First, we have to talk about the deck! I can’t even describe to you what a gift it has been and how often we get comments on what a relaxing, peaceful place it is to be. We have had SO MANY visitors these past couple of months from a team of 30 people from Atascadero to all of our program managers from each of our fields. Cole and Maycie had birthdays this month as well and so we’ve had people in and out of our home constantly it seems for weeks. That outdoor space has been a game-changer for us and everyone who comes. The heat has arrived and our yard is one of the very few places people can come for shade and for quiet. I could go on and on about the things we have been able to use that space for but suffice it to say that people ASK to come be at our home and this is an answer to prayer in so many ways. THANK YOU!
Ok, so a snapshot of the past month:
We had a team from one of our supporting churches in California come and volunteer for a week. The team consisted of almost 30 people, teens, adults and families. They did yard work around our entire campus while also blessing Maycie with bookshelves for her room and new paint in Dylan and Cole’s room. They leveled out our backyard and re-planted grass. The ladies worked on cleaning trailers here that will soon be occupied by new students and staff. What a treat!
This is the season of saying goodbye to most of our students that have been here since July/August. One family is moving to Brazil and another to Papua New Guinea. The other two families have not been allocated to a country yet. It’s exciting to send people off to the mission field but it’s also hard on our hearts. This group of student families have invested a lot into our kids and we will be so sad to see them go. Will you pray for our hearts to grieve well this group of students and to prepare to welcome new ones into our hearts this summer?
Brian finished off with one of his students and gained two more. It’s exciting to have this constant flow of students but it is also taxing. Will you pray for him – for energy and wisdom and a clear head?
We have a trip coming up the end of May! Brian and I will be traveling to Papua New Guinea to encourage the team there and do some check flights with some of our pilots. The kids will spend that time with their grandparents and other extended family in Colorado.
We have 7 program managers here right now for leadership meetings and a time of collaboration between our different fields. They come from the Philippines, Brazil, Asia Pacific, Papua New Guinea and Moody Aviation in Spokane, WA. I can’t tell you what a treat this has been. Each day one of them shares an update on what God is doing in these different places and we are blown away. I shouldn’t be surprised anymore but it always amazes me how much God cares even for the one person living so far out in the middle of these jungles…no one would even know they are there…except God. He guides and directs us to these places and is so faithful to make Himself known among ALL people, even ones it seems everyone else has forgotten or ignored. What a gift it is to be a part of reaching these people with God’s love. We have the best job in the world. Thank you for allowing us to be here and thank you for being a part of what God is doing around the world.
This is the group of ladies that Bailey was a part of teaching this past year. The teachers are on the top row and the students on the bottom. Over the past 9 months we’ve talked through what it looks like to be a missionary wife and mom. These ladies are going to do amazing things.
Brian with two of his students. Kyle, on the left, just finished his helicopter training and will be headed to Brazil shortly with his family. Jake, in the middle, just passed his helicopter check ride and now can begin the advanced training with Brian.
