Some may wonder why is the mechanic's license is require? Which is a fair question. Well some might think it is so I can fix things in the jungle when the plane breaks. Which is somewhat true but it is rare for this to happen as aircraft used in mission type work like we will be involved with tend to be maintained at a higher level than other general aviation (GA) aircraft. And for good reason, as we are operating these aircraft in harsher environment than the typical GA aircraft of North America. So if fixing the airplane on a remote jungle strip is not the main purpose of getting this training what is it? There are a few reasons and yes one of them is the above situation it's just not the main reason as I have come to understand. Most mission aviation bases have limited resources and for efficiency proposes by allowing programs to run with fewer maintenance specialists on staff. If the pilots are able and qualified to pitch in with the basic routine maintenance tasks not only in the physical aspect of doing the work itself but also being able to do the paperwork as well. This frees the maintenance specialist to focus on the larger projects and the more serious repair work. This skill also increases our skills as a pilot in the way that we have a more intimate working knowledge of our aircraft making us more proficient in it's operation and dealing with emergencies.
In a nut shell this training will allow me to be apart of a more efficient team on the field as well as a better rounded pilot as to what I would be if I was heading to the field with just a pilot's license in toe.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Snow Day?
I'm not in Canada anymore! It's 37 F (3 C) outsides with some fog and mist which calls for school closures? I braved the trip into school, well not really I was already there before I was informed of the closure. Isaac however did get the day off and was prompt in rubbing it in as he sent me a couple emails throughout the day telling me what he was doing on his day off. This affords me some extra time this morning to share some of the things that God is working on in my life I guess.
Since acquiring the title of missionary, reading has become a little more important in my life, not that it wasn't important before. Anyway I have just recently finished reading Don't Waste your Life by John Piper. And yes I have been working through this small book for the almost a year now (I'm a slow reader unlike my wife). I'd also would highly recommend others to read this as well. One of the main points that I pickup on was where are my priorities or treasures? Questions like where am I spending my time, money, gifts & talents? Really these questions should be asked where am I spending God's time, money, gifts & talents that have been in-trusted into my care? As I work through questions like these I'm realizing that there are some real lifestyle implications. Thankfully the Lord is gracious as we seek Him more as we work through these lifestyle changes to bring more glory to our Awesome Creator.
Finishing off one book I have now moved on to a new one. One in fact that was an assignment of sorts that I was given by the CBP Officer that processed our paperwork when crossing into the US last summer. The book is titled Like a Mighty Wind by Mel Tari with Cliff Dudley. I've only made it to chapter 3 and already really enjoying the book. So far the book has been an account of Mel experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in very real and physical way. An experience similar to the one you can find in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book, it is also written more in a reading level that I can handle with my limited reading skills. So hopefully I can finish this one a little sooner than my last read :).
Since acquiring the title of missionary, reading has become a little more important in my life, not that it wasn't important before. Anyway I have just recently finished reading Don't Waste your Life by John Piper. And yes I have been working through this small book for the almost a year now (I'm a slow reader unlike my wife). I'd also would highly recommend others to read this as well. One of the main points that I pickup on was where are my priorities or treasures? Questions like where am I spending my time, money, gifts & talents? Really these questions should be asked where am I spending God's time, money, gifts & talents that have been in-trusted into my care? As I work through questions like these I'm realizing that there are some real lifestyle implications. Thankfully the Lord is gracious as we seek Him more as we work through these lifestyle changes to bring more glory to our Awesome Creator.
Finishing off one book I have now moved on to a new one. One in fact that was an assignment of sorts that I was given by the CBP Officer that processed our paperwork when crossing into the US last summer. The book is titled Like a Mighty Wind by Mel Tari with Cliff Dudley. I've only made it to chapter 3 and already really enjoying the book. So far the book has been an account of Mel experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in very real and physical way. An experience similar to the one you can find in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book, it is also written more in a reading level that I can handle with my limited reading skills. So hopefully I can finish this one a little sooner than my last read :).
Friday, January 6, 2012
Looking Forward To A New Year
For me I think one of my favorite days of the year is New Year's day. I love looking back over the past year and remembering everything that God has done for me and for my family. Sometimes when I am in the middle of a busy week I get so wrapped up with daily life that I forget all of the blessings that God has been sending to me. So I love spending a day thinking about what God did for me over the past year. And I will admit that I am amazed every year at how faithful and loving our God really is. Then after spending sometime reflecting on the past there is this excitement that starts building inside of me as I start to wonder about what God has planned for myself and for our family in this up and coming year. I wanted to share with you some of my most favorite moments of last year and what our family looks forward to in this new year.
Blessing of 2011
* I would have to say that the biggest blessing and learning time for me this year was really learning to understand the word faithfulness and how our God is a FAITHFUL God. There have been so many moments that God has asked/pulled/or nudged me about a matter and I would just have to let go and rely on His strength and faithfulness that I have lost count. And through it all there has not been one time that God left me alone and go back on ANY of His promises.
* Our wonderful family/friends/supporters are totally AMAZING and a true BLESSING to us. There is not a single day that we could be doing what we are doing without YOU and your amazing support. Thank you for sending us encouraging emails or facebook notes and amazing cards. We have also been wonderfully taken care of, whenever a need has arisen someone has been there to help meet that need. I feel truly blessed to have gotten to know you all and spend time in your homes, or reading your letters, and sharing in your Churches. Thank you for all your support and being apart of showing us God's faithfulness.
* Through this year it has been a huge blessing to witness my husband and children grow and watch how God has been molding them as we prepare to serve overseas. I have stood back in awe of Greg as he has not only learned to present the ministry of MAF but has learned to prepare and give sermons, led men's bible studies, live out of suitcases, and return to being a student. God has truly blessed me with a husband who has a deep passion for following God leading. And I am always amazed how God has allowed are children to keep rolling with the every changing pace of our life. You guys are a true blessing and I love you!
Looking into 2012
* I (Julie) am looking forward to becoming more involved in our church here in Michigan with leading a ladies bible study and possibly doing some more work with the children at our Church.
* One exciting event that we are looking forward to in August is Greg completing is course at SMAT and receiving his mechanic licence. He has greatly enjoyed his time at school and is making some great friends.
* Our family will be preparing another move this year as we will be leaving Michigan and heading to MAF's US office in Nampa, Idaho for are last round of training before leaving. If all the required support is in, shortly after our time in Idaho then we will be heading for language school in Indonesia.
* As well looking at past years I'm sure that God has numerous special moments ahead for our lives that will bring us hope, encouragement, and push us to seek Him more.
Blessing of 2011
* I would have to say that the biggest blessing and learning time for me this year was really learning to understand the word faithfulness and how our God is a FAITHFUL God. There have been so many moments that God has asked/pulled/or nudged me about a matter and I would just have to let go and rely on His strength and faithfulness that I have lost count. And through it all there has not been one time that God left me alone and go back on ANY of His promises.
* Our wonderful family/friends/supporters are totally AMAZING and a true BLESSING to us. There is not a single day that we could be doing what we are doing without YOU and your amazing support. Thank you for sending us encouraging emails or facebook notes and amazing cards. We have also been wonderfully taken care of, whenever a need has arisen someone has been there to help meet that need. I feel truly blessed to have gotten to know you all and spend time in your homes, or reading your letters, and sharing in your Churches. Thank you for all your support and being apart of showing us God's faithfulness.
* Through this year it has been a huge blessing to witness my husband and children grow and watch how God has been molding them as we prepare to serve overseas. I have stood back in awe of Greg as he has not only learned to present the ministry of MAF but has learned to prepare and give sermons, led men's bible studies, live out of suitcases, and return to being a student. God has truly blessed me with a husband who has a deep passion for following God leading. And I am always amazed how God has allowed are children to keep rolling with the every changing pace of our life. You guys are a true blessing and I love you!
Looking into 2012
* I (Julie) am looking forward to becoming more involved in our church here in Michigan with leading a ladies bible study and possibly doing some more work with the children at our Church.
* One exciting event that we are looking forward to in August is Greg completing is course at SMAT and receiving his mechanic licence. He has greatly enjoyed his time at school and is making some great friends.
* Our family will be preparing another move this year as we will be leaving Michigan and heading to MAF's US office in Nampa, Idaho for are last round of training before leaving. If all the required support is in, shortly after our time in Idaho then we will be heading for language school in Indonesia.
* As well looking at past years I'm sure that God has numerous special moments ahead for our lives that will bring us hope, encouragement, and push us to seek Him more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)