THURSDAY, AUGUST 9
First of all, I must give thanks to God for what happened today.

The last leg of our flight was from Lima to Iquitos, on a LAN plane, which company works with American Airlines. We took off on time and expected an hour-and-a-half flight to Iquitos.

Well, it was cloudy and when the pilot went to land, the airport was thick in fog. He was about ready to touch down, but then poured on the power and took off. He flew around, hoping that the wind had cleared the field.

Well, it didn’t, and for a second time when about ready to touch down, he took off. Pilot decided to go to Tarapoto, about 40 minutes northwest, and refuel. So that is what we did. It is a relatively small airport, but adequate to land, refuel, and return to Iquitos. By then, the field was clear and we had a good landing. Picked up our luggage and were driven to our hotel.

I can tell you that lots of us were praying on those two attempted landings. I am going to write American Airlines and congratulate them for the good thinking of this pilot. I have his name, etc., and hope LAN gets a copy.

After we landed at Iquitos, and it was still quiet, I sounded out, “Let’s give the pilot and crew a big applause, “ and all 150 responded!

Now to back up a little.

Tuesday morning, up at 2:30, finished packing, ride to SLC airport. Flight took off at 6:00, on time. Dallas has 113 degrees outside! Flight to Miami was delayed a little, but made it. Then on from there to Lima.

Got in about 11:00 pm; got luggage, waited to see if Bill and Jackie Tucker were on LAN flight from Los Angeles. Finally I went ahead with my stuff. Made a trip upstairs, but had to return and check in luggage downstairs. Then back up to pay airport tax for departure on local flight to Iquitos.

Then went to Food Parlor, bought something to eat, and waited around. Pretty soon Bill and Jackie Tucker and four others showed up. They had been a little delayed getting their luggage. But no problem at all with glasses, etc.

I had to declare my projector, but since it was not going to be left here, I had no problem getting it through.

We had more breakfast together. Got to visit some. Then to airplane. And the rest of the story I started with.

I am on the fourth floor. Sixty-two steps to climb and descend. Room air conditioned, etc. Do not know yet if I will have a roommate, or be alone.

Several went to the Ana Stahl Clinic for lunch.

At 6:00 someone will come and take me to my church, as I want to be there for prayer meeting and meet the members before the weekend.

Enough for now. I did get to snooze a little on flight from Miami to Lima, but not much. Will no doubt catch up tonight.

Still very thankful to the Good Lord for protecting our flight with 150 aboard, including The Quiet Hour leadership, etc.

Frances, by the way, Elder Tucker is on the Board of the organization that Gary and Toni are working with. TQH is very much involved in mission flying. They started it 70 years ago.

This computer system is quite slow, but I think I am on the right page.

Last evening I went to my church, at La Libertad, about two kilometers from the hotel. This traffic business is really something!! The dominant mode is the “motorcar,” which is a three-wheeled motorcycle, with driver and room for three in the coach. On the way back from church I counted 175. My driver said the city has about 24,000 of these vehicles. Quite a traffic jam-up, to be sure.

The church does not have regular prayer meetings, as such, as most people attend group meetings in homes. However, a group did meet at the church and they asked me to have the study. I gave a brief one on the parable of the sower, etc. Also told them about our adventures on the trip. There were 20 people, mostly youth, who attended. I understand my church has 8 different groups.

This morning we will have orientation meeting with all the participants. Then this evening I will meet with the audio/sound man and get my equipment ready for tomorrow night, and make sure the system works.

Once again, thanks for your interest and prayers for our meetings, that many may be drawn to the Good Lord and that we as participants may also grow spiritually.

Harvey