Hi friends & Merry Christmas!!
Our family just celebrated Christmas on December 30th. Everyone was home and we had a wonderful day of food, gifts and laughter:) I've played a lot of games in my day, but Balderdash with the my family has to be one of the best activities ever! There are usually tears with a smattering of wheezing; such deep laughter from the caverns of your being.
I wanted to let you all know that I'll be starting the tour of excitement, if you will. If you or people you know are interested in hearing more about how I will be involved with MAF, let me know and we can make a coffee/food date! I'm a snack 'n' chat kind of girl ;)
I'll be in Portland/Salem/Eugene area of Oregon from Jan. 24-Jan.26th and in the lower mainland BC from Jan. 27th - Feb. 6th.
Send me an email at april_lanigan@hotmail.com, comment below or facebook me!
I look forward to hearing from you!
April:)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Another Christmas:)
It's been pretty quiet around the airport these days. Our 2nd year students are finishing up and the rest of us are preparing for the onslaught of new aviators that will arrive in a month. I have been creating training manuals for the instructors and students. It's been nice to do some administrative work after such a busy flying & training season. I am on my last 2 weeks of working at Prairie. Gosh, I love this place. I have great friends here and although people move along a lot - every 2 years usually - our friendships are deep and long lasting. I am really going to miss being a part of this community.
In two weeks, I'll head back home to Ontario for Christmas and then the busyness will start. I have been scheduled for Candidacy Training in Nampa on Jan.9-20th. I hope to visit a lot of you on the west coast of the US & Canada and then head back to Alberta early February.
Please continue to pray that all the preparations will come together quickly. Because I have been requested to go as soon as possible, MAF has slotted me into the training schedule in a much tighter timeline than usual. Where most pilots have a year or so for their team to come together, I will have 3 months (mid-January to mid-April) for my financial partners and prayer partners to be in place. Would you pray and ask the Lord if He would have you be a part of this team?
I would like to thank the individuals who have already come on board and I look forward to serving with you!
Merry almost Christmas:)
In two weeks, I'll head back home to Ontario for Christmas and then the busyness will start. I have been scheduled for Candidacy Training in Nampa on Jan.9-20th. I hope to visit a lot of you on the west coast of the US & Canada and then head back to Alberta early February.
Please continue to pray that all the preparations will come together quickly. Because I have been requested to go as soon as possible, MAF has slotted me into the training schedule in a much tighter timeline than usual. Where most pilots have a year or so for their team to come together, I will have 3 months (mid-January to mid-April) for my financial partners and prayer partners to be in place. Would you pray and ask the Lord if He would have you be a part of this team?
I would like to thank the individuals who have already come on board and I look forward to serving with you!
Merry almost Christmas:)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Assignment!!!
Friends, I have great news to share!
After much prayer and counsel, I have chosen to serve in South East Asia. There is a new work that is about to start and the Lord has opened the door into this country where traditional missionaries cannot enter. It's very exciting to see how He has worked over these last couple of months by finalizing the approvals with the government and providing airplanes and personnel.
The program manager would like me there as soon as possible, but there is still some MAF training to complete, so the earliest departure in my opinion will most likely be in late August/early September 2012. I will also need to be fully supported at that time (monthly & outgoing). I wish I could tell you more details about it here, but due to the nature of the work, I need to be careful on what I write. I'll be sending out a newsletter very soon, so for those who are interested, send me your email address to april_lanigan@hotmail.com or Facebook me and I can send you more information about what I'll be up to for the next 4 years!
Thank you to those who have lifted me up in prayer - especially as I have worked out in my heart where the best place is to serve with the gifts and abilities the Lord has given me. The Lord confirmed it to me last week. I and some friends were praying that the Lord would specifically show me which country & program I was best suited to and that His answer would be all around me - wherever I looked. On Friday night I was at a conference center/bible camp where the orientation was held and another group had booked the facilities for that weekend. It was a kids camp and they were sharing the same room as we were. I asked where they were from and they proceeded to say the name of the country that I'll be going to. I have never met anyone from this particular country before and here they were - 100 people of that particular country completely surrounding me. I was absolutely speechless. I know that this is the place He has for me and I can move ahead with confidence!
The Lord has been gathering a team of people who are anxiously waiting to hear all that He will do through this particular work in SE Asia. If He's laid it on your heart to be one of my teammates either in prayer or financial support, please let me know:) It's encouraging to hear from people who are equally anticipating what the Lord will do in that country. If not yet, may I challenge you to prayerfully consider being a part of the team? I know He has some adventures for us and I have valued your encouragement & excitement thus far in my journey:)
Thanks friends:)
After much prayer and counsel, I have chosen to serve in South East Asia. There is a new work that is about to start and the Lord has opened the door into this country where traditional missionaries cannot enter. It's very exciting to see how He has worked over these last couple of months by finalizing the approvals with the government and providing airplanes and personnel.
The program manager would like me there as soon as possible, but there is still some MAF training to complete, so the earliest departure in my opinion will most likely be in late August/early September 2012. I will also need to be fully supported at that time (monthly & outgoing). I wish I could tell you more details about it here, but due to the nature of the work, I need to be careful on what I write. I'll be sending out a newsletter very soon, so for those who are interested, send me your email address to april_lanigan@hotmail.com or Facebook me and I can send you more information about what I'll be up to for the next 4 years!
Thank you to those who have lifted me up in prayer - especially as I have worked out in my heart where the best place is to serve with the gifts and abilities the Lord has given me. The Lord confirmed it to me last week. I and some friends were praying that the Lord would specifically show me which country & program I was best suited to and that His answer would be all around me - wherever I looked. On Friday night I was at a conference center/bible camp where the orientation was held and another group had booked the facilities for that weekend. It was a kids camp and they were sharing the same room as we were. I asked where they were from and they proceeded to say the name of the country that I'll be going to. I have never met anyone from this particular country before and here they were - 100 people of that particular country completely surrounding me. I was absolutely speechless. I know that this is the place He has for me and I can move ahead with confidence!
The Lord has been gathering a team of people who are anxiously waiting to hear all that He will do through this particular work in SE Asia. If He's laid it on your heart to be one of my teammates either in prayer or financial support, please let me know:) It's encouraging to hear from people who are equally anticipating what the Lord will do in that country. If not yet, may I challenge you to prayerfully consider being a part of the team? I know He has some adventures for us and I have valued your encouragement & excitement thus far in my journey:)
Thanks friends:)
Monday, November 7, 2011
It's Official!!!
I have moved from a MAF Candidate to a MAF Pilot!!!!!!! Thank you for praying and being a part of this!! Your prayers have been answered!!!
Next, I ask you to pray about placement (country/program). MAF will be looking at different options this week. Please pray that both MAF and I will be on the same page as to where the Lord is leading.
Thank you!!!
April
Next, I ask you to pray about placement (country/program). MAF will be looking at different options this week. Please pray that both MAF and I will be on the same page as to where the Lord is leading.
Thank you!!!
April
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Pictures and More!
As promised here are some pics from the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Technical Evaluation I did in Idaho 2 weeks ago.
My Instructor Pilot Brian Shepson and I with our trusty helmets. MAF US wears helmets when they fly. Don't judge Brian...it was dress down day at the airport..;) He and I flew together all week~ I really enjoyed flying with him.
As I said in an earlier post, I sadly have no pictures of us actually flying. I guess I should have brought along a film crew...
So? What's next? Well I'm flying to Ontario next Saturday to visit family for a week and then off to Guelph, Ontario for MAF Canada's Candidate Orientation. This will be a 2 week engagement of getting to know MAF better and then hopefully at the end of that segment, they will invite me onto staff as one of their Pre-field pilots! The 13 year dream is coming true!
I should find out at that time where I will be placed. There are 2 programs in mind and I/MAF will be deciding at that time where I would be the best fit! Do continue to pray with me about placement. It's a big deal! I will need to make a decision rather soon - before Christmas I'm thinking.
Friends, thanks for being a part of the journey so far by reading the updates and praying for me! I cannot even imagine what adventures the Lord has for us in the near and distant future - but they are going to be incredible! You won't want to miss it - We are going to see Him with our very own eyes!!!!
A view of Boise and one of the mountain ranges.
I am sporting the official MAF Guest ID badge.
Here I am holding the infamous MAF Standard Operating Procedures Handbook. A lot of these procedures we use as a foundation in our curriculum at Prairie School of Mission Aviation.
Ah the Cessna 206Turbo - my swift steed for the week! I had never flown this type of aircraft before but I was able to pick up the procedures and feel of the aircraft quickly!
My Instructor Pilot Brian Shepson and I with our trusty helmets. MAF US wears helmets when they fly. Don't judge Brian...it was dress down day at the airport..;) He and I flew together all week~ I really enjoyed flying with him.
As I said in an earlier post, I sadly have no pictures of us actually flying. I guess I should have brought along a film crew...
So? What's next? Well I'm flying to Ontario next Saturday to visit family for a week and then off to Guelph, Ontario for MAF Canada's Candidate Orientation. This will be a 2 week engagement of getting to know MAF better and then hopefully at the end of that segment, they will invite me onto staff as one of their Pre-field pilots! The 13 year dream is coming true!
I should find out at that time where I will be placed. There are 2 programs in mind and I/MAF will be deciding at that time where I would be the best fit! Do continue to pray with me about placement. It's a big deal! I will need to make a decision rather soon - before Christmas I'm thinking.
Friends, thanks for being a part of the journey so far by reading the updates and praying for me! I cannot even imagine what adventures the Lord has for us in the near and distant future - but they are going to be incredible! You won't want to miss it - We are going to see Him with our very own eyes!!!!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
To God be the glory, great things He has done!!
Well friends, I rolled in to Three Hills last night after a week long evaluation in Nampa, Idaho. I have to say, the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) base in the US is awesome. They welcomed me warmly and were super hospitable. I have very few pictures to show for my adventure as it wasn't exactly appropriate to take pictures during the evaluation flights, but I got some on the ground for you.
First I want to say - THANK YOU for praying with and for me this week. I woke up each morning feeling calm and collected. I had a clear sharp mind and was able to catch and correct any errors I made. I was perfectly paired with an instructor. We connected well and he made me feel at ease. In fact, I had met him 2 years ago at a booth at Oshkosh and we had spent a few hours together then as well. It was really neat that I could fly with him last week.
We were able to fly Monday and Tuesday, the simulator was on Wednesday, and then Friday we flew the last lesson - a cross country and diversion exercise in marginal weather. I had to wait an hour until the debrief. Then....to God be the glory, great things He has done! He enabled me to PASS the Technical Evaluation!!!! I am THRILLED! Praise the Lord!
After the debrief, I met with the Candidate Committee so they could get to know me in the event I was loaned to a US program later on. The people I met there were wonderful and caring.
So that's the news I've been waiting to share with you!!! :) :) :)
Thank you again!!!!!!
April:)
...pictures will come soon.....:)
First I want to say - THANK YOU for praying with and for me this week. I woke up each morning feeling calm and collected. I had a clear sharp mind and was able to catch and correct any errors I made. I was perfectly paired with an instructor. We connected well and he made me feel at ease. In fact, I had met him 2 years ago at a booth at Oshkosh and we had spent a few hours together then as well. It was really neat that I could fly with him last week.
We were able to fly Monday and Tuesday, the simulator was on Wednesday, and then Friday we flew the last lesson - a cross country and diversion exercise in marginal weather. I had to wait an hour until the debrief. Then....to God be the glory, great things He has done! He enabled me to PASS the Technical Evaluation!!!! I am THRILLED! Praise the Lord!
After the debrief, I met with the Candidate Committee so they could get to know me in the event I was loaned to a US program later on. The people I met there were wonderful and caring.
So that's the news I've been waiting to share with you!!! :) :) :)
Thank you again!!!!!!
April:)
...pictures will come soon.....:)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A Pair of Jeans
I've never thought of myself as short, in fact, I tell people I have long legs! (ahem...comparatively speaking...) Lately, I've been wondering who the people are who design pilot seats? Are they retired basketball players who after a long career decided to take up seat design? Were they tired of sitting in cramped quarters and in retaliation determined to create their own? I wonder sometimes.
To me, sitting in a pilot seat comfortably is like wearing a pair of jeans - you need to tweak them to make a good fit! More often than not, if they fit in the hips, you gotta hem them at the bottom. Likewise, I use my "shimmies" (aka pillows) to craft the perfect pilot seat fit! Not only can I see over the panel, but I can reach the rudders too! They say that passengers like that...
Perhaps I should go into the seat makin' business myself:)
I can already imagine the commercial now....
....Are you tired of carrying around pillows to see over the dashboard? Have you heard the red wagon joke one too many times? Then we got a deal for you!! With only 5 installments of $99.99, you too can...
Hmm....
For now, I will pack up the shimmies in my suitcase and fly them down to Idaho to try on a Cessna 206 and as always, after a bit of tweaking, I'll be ready to go~
To me, sitting in a pilot seat comfortably is like wearing a pair of jeans - you need to tweak them to make a good fit! More often than not, if they fit in the hips, you gotta hem them at the bottom. Likewise, I use my "shimmies" (aka pillows) to craft the perfect pilot seat fit! Not only can I see over the panel, but I can reach the rudders too! They say that passengers like that...
Perhaps I should go into the seat makin' business myself:)
I can already imagine the commercial now....
....Are you tired of carrying around pillows to see over the dashboard? Have you heard the red wagon joke one too many times? Then we got a deal for you!! With only 5 installments of $99.99, you too can...
Hmm....
For now, I will pack up the shimmies in my suitcase and fly them down to Idaho to try on a Cessna 206 and as always, after a bit of tweaking, I'll be ready to go~
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Remember that date??
Yup! It's time! In one week, I'll be on a plane to Nampa, Idaho to the MAF - US headquarters to participate in the 5 day flight evaluation. This is the final evaluation in the application process. (Yay!!) It will consist of oral and written exams, simulator work, and flights. They will be evaluating my regular flying skills as well as how quickly I pick up the new techniques they teach me.
I am really looking forward to it... I hear it's "fun"! I'll let you know later if that's a true statement... At the end of the week, MAF-US will let me know their recommendation of serving with them.
SO, this week is chuck full of preparation!!
Well Team, as we go into this week, here are some praise & prayer requests:
++++++ Praise+++++++
*The IFR ride was successful & I now hold a Single Engine Instrument Rating.
*A good rest this weekend.
*Clear, WARM weather in Three Hills
======Prayer=======
*I'll be flying a plane I have never flown before during the evaluation. Pray that my mind will be able to concentrate this week as I learn the new procedures and get acquainted with this particular manual.
*Continued good weather for some prep flights
*I'll use my time wisely
*I'll get a good rest each night
*I'll relax....(who me?)
Thanks everyone again for your prayers throughout this process and especially last week. I thank you in advance for lifting me up during this prep week and then through Oct. 2-8th in Idaho.
Psalm 63:1-8 "O GOD, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me."
I am really looking forward to it... I hear it's "fun"! I'll let you know later if that's a true statement... At the end of the week, MAF-US will let me know their recommendation of serving with them.
SO, this week is chuck full of preparation!!
Well Team, as we go into this week, here are some praise & prayer requests:
++++++ Praise+++++++
*The IFR ride was successful & I now hold a Single Engine Instrument Rating.
*A good rest this weekend.
*Clear, WARM weather in Three Hills
======Prayer=======
*I'll be flying a plane I have never flown before during the evaluation. Pray that my mind will be able to concentrate this week as I learn the new procedures and get acquainted with this particular manual.
*Continued good weather for some prep flights
*I'll use my time wisely
*I'll get a good rest each night
*I'll relax....(who me?)
Thanks everyone again for your prayers throughout this process and especially last week. I thank you in advance for lifting me up during this prep week and then through Oct. 2-8th in Idaho.
Psalm 63:1-8 "O GOD, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wrestling a bull
Thank you for all those who prayed for me today. Quite honestly, it was the most brutal flight test I have ever taken. Several things unfolded as we flew -
We were 30miles out of Edmonton International when the controller told us they were not taking training flights today as one of their runways was down for maintenance and they were only using 1 approach. (They had issued the notice after we had taken off.) My examiner spoke with them and asked if they would accommodate us for the flight test and the controllers obliged. Praise the Lord!
We flew into Red Deer and I was "hand flying" the approach (read: no autopilot) and I was very focused as I had not flown this one before, and as we were 5 miles from the end of the runway when we hit serious turbulence - I was hardly in my seat! It honestly felt like I was wrestling a bull down to the ground. It was intense....all the while trying to make sure I didn't go below the minimum altitude of the approach, and then I saw the needle on my instrument deflect too much and I realized I may have just failed the exercise BUT then I remembered that I could have another chance if I initiated a missed approach (a "go around"). So I did and tried it again. The second time went better...still fighting the winds and the turbulence. I felt like I was put through the wringer a second time. As we climbed back up to altitude on our way home to Three Hills, the cockpit was silent. I was arriving at the decision that I had just partially failed my flight test and was feeling rather whipped, trying to keep my mind focused for the last exercise. Then out of the quietness a voice said "Are you hungry?" It was my examiner, he had been quiet during my whole flight (3 hrs). We shared a cookie. I could have cried. We had one last item to complete -the hold - and it was successful. As I came in for landing at Three Hills, the winds were very strong - 25kt crosswind (ridiculous)...but got it down and finally, as we moved onto the taxiway the examiner told me I passed. Thank you Lord! It was truly by His grace today that we managed to do the flight.
Thank you SO much for praying. I needed it....
Hugs,
April
We were 30miles out of Edmonton International when the controller told us they were not taking training flights today as one of their runways was down for maintenance and they were only using 1 approach. (They had issued the notice after we had taken off.) My examiner spoke with them and asked if they would accommodate us for the flight test and the controllers obliged. Praise the Lord!
We flew into Red Deer and I was "hand flying" the approach (read: no autopilot) and I was very focused as I had not flown this one before, and as we were 5 miles from the end of the runway when we hit serious turbulence - I was hardly in my seat! It honestly felt like I was wrestling a bull down to the ground. It was intense....all the while trying to make sure I didn't go below the minimum altitude of the approach, and then I saw the needle on my instrument deflect too much and I realized I may have just failed the exercise BUT then I remembered that I could have another chance if I initiated a missed approach (a "go around"). So I did and tried it again. The second time went better...still fighting the winds and the turbulence. I felt like I was put through the wringer a second time. As we climbed back up to altitude on our way home to Three Hills, the cockpit was silent. I was arriving at the decision that I had just partially failed my flight test and was feeling rather whipped, trying to keep my mind focused for the last exercise. Then out of the quietness a voice said "Are you hungry?" It was my examiner, he had been quiet during my whole flight (3 hrs). We shared a cookie. I could have cried. We had one last item to complete -the hold - and it was successful. As I came in for landing at Three Hills, the winds were very strong - 25kt crosswind (ridiculous)...but got it down and finally, as we moved onto the taxiway the examiner told me I passed. Thank you Lord! It was truly by His grace today that we managed to do the flight.
Thank you SO much for praying. I needed it....
Hugs,
April
Today!
Today is finally the flight test for the Instrument Rating!!! It will start at 9:30am and end at approximately 2:30pm. The weather is gorgeous outside - Praise the Lord!
I ask you to pray that I will have a clear, organized mind this morning and will be able to anticipate the next item required for each task. Overall, that I will be calm in mind and heart.
Thanks friends!
April
I ask you to pray that I will have a clear, organized mind this morning and will be able to anticipate the next item required for each task. Overall, that I will be calm in mind and heart.
Thanks friends!
April
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Part 2A
Well friends, this cold is kicking me down! In light of these health issues, the flight test has been postponed till Sept. 12th. In the meantime, I'm trying to get some sleep and reign in this cough as well as fly the simulator while my ears are clearing.
Boy it's difficult to make progress when feeling under the weather. Do keep me in your prayers over this next week as I try to regain in health and proficiency.
Thanks!
Boy it's difficult to make progress when feeling under the weather. Do keep me in your prayers over this next week as I try to regain in health and proficiency.
Thanks!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Part 1
Thank you for praying for me in this venture~ This afternoon I wrote the Instrument Exam and successfully passed! :) Praise the Lord!!!
Now on to Part 2 - the flight test. Hopefully if the weather holds out, I'll be doing my 2nd flight tomorrow morning into Calgary Springbank Airport. We're hoping we can have a flight each day this week (Tuesday - Thursday) and then the Flight Exam on Friday.
We'll see what unfolds!!!
Keep on praying!!!
~April
Now on to Part 2 - the flight test. Hopefully if the weather holds out, I'll be doing my 2nd flight tomorrow morning into Calgary Springbank Airport. We're hoping we can have a flight each day this week (Tuesday - Thursday) and then the Flight Exam on Friday.
We'll see what unfolds!!!
Keep on praying!!!
~April
Saturday, August 27, 2011
IFR THIS WEEK!!!
That's right - as the subject reads - this is the week for the acquisition of the Instrument Rating. For the non-pilots, this will enable me to fly safely in clouds and low visibilities only by reference to instruments. If you've ever taken a commercial airline flight - they fly by instruments too!
I wanted to give myself a month to complete the training, however as the theme of life seems to be, plans changed. Between the availability of my instructor, the airplane and myself - we are attempting to complete it in a week and a half. The "half" part of the week has already happened and now Lord willing on Monday I'll pass the written exam and on Friday successfully complete the flight test. I was reminded again this week, after feeling very overwhelmed, that it is in my weakness that He is strong. I've been praying that His peace will come upon my mind and heart and remove this anxiety. I believe He is answering this plea as I've felt quite calm since Thursday morning. I trust that this peace will continue.
So friends, I ask you to pray with me throughout this week and then we can all watch together how the Lord works!
... that His peace will be in my mind and heart as I learn the knowledge and practical skills this rating requires.
...Mental stamina to put in full days of flight training
...I'll recall the information that I have learned and studied as I write the written examination on Monday
...I will not feel overwhelmed! To focus on one day at a time!
...I will get better fast!! I woke up with a cold this morning...no good!
Thanks!!
~April:)
These promises are a good reminder for me:)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9
I wanted to give myself a month to complete the training, however as the theme of life seems to be, plans changed. Between the availability of my instructor, the airplane and myself - we are attempting to complete it in a week and a half. The "half" part of the week has already happened and now Lord willing on Monday I'll pass the written exam and on Friday successfully complete the flight test. I was reminded again this week, after feeling very overwhelmed, that it is in my weakness that He is strong. I've been praying that His peace will come upon my mind and heart and remove this anxiety. I believe He is answering this plea as I've felt quite calm since Thursday morning. I trust that this peace will continue.
So friends, I ask you to pray with me throughout this week and then we can all watch together how the Lord works!
... that His peace will be in my mind and heart as I learn the knowledge and practical skills this rating requires.
...Mental stamina to put in full days of flight training
...I'll recall the information that I have learned and studied as I write the written examination on Monday
...I will not feel overwhelmed! To focus on one day at a time!
...I will get better fast!! I woke up with a cold this morning...no good!
Thanks!!
~April:)
These promises are a good reminder for me:)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A Date!!!
Wow, that got your attention! ;o)
You'll have to wait a bit longer to find out! First things first! I had the psychological/medical assessment interview yesterday. It went really well - much to my surprise~ especially after hearing stories of others who have gone before me.
Second piece of news: I have committed to staying on at Prairie School of Mission Aviation until Christmas 2011. While our Chief Flight Instructor is away in India on a missions trip, I have been given the opportunity to act as interim CFI (Chief Flight Instructor) until he returns. It is such a privilege to have this experience here on my home turf working with such amazing instructors, staff and students. I am and hoping to learn so much during these next 5 weeks! I am so thankful to the Lord for His plans for me:)
Thirdly, A DATE!!!
With WHOM you may ask?! Well, none other than...MAF US. Alas, sigh, no flowers, dinner or dancing - just a technical evaluation. One, though, that appeared out of no where - for which I am thankful. Five whole days of observations -October 3rd to 7th. Although, I'm positive that chocolate will not be involved in our transactions - I will still look forward to this date! :0)
You'll have to wait a bit longer to find out! First things first! I had the psychological/medical assessment interview yesterday. It went really well - much to my surprise~ especially after hearing stories of others who have gone before me.
Second piece of news: I have committed to staying on at Prairie School of Mission Aviation until Christmas 2011. While our Chief Flight Instructor is away in India on a missions trip, I have been given the opportunity to act as interim CFI (Chief Flight Instructor) until he returns. It is such a privilege to have this experience here on my home turf working with such amazing instructors, staff and students. I am and hoping to learn so much during these next 5 weeks! I am so thankful to the Lord for His plans for me:)
Thirdly, A DATE!!!
With WHOM you may ask?! Well, none other than...MAF US. Alas, sigh, no flowers, dinner or dancing - just a technical evaluation. One, though, that appeared out of no where - for which I am thankful. Five whole days of observations -October 3rd to 7th. Although, I'm positive that chocolate will not be involved in our transactions - I will still look forward to this date! :0)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Fog?!
Thank you to all who prayed for my me during my exam this morning.
At 7:15am this morning, I looked outside and marveled at the clear blue skies of the day. At 7:45am, we were in fog! I immediately called the examiner to give him a heads up regarding our weather but I felt that it would burn off in time for our flight. I arrived at the airport to find that the aircraft I was to fly had issues the night before and our wonderful maintenance guys were busy trying to figure out and fix the problem - in time for my exam. When my examiner arrived he commented that the fog started 10min. south of Three Hills and the rest of southern Alberta had not a cloud in the sky!
Needless to say, after all the ground briefing and teaching, the fog cleared up enough to do the exam and the airplane was ready to fly!! Praise the Lord!! Thanks to Tim & Chris for fixing the plane so quickly!!!
So on to the news you've been waiting for and that I am excited to share!
The flight test went really well and I am now officially a Class 2 Instructor!!!! Yaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!
It honestly feels so surreal. As you know, I've been waiting & wanting to get this for a while and I cannot believe it's done. The Lord is faithful:)
Thank you again for all of you who prayed for me today. I was calm and collected and I know it was from the Lord. Thanks!
At 7:15am this morning, I looked outside and marveled at the clear blue skies of the day. At 7:45am, we were in fog! I immediately called the examiner to give him a heads up regarding our weather but I felt that it would burn off in time for our flight. I arrived at the airport to find that the aircraft I was to fly had issues the night before and our wonderful maintenance guys were busy trying to figure out and fix the problem - in time for my exam. When my examiner arrived he commented that the fog started 10min. south of Three Hills and the rest of southern Alberta had not a cloud in the sky!
Needless to say, after all the ground briefing and teaching, the fog cleared up enough to do the exam and the airplane was ready to fly!! Praise the Lord!! Thanks to Tim & Chris for fixing the plane so quickly!!!
So on to the news you've been waiting for and that I am excited to share!
The flight test went really well and I am now officially a Class 2 Instructor!!!! Yaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!
It honestly feels so surreal. As you know, I've been waiting & wanting to get this for a while and I cannot believe it's done. The Lord is faithful:)
Thank you again for all of you who prayed for me today. I was calm and collected and I know it was from the Lord. Thanks!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Flight Test
Alright Team!
The Class 2 flight test is scheduled for tomorrow morning (Thursday July 7th at 9am-1pm). Please pray that all goes well and that I am deemed to be at the Class 2 level. It will start off at 9am with a scenario. I will then build a lesson plan for the "student" and teach through a series of maneuvers on the ground. Next, we head into the airplane where the examiner will switch back and forth from being a "student" to an examiner, evaluating my teaching & evaluation skills and that I can demonstrate the maneuvers with accuracy. Back on the ground, I will debrief the "student" and then the examiner will debrief my performance with me.
(Sigh)...a calm and sharp mind would be great:)
Thanks friends,
April:)
The Class 2 flight test is scheduled for tomorrow morning (Thursday July 7th at 9am-1pm). Please pray that all goes well and that I am deemed to be at the Class 2 level. It will start off at 9am with a scenario. I will then build a lesson plan for the "student" and teach through a series of maneuvers on the ground. Next, we head into the airplane where the examiner will switch back and forth from being a "student" to an examiner, evaluating my teaching & evaluation skills and that I can demonstrate the maneuvers with accuracy. Back on the ground, I will debrief the "student" and then the examiner will debrief my performance with me.
(Sigh)...a calm and sharp mind would be great:)
Thanks friends,
April:)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Mission Impossible
Happy Canada Day!! or Bonne Fête Canada!
It's a cool 16 degrees Celsius today with blue skies and bright sunshine. That's right - not very warm for the first of July!!! Although Three Hills is home to many Canada Day fans, the town has postponed the festivities to later on this month. So today many migrate to neighboring communities to partake in their celebrations! I believe the fireworks will be located in Drumheller tonight over the Red Deer River.
I found this great blog this morning that has inspired me to create today~ It actually made me want to sew. I hear you...those that are gasping for air at the thought of that... It's not too far fetched anymore- my girlie skills have grown exponentially over these last few years and I no longer feel the energy drain out of my body when I hear the word "Fabricland". I actually like shopping for fabric, zippers and ....buttons:) Sadly though, stores are closed for the holiday, so it will have to wait for another day. Instead I bee-lined it to my favourite past-time. Baking. I *LOVE* baking and unfortunately I haven't made the time to dance with this love of mine in recent days....until today.
I started off the morning with a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies. One cannot imagine how many times I have heard in my lifetime - "April, you cannot just eat chocolate for breakfast!" ...can't I??? :)
Then I figured I would want something reasonably nutritious later on - so I roasted up some veggies and put together my favourite Orzo Salad. If you haven't tried this AMAZING flavorful salad, give it a try! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/orzo-with-roasted-vegetables-recipe/index.html
It's my TOP salad to bring to gatherings. I just throw in whatever veggies I have in the fridge.
It is always a hit!
...and then the Finale....
My Dad has always had an inkling for trying new recipes. In my childhood, there were some winners and some not so great participants. The chutney meatloaf was one of those dishes that did not place well, however I remember one particular Saturday, he set out to make homemade bagels. I remember forming the dough and boiling them up and if I remember correctly, they didn't turn out exactly to his liking. However, in my humble opinion, they rocked! I loved them! So in honor of my Dad's Bagel Expedition, today I too attempted the impossible and made Homemade Plain Bagels. To my surprise, they look and taste good. I feel like they're still missing something...but with a little tweaking the next batch will be even better!
The last little guy!
Browning in the oven.
It's a cool 16 degrees Celsius today with blue skies and bright sunshine. That's right - not very warm for the first of July!!! Although Three Hills is home to many Canada Day fans, the town has postponed the festivities to later on this month. So today many migrate to neighboring communities to partake in their celebrations! I believe the fireworks will be located in Drumheller tonight over the Red Deer River.
I found this great blog this morning that has inspired me to create today~ It actually made me want to sew. I hear you...those that are gasping for air at the thought of that... It's not too far fetched anymore- my girlie skills have grown exponentially over these last few years and I no longer feel the energy drain out of my body when I hear the word "Fabricland". I actually like shopping for fabric, zippers and ....buttons:) Sadly though, stores are closed for the holiday, so it will have to wait for another day. Instead I bee-lined it to my favourite past-time. Baking. I *LOVE* baking and unfortunately I haven't made the time to dance with this love of mine in recent days....until today.
I started off the morning with a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies. One cannot imagine how many times I have heard in my lifetime - "April, you cannot just eat chocolate for breakfast!" ...can't I??? :)
Then I figured I would want something reasonably nutritious later on - so I roasted up some veggies and put together my favourite Orzo Salad. If you haven't tried this AMAZING flavorful salad, give it a try! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/orzo-with-roasted-vegetables-recipe/index.html
It's my TOP salad to bring to gatherings. I just throw in whatever veggies I have in the fridge.
It is always a hit!
...and then the Finale....
My Dad has always had an inkling for trying new recipes. In my childhood, there were some winners and some not so great participants. The chutney meatloaf was one of those dishes that did not place well, however I remember one particular Saturday, he set out to make homemade bagels. I remember forming the dough and boiling them up and if I remember correctly, they didn't turn out exactly to his liking. However, in my humble opinion, they rocked! I loved them! So in honor of my Dad's Bagel Expedition, today I too attempted the impossible and made Homemade Plain Bagels. To my surprise, they look and taste good. I feel like they're still missing something...but with a little tweaking the next batch will be even better!
Risen & waiting to be boiled.
The last little guy!
Browning in the oven.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Heep-heep- hooray!
Alright Team!
Step 1: Class 2 written exam completed - CHECK!!! :)
Today I headed into Calgary to our local Transport Canada Office to write the exam. The Lord's favor was upon me and I successfully passed the Class 2 written exam:) I am SO happy:)
Next step is to complete the flight test! Hopefully that will be completed within the next couple of weeks!
Thank you for your prayers - we're almost there!!
~April:)
Step 1: Class 2 written exam completed - CHECK!!! :)
Today I headed into Calgary to our local Transport Canada Office to write the exam. The Lord's favor was upon me and I successfully passed the Class 2 written exam:) I am SO happy:)
Next step is to complete the flight test! Hopefully that will be completed within the next couple of weeks!
Thank you for your prayers - we're almost there!!
~April:)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Slicker Pant Series
Hi friends,
It is with great delight I share with you a series of videos we shot yesterday due to a bit of a predicament I was facing.
The Reveal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZG796nN98Y&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
The Shoes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kEYRT0ryHg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
The Bike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G04lQ8Ajnnk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Enjoy!
It is with great delight I share with you a series of videos we shot yesterday due to a bit of a predicament I was facing.
The Reveal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZG796nN98Y&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
The Shoes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kEYRT0ryHg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
The Bike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G04lQ8Ajnnk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Back on the wagon:)
That's right, I'm back on the wagon again...the assessment wagon that is. I just completed the Psychological Assessment and it will be off in the mail tomorrow! Criminal Record check...CHECK! Now back to that studying~ Work has been ever so gracious and has allowed me to eliminate my administrative responsibilities so now I can focus on studying and will fly with my students in the evening hours. I look forward to what is ahead~
Although my blogposts have been sporadic recently, do keep me and my family in your prayers. It is always good to be in a position where you need the Lord and our family has definitely needed Him in recent months.
Pray for my family as my sister is fighting cancer and my Mom is driving her to her appts and taking care of her at home. She has a week and a half left of treatments - YAY:) Pray for strength for both of them and that my sister's body will heal quickly...and that dirty cancer is gone now. Oh that she will feel better soon! ♥
Pray for clarity & concentration for myself as I focus on the material for these exams.
Thanks team:)
Although my blogposts have been sporadic recently, do keep me and my family in your prayers. It is always good to be in a position where you need the Lord and our family has definitely needed Him in recent months.
Pray for my family as my sister is fighting cancer and my Mom is driving her to her appts and taking care of her at home. She has a week and a half left of treatments - YAY:) Pray for strength for both of them and that my sister's body will heal quickly...and that dirty cancer is gone now. Oh that she will feel better soon! ♥
Pray for clarity & concentration for myself as I focus on the material for these exams.
Thanks team:)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Some Adventures Up North
Hi Friends,
Last week Kendall, Liz & I took the 182 up to Yellowknife and back for some commercial training. It was a great trip. We managed to do it in a day - so no sightseeing this time.
It was gorgeous blue skies up to Fort McMurray and then we entered the smoke from the nearby forest fires.
This was a great experience to fly in minimal visibility. After a quick fuel stop in Fort Smith, we finally popped out of the smoke just outside of Yellowknife, landed, switched pilots and started our flight back.
The smoke was much thicker on our return trip as we climbed and descended to try to increase our forward visibility.
As we approached Fort McMurray for the second time, we immediately met blue clear skies. (Look at the wall of smoke!)
We landed and taxied for fuel. Unfortunately, due to the nearby forest fires, our type of fuel was commonly being used for the bird-dogs (those aircraft spotting fires) over the last few days. Thus, one company was out and the other was just about to fill a fuel truck which would have taken several hours. The man we were speaking with seemed pessimistic that we were going to be able to leave that evening. I said a quick prayer that we would find some fuel, and several minutes later, a fuel truck was sent over to us. We filled up and in short time we were on our way.
The weather held out the rest of our flight home. By the time we reached Edmonton, it was night and in those first 30 minutes the sky was BLACK with limited references on the ground. Kendall commented that what we needed right then was a bright moon and some stars. About an hour later, a HUGE orange moon rose and many twinkly stars. It was gorgeous. We touched down in Three Hills at 11:30pm. A successful trip was had by all!
Courtesy of the weather network that evening.
Last week Kendall, Liz & I took the 182 up to Yellowknife and back for some commercial training. It was a great trip. We managed to do it in a day - so no sightseeing this time.
It was gorgeous blue skies up to Fort McMurray and then we entered the smoke from the nearby forest fires.
This was a great experience to fly in minimal visibility. After a quick fuel stop in Fort Smith, we finally popped out of the smoke just outside of Yellowknife, landed, switched pilots and started our flight back.
The smoke was much thicker on our return trip as we climbed and descended to try to increase our forward visibility.
As we approached Fort McMurray for the second time, we immediately met blue clear skies. (Look at the wall of smoke!)
We landed and taxied for fuel. Unfortunately, due to the nearby forest fires, our type of fuel was commonly being used for the bird-dogs (those aircraft spotting fires) over the last few days. Thus, one company was out and the other was just about to fill a fuel truck which would have taken several hours. The man we were speaking with seemed pessimistic that we were going to be able to leave that evening. I said a quick prayer that we would find some fuel, and several minutes later, a fuel truck was sent over to us. We filled up and in short time we were on our way.
The weather held out the rest of our flight home. By the time we reached Edmonton, it was night and in those first 30 minutes the sky was BLACK with limited references on the ground. Kendall commented that what we needed right then was a bright moon and some stars. About an hour later, a HUGE orange moon rose and many twinkly stars. It was gorgeous. We touched down in Three Hills at 11:30pm. A successful trip was had by all!
Courtesy of the weather network that evening.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Perplexed
If it were up to us, we would never feel it. We do our best to avoid it. Ironically, however, it is here in this place where we see more of Him. When we are at the end of our own strength, our own efforts, our own resources, it is in our desperation that the Lord reveals Himself to us. We cry out and He responds.
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God. He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears." 2 Samuel 22: 7
He promises, "He shall call on Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble and I will deliver him and honor him. (Ps.91:15)
Why then, after experiencing His closeness do we return back to our own efforts, our own strength, our own resources? Only one word comes to mind...
Baffling.
"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God. He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears." 2 Samuel 22: 7
He promises, "He shall call on Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble and I will deliver him and honor him. (Ps.91:15)
Why then, after experiencing His closeness do we return back to our own efforts, our own strength, our own resources? Only one word comes to mind...
Baffling.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Three Beautiful Women
On this Mother's Day, I want to honor three beautiful women. Women who have shaped and strengthened me and have helped me to become the woman I am today.
My earliest memories of my mom were at night. I was terrified of the dark and especially thunderstorms and many nights I would stand next to her bed whispering her name and she would open up the covers to let me slip in. I remember sitting on her lap in the rocking chair in the quietness of the living room when I was sick. She would rub my head and I was gone:) In the summers as I got older, Mom would take us down to the pool and on the way we would pick up some white powdered donuts and she would make us some orange tang. I lived on peanut butter sandwiches - yet in her creativity she would make "sailboats" by turning one quarter sideways. I laugh at this to this day:) She put up with all sorts of april-isms....hang butter and rolled down socks. Mom has encouraged me to continue to press on towards my dreams. My mom is caring, kind, and very funny. She works hard to take care of our family and I love her so much.
My Grandma P. has always been very much a part of my life. We spent a lot of time at her house when we were kids. Their yard had trees and a stream and green grass...funny what kids feel are important! I had a ton of eye doctor appointments when I was little and Grandma drove me a lot. If we were sick or had to leave school Grandma always took care of us. I loved going to her house. She would make Sunday Dinner every Sunday for the whole entire family. Grandma is not your typical grandma. She is quite spunky:) Last year I took up Highland Dancing and her and I did the fling together when I visited last summer. She's in her late 80's now. Grandma knows the word of God and is a faithful prayer warrior. It encourages my heart to know that she prays for me every day both morning and night. Gosh I love her!
My sister is 8 years older than I and though it was challenging at times when we were younger, our relationship is much tighter now. Because she was so much older than my brother and I, she became the token babysitter - much to her chagrin.
I remember when I was little, we would wake up at 7am on a Saturday morning and play soccer in the basement. For whatever reason she could not fully appreciate that her door was the best spot for our goal and quite frankly my brother wasn't a great goal keeper. I'm sure you can imagine her reaction ;) It was a long time before I would grow out of being the annoying sister to a friend. I always looked up to her. Just last month I had the chance to spend a lot of time with her and it was wonderful. It blessed my heart. She is a strong and beautiful woman. She keeps her head up even when she's dealing with very difficult circumstances. She laughs easily and looks forward to hearing my stories. I so appreciate her friendship and am so thankful that she is in my life. Love you Lisa:)
My earliest memories of my mom were at night. I was terrified of the dark and especially thunderstorms and many nights I would stand next to her bed whispering her name and she would open up the covers to let me slip in. I remember sitting on her lap in the rocking chair in the quietness of the living room when I was sick. She would rub my head and I was gone:) In the summers as I got older, Mom would take us down to the pool and on the way we would pick up some white powdered donuts and she would make us some orange tang. I lived on peanut butter sandwiches - yet in her creativity she would make "sailboats" by turning one quarter sideways. I laugh at this to this day:) She put up with all sorts of april-isms....hang butter and rolled down socks. Mom has encouraged me to continue to press on towards my dreams. My mom is caring, kind, and very funny. She works hard to take care of our family and I love her so much.
My Grandma P. has always been very much a part of my life. We spent a lot of time at her house when we were kids. Their yard had trees and a stream and green grass...funny what kids feel are important! I had a ton of eye doctor appointments when I was little and Grandma drove me a lot. If we were sick or had to leave school Grandma always took care of us. I loved going to her house. She would make Sunday Dinner every Sunday for the whole entire family. Grandma is not your typical grandma. She is quite spunky:) Last year I took up Highland Dancing and her and I did the fling together when I visited last summer. She's in her late 80's now. Grandma knows the word of God and is a faithful prayer warrior. It encourages my heart to know that she prays for me every day both morning and night. Gosh I love her!
My sister is 8 years older than I and though it was challenging at times when we were younger, our relationship is much tighter now. Because she was so much older than my brother and I, she became the token babysitter - much to her chagrin.
I remember when I was little, we would wake up at 7am on a Saturday morning and play soccer in the basement. For whatever reason she could not fully appreciate that her door was the best spot for our goal and quite frankly my brother wasn't a great goal keeper. I'm sure you can imagine her reaction ;) It was a long time before I would grow out of being the annoying sister to a friend. I always looked up to her. Just last month I had the chance to spend a lot of time with her and it was wonderful. It blessed my heart. She is a strong and beautiful woman. She keeps her head up even when she's dealing with very difficult circumstances. She laughs easily and looks forward to hearing my stories. I so appreciate her friendship and am so thankful that she is in my life. Love you Lisa:)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Some Monday Humour
Ahh laughter, where would we be without it?
While I've been home in Ontario, my friend had her twin girls and the day that she was giving birth, I stopped by her house to see how her other little guy was doing. My friends and their kids were there making robots to fill up the time before they could visit the hospital. Sadly, it turned out that the children were afraid of the robots, so in an effort to show them that it's just a person in a box, I donned one. Here is the video of me trying to get out ~
A picture of the final robots modeled by my friend Beth and myself.
And some words from the children about their robot experience...
So the moral of the story is ...just give them a box and do refrain from shiny paper.
While I've been home in Ontario, my friend had her twin girls and the day that she was giving birth, I stopped by her house to see how her other little guy was doing. My friends and their kids were there making robots to fill up the time before they could visit the hospital. Sadly, it turned out that the children were afraid of the robots, so in an effort to show them that it's just a person in a box, I donned one. Here is the video of me trying to get out ~
A picture of the final robots modeled by my friend Beth and myself.
And some words from the children about their robot experience...
So the moral of the story is ...just give them a box and do refrain from shiny paper.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Mercy
I sit at a desk in my parent's house in Ontario. I marvel at how I got here. In the last post I wrote about making the difficult decision to postpone the technical evaluation until late summer. It was very hard to make that call at the time, however now I can see that the Lord's hand was there. If I were still on the original path, I would be leaving next week to head down to Nampa, Idaho to start a week long flight examination. On this new path, I get to spend my daily life with someone I dearly love as they go through a very difficult time in their life. The delay was a mercy. The Lord opened up a way for me to fly to Ontario and stay with my family. This is a good path.
I am so thankful.
I am so thankful.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Waiting
"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7
I came across this verse a couple of weeks ago and it gave me a heart check - you know that piercing in your heart when truth strikes you? Luckily I am not experiencing an evil man who is prospering, but this verse still rings true for me. I notice anxiety creeps in when it seems that I'm being left behind. I start to fret. This verse states to rest and to wait. For whom?...the Lord.
I read a story the other day which described waiting:
"The waiting room, a land where time seemingly stands still. It is a place where life is put on hold. In my doctor’s office, it feels like hours have passed, and yet when I look at my watch, it’s been only 20 minutes. When we are in the waiting room, it seems as if progress has come to a screeching halt. "
Waiting seems to be a recent theme in my life and those close to me. People are waiting for doctor's appointments, test results and wisdom to know the next steps for their future. A couple of weeks ago now, I was wisely counselled to wait for God's timing. At that time I was trying to complete the ratings I still needed for the MAF technical evaluation. My dear grandma and I had a good talk one evening and she voiced what I was too afraid to accept. I needed to wait and postpone the evaluations until later on this year. Since making & accepting that decision, I have peace.
"The ability to wait on the Lord stems from being confident and focused on who God is and in what God is doing. It means confidence in God’s person: confidence in His wisdom, love, timing, understanding of our situation and that of the world. It means knowing and trusting in God’s principles, promises, purposes, and power."
Waiting is difficult especially when we are facing unknowns. Pray with me - that in these times as we sit in the waiting room, we shall expectantly look for Him to come and lead us amidst our perplexity.
I came across this verse a couple of weeks ago and it gave me a heart check - you know that piercing in your heart when truth strikes you? Luckily I am not experiencing an evil man who is prospering, but this verse still rings true for me. I notice anxiety creeps in when it seems that I'm being left behind. I start to fret. This verse states to rest and to wait. For whom?...the Lord.
I read a story the other day which described waiting:
"The waiting room, a land where time seemingly stands still. It is a place where life is put on hold. In my doctor’s office, it feels like hours have passed, and yet when I look at my watch, it’s been only 20 minutes. When we are in the waiting room, it seems as if progress has come to a screeching halt. "
Waiting seems to be a recent theme in my life and those close to me. People are waiting for doctor's appointments, test results and wisdom to know the next steps for their future. A couple of weeks ago now, I was wisely counselled to wait for God's timing. At that time I was trying to complete the ratings I still needed for the MAF technical evaluation. My dear grandma and I had a good talk one evening and she voiced what I was too afraid to accept. I needed to wait and postpone the evaluations until later on this year. Since making & accepting that decision, I have peace.
"The ability to wait on the Lord stems from being confident and focused on who God is and in what God is doing. It means confidence in God’s person: confidence in His wisdom, love, timing, understanding of our situation and that of the world. It means knowing and trusting in God’s principles, promises, purposes, and power."
Waiting is difficult especially when we are facing unknowns. Pray with me - that in these times as we sit in the waiting room, we shall expectantly look for Him to come and lead us amidst our perplexity.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Well, MAF has reviewed my references and have approved me up to this point. Praise the Lord!
I am now officially on the Assessment Stage. So, in a few days time I should receive a package in the mail from the Psychologist to start the first set of tests. I'm hoping it shouldn't take too long to fill out! I am excited that things are still moving ahead.
Thank you for praying with me so far :)
I am now officially on the Assessment Stage. So, in a few days time I should receive a package in the mail from the Psychologist to start the first set of tests. I'm hoping it shouldn't take too long to fill out! I am excited that things are still moving ahead.
Thank you for praying with me so far :)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Tortoise & The Hare
Hi Friends :)
When I was in Grade 5, my Mom (who was a full-time elementary school teacher) went back to University to complete a Bachelor's degree part-time. She would teach all day, do her prep work for her class, be active with my dad & us kids, be involved at church and take evening classes. I have no idea how on earth she did this. Seriously. She ended up graduating with honors.
In one of my latest posts, I expressed that the next step for me was to acquire the Multi-IFR Rating. I will be honest with you, I am finding it a challenge to possess the concentration to study after working an 8-10hr day. I come home and I'm done. I need your help - I need prayer. I need stamina & concentration if I am to finish this task in a timely manner.
You know the story about the tortoise and the hare?
I am the tortoise - slow & steady. Ask anyone who has climbed a mountain with me :)
My energy levels require me to run like a tortoise - to pace myself. This is a lesson I revisit often. I find it tricky though when there are many large things to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time.
The verse that came to mind today was found in Hebrews 12:1~
"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
It reminds me that it is not a sprint. Sprinters cannot run long distances well. If this verse uses the word endurance, then we can infer that the race is not 50m. It requires us to set a pace in such a way that it does not leave us wheezing after 30 minutes.
I realize that my current pace is not working. Please pray for wisdom to know how to adjust my schedule so there are more optimum studying times.
Thanks friends~
When I was in Grade 5, my Mom (who was a full-time elementary school teacher) went back to University to complete a Bachelor's degree part-time. She would teach all day, do her prep work for her class, be active with my dad & us kids, be involved at church and take evening classes. I have no idea how on earth she did this. Seriously. She ended up graduating with honors.
In one of my latest posts, I expressed that the next step for me was to acquire the Multi-IFR Rating. I will be honest with you, I am finding it a challenge to possess the concentration to study after working an 8-10hr day. I come home and I'm done. I need your help - I need prayer. I need stamina & concentration if I am to finish this task in a timely manner.
You know the story about the tortoise and the hare?
I am the tortoise - slow & steady. Ask anyone who has climbed a mountain with me :)
My energy levels require me to run like a tortoise - to pace myself. This is a lesson I revisit often. I find it tricky though when there are many large things to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time.
The verse that came to mind today was found in Hebrews 12:1~
"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
It reminds me that it is not a sprint. Sprinters cannot run long distances well. If this verse uses the word endurance, then we can infer that the race is not 50m. It requires us to set a pace in such a way that it does not leave us wheezing after 30 minutes.
I realize that my current pace is not working. Please pray for wisdom to know how to adjust my schedule so there are more optimum studying times.
Thanks friends~
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A wintery morning
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Snow Tide
Oh friends, if you only saw the prairies this morning from the air. They were gorgeous! All the fields are covered in snow and the wind was blowing across the surface making shadows of waves. It is similar in the summer time, one can see the grass and wheat blow and it looks like water as it ripples through the fields. LOVE it! Tomorrow I will bring my camera along to try to capture it for you all. Stay tuned for pictures:)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
*Enjoy the View*
You know how people figuratively and/or spiritually refer to being on the mountain tops and in the valleys?
Well, I want to encourage you all to take the time to CELEBRATE when you reach the top of the mountain. I know when I physically climb a mountain (I hear those giggles) - I take the time to cheer, have a snack, take some pictures, and sit a while. I know that eventually I'll have to walk the valley again, but for now, I'll enjoy the view:)
Well, I want to encourage you all to take the time to CELEBRATE when you reach the top of the mountain. I know when I physically climb a mountain (I hear those giggles) - I take the time to cheer, have a snack, take some pictures, and sit a while. I know that eventually I'll have to walk the valley again, but for now, I'll enjoy the view:)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Green Light!!
Hi friends:)
I just came out of the MAF meeting! The selection committee has met and I've been given the GREENLIGHT to proceed! Praise the Lord! I am SO excited!
So the next step in the process is to send in 6 references and complete another piece of the application. Once those are in, I move on to the psychological and medical assessments. In the meantime, I will be working on acquiring the multi engine instrument rating and Class 2 Instructor Rating. First on the list is the Class 2 Instructor Rating which allows me to supervise Class 4 Instructors. It requires a written exam and a flight test. I'm not sure if I've shared this yet, but I absolutely love instructing and building one-on-one relationships and so if there is an opportunity to be a part of national flight training, I want to be prepared for it.
After that is completed, I will focus my efforts on the multi instrument rating.
Oh friends, I am thrilled that the Lord is answering our prayers and things are moving positively forward!
Please thank Him for the way He is working!
I ask for continued discernment and that I would be sensitive to His leading.
Yay!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store for all of us:) Can you tell I'm excited???
~April
I just came out of the MAF meeting! The selection committee has met and I've been given the GREENLIGHT to proceed! Praise the Lord! I am SO excited!
So the next step in the process is to send in 6 references and complete another piece of the application. Once those are in, I move on to the psychological and medical assessments. In the meantime, I will be working on acquiring the multi engine instrument rating and Class 2 Instructor Rating. First on the list is the Class 2 Instructor Rating which allows me to supervise Class 4 Instructors. It requires a written exam and a flight test. I'm not sure if I've shared this yet, but I absolutely love instructing and building one-on-one relationships and so if there is an opportunity to be a part of national flight training, I want to be prepared for it.
After that is completed, I will focus my efforts on the multi instrument rating.
Oh friends, I am thrilled that the Lord is answering our prayers and things are moving positively forward!
Please thank Him for the way He is working!
I ask for continued discernment and that I would be sensitive to His leading.
Yay!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store for all of us:) Can you tell I'm excited???
~April
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Flight #7628
Happy New Year All!!
I am really excited to see what the Lord has planned for me this year - 2011. He's already reminded me that He is ever present and HEARS my prayers and is arranging and moving all around me. Several prayers have been answered already and it's only the 2nd week of January!
I want to share one particular story tonight and I hope my new friend won't mind. This past weekend I flew from Buffalo to Chicago to Seattle to Portland. We had left at 3am in the morning to catch the flight in Buffalo and so I ended up sleeping through the first 2 legs. When I arrived in Seattle, I was rested for my last leg. When I got on the plane I sat in my seat and realized it was an aisle seat - I much prefer the window. A kind woman with a warm smile came up to my row and I asked her if her seat was beside me and she said that actually it was the one I was in! I double checked my ticket and realized that I actually did have the window seat. So the two of us got talking and she asked what kind of work I was in and I shared that I was a flight instructor at a Bible School in Alberta. She wondered if mission aviation was like what MAF does and I enthusiastically replied YES and shared that that was the organization I was applying with. Well what unfolded next was absolutely beautiful. She shared with me about her missionary experience and how the Lord had directed her to acquire her current job and the lessons He was teaching her. Her story was SO encouraging to me and SO fitting for where I am now. She told me that she would commit to praying for me during this process. I felt so loved and was so amazed at what God was doing right before my eyes. We spent the next hour chatting till the baggage carousel. I feel so blessed that Sue was willing to share her story with me and so grateful that the Lord would send her to encourage me. I know without a doubt that the Lord placed Sue in the seat next to me for that flight. I was reminded that the Lord's plans for me are elaborate and good - much better than what I can imagine on my own.
I am so thankful for that sweet meeting on American Airlines #7628 and look forward to continuing this new friendship!
Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with the MAF recruiter to go over next steps. Please pray that we can come up with reasonable time-lines for training. Often my eagerness leads me to create unrealistic expectations for myself. I'm praying that this meeting will be positive and we can continue to move forward in the process.
Thank you! Thank you - to those who are praying for me in this process. I am continually amazed to see how the Lord is moving and making a path for me. Thank you Jesus:)
I am really excited to see what the Lord has planned for me this year - 2011. He's already reminded me that He is ever present and HEARS my prayers and is arranging and moving all around me. Several prayers have been answered already and it's only the 2nd week of January!
I want to share one particular story tonight and I hope my new friend won't mind. This past weekend I flew from Buffalo to Chicago to Seattle to Portland. We had left at 3am in the morning to catch the flight in Buffalo and so I ended up sleeping through the first 2 legs. When I arrived in Seattle, I was rested for my last leg. When I got on the plane I sat in my seat and realized it was an aisle seat - I much prefer the window. A kind woman with a warm smile came up to my row and I asked her if her seat was beside me and she said that actually it was the one I was in! I double checked my ticket and realized that I actually did have the window seat. So the two of us got talking and she asked what kind of work I was in and I shared that I was a flight instructor at a Bible School in Alberta. She wondered if mission aviation was like what MAF does and I enthusiastically replied YES and shared that that was the organization I was applying with. Well what unfolded next was absolutely beautiful. She shared with me about her missionary experience and how the Lord had directed her to acquire her current job and the lessons He was teaching her. Her story was SO encouraging to me and SO fitting for where I am now. She told me that she would commit to praying for me during this process. I felt so loved and was so amazed at what God was doing right before my eyes. We spent the next hour chatting till the baggage carousel. I feel so blessed that Sue was willing to share her story with me and so grateful that the Lord would send her to encourage me. I know without a doubt that the Lord placed Sue in the seat next to me for that flight. I was reminded that the Lord's plans for me are elaborate and good - much better than what I can imagine on my own.
I am so thankful for that sweet meeting on American Airlines #7628 and look forward to continuing this new friendship!
Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with the MAF recruiter to go over next steps. Please pray that we can come up with reasonable time-lines for training. Often my eagerness leads me to create unrealistic expectations for myself. I'm praying that this meeting will be positive and we can continue to move forward in the process.
Thank you! Thank you - to those who are praying for me in this process. I am continually amazed to see how the Lord is moving and making a path for me. Thank you Jesus:)