Thurs. Oct. 24th
6:45 AM Met in the lobby...
We fly early mornings to miss the thunderstorms, etc.
Flew Panama City to Valencia, Venezuela. An uneventful flight thanks to Jim and Ken's expertise and God's blessing.
"Crew" Bobbie served snacks to her happy travelers!
Noon - arrived Valencia, Venezuela! Beautiful city and countryside.
"Handlers" escort us through Immigration and took us to the Intercontinental Hotel.
Valencia -
- on the ocean (Atlantic/ Caribbean)
- Gorgeous skyline - beautiful high rises
- Green mountains all around us
- 90's and humid
Went to a Venezuela Mall - the first shopping since we left California. Similar feel to US, and none of us really bought much. One hour and we were ready to go back to the hotel.
Checked email in the business office. Dinner out by the pool. Late night Fashion Show by the pool... time to go to bed men!!
Fri, Oct. 25th -
Venezuela - Logos II Ship
9:00 - Reception on the ship with the Captain and Lawrence Tong and staff.
11:00 - Had a special tour of the ship.
Noon - Luncheon in the Ship Dining room with the staff.
Afternoon back at the hotel (2 hours)
5:00 - left to go back to the ship.
7:00 - Carol played with the ship band for the prelude and Worship Time.
Carol also played & sang "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever".
Paul & carol spoke 1 1/4 hour on MARRIAGE and the Family. This seminar was offered to the city and about 350 came. Duane Grasman translated. Paul closed with an invitation to receive Christ and then an invitation for God to heal their marriages. About 50 came forward and Paul prayed with them. Many stayed for individual prayer and counseling. (Broken marriages, premarital sex, Infidelity, molestation, etc.) God worked in a mighty way. PTL.
Hotel...nearly midnight...had to order room service since we hadn't had time for dinner. Now it's 12:30 ...only a few hours to sleep...
Sat. Oct. 26th -
There is political unrest in Venezuela!
Coming home late last night we passed street mobs - protesting the new President. There were police everywhere and an ambulance. People were calling for a re-election. Meanwhile - a pop concert was being held at OUR hotel - mobs of people and cars. It was difficult getting to our hotel. The loud noise continued into the night. Apparently some political personnel were going to be staying at OUR hotel for the weekend. Jim became concerned about an "An American here with his plane..." He decided it might not be safe for us to stay the weekend...when people don't have to go to work and further protesting could break out.
3 AM - received a phone call from Jim saying we might need to leave!
4 AM - Jim called us all to his room for a debriefing...
5:30 - downstairs with our luggage...ready to go...
6 AM - drove to airport
- Flew back to Costa Rica...
- 2 1/2 hour flight
- Checked back into our favorite Marriott Costa Rica... Swam... spa... relaxed...
- Said Good bye to Darrel & Kathy Grasman (who are now very dear friends!)
- 6:30 PM "Last night together" Dinner with the 8 of us who will return on the plane in the morning.
- Presented "Certificates of Appreciation" to each person for all that they have done. Presented a small-framed "Certificate of Appreciation" to Co-Captain Ken Mark.
- Presented a large framed "Certificate of Appreciation" to Jim & Bobbie Knuppe for their vision, extreme generosity, and passionate heart for the Lord and the lost.
We are all so blessed to have shared in this anointed mission adventure!
Sun. Oct. 27th
9 AM - flew Costa Rica to Zacateca, Mexico (43,000 ft. / 500 miles an hour / 3.5 hrs.)
Flew Zacatecas to Browns Field (south San Diego) 2.5 hours...
Flew San Diego to Ontario Airport (Riverside area) ...30 min.
Loving goodbyes to Dr. Malcolm Robertson & Dr. Bob & Rita Jabs
Flew back to Hayward airport ...
Total - about 8 hours of flying...incredibly comfortable flying.
We are all spoiled for the rest of our lives!
Final hugs: Rischers, Ken Mark, and Knuppes! What an adventure!
We will never be the same...
Phil. 1:6 - "He who began a good work in you will complete
it until the day of Jesus Christ."
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