Saturday, June 10, 2017

Where Will Our New Home be?

In five weeks, we find out where our new home will be! Perhaps Indonesia or Africa? 
Where will Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) send us? This question has been on our minds as we prepare to go to Nampa, ID this summer. From July 10th-August 18th we will be at MAF headquarters to join the organization and be assigned a field of service.

Here are answers to three of the most common questions we have been hearing:

  • What will you be doing? Imagine living in a remote jungle with no roads leading to your village. What would you do if there were a medical emergency? What opportunities might you have if there were a safe way to travel quickly? How about if your family is translating the Bible into the local language but needs supplies? These are some of the logistical issues that MAF flight operations address. As an MAF pilot, Joe will be using his passion for aviation to support the local populace and various organizations that serve in low-infrastructure and isolated areas. Meanwhile, Karen's passion is the relational needs of those around her, both in her family and outside of it. While making sure the family is getting enough rest, fun and family time she will look for opportunities to reach out to those around her in the community who might need a friend. 
  • How long will you be there? This is a long-term commitment! We will learn a new language, Joe will spend hours becoming proficient with the aircraft and runways, and we plan to raise our family there. We will continue to live in Portland for the next year or so as we prepare to go.
  • How do you decide where to go? There are three influencers: God's leading, needs of the organization (MAF), and needs of our family. We believe God is already preparing the place for us (and us for the place). MAF takes seriously its responsibility to place us where we will be a good fit and to provide resources to help our whole family thrive. We will be sharing our personalities, skills and interests with MAF so they can help us make the best decision on place of service.

Timothy Harlow Adams
Now he has something to look at! 
Big Sister Love 

We are also pleased to announce the birth of Timothy Adams on May 6th. He was 7.5 lbs and 21 inches at birth but he is a fast growing boy! His middle name is Harlow in honor of Joe's grandfather. 

Big sister, Grace, loves singing to her little brother, sharing her "snugglers" (stuffed animals) and giving him a bottle. She seems to be adjusting well to being a big sister.

Please pray for strength and wisdom for our family in this transitional time. We would also appreciate prayers for safety in our travels. Look forward to getting an update from us in August about our location of service and what types of ministries we will be supporting!!