Another Season of Transitions

After being relatively settled in Coshocton, Ohio for the last 2-1/2 years, it's time for our family to make another big transition! Last Friday I completed my time in the hangar at MMS Aviation. Now I'm studying for my exams, and plan to be a certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic by Labor Day.

I've officially handed over the "Senior Apprentice" wrench to Glen!
(photo by Dan Pottner/MMS Aviation)

The next move is to North Carolina, where I will focus on flying with Missionary Air Group, while continuing to support their field programs through maintenance on their airplanes. I'm especially familiar with one of MAG's Cessna 206s, because I've spent a lot of time with it at MMS Aviation! When I left the hangar last Friday, the airplane was nearing completion, but it is still in need of one big item: an engine. We're praying for a donor to purchase and engine for this airplane so it can get to the mission field.

Here's a photo of me with N382MG as I left it. I hope to get another photo with this airplane on the field, where it will be used to bring "Help and Hope by Air" to those in remote parts of Guatemala.

Our family would appreciate your prayers as we move into this new season. There are lots of unknowns and uncertainties, especially since we are helping to pioneer a brand-new flight training program at MAG. These are some ways you can pray for us:

• We are looking for affordable housing. We would like to move in September or October, but are trusting the Lord's timing.
• We're shopping for a new car. Our Pontiac Vibe has served us well, but as our kids grow, the car seems to be shrinking (especially with all the traveling we have to do).
• I'm preparing for my exams, planning to take the written test in a couple weeks, and the oral and practical exam on August 30.
• We need wisdom regarding schooling decisions.
• The stress of moving could be hard on our family, but we pray that it brings us together rather than driving us apart.
• It's difficult to leave friends behind. Please pray for us as we move on to a new place where we know few people, and leave friends in Coshocton.

To all of you who support us in any way: THANK YOU! We truly couldn't follow this crazy, rewarding, challenging, exciting path without you! 

As you can see, I don't update our blog frequently, but I also post on a Facebook page, and send out a quarterly newsletter (sign up here). If you haven't seen it yet, here is a link to our latest newsletter. You'll find a few more photos and details of our plans, as well as some things that God has been teaching us lately.