Getting off to Venezuela!

January 26, 2006

After getting his Private Pilot's License in Maine on December 12, 2005, life was busy for Daniel during the next few weeks.

He flew home to California, wrote a newsletter about how God had worked things out so far, then with his parents, made a whirlwind trip to visit relatives.

On Christmas day, he flew east again, where he attended the General Youth Conference in Chattanooga.  More than 3,000 young people, highly on fire for God, attended 5 days of inspiring meetings.

He had a great time visiting with old friends and meeting new ones, such as these young ladies who attended the GYC Missions Experience at Weimar Institute the previous summer.

Back home again on January 5, Daniel kept busy helping his parents & grandparents with urgent jobs, calling a bunch of friends, giving mission presentations, and a whole lot more!

His funds were depleted, but Daniel moved forward in faith.  And God provided from a variety of unexpected sources - sufficient to cover his trip to Venezuela and support for several months there so far.  Additional funds that come in beyond his needs while in Venezuela will be used to continue his flight training after he returns in late June.

Daniel had to figure out what to take, what to leave behind, and how to pack light!

Here's Daniel holding a pocket Bible his dad used to take backpacking as a teenager.  That went, along with a bunch of other stuff scattered all over his floor and bed!

Finally it's departure time!  January 22, 2006, with his $99 Southwest ticket to Florida, it's time to say good-bye for the next 5 months!

Southwest is a great airline for good prices and outstanding service!

Flying over the Sierra Nevada mountains on this clear winter day provided breathtaking views!

In Miami, Daniel met a group from Union College in Nebraska, also headed to Venezuela for hands-on training in International Rescue & Relief.

To keep pilferers from getting into the luggage, it was shrink-wrapped at the airport.

Dr. Mike Duerhssen is Director of the IRR program. Daniel is translating for the group, as well as getting to get hands-on training in Jungle Rescue & Survival skills, Tropical & Travel Medicine, Disaster Management, Public Health, Humanitarian Relief, and much more.

On Monday the group flew 3-1/2 hours from Miami to Caracas, Venezuela on Aeropostal.  That night they flew another 45 minutes on to Puerto Ordaz to do final stocking up of supplies before heading out to the remote jungles and savannahs.

"Let's see, how do I get this camera to take better pictures . . ."

One of the first exotic creatures he found in Venezuela - at the hotel.

This colorful iguana is a good two feet long! (You can't see its tail).

After two days of shopping in the city, the group took an overnight bus deep into the interior of Venezuela.  By Thursday morning, January 26, they arrived at Maurak village, Colegio Gran Sabana and the Adventist Medical Aviation compound.

The guest facilities include a kitchen hut with stove, fridge, concrete floor, good ventilation and a great view!

There's even a phone nearby!  That's how Daniel notified his family of their safe arrival, with all their luggage intact as well!

Guest huts even have curtains for privacy!

Papaya and banana plants provide fresh fruit.

The outhouse bathroom is located nearby.

Yep, that's the sign for the bathroom alright!

And here are some bananas, waiting to ripen just outside the kitchen hut.