Fourteen hours, 850 miles and $180 later the big city of New Orleans was behind me, passport in hand though it didn’t have the desired visa. No problem she said as she piled my passport, visa application, letter of invitation, visa pictures and my un-cashed $60 money order into my lap. No problem, all Americans receive a three month tourist visa when they enter Venezuela. Right. Well at least they gave me my money back.
Fortunately she was right. The only question the customs official asked me was “First time in Venezuela?”, although it took about a dozen repetitions for me to catch on. He started waving around one finger while repeating the question to try to give me the idea. Unfortunately when you are standing at the customs desk and the official starts waving his finger at you, the logical assumption is that you have done something very wrong.
The mountains near Caracas are gorgeous. Very steep mountains with sharp peaks all completely covered with green. The mountains here near Barquisimeto are not so steep but very beautiful. We started climbing the mountains toward Las Delicias right at sunset. Looking out at the rise and fall of the mountains, the mist hanging in the valleys catching the pink of the sunset, I was certain I had never been anywhere more beautiful in all my life. 
As is common with third world countries, Elizabeth asked me Friday night if I would speak on Sabbath. Having been in India for two years, that alone didn’t strike me in any way unusual. The shocking part came when she told me I would be the first of four speakers and that my little talk was to begin at 3:30
Fortunately she was right. The only question the customs official asked me was “First time in Venezuela?”, although it took about a dozen repetitions for me to catch on. He started waving around one finger while repeating the question to try to give me the idea. Unfortunately when you are standing at the customs desk and the official starts waving his finger at you, the logical assumption is that you have done something very wrong.
The mountains near Caracas are gorgeous. Very steep mountains with sharp peaks all completely covered with green. The mountains here near Barquisimeto are not so steep but very beautiful. We started climbing the mountains toward Las Delicias right at sunset. Looking out at the rise and fall of the mountains, the mist hanging in the valleys catching the pink of the sunset, I was certain I had never been anywhere more beautiful in all my life. 
As is common with third world countries, Elizabeth asked me Friday night if I would speak on Sabbath. Having been in India for two years, that alone didn’t strike me in any way unusual. The shocking part came when she told me I would be the first of four speakers and that my little talk was to begin at 3:30
a.m. (note the A and the M)
I’m not sure I can recall the last time I heard of a youth meeting at 3 a.m. On a Sabbath morning no less. But there they were filling up the auditorium, listening to what I had to say, answering my questions. These kids are one of a kind. I mean you couldn’t pay me to be at a 3 a.m. meeting…
Did I mention that I work for free?...
Speaking of funds, I know I’ve hardly been here for two weeks now, but yesterday I learned something about two of the girls that might peak your interest.
Nubia and Miriam are two of the most genuine Christian girls I have ever met. They are sisters, here studying to be medical missionaries. Their day starts at four in the morning, and they work hard without complaint. Home for them is in Columbia, and though it may be a neighboring country, traveling there is a long and expensive trip. There is one single break at Christmas time scheduled into the program for the students to go home to visit the family. Unfortunately their family is struggling financially. Yesterday Elizabeth informed me that they have decided to take the money set aside for the trip home and send it to their parents, forfeiting their only vacation until next September. I was touched by their story since I know they have worked very hard to get that money. If you are at all interested in helping them get home please let me know. My parents address is:
51 Thrash Rd.
Seale, AL 36875
I have a bank account there that I can withdraw money from. My e-mail address is melissathrash@gmail.com if you have any questions.
From the beautiful land of Venezuela,
melissa
I’m not sure I can recall the last time I heard of a youth meeting at 3 a.m. On a Sabbath morning no less. But there they were filling up the auditorium, listening to what I had to say, answering my questions. These kids are one of a kind. I mean you couldn’t pay me to be at a 3 a.m. meeting…
Did I mention that I work for free?...
Speaking of funds, I know I’ve hardly been here for two weeks now, but yesterday I learned something about two of the girls that might peak your interest.
Nubia and Miriam are two of the most genuine Christian girls I have ever met. They are sisters, here studying to be medical missionaries. Their day starts at four in the morning, and they work hard without complaint. Home for them is in Columbia, and though it may be a neighboring country, traveling there is a long and expensive trip. There is one single break at Christmas time scheduled into the program for the students to go home to visit the family. Unfortunately their family is struggling financially. Yesterday Elizabeth informed me that they have decided to take the money set aside for the trip home and send it to their parents, forfeiting their only vacation until next September. I was touched by their story since I know they have worked very hard to get that money. If you are at all interested in helping them get home please let me know. My parents address is:
51 Thrash Rd.
Seale, AL 36875
I have a bank account there that I can withdraw money from. My e-mail address is melissathrash@gmail.com if you have any questions.
From the beautiful land of Venezuela,
melissa
4 comments:
Dear Melissa,
The pictures are GORGEOUS...your stories are delightful, and yes, we will give a donation to help the girls go home for Christmas. Could you please give information as to the amount of money you are needing to fund raise in their behalf? I have your banking information...I will send a direct deposit and then let you know the amount sent.
Jenna is SO excited about a mission trip to Venezuela. I hope that there will be opportunity...something she could help with...a vacation Bible school, or youth outreach, or something. Did I tell you that Lukas and Michelle said they would come with her if they are still here when the time comes? Isn't that so cool? We will pray...asking God to plan something special.
I love you! I miss you! I pray for you! I'm proud of you! I'm thankful that God has shared you with me...I am blessed.
Happy Sabbath my darling.
Love
Mommy
Melissa,
My questions are now answered. What a blessing that you were able to get there safely, and now begin your work and ministry.
I'm interested to continue learning more of the place as you post here.
Remember... January... Peru... It's only a few countries away, so just hop on over. :-)
Blessings to you!
Jason
Melissa,
I am so glad to hear that everything worked out and that you made it safly to Venezuela! Thank you so much for the post!
What is the school like? How many students? Are you in the Jungle or town?
Please let me know if there is anything that you need or that I can do for you!
Let's stay in touch. Do you have a snail mail address that I could write to?
You are in my prayers! God bless!
Justina
Hi Melissa:
Thank you for the insight into your current life and the lovely pictures accompanying your comments. You are a good writer and appreciate all the news and commentary. How much money will send those girls home?
May you be blessed in your work
there for the Lord.
Grandma Carolyn
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