New Additions!

Well we've moved! We're in a great little house and we love living here. It was all such a whirlwind and at several points I thought it wouldn't workout but we are now bona-fide homeowners! But this isn't even the most exciting news...We're going to have a baby! We are sooo excited. It is so wonderful, tons of great things all at once, life changing things. It is amazing to look back and realize that everything in our lives has changed from just a few months ago. And we know that all things will work together for the good. It has been an adjustment and it continues to be. But we certainly can't complain. We have much to be thankful for. We are continuing the process of looking into JAARS. It looks like this may take some time and we are slowly moving forward.

Tomorrow is Airport day at Lincoln airport! Airshow and classic aircraft on display and ... rain! Allright! There's nothing like the smell of wet asphalt and the roar of aircraft engines. On an unrelated note, I'll be getting involved in the missions department at Sunrise in an internship role. This will be in addition to the College ministry role I am now involved with. Mindy and I are excited about being encouragers to Sunrise missionaries. We saw the movie Fireproof tonight, it's worth going to see.

Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. Up to 370 ft!

The Redwoods

As you know Mindy and I did not end up going to Papua this month. The aviation division of WT is officially being phased put over the next two years. This has been disappointing but we're trusting in our Father's guidance and plan. We have begun the process of getting acquainted with another organization called JAARS or Jungle Aviation And Radio Service. We are very excited as we move forward in this direction and it's posiible that we may end up in the same part of the world when all is said and done. Well, since we had the time off we decided to take a little trip. We explored the redwoods on California's northern coast. We camped in the redwoods, on the coast, and backpacked along redwood creek in the national park before returning home. It was fantastic. I can imagine no greater natural sanctuary. The redwoods are serene, and peaceful, calming, and timeless. It was the perfect setting to be together and seek direction in the fallout of what's been happening. We've had a chance to talk about many things and reacquaint ourselves with a commitment to continually abide.

Grounded!

Lots of things are happening and it's time to catch everyone up. Mindy and I received a call from the field in Papua and have been asked to postpone our trip. We were inside two weeks to departure when we got the word. The team there is evaluating the viability of the aviation program and whether or not it will be carried on into the future. As you all know, the price of gasoline has been steadily rising and this makes the operation of aircraft more expensive. The team in Papua will need to find creative solutions to overcome this and other obstacles. Until we hear from them we will be waiting and carrying on as we have been. We will do our best to keep you posted.
We are greatly encouraged by what G is doing and are comforted by the peace that He bestows. Thank you all for your words to Him on our behalf.

Preparing To Go

Hhere's what's been going on: We've been busily preparing for our trip to Indo in September. Everything from vaccinations to passports to airline tickets. It looks now like most everything is coming together and we are getting excited. We are so grateful for the support of our family and friends. Mindy has been working hard at the hospital and is now on the day shift. Summer always picks up in flight training and this year is no exception. I've had several new students and have enjoyed lots of flying over the past weeks. The smoke from the hundreds of fires here in Nor-Cal has made everything from flying to breathing a little more difficult. It was a great relief to spend a few days camping at Caples lake in the Sierras to get out of the smoke and enjoy creation. College group at Sunrise is going well and we are enjoying getting to know the new freshmen class. Later this summer we'll be celebrating my Grandparents 60th! anniversary in Oregon. More on that later. See ya!

Mindy and I have been caught up in some kind of whirlwind these past weeks. So much has been going on. We did take some time to rest and recuperate and reconnect with each other. We hiked into Point Reyes national seashore north of San Francisco. It was beautiful weather and a wonderful time to hang out, sit by a fire on the beach, try and fix our portable camp stove (our only means of cooking which we didn't realize wasn't working before we left), look at the stars, and listen to the surf. It was a good reminder to take the time even on a daily basis to pause and acknowledge the G's presence.
In March we went with the High schoolers to Mexico. It was reminiscent of the trips Mindy and I took to Mexico when we were in High School. In fact, if it wasn't for those trips perhaps we might not of fallen for each other! Praise G for trips to Mexico. We are now in preparations for our vision trip this August. We are excited as we deal with all of the details that such a trip entails. Thanks for your love and keep us in your prs.

Mindy and I have been busy with all sorts of endeavors. In January we traveled to Kuaii to be there as Mindy's parents renewed their wedding vows for their thirtieth anniversary. It was a great trip and a wonderful time with family. We spent the days hiking and snorkeling and on one day, inner-tubing down an irrigation canal through the jungle and several caves. The picture is of Waimea canyon, often called the grand canyon of the pacific; what a beautiful place. We also took a short trip to Tahoe for some x-country skiing. I love the forest after a recent snowfall! Mindy has been preparing to transfer to another floor at the hospital and I've been busy with the college group and teaching people to fly. It is such a blessing to have such encouraging friends and family, thank you all. 'Til next time.