Tuesday, March 23,2010

Some of the staff with Ely and Pastor Efifonio at La Mountanita

Bus Drivers Strike Closes-Roads, Schools and Businesses
It actually did happen on Monday, our arrival day.

Spirit Air- ***** 5 Star Landing-the absolute best ever in GUA.
* 1 star for service. No soda, pretzels or even water unless you wanted to pay $3.00 for a bottle.

Traffic was light as we left the airport in GUA City and when I inquired why I was told that the bus drivers parked their buses in protest, blocking many major roads, early that morning-thus closing businesses and schools. The only problem this created for us was that we had to wait and watch the news Tuesday morn, making sure it didn't take place again.

All roads were clear and we were on our way by 830a this morning. We opted to load everything on the truck and not bring the trailer in case we ran into trouble. Without the trailer we could take some side roads (paths) if need be.

Ely and Rosa were making their first trip to the coast in over 6 months. Ely really wanted to come out before he heads back to the states for more Chemo. He, Rosa and Jamie rode together in the truck with Eduardo driving and we followed in the van.

The Pan American Highway is under construction and when finished should take two hours off the drive time that we have. It's a blessing to have a good road for part of the trip now because once you're back on the old road, driving is like dodge ball. You dodge pot holes, on coming traffic and inpatient drivers.

The First Church Staff Team:

As I expressed in the earlier email, 8 of our church staff from Mars Hill Baptist are here this week.

We arrived at Piedra Partida around 1p, got everything set up and unpacked, had some down time and drove over to La Montonita for a 6p service.

Bro. Gary, asscosiate pastor, preached on Abraham's test- challenging us that there is only one correct answer when God gives us a test-Yes Lord! Guess that's why we say "I surrender all."
Of course, the problem doesn't lie in saying it but actually living it.

Wednesday and Thursday we're in the mountains delivering, much needed, food while ministering to pastors and believers there.

The temp has dropped from 93 to 84 degrees tonight inside the dorm making it bearable.

April and May are the hottest months here in GUA. I'm thankful that we are going to be in the mountains the next two days. At 7000 ft it will be much cooler.

Lord bless you all. Forever grateful for your prayers and support.

Lewis