskatchewan, and a few hours later I left for Seattle.  As I sit in a Day's Inn tonight, I think of Arlene, suddenly alone in a quiet, empty house.  I pray that she won't be too lonely, and that she will be able to sleep.  I love her very much!  She has a day off tomorrow and then goes back to work on Thursday.

Tomorrow I fly to Houston, and then on to Caracas.  I go with a mixture of fear and anticipation, wondering what the next two months will hold, but also knowing that the Lord will direct my path.

Venezuela Trip

Over the next two months I plan on using this blog to keep family and friends informed regarding my time in Caracas.  I leave Prince George this Tuesday (Aug 5) and fly to Seattle where I will spend the night.  On the sixth I fly to Houston where I have a six hour layover before taking a red-eye flight to Caracas where I arrive at 5:30 a.m..  A good friend from Colombia days, Ricardo Diaz, is planning on coming to the airport in Houston to spend a couple of hours with me.  I always look forward to opportunities to connect with Ricardo and catch up on what's happening in his life.  I just saw in the news that a tropical storm (might turn into a hurricane) could be visiting Houston at the same time that I am, so we'll see what happens.

While in Venezuela I will be filling in for Pastor Eduardo Mercon while he takes a sabbatical.  I don't know where I will be staying while there, but he assures me that everything is under control, and that if worse comes to worse there are lots of parks around.  Arlene won't be with me on this trip, as she has a real job, plus a new grandson (Jackson Eby - born July 15th) to look after.