Departing For Ecuador!

As this post is being written, we are packing for our flight to Ecuador.  More about that later.  First, an update on the past few busy months.  In the middle of July, we reached our first year in Oregon. For each one of us it has been a year of change, learning and growth. While the grace of God in providing for us and protecting us is a little short of astounding, it would not be true to portray our lives as without trial or difficult days.  Were that true, we would learn little but self-reliance, which is certainly not the correct response to the hand of Providence. 

Gracie is growing up really fast. She has discovered that daddy is indulgent and takes advantage of it pretty regularly.  For example, she likes to dance or jump on his belly until he begs for mercy.  She is also obsessed with the Disney movie Frozen.  Her parents may go crazy if they hear the songs from the movie too many more times. However, to see her sing the songs and act them out is pretty adorable.  Gracie is staying with grandparents while we are in Ecuador. 


Karen has been enjoying making new friends at a mom's summer Bible study, working as a server at Old Spaghetti Factory, as well as coming up with new ideas for when Gracie wants to do "school". Karen is also contemplating going to India on a church mission trip in January. 

Sheet Metal Practice Project

Joe has continued his studies in aviation maintenance, and recently reached the halfway point. Two of the more interesting courses recently taken were on aircraft sheet metal and welding.  School will restart in late September.  Joe also continues to instruct at Hillsboro Aero Academy.  To further his career there and to widen his job options upon completion of mechanic training, he trained for and obtained his multiengine pilot rating in Helena, Montana this summer.  

Two Engines are better than One!

The main purpose of our seventeen day trip to Ecuador is to learn as much as we can about the missionary aviation work being done there and to assess how we might fit into a similar program (not necessarily in Ecuador). As we have been preparing for going to Ecuador, we compiled a list of questions we hope to answer through this trip.  The process of this compilation has involved intense introspection on basic issues. We have been asking questions like: What are our motivations for what we are doing? What does our personal relationship with God look like? How can we best use our God-given gifts and talents? How can we use our personal tendencies and strengths to maximize our effectiveness and how can we avoid pitfalls? Are we cut out for the missionary life?  If not, what other things does God want us to do? Are we exercising (or lacking) faith by asking these questions?  The process of facing these basic questions has been both humbling and exciting.

Aircraft in use by Alas de Socorro in Ecuador (from their Facebook page)

Since we are going to a mission aviation base, we hope to answer specific questions such as: what options are available for schooling and socializing for children?  What is every day life like for the non-pilot (Karen)?  Can Karen safely move around independently in society? What are some cultural norms and how do Westerners fit in and develop meaningful relationships across the culture? What is expected of the pilot-mechanic?  What is the safety culture and program like for the flight operations?  Who are the people being served by the mission and by the operation? Who is not being served and why? What are the joys of this service, and what are the hard parts?  How do the people there cope with that hardship?

We also want to get an idea from the pilot-mechanics and their spouses of how they knew that they were called to this mission in this place.  How did they receive and heed God's call? We want to find out what they have learned, what they did well and what they may wish they had done differently.  

Stay tuned -- as we experience the journey and some of these questions are answered, we will keep you informed about some of the things we learn.  If time and internet service permit, we will be posting several times while there.  We appreciate and yearn for your continued prayers and encouragement.