I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Monday to be ready to leave for the airport at 6:30 a.m. We had to be there at 7:00 a.m. Julio's brother, Raphael, picked us up in the school van and Leila and Laura went along to be sure we got through everything at the airport. I can't believe how crazy the traffic was at 6:30 a.m. but we made it to the airport safely (which we were always thankful for with all the crazy driving) just a few minutes after 7:00 a.m. We figured we would get checked in and through security and have plenty of time to look around at the shops in the airport Boy were we wrong! We first had to stand in line to get a slip of tax exemption because we paid our exit tax in with our ticket prices. We then stood in a very long and very slow line to check in. In this line we went through our 1st security clearance as we were questioned by security officers about all sorts of things: the reason for our trip, where we stayed, our professions, how we obtained our ticket (this one almost tripped Dad up as his ticket was the one we got with airline miles), who packed our luggage, etc. We got through this clearance but then Dad got pulled to have his luggage searched ... and of course his underwear was right in top! Finally we arrive at the check in counter and get checked in without any problems. We then proceeded to the next security clearance where we and our carry-on items are checked. We said our goodbyes to Laura and Leila before getting in line We were really glad to have them with us to guide us through the maze. We both got frisked at the clearance and then passed through. At this point we still thought we had enough time to look around so we stopped in one of the shops.

Dad came with the determination to purchase me an emerald since Columbia mines emeralds and is known for some of the finest in the world. We never got a chance to shop for any during the week so we took a look at the airport. We were astonished at how expensive they were. The first necklace I looked at was over $1000.00 US. I have to admit the depth of the color and clarity of the emeralds were exceptional. We lowered our expectations of what we would be able to purchase and I found a beautiful emerald pendant. I purchased a chain for it once back home.

We went on to locate our gate and I was still thinking I could look around after finding it but, again, I was wrong. First of all, to our surprise we had to go through another security clearance to get to the gate area. We got settled at the gate and I went to purchase a snack as we had not had breakfast. I got back to find that we had to take everything out of the gate area as they set up another security clearance we had to go through. We went through this clearance to be told they were bringing my checked luggage to the gate for searching. I'm still not sure what the deal was but they had an officer come to check mine. The other bags were being checked by a clerk and the dogs came to sniff mine. They told Jim he had to stay to be there for the search and the plane was then currently loading so Jim sent me on to the plane. I was very nervous as I waited and waited and waited for him to come on the plane. Finally I saw him. He said the officer moved things around and sniffed my bag. I'm not sure what they were looking for but they didn't find it.

Finally we took off for Newark, New Jersey. This was a long, hot, and uncomfortable flight that seemed like it would never end. When we finally arrived in Newark, they had all flights in a holding pattern while they changed the runway schedule due to weather. It was an awesome feeling to get off that plane. I was glad to be back in the States. Going through customs and baggage check went quickly and smoothly which we were glad of because we were late getting in and had to change terminals and were pushing it to get to our next flight in time. Then we found out our next flight had been delayed an hour due to weather. We had a smoothie, made some phone calls and waited.

The departure time kept changing but finally we boarded ... to wait for de-icing of our plane. It was great to finally get off the ground and headed for Detroit. We arrived in Detroit, dug our car out of the snow & ice, grabbed supper, and headed for home ... HOME SWEET HOME!!!! We arrived home around midnight to excited dogs and a warm, comfortable home. We were definitely exhausted from our 18-19 hour day but very blessed and very fulfilled!

I am so thankful that God opened this door of ministry for us. We were so blessed in so many ways! I can't wait to see the next door that God opens!

So it is the evening of our last day in Columbia ... sad to be leaving ... ready to be home and missing everyone at home! Our host family, Julio, Leila and Laura were there along with another of Julio's daughtesr and her husband ... and Max, the puppy. Dianna, her mom and brother came by to visit and say goodbye. I wanted so much to give Dianna something for all she did for us but didn't have anything else left but a few chocolates. (We took all kinds of chocolates with us to share with the people. Our friend, Rick, told us they loved chocolate, especially Reese's. We shared most of what we had with our host family and everyone at the retreat but still had a few left.) Jim and I were talking about wanting to give something to Dianna and he reminded me that I had 2 new books by Tommy Tenney about Esther and about worship. I felt like I was supposed to give those to her so I wrote a note to her and got out the rest of the chocolate.

We all sat around sharing what God was speaking in our hearts and through us to each other. I haven't sat with a group of people where the Holy Spirit spoke and ministered in such a powerful way in a long time. Prophetic words, encouragement and appreciation just flowed between us. I will treasure this time for a very long time. When we were at the retreat they gave each person a small gift that Julio said had a prophetic meaning for each individual. I received a treasure box with a scripture reminding me that as I follow and obey God He will bless me and prosper me. I was reminded that I am a treasure and that God lives on the inside of me and has planted many treasures in me. Jim received a jeep full of food, supplies, coffee, etc. I'm not sure what his scripture said ... can't remember at the moment ... but I do know he needs a new car. His Toyota is over 300,000 miles now and I believe this token showed God's provision in our lives. I really believe this trip is a turning point in our lives: we are headed toward financial freedom and I believe this is the beginning of God opening more doors in our lives to walk in His purpose for us. I will find Jim's scripture and share it with you in another post. During our sharing, God ministered to the group about their needs being met for a building so they can carry on their purpose of seeing change in their country. Jim shared the miracle of provision of a building for FCCS. It was hard to see this time come to an end but the hour was late and we had a very early start on Monday morning. I gave Dianna the 2 books and shared the rest of the candy with the group. Dianna was very touched by the gift but especially by the note regarding God preparing and using her for her "such a time as this". She shared with us that God has been speaking and confirming this in her over and over. I'm so glad we obeyed God in giving her the book and that the words I wrote were from His heart.

We all sat around sharing what God was speaking in our hearts and through us to each other. I haven't sat with a group of people where the Holy Spirit spoke and ministered in such a powerful way in a long time. Prophetic words, encouragement and appreciation just flowed between us. I will treasure this time for a very long time. When we were at the retreat they gave each person a small gift that Julio said had a prophetic meaning for each individual. I received a treasure box with a scripture reminding me that as I follow and obey God He will bless me and prosper me. I was reminded that I am a treasure and that God lives on the inside of me and has planted many treasures in me. Jim received a jeep full of food, supplies, coffee, etc. I'm not sure what his scripture said ... can't remember at the moment ... but I do know he needs a new car. His Toyota is over 300,000 miles now and I believe this token showed God's provision in our lives. I really believe this trip is a turning point in our lives: we are headed toward financial freedom and I believe this is the beginning of God opening more doors in our lives to walk in His purpose for us. I will find Jim's scripture and share it with you in another post. During our sharing, God ministered to the group about their needs being met for a building so they can carry on their purpose of seeing change in their country. Jim shared the miracle of provision of a building for FCCS. It was hard to see this time come to an end but the hour was late and we had a very early start on Monday morning. I gave Dianna the 2 books and shared the rest of the candy with the group. Dianna was very touched by the gift but especially by the note regarding God preparing and using her for her "such a time as this". She shared with us that God has been speaking and confirming this in her over and over. I'm so glad we obeyed God in giving her the book and that the words I wrote were from His heart.

After our goodbyes, we said goodnight to our host family and went to get a few hours of sleep before our early morning on Tuesday. I'll try and finish up our trip in my next post!

There were a couple of things we really wanted to try as we awoke on our last day in Columbia. We wanted to try their empanadas and tamales. Our host family provided us with one of those for breakfast, tamales. They were delicious and totally different from the tamales we have had (which are also delicious.) These were a mixture of ground rice, vegetables, a boiled egg, and chicken which was wrapped in banana leaves. They pulled the banana leaves up around the mixture and tied it closed. This was then boiled. It was served tied up in the banana leaves. To eat it you just untied the leaves and ate. The taste of the ground rice mixture was very similar to the tamale. They served it with some sort of cornbread and cooked bananas with a sweet cream inside of them. It was all very delicious and way too much food for breakfast! They told us that in another part of Columbia they made something that sounded similar to our tamales but is called something different.

Jim preached in the church our host family attends and that the school is located in. The church runs about 10,000 to 12,000 people. They have 4 services on Sundays to get everyone in and each service is packed. The pastor there was awesome: he very much had the heart of a pastor for his people. We enjoyed the time we spent with him. The praise and worship was awesome and Dad did an awesome job sharing God's Word with the people. They were very receptive and responsive to the preaching. Dad preached a great sermon on not wasting your sorrows (that no matter what is happening Jesus is Lord and Jesus is Victor ... He is our Lord and He gives us victory in every situation. 21 people came forward to accept Jesus and the people of the church fully received the Word. The pastor left a wide open door for us to return any time to minister.

After church I found a fan. An older lady came up to me and through an interpreter told me she watches me every day on television and loves me. She stated that she is losing the channel I'm on soon and will no longer be able to watch and is very sad. I didn't know how to tell her I wasn't whoever she thought I was. I was really in shock and a little confused ... so I just nodded my head and smiled and gave her a hug. I can't believe I am a star and didn't even know it!

After church 2 daughters of our host family (our host, Julio, had became ill at the retreat and was home in bed), a son-in-law and his father took us out to lunch. They took us to a nice, little Colombian restaurant call Soups by Mama and Desserts by Grandma (of course it was in Spanish). It was a really neat place with wonderful food. We got to try the empanada and fresh fried pork rinds ... which were delicious. The fresh juices were awesome and Dad had one that was the best we had the whole trip ... not sure what it was though. After lunch they took us shopping to a normal souvenir type shop and another open air market and then to a more up end mall. We purchased a few things including some Colombian coffee (at Juan Valdez') to bring home with us.

Exhausted, we headed back to our "home away from home" to get out things ready for our trip back home. Later that evening we were expecting Dianna and her family to come for a visit ... which turned out to be a very special time and a great ending to a great week! I will tell you about that in my next post.

Before leaving on Saturday I went up on the roof of the dormitory and got a wonderful view of the surrounding valley and the mountains. Columbia is a beautiful country with the Andes Mountains and all the tropical greenery and flowers. There were flowers blooming everywhere and some very fragrant.

A couple of the people wanted to be sure we got to go down to the river. I'm so glad they insisted and even held up the bus for us. It was pretty much a straight shot down and very slippery. One of the guys walked backwards in front of me holding my hands to be sure I didn't fall ... and he almost fell. It was so gorgeous around the river. Orchids of all kinds were in the trees and vines everywhere. It felt very much like a jungle. It was a pretty large river and a "rushing" river. There were all kinds of plants and fruits. One thing I didn't know was that a large flower blooms on the end of each bunch of bananas ... it was kind of purple or burgundy. We also saw coffee plants and I confiscated a coffee bean. It was well worth the trip down and back up the incline!

We loaded our things and we were on our way back to Bogotá! We wanted so much to stop in the small village just outside of the retreat center and were excited when Dianna talked them into stopping. It was a very small village and the two of us "white folks" definitely drew some attention ... and of course Jim was taking pictures which drew even more attention. There was a beautiful Catholic church and what I would call a village square with a couple of very unique statues. We went in a couple of shops. In one little coffee/pastry shop we went we were treated very special. The owner seemed very excited that we stopped in. We sat down and had some snacks ... not sure what .... some type of meringue and pastries and a wonderful cup of coffee. And when we came out of the shop we found everyone looking for us and worried about where we were! Back on the bus others shared some of their treats with us too. One fruit they shared (actually on the way to the retreat) was very interesting. It was full of this rather "slimy" stuff full of seeds and you sucked it out and ate the seeds and all ... it was very sweet and very good.

The trip back we got to see some the area that we weren't able to see coming due to darkness. The trip back was pretty uneventful other than when our bus driver decided to pass a couple of 18 wheelers while we were coming up on a curve and you couldn't see what was coming. Passing makes me nervous anyway but this was crazy. And of course around the curve a truck comes barreling down on us and stopped right on top of us ... actually seemed like his hood went under us ... and I had a perfect view as I was sitting on the front seat! This truck driver was livid. He jumped out of his truck and took a picture of the bus license plate with his cell phone, said something (I'm sure some choice words I wouldn't repeat!) and then he did something stupid ... he went speeding into our lane with oncoming traffic to go around the bus. But we made it safely back to Bogotá and our home for the week. Our host family had supper waiting on us ... we ate and crashed for the night.

The next day was Sunday and our final day in Bogotá! I will share that in the next posting