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Greetings from the beach...!

The last 10 days have been a whirlwind! It feels like it has been a month since I last wrote, for we have had so many activities.

The Mendozas left Venezuela without incident on Monday, September 2nd. They spent the night at the Cordero's house in the capital and arrived here the following afternoon. Carlos and Rosario brought them to our condo, excusing themselves right away. They had stored in our garage all the small items for the Mendoza's house. So, they loaded their car and drove to the house to get it all set up for them because we wanted to surprise them. They worked hard setting up beds and other furniture, the kitchen, the bathroom, etc. Francisco was there also helping because Carlos did not have the right tools. Ricardo and Miguelina also went to work. In the mean time, we stayed in our place to get acquainted with them. They have a 14 year old son, Samuel. The boy was getting restless after a long car drive and sitting. We went to the pool so that he could swim a little. They were probably wondering when was dinner because it was getting late. Finally, Carlos and Rosario came back tired and sweaty, but after a quick shower, we finally drove to their house. When they opened the door, the lights came on. Surprise! The whole group was there. Miguelina had cooked chicken and rice for everybody, others brought salads, drinks, and I had baked a cake. The Mendozas were overwhelmed by the warm reception. It was very difficult for them to leave their country, but we were hoping that a warm welcome would help.

Jose Gregorio and Samuel

Ana Maria

We sat outside because it was very hot

Living room and dinning room

Living room

Kitchen loaded with food

Stove and brand-new pots

Since we are leaving on Tuesday, there were only a few days to introduce them to the town. Wednesday morning we did a prayer walk around town. There was a dual purpose: to cover their ministry in prayer and for them to see the town. They had left over chicken and rice for their lunch, so we dropped them off and went back to the condo for lunch with Carlos and Rosario. At three o'clock, we went back to take them to Yua and Diana's house for about an hour visit. Then in the late afternoon, we visited Eduardo and Arelis, and Gardy and Paola. Paola fed us dinner, so we dropped them off and went home. All of us were exhausted.

Next morning, they had to go to the bank with the Corderos and to get a local chip for their phone. We visited two more homes that evening, Christian and Daniela, and Ricardo and Miguelina. The latter is a great cook. She fed us dinner, shrimp and rice. Wow! Delicious! Again, we all went home tired.

On Friday, the Corderos had to take them back to the bank to pick up their ATM cards and to finish their account details. They will be getting support from Carlos' organization:  Coalicion Mision Integral Local banks are getting very careful about money sources to avoid money laundering. The finally got it all set up. That evening we visited Walter and Yesenia and Francisco and Luz.

At Luz an Francisco's - Luz Elena's arms weren't long enough for the selfie

Carlos suggested that we set up a meeting with Alejandro, the pastor who worked here with us and who heads the church that was built in the next town. All of us had lunch at our favorite restaurant that happens to be near Alejandro and Alba's house. We had a great meeting. Carlos explained our vision for the town and for the Mendozas. Alejandro and Alba gave the Mendozas their blessing, we prayed together, and they exchanged phone numbers. It was a blessing.

Before we even left California, Carlos had asked us to write a memo of understanding for the Mendozas. We had worked together on the document and all agreed on the plan. The idea is not to plant a "church," but a Christian community center, with Bible studies and even worship meetings as part of the general plan of helping the community with counseling, sports, homework help and recreational activities. In order to be a viable organization, we need to be recognized as a local non-profit. According to the laws of the land, we need a board of 10 members minimum, with an executive board. Because the whole legal process will take about six months, Carlos wanted to get it organized while we were still here. We can be part of the 10 members, but have no vote because we are non-resident foreigners. Anyway, we asked a few of the believers to be on the board and to assume executive positions. After explaining how everything worked, we have the basis for the organization. The Mendozas will be under the authority of this local board. Once it is set up, people can give donations to the organization, which we have called "Asociación Valores," because it will have a bank account. We had this meeting with the executive members yesterday before the couples' bible study.

Miguelina prepared a typical basic dish of rice and beans for the whole group, all 34 of us, including children. We had brought meat, which Christian barbecued. After dinner, the Mendozas gave their testimonies. Then we celebrated Arleth's 40th birthday with piñata and cake. We had such a good time, but more importantly, the group was very friendly and warm towards the Mendozas. The have opened their arms to receive them. We went home very late and again, tired. The Mendozas just live a couple of homes from Christian and Daniela's, so they just walked. They will either walk to places while in town, or use the bus when they have to go out of town.

Christian, the chef

Eduardo, Arelys, José Gregorio and Francisco

some of the group

Yirardi, Randall, Arleth, Yesenia

Some of the little girls

Fatima Isabella and Nazareth

Walter and Camilla

Christian and Daniela, our hosts

Francisco and Luz

Ana Maria sharing

Local ladder

Arleth

Arelys

Paola

Candy and confetti

Jose Gregorio

This morning we met here for breakfast. After one final good-bye, they left with Carlos and Rosario back to the capital. They have to apply for a missionary visa to get permanent residency. They will be back permanently next week, but by that time, we will be in the States. They and the ministry is in the Lord's hands. We have prayed for about four years for a couple to live here and take over the ministry. The Lord has provided this family. We prayed that they will be well received, and they have been. PTL! Pray with us that the Lord will give them wisdom and humility to do His work.

Prayer requests:

• Pray for wisdom and humility for the Mendozas
• Pray that they will be granted missionary visas
• Pray for their ministry here
• Pray for traveling mercies - we leave on Tuesday
• Pray for Arleth's anxiety attacks

Thank you for your prayers! Until next time...from the beach...!