Monday, June 11, 2007

This and That

Our computers are still dead. One needs a video card. In the mean time, I use it twice a day set up with the video projector as a screen. The internet service will be cut next week. That means I will not be blogging much. I will post short updates but will not be visiting and commenting on your blogs too much...please, don't leave !!! Keep reading and when we get to the states and have the computer again, I will continue to blog. I have a lot of friends here in Venezuela who keep me up on the happenings here, so Venezuelan news will still be a part of my blog.

I was saddened to find out that some other missionary friends who have been here for 13 years are also relocating to Ecuador. Their entire denomination of missionaries are pulling out of Venezuela due to the changes and new laws. Also due to the high cost of legal "fees" . Some new laws could effect the children with dual citizenship. Venezuela only recognizes them as Venezuelans after all. It is a misconception of many Americans that their American citizenship "trumps" the other or protects them in some way. In reality, while here, the children are 100% Venezuelan held to every law any other citizen is.
The same is true while in the USA, they do not recognize the Venezuelan citizenship but the person is expected to comply with all the laws required of an American citizen. This was shown in the recent detention and beating of a dual citizenship student. Last year three school age brothers with Canadian citizenship were also kidnapped and tortured, then killed. The Canadian government could do nothing about it either.

One of the rumors on the street right now is that the military has been told to back off a bit in regards to violence in the student protest because of the upcoming America's Cup Soccer tournament. There are several international games to be played here in Venezuela and the bad PR would mean poor turn out if not cancellation of the games. That would be a BIG embarrassment to the regime. So, they wait their time. After the games, things will most likely heat up once again.


We are leaving Venezuela in a matter of weeks. We will be stateside for a year as we travel through out the USA and report to our many supporting churches who have been involved in our ministries these last 20 years.

We have not spent a full year in the states in over 20 years. We have not been stateside for Christmas in 14 years. We are looking forward to that as well as having Josh able to live at home rather than in the dorms next year. HE is very excited to be out of the dorms!!

After the year furlough, we will be relocating to Paraguay. The best part of that is that our daughter and her family are already there. It takes some of the "sting" out of having to leave Venezuela, knowing we will be near them.

I have not written much about Paraguay. It is hard to say much while still here. As we are stateside I will be able to share more of what we will be doing there.

The next few weeks are very busy ones as we finish up things here. There is still a lot of unfinished legal matters, the container is still in la Guaira, we still have a house to paint, and we are both still involved in ministries.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a difficul time---bittersweet, yes!
It surely is hard to see fellow missionaries leave to other countries!! A lifetime of service to our Lord in the area together!! Many lives are uprooted because of one self-serving person!! However, we must believe that GOD IS IN
CONTROL---therein lies hope that you will be able to continue your work for Him in another area "ripe unto harvest!"...Plus the thoughts of being able to be close to Jackie, Brian. and of course Elena and Abigail!! You get to be a Grandma that can have the grandkids over!! And, your vast knowlege can only be a blessing to Jackie and Brian as they serve!!
I know, we will be cring with you/for you as you leave your home.....

Harry said...

From following your blog these past few months, it seems your life in Venezuela was very rewarding and personally fulfilling. I hope the same is true when you relocate to Paraguay.

Pen of Jen said...

My heart is heavy with the news of you having to leave under such weighing things. I am pleased to read about being there for Josh and then to be near the grandbabies:)

I am thrilled reading that you are traveling to churches, and if you head out in NM let us know, the PenofJen family would love to meet you all:o)

Take Care

Liz said...

All the work and effort that involves moving out of the country, will keep you busy. That will help you not to think too much about the 'leaving' itself. (been there, done that.. IT IS HARD).

I'm so glad that Josh will live with you guys. This, I say as a mother! And I feel the same about you moving close to your grandchildren after furlough. It is very important to be near our family!

Liz

CaraqueƱa said...

JM, have you been over to EJ's to check out his latest poem?

Obob said...

In regards to the tournament and Chavez keeping it cool, I find the same might happen in China. The oppressive communist regime will have to play it very cool with the hordes of reporters in China and chance of more of the truth to get out. They have serious issues throughout that country from the farmers revolting and being murdered in the south to the general censorship supported by Google. Sports can be wonderful thorn in the side of tyranny.

Brooke said...

I hope for all the best for you and yours, and will check back frequently!

Portrait of Peter said...

In some respects it may be a blessing on leaving Venezuela - given the uncertainty within the country.

Perhaps in time you will be able to return.

May the year in the U.S. be one of enlightenment to all of the hardships faced in Venezuela.

Keep safe and in prayers.

Susan said...

I'm glad you'll continue blogging while you're on furlough. You said you'd be traveling throughout the US; might that include Washington State????? If so, please let me know, and I'll talk Wes into meeting you somewhere. Seattle is only 3 hours away! ;) That's not far at all for missionaries.

I can't imagine how hard it is to leave the country you've loved for 20 years. I'll be praying for God's grace for you and your family!

Mountain Mama said...

You sound like such busy people. I pray it all goes smoothly and you adjust real fast too. GOd bless you all.

Gayle said...

I haven't been following your blog as long as the other commentors here, but I've grown to have a lot of respect and feelings for you, and pray that everything will go smoothly. You certainly are going to be busy, that's for sure!

It can't be easy having to uproot yourself like this because of Chavez's idiocy. I pray for the safety of all you good people who find yourselves in this abominable situation. Please be sure to let me know as soon as you can that you are back stateside.

Many blessings on you and yours.

Ashley said...

It's sad to think that Venezuela is becoming a "missionary-free" zone. but when things like this are happening what can you do?

Hmm...so this is sort of the "eye of the storm" for the military huh? And how nice of them to stop their violent tyranny for sports. awwww. *sarcastic*

Aww really he's happy not to stay in the dorms? I'm staying in the dorms...I hope I'll do ok. O.o Josh R. said things would get crazy though...

Melissa Lea said...

Still praying for your safety!!

Anonymous said...

I know your heart is heavy during these last days in Venezuela, but God undoubtedly wants you and your husband to be safe, and to begin ministering in another country. I pray that those who have been blessed with your ministry over the years be called to continue preaching the gospel in Venezuela.
Your family has planted seed that WILL NOT die.
When you get to the US and are blogging again, please let us all know where you will be visiting. You have made many friends here, and you just might meet a few of us as you travel to your supporting churches.
Stay safe. Blessings to you.

Unknown said...

Oh Rita, I'm sad with you hon. But I am selfish and so looking forward to seeing you all and greeting you all with hugs and lots of air kisses. Kim, Ashley, and I have been practicing. I figure when I see Pat and her 2 girls we will practice also! LOL Don't over do it with your back!

groovyoldlady said...

If you get up New England way, your family would be welcome to stay here for a day or ten...

Central Maine is lovely!

M.J. said...

You will also be stateside for our wedding!!! Hopefully maybe in NH around that time! I know whereever you go, be it God's will, He will use you!!!