We Made It!

Posted on Sep 04, 2009 by Armando Rodriguez

Group photo Icel, Amanda and Armando welcomed to AngolaIt took three days, a total of 28 hrs. sitting on three planes, and a flat tire on the 8-hr. road trip from Luanda to Malanje, but, guess what!  Ebenezer, the Lord has brought us this far!  We landed in Luanda in the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, and rested there at a very comfortable hotel.  The following day, it took only one morning to do all necessary paperwork at the US embassy and in the National Immigration Department (that counts as quick here).  With the promise that we will receive work visas in less than two weeks, we departed from Luanda at 11:30 AM and arrived in Malange at 7:30 PM.  Our deep gratitude goes to Bishop Jose Quipungo, our constant host and really fast (but safe!) driver on the way here!

Tomorrow we’ll be introduced to the Faculty and students of the Quessua School of Theology and High School. I will be teaching Introduction to New Testament, and Worship and Sacraments.  Icel has already begun negotiations with Bishop Quipungo about the Florida/East Angola Partnership.  Amanda will start teaching English at the Quessua High School on the following week. Later we will tell you much more about the Quessua mission.  The great news for now is that we made it safely!

We continue to covet and count on your prayers and support!

Blessings from Angola,

Icel, Amanda, and Armando.

Comments

1. David McEntire wrote on 9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM
It is a joy to know you are there safely. Now the work of hope begins. You remain in our prayers and Lakeland is a bit quieter without you...we miss you but are grateful you are able to serve the people of Angola. Peace, David McEntire
2. Tita Parham wrote on 9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM
Glad you made it safely and are settling in. Now, the work can begin! e-Review eagerly awaits your news. :-)
3. BETTE PERDUE wrote on 9/7/2009 12:00:00 AM
Your blog arrived just in time to share with everyone at Alturas UMC Sunday. Glad you arrived safely. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Miss you,but are anxious to here about your great work and service in Angola.
4. Erik Alsgaard wrote on 9/8/2009 12:00:00 AM
Praise God that you've made it there safe and sound!
5. Will Clark wrote on 9/8/2009 12:00:00 AM
Blessings on your family, your ministry and the people our God called you to serve. I hope to see you on a future mission.
6. Bill Walker wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
I rejoice with your safe arrival and the beginning of this adventure of mission service to the people of Angola. Godspeed!
7. Eduardo Cortez wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
Siempre estaran en nuestras oraciones, aunque es poco tiempo, ya los extranamos. Josue 1:5 Dios les bendiga.
8. Greg Harford wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
I am so excited that you are safely there. Now your adventure begins. I am continuing to work on the January trip and will let you know as things progress. Blessings, Greg Harford
9. Larry Rankin wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
Oh, the adventure of it all. Many memories and places. God is working for a great ministry WITH our Angolan sisters and brothers. Our beloved conferences are forever transformed through mutual ministries. Thank you, Armando, Icel and Amanda for representing Florida! Blessings and safe ministry... And greetings to our brother Bishop Quipungo and Sister Dr Laurinda! Un abrazo con mucho afecto. Larry Rankin.
10. Mike and Linda Westbrook wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
Prayers have been answered and you are ready to begin your next adventure for our Lord !! What an impact your family has made upon our lives. We miss you but we will strive to live by the lessons that you have taught us. Thank you, blessed teacher
11. Mont Duncan wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
We are grateful for your safe trip to Angola. You have been in our prayers for quite a while. We are praying that your ministry at the seminary, the high school and the conference will be a time spiritual growth for those you serve as well as for your individually. May your ministry in Angola be a time of experiencing God's grace for those whom you serve and for each of you!
12. Rick Cornwell wrote on 9/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
Wow.... I am so filled with envy.... way to go. Many prayers are going out to you and the mission. It has to be a great thrill for you to finally be there.
13. Bill Bailey wrote on 9/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
I am glad you arrived safely. I know that you wiil be able to transform lives and most of all yours will also be transformed.
14. Steve Price wrote on 9/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
Armando and Icel, it is so good to know that you are there now with our Angolan brothers and sisters. Thank you for your ministry. We look forward to reports, and our Harvest team is looking forward to being there with you in February.
15. Al McGowen wrote on 9/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
We are grateful you made it safely to your destination. You will be continually in our prayers. GBY Al & Vicki McGowen
16. Anne Butcher wrote on 9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM
Wonderful to "see" where you are settling in. I am taking your family and the people you are serving to the throne of grace today and in the days to come....for God's provision, and the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit in what lies ahead!!
17. -Darlene Hayes wrote on 9/17/2009 12:00:00 AM
So good to read about you,Icel and Amanda. Godspeed many many blessings.
Aloma UMC - Winter Park

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