But he acknowledged on Sunday that the group had filled a void created by decades of government neglect of the Indians -- a void that "hopefully now will be repaired."
It remains unclear whether Venezuela will now insist that the missionaries leave the country altogether, though Chavez said on Friday: "Of course, it's decided."
New Tribes has appealed to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the expulsion order, but most of the missionaries seem resigned to moving on.
"Our one prayer is that we can keep some kind of contact," said Rodman, who left behind a home nestled among tribal huts.
She said the villagers promised her, "We'll take care of it until you come back."
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