I am in the last 3 weeks before I head overseas. The technical training is done. The packing is done. The first wave of goodbyes are done. My plan for these last weeks was to spend lots of time with friends and family here in Ontario.
I arrived a week ago, tired from packing and moving and emotionally drained from the goodbyes. I thought if I could just get through this weekend, visiting some far away friends, then I could return home and rest. Well I did get through this weekend - barely - and a few hours after my arrival home, my body let me know that it was done.
Fever. Chills. Sore Throat.
It's now Day 3 and it's clear that I'm not visiting anyone anytime soon. I can only type. I cannot speak. I'm being treated for strep throat.
This was not the plan.
I am tired of being sick. I'm sure people are tired of praying for me in this way.
I honestly haven't been like this ever in my life, but realize that this body of mine is a bit worn down from the whirlwind of the last 6 months.
Thankful to anyone who is not sick of praying for healing on my behalf.
Very grateful,
April
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Pictures from Flight Standardization
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| Approach to Moriah. Slope in the touchdown area: 10% |
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| Turning toward Smith Prairie Airstrip. Elevation of Airport: 5000' ASL Practicing High Density Take off and Landings at gross weight and aft center of gravity |
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| Short Final at Wilson Bar |
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| Taking Off at Deadwood. Downslope: 10% |
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| Approach to Deadwood |
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| Setting Abort Points. Yes, that stack of sage brush is my abort point. |
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| Inside the cockpit |
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| ZY Ranch Airstrip |
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| Gross Weight with aft Center of Gravity |
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| This runway was as wide as the span of my wheels. Wilson Bar. |
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| Helmet Hair at Allison Ranch |
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| Gorgeous place to spend the day |
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| My trusty horse! |
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| Looking down the runway at Allison Ranch |
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Recap
Gosh it's been too long! Sorry that I was MIA for a while here. Instead of catching you up since the last post, I'll just share with what I'm up to at the moment.
I am back in Idaho for the last part of flight training with MAF. I have been here for almost a month and just about to start the final week. It's been great to be reunited with friends who are on the same path as I am, preparing to head overseas. We are all living on "campus" and get to hang out every day. This community of friends has been so wonderful to be a part of as we all process through life and leaving.
My first week here had me in ground school from 8am-5pm. This course taught us about the airplane we were flying and the way that MAF wants us to fly and operate. There were basic things like checklist usage and then more specific things about dropping packages onto a target from 50 feet. There was a big review on aerodynamics and how to assess a new airstrip (Wind, Length, Altitude, Surface, Slope, Obstacles), and how to determine the last point in which you can safely stop the airplane or reject the take off or landing....and so much more.
There are 5 other guys going through the course with me. Once we started week 2, four of the guys went on to their maintenance training, while myself and another guy started the flight portion of the training. My instructor pilot and I started going to long, flat, dirt air strips. Each time practicing the techniques taught in ground school. As the days went on, he would bring me to more challenging airstrips. Some would have a bit of a slope, sometimes trees or towers on the ends, or they were located in valleys with rising terrain all around them. These ones can be tricky if you're not familiar with the illusions that rising and falling terrain can give you as you no longer have a true horizon to base your attitudes on for flying. The more practice, the more familiar it would get. Week 3 of flying took us into more airstrips...each day a new one to discover. I think the hardest part of this training is that we never go to the same place twice, so although the skills aren't necessarily "new"...you are always in a new environment. I would prefer to feel confident that I'm nailing the exercise before moving on, but the instructor is just looking to see that you're moving towards that direction.
It has been close to a year and a half since I last flew an airplane and I can tell you that it has been a steep learning curve. It's really my expectations that are getting in the way, I think. I know how I felt in the airplane when I stopped flying at the end of 2011. I felt "one" with the airplane - an extension of me....and as I get back into it, I'm not quite there yet. So not only am I getting used to a new airplane, new procedures and a new environment, I am trying to get this brain of mine to be thinking like a pilot would - something that came really natural before, but is out of practice. Slowly as the days go on, it is coming back - but I just wish it was faster....
I am about to start the last week here. Thankfully it is the long weekend here and I have 2 more days to relax and rest. Starting Tuesday, I will be flying into the real mountain airstrips that are short, dog-legged, trees tight on the sides, "blind" approaches, 10-15% slope grass airstrips. I am praying that the information that I have learned will settle and click into my brain and I can perform in the way I know I can. The wind has been very gusty here last week which has prevented us in going to the airstrips that we needed to use. Would you pray for calm conditions this week?
Pictures to come soon....
Thanks for being a part of this journey,
April :)
I am back in Idaho for the last part of flight training with MAF. I have been here for almost a month and just about to start the final week. It's been great to be reunited with friends who are on the same path as I am, preparing to head overseas. We are all living on "campus" and get to hang out every day. This community of friends has been so wonderful to be a part of as we all process through life and leaving.
My first week here had me in ground school from 8am-5pm. This course taught us about the airplane we were flying and the way that MAF wants us to fly and operate. There were basic things like checklist usage and then more specific things about dropping packages onto a target from 50 feet. There was a big review on aerodynamics and how to assess a new airstrip (Wind, Length, Altitude, Surface, Slope, Obstacles), and how to determine the last point in which you can safely stop the airplane or reject the take off or landing....and so much more.
There are 5 other guys going through the course with me. Once we started week 2, four of the guys went on to their maintenance training, while myself and another guy started the flight portion of the training. My instructor pilot and I started going to long, flat, dirt air strips. Each time practicing the techniques taught in ground school. As the days went on, he would bring me to more challenging airstrips. Some would have a bit of a slope, sometimes trees or towers on the ends, or they were located in valleys with rising terrain all around them. These ones can be tricky if you're not familiar with the illusions that rising and falling terrain can give you as you no longer have a true horizon to base your attitudes on for flying. The more practice, the more familiar it would get. Week 3 of flying took us into more airstrips...each day a new one to discover. I think the hardest part of this training is that we never go to the same place twice, so although the skills aren't necessarily "new"...you are always in a new environment. I would prefer to feel confident that I'm nailing the exercise before moving on, but the instructor is just looking to see that you're moving towards that direction.
It has been close to a year and a half since I last flew an airplane and I can tell you that it has been a steep learning curve. It's really my expectations that are getting in the way, I think. I know how I felt in the airplane when I stopped flying at the end of 2011. I felt "one" with the airplane - an extension of me....and as I get back into it, I'm not quite there yet. So not only am I getting used to a new airplane, new procedures and a new environment, I am trying to get this brain of mine to be thinking like a pilot would - something that came really natural before, but is out of practice. Slowly as the days go on, it is coming back - but I just wish it was faster....
I am about to start the last week here. Thankfully it is the long weekend here and I have 2 more days to relax and rest. Starting Tuesday, I will be flying into the real mountain airstrips that are short, dog-legged, trees tight on the sides, "blind" approaches, 10-15% slope grass airstrips. I am praying that the information that I have learned will settle and click into my brain and I can perform in the way I know I can. The wind has been very gusty here last week which has prevented us in going to the airstrips that we needed to use. Would you pray for calm conditions this week?
Pictures to come soon....
Thanks for being a part of this journey,
April :)
Friday, January 4, 2013
A heart update
Preparation, I'm finding, is more than crossing off a to-do list. It is more than changing addresses and cancelling your cell phone contract; more than shopping for items and clothing you will need; more than keeping your aviation licenses current and building a support team. It has proved to be more than what I expected. I wish I could write a list composed of items like faith, courage, making wise choices, discipline, love, single-mindedness, contentment, etc. And then after some time, cross each one off the list in completion. Oh wouldn't that be wonderful?!
I think it's fair to say that I am generally a happy, optimistic person. In the last few months though, I have found myself all over the place. In August & September, I was feeling the changes in friendships as others pull away - preparing for my departure perhaps, and me trying to hold on with all that I had - not ready to say goodbye. It felt like bandaids were being pulled off left ,right and center. I found that others were more ready for me to leave than I was. It was hard.
In October, after moving to Ontario, I felt God had given me a space to breathe and regroup. There is something about my parent's house that always makes me feel relaxed and sleepy. Don't worry, the batteries in the carbon monoxide detectors have been checked:) I took time to rest and see my good friends & spend time with family. Contrary to popular belief, it really was a time of refreshment. With all the traveling and speaking at churches this fall, it was wonderful to just be home.
Just the other day I realized there has been a shift in my heart's posture- if that makes sense. Instead of leaning back, trying to slow things down so my heart & mind can catch up, I have found myself straining forward. I have become more and more ready to meet my new country & city. More ready to get settled in and start this new chapter of my life.
I am realizing though in all of this preparation that I will not be as fully prepared as I would like to be before heading overseas. God really does choose to use people who don't have it all together and I'm realizing that that will be me. That IS me. I want to do my very best and wish I could have my lists crossed off in completion, but these kinds of lists go on and on until I meet Him face to face.
So with that knowledge, I am looking forward to moving on to the next steps and joining my team overseas.
I think it's fair to say that I am generally a happy, optimistic person. In the last few months though, I have found myself all over the place. In August & September, I was feeling the changes in friendships as others pull away - preparing for my departure perhaps, and me trying to hold on with all that I had - not ready to say goodbye. It felt like bandaids were being pulled off left ,right and center. I found that others were more ready for me to leave than I was. It was hard.
In October, after moving to Ontario, I felt God had given me a space to breathe and regroup. There is something about my parent's house that always makes me feel relaxed and sleepy. Don't worry, the batteries in the carbon monoxide detectors have been checked:) I took time to rest and see my good friends & spend time with family. Contrary to popular belief, it really was a time of refreshment. With all the traveling and speaking at churches this fall, it was wonderful to just be home.
Just the other day I realized there has been a shift in my heart's posture- if that makes sense. Instead of leaning back, trying to slow things down so my heart & mind can catch up, I have found myself straining forward. I have become more and more ready to meet my new country & city. More ready to get settled in and start this new chapter of my life.
I am realizing though in all of this preparation that I will not be as fully prepared as I would like to be before heading overseas. God really does choose to use people who don't have it all together and I'm realizing that that will be me. That IS me. I want to do my very best and wish I could have my lists crossed off in completion, but these kinds of lists go on and on until I meet Him face to face.
So with that knowledge, I am looking forward to moving on to the next steps and joining my team overseas.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Are you "fireman ready"?
Hi dear friends,
I just realized it's been 2 years since I began writing this blog and so much has happened in that frame of time. From deciding which organization to join, to being accepted with MAF, and now over half way through ministry partnership/support raising with a departure date in sight. This past year was full of traveling and sharing about the ministry of MAF. I am thankful to be in one place for a record 3 months! Oh to settle into normal life again. I yearn for that day - crazy I know. Support has been coming in slowly but steadily over these last 8 months and now I'm up to 54% monthly & 59% outgoing. I've hit a plateau for the last 3 weeks, so you can definitely pray that more people will want to be a part of the work of MAF. If I break it down, 40 people at $50/month (or 80 people at $25/month, etc.) would reach my ongoing monthly target and $8100 in individual gifts. So all to say - it's very doable and we're very close! My goal is to be at 100% support in both monthly & outgoing by Christmas. This will give me the capacity to finish up my last bit of training with MAF before heading overseas in April. If it doesn't come in before Christmas, well...then my training will be pushed back to the 2nd class of the year which I believe is in April, therefore pushing my departure date back till summer... which pushes back my language training in-country, causing a delay in when I start teaching...a bit of a domino effect. So do pray with me that despite the pause in giving, we'll reach our target for Christmas!
On to another topic....
I had an adventure a few weeks ago. I came home in the late evening to find that my house smelled of natural gas. The boiler had just been replaced 5 days before and the installer had come the day before to fix it again as we had smelled gas then as well. So after trying to get a hold of the installer to no avail, I called the gas company who immediately had me evacuate the house. When asked if I had any symptoms, I said I had a headache, but was sure it was just from the strong smell. The agent told me she was going to patch me over to the fire dept. ( I didn't know why honestly, but figured it was protocol). I gave my name to the dispatcher and they confirmed my address and said a truck would be on its way. So here I am, standing on my front lawn waiting for everyone to arrive. I am honestly picturing the gas van and possibly one fire truck for backup for whatever reason. To my horror, I hear sirens...many sirens...getting closer and closer...Oh Lord, please don't let that be for me....and sure enough, THREE ladder fire trucks round the corner with lights and sirens ablazing. THREE!! They block off the road...there were FLARES. There had to be at least 20 firemen. It was crazy. I was escorted to the neighbours driveway where after a series of questions they turned to me and said because I had said I had a headache, EMS was on their way too. I had a choice of taking oxygen from them or waiting for the paramedics to arrive and go to the hospital with them. Well I certainly was not going to pay for an ambulance to take me to the hospital for nothing, so reluctantly I said I would take the oxygen from them. Four firemen come over with a duffle bag of oxygen. So there I am, standing in the neighbours driveway with an oxygen mask on - breathing...(so embarrassing). When the paramedics arrive, I am escorted into the ambulance where they hook me up to a variety of machines checking my oxygen levels, etc. They were friendly, however the one kept on giving me "facts" on carbon monoxide and how it is odourless...therefore you can't SMELL it. I told him I was aware. It was honestly the most bizarre interaction as they treated me like I was ill and I felt fine and was trying to talk to them normally but they wouldn't believe it. Finally a fireman popped his head in and said there was no carbon monoxide and they were evacuating the house due to the strong smell of natural gas. I was then released from the care of the paramedics (my choice) and back onto the street I go. Now by this time, the neighbours are in their driveways deducing to each other what had happened. No one knows me, so they're just chatting around me. I am absolutely freezing as we wait for the gas company to arrive. As I tried to control my physical convulsions of shivers, a fireman offered a fire truck for me to sit in and warm up. So up I climbed into the front seat. They're tall! I briefly thought to myself that if I had to go up and down into the truck, there was a good chance I would injure myself on more than one occasion....Moments later, the chief fireman on scene let me know they were heading out and had turned off the gas. The gas company said there was a major leak inside the home and had tagged the boiler. After he left, the boiler installer was called and when asked to come out and fix it that night, he said "well, I guess I have to put my pants back on..." ?!!!??!!! "Yes", I replied, "this is a PANTS-ON residence." :)
I just realized it's been 2 years since I began writing this blog and so much has happened in that frame of time. From deciding which organization to join, to being accepted with MAF, and now over half way through ministry partnership/support raising with a departure date in sight. This past year was full of traveling and sharing about the ministry of MAF. I am thankful to be in one place for a record 3 months! Oh to settle into normal life again. I yearn for that day - crazy I know. Support has been coming in slowly but steadily over these last 8 months and now I'm up to 54% monthly & 59% outgoing. I've hit a plateau for the last 3 weeks, so you can definitely pray that more people will want to be a part of the work of MAF. If I break it down, 40 people at $50/month (or 80 people at $25/month, etc.) would reach my ongoing monthly target and $8100 in individual gifts. So all to say - it's very doable and we're very close! My goal is to be at 100% support in both monthly & outgoing by Christmas. This will give me the capacity to finish up my last bit of training with MAF before heading overseas in April. If it doesn't come in before Christmas, well...then my training will be pushed back to the 2nd class of the year which I believe is in April, therefore pushing my departure date back till summer... which pushes back my language training in-country, causing a delay in when I start teaching...a bit of a domino effect. So do pray with me that despite the pause in giving, we'll reach our target for Christmas!
On to another topic....
I had an adventure a few weeks ago. I came home in the late evening to find that my house smelled of natural gas. The boiler had just been replaced 5 days before and the installer had come the day before to fix it again as we had smelled gas then as well. So after trying to get a hold of the installer to no avail, I called the gas company who immediately had me evacuate the house. When asked if I had any symptoms, I said I had a headache, but was sure it was just from the strong smell. The agent told me she was going to patch me over to the fire dept. ( I didn't know why honestly, but figured it was protocol). I gave my name to the dispatcher and they confirmed my address and said a truck would be on its way. So here I am, standing on my front lawn waiting for everyone to arrive. I am honestly picturing the gas van and possibly one fire truck for backup for whatever reason. To my horror, I hear sirens...many sirens...getting closer and closer...Oh Lord, please don't let that be for me....and sure enough, THREE ladder fire trucks round the corner with lights and sirens ablazing. THREE!! They block off the road...there were FLARES. There had to be at least 20 firemen. It was crazy. I was escorted to the neighbours driveway where after a series of questions they turned to me and said because I had said I had a headache, EMS was on their way too. I had a choice of taking oxygen from them or waiting for the paramedics to arrive and go to the hospital with them. Well I certainly was not going to pay for an ambulance to take me to the hospital for nothing, so reluctantly I said I would take the oxygen from them. Four firemen come over with a duffle bag of oxygen. So there I am, standing in the neighbours driveway with an oxygen mask on - breathing...(so embarrassing). When the paramedics arrive, I am escorted into the ambulance where they hook me up to a variety of machines checking my oxygen levels, etc. They were friendly, however the one kept on giving me "facts" on carbon monoxide and how it is odourless...therefore you can't SMELL it. I told him I was aware. It was honestly the most bizarre interaction as they treated me like I was ill and I felt fine and was trying to talk to them normally but they wouldn't believe it. Finally a fireman popped his head in and said there was no carbon monoxide and they were evacuating the house due to the strong smell of natural gas. I was then released from the care of the paramedics (my choice) and back onto the street I go. Now by this time, the neighbours are in their driveways deducing to each other what had happened. No one knows me, so they're just chatting around me. I am absolutely freezing as we wait for the gas company to arrive. As I tried to control my physical convulsions of shivers, a fireman offered a fire truck for me to sit in and warm up. So up I climbed into the front seat. They're tall! I briefly thought to myself that if I had to go up and down into the truck, there was a good chance I would injure myself on more than one occasion....Moments later, the chief fireman on scene let me know they were heading out and had turned off the gas. The gas company said there was a major leak inside the home and had tagged the boiler. After he left, the boiler installer was called and when asked to come out and fix it that night, he said "well, I guess I have to put my pants back on..." ?!!!??!!! "Yes", I replied, "this is a PANTS-ON residence." :)
Monday, August 27, 2012
July, August & September
Hi Friends,
I'm back with an update on the last two months! As a side note - sorry for the lack of pictures, I forget to take them when I'm with people:(
Summary~
We decided to move my departure date to April 2013 - this enables a more healthy departure pace and to give more time to have a full ministry partnership team before heading overseas.
If you read back in my posts, you will see a common denominator of travel. So much so that my travel tank is full for quite a while! I've had a few people ask if I'm on vacation when I travel....and the answer to that is no - besides a few days in July. I believe that meeting up with people and sharing about MAF and what God is doing around the world can be FUN - so yes, if it looks like I'm enjoying myself - it's because I am:)
July had me in Victoria & Vancouver BC. I was able to catch up with a lot of folks there and hear their hearts and the journeys the Lord has each of them on. I took a trip down to Oregon to visit a few more friends & supporters there. I was able to take a few days off to enjoy the Oregon coast with some friends - a much needed break from traveling.
August had me flying to Ontario, where I got to visit my home church and see good friends and family. Since my newsletter went out in August, my monthly support & outgoing funds each increased by 10% ! Praise the Lord! I'm now over a third of the way to each goal! Thank you to each of you who have come on as financial and prayer partners - go team:)
So what's next?
September.....
Well the time has come to start wrapping things up here. Honestly, I do not look forward to it. My life has been here for the last 9 years. My community. My friends. Three Hills is a very transitional town - everyone knows that. It's a college town and people come and go every 2-4 years. It's just how it is. My friendship group is ever rotating through people as they go or return. "They" being the operative word. I'm the one who stays and others go. This time it is my turn to go and leave my friends here. Not pleasant. It's sad to see this chapter of my life closing, even with the excitement of the new opportunities on the horizon, it still grieves my heart. It has been an honour to be a part of this community. Pray for me please as I try to say goodbye. It really is going to be difficult.
Thank you for praying and I look forward to hearing from you soon,
April
Saturday, April 28, 2012
"Tiny, terrified space of being right"
Ahh the smell of sugar beets in the mornings; I can't say that I'm fond of that smell. There's a sugar beet mill down the road and for the last several days the air has been filled with a putrid aroma.
I'm down in Idaho at the moment and just finished up the first week of Cultural Orientation. The seminars have been really informative with practical tools to help in different scenarios. The first part of the week was quite heavy as we talked about stress, grief and other potential losses to anticipate as we head overseas. Yesterday we talked about embracing our new culture and what that may look like. We also discussed our own culture as Canadians & Americans and the learned patterns we have been taught.
One of the areas we focused on is the need to be right. I am not saying that this is a beneficial thought process, but one that does exist in me to which I am re-thinking. If I continue in this pattern, merging into another culture is going to be torturous, because I will ultimately do and say things wrong. I'm not sure about you but I've never really liked making mistakes. I learn from them but avoid them as much as possible. Some even suggest you don't really learn UNTIL you've made mistakes. (Shudder). Kathryn Schulz called it a "tiny, terrified space of being right". I wonder why I'm so afraid of being wrong. The more I think about it, the more I realize I must have attached meanings to it that don't necessarily belong. The funny thing is, there is no freedom in operating this way.
I wonder if the need to be right smells like the air today.
Jesus is fully aware of my fallibility and loves me fully. His thoughts towards me don't change. He doesn't value me more when I'm right or value me less when I'm wrong. His love is steadfast towards me. His love for us was never based on our performance, for He loved us first, when our performance was poor.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
***********************************************************************
Ministry Partnership Update~
The Lord is Faithful! Every week I'm seeing a few more partners join the Team to which I am so thankful and encouraged. It is great to be a part of this faith journey with you - faith for me, to see how the Lord will provide partners, and faith for you to see how He will provide for your part as well.
Please continue to pray as I prepare spiritually and emotionally to live overseas.
Pray for safety as I travel again in another week.
Praise the Lord that I was able to meet my 2 co-workers last week and start to get to know one of the couples who is staying nearby.
Thank the Lord for unity among our team.
Thank Him for the Team He is bringing together in support for me.
Thanks friends:)
April:)
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
In like a lion, out like a....Lion
Many of us here in central Alberta are getting tired of the white stuff. March started off with a blizzard giving us at least a foot of snow and ended with one too. While other parts of Canada were experiencing unusual warm temperatures, we have been donning our heavy winter wear and dreaming of warmer places.
I spent all of March in the Three Hills area catching up with friends and together sharing stories of the future.
You know what though? It's easy for me to share just the above sentence, but if I do that, I'm not telling the whole story. March was probably the most difficult month this year.
I have been doing a study on Ephesians 6 and in verse 11 it says "Put on the whole armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." What are his schemes you might ask? Well he is described as an animal stalking his prey - waiting for a vulnerable moment and pouncing. His goal is to consume. He is called the father of lies, the slanderer, the accuser, the tempter and the prince of darkness. I Peter 5:8 reads, "Be alert and of sober mind. your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
I hate fear. It causes me to pick up the pace and scramble. I can't think straight. I start to believe lies. There is no longer a filter in my brain. When I scramble, I grab for the controls, and become ugly. I no longer trust people. I do my best to make everything happen in my timing. My heart becomes sticky and gooey and slimy. Ughhhhh. Disgusting. I hate what fear does to me! It brings death, not life!! Can you relate?
I knew that taking on this position would bring spiritual opposition at some point or another, but I didn't expect it to be a constant press nor in the areas it popped up. I have experienced doubt, fear, anxiety, disappointment, and anger (for no reason) and I haven't even left Canada yet. All of these emotions and concerns caused my mind to race and be a place of confusion. It caused me to ask too many times, in my opinion, should I just stay and help here, or wait for another time? I focused a lot on what I would be losing by going overseas, and could not imagine what I would be gaining. As I write it out to you now and highlight the words, it can be plainly seen that these are not God-led words or how He operates. The Bible says:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:29-32
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16: 33
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
The great thing is that we already know the end of the story - the evil one has already lost. That's why we celebrated Easter this past weekend! When Jesus went to the cross as a perfect sacrifice with no sin in His body, He took all of our sins on His shoulders and willingly took the punishment for me and you. He was beaten and stabbed and hung on a tree until He died. The devil rejoiced because He was dead and he thought he won. But 3 days later, Jesus raised from the dead and came back to life! Death does not reign over Him, He conquered it! And THAT is why Easter Sunday is SOOOO awesome!!!!!! Jesus brought us LIFE!!!! No more death! No more condemnation! No more accusations!!! Jesus paid the price for all of us! So when the devil accuses us before God - as he does - Jesus steps in and says -I already paid for that on the tree (cross).
Romans 8:1 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:9,10 "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
So friends, the month started off with a lion seeking to devour and ended with an intense battle resulting in VICTORY & LIFE!
Please pray for me and each other as we continue in the battle, knowing that the end result is victory. Let us put on the armour of God each day (Eph. 6:10-20) and fight well and victoriously! For the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, is in us! (Rom. 8:11)
I spent all of March in the Three Hills area catching up with friends and together sharing stories of the future.
You know what though? It's easy for me to share just the above sentence, but if I do that, I'm not telling the whole story. March was probably the most difficult month this year.
I have been doing a study on Ephesians 6 and in verse 11 it says "Put on the whole armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." What are his schemes you might ask? Well he is described as an animal stalking his prey - waiting for a vulnerable moment and pouncing. His goal is to consume. He is called the father of lies, the slanderer, the accuser, the tempter and the prince of darkness. I Peter 5:8 reads, "Be alert and of sober mind. your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
I hate fear. It causes me to pick up the pace and scramble. I can't think straight. I start to believe lies. There is no longer a filter in my brain. When I scramble, I grab for the controls, and become ugly. I no longer trust people. I do my best to make everything happen in my timing. My heart becomes sticky and gooey and slimy. Ughhhhh. Disgusting. I hate what fear does to me! It brings death, not life!! Can you relate?
I knew that taking on this position would bring spiritual opposition at some point or another, but I didn't expect it to be a constant press nor in the areas it popped up. I have experienced doubt, fear, anxiety, disappointment, and anger (for no reason) and I haven't even left Canada yet. All of these emotions and concerns caused my mind to race and be a place of confusion. It caused me to ask too many times, in my opinion, should I just stay and help here, or wait for another time? I focused a lot on what I would be losing by going overseas, and could not imagine what I would be gaining. As I write it out to you now and highlight the words, it can be plainly seen that these are not God-led words or how He operates. The Bible says:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:29-32
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16: 33
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
The great thing is that we already know the end of the story - the evil one has already lost. That's why we celebrated Easter this past weekend! When Jesus went to the cross as a perfect sacrifice with no sin in His body, He took all of our sins on His shoulders and willingly took the punishment for me and you. He was beaten and stabbed and hung on a tree until He died. The devil rejoiced because He was dead and he thought he won. But 3 days later, Jesus raised from the dead and came back to life! Death does not reign over Him, He conquered it! And THAT is why Easter Sunday is SOOOO awesome!!!!!! Jesus brought us LIFE!!!! No more death! No more condemnation! No more accusations!!! Jesus paid the price for all of us! So when the devil accuses us before God - as he does - Jesus steps in and says -I already paid for that on the tree (cross).
Romans 8:1 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:9,10 "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
So friends, the month started off with a lion seeking to devour and ended with an intense battle resulting in VICTORY & LIFE!
Please pray for me and each other as we continue in the battle, knowing that the end result is victory. Let us put on the armour of God each day (Eph. 6:10-20) and fight well and victoriously! For the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, is in us! (Rom. 8:11)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Part II: February Travels
Where did I leave off...right...llamas.
After leaving Washington I headed up to Vancouver, BC to reconnect with a few more people. Some highlights included:
1) Meeting family for the first time and finding out they're great!!
The Lanigan crew:)
2) Seeing friends that used to be students of mine!
Kedar, Jillian & Stephen
3) Meeting up with ol' Three Hills friends~
Ruth & Jen
Melissa & Daniel
Jason
4) And meeting NEW friends! :)
Meta-communites
In addition I conquered Vancouver traffic, caught up with other dear friends (sans camera) and shared about where I'll be heading overseas.
Thank you to all of you who gave me a place to stay, a meal, coffee, and encouragement. I am not able to do this without you!
~ApRiL
Friday, March 23, 2012
Newsletter 1 is out!
If you're not currently signed up for newsletters and would like to be, then send me your mailing address & email and I'll get one out to you asap!
Thanks friends!
ApRiL
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Drugs and misunderstandings!?!
I spent 2 weeks in Nampa, Idaho at MAF-US's base where I joined a group of people who will also be serving as pilot/mechanic families in various places around the world. I learned that MAF does not serve in "bird" countries. I don't mean there are no birds in the country, more so that they aren't easy countries. In my class alone, 2 families are moving to East Congo and 2 are heading to Indonesia, plus 2 serving in restricted countries. It was so great to be a part of this class and to learn more about MAF US. As the token Canadian, they welcomed me with open arms:) I met with the staff and they invited me to come into an "on-loan" agreement to their organization - which essentially means "I've been adopted into the family!" Not many people get to have a Canadian Family and US Family!
From there I started the visiting extravaganza. First headed to Pullman, WA where the Olsen's provided a wonderful relaxing weekend for me. I got some great loose leaf tea which I was super excited to try, but alas, Homeland Security confiscated it from my checked baggage as what I can only guess... I'm sure drugs don't smell like mint or rooibos, however I wouldn't know.
Anywho, then I flew to Portland, OR and drove down to Salem to visit an old friend and meet her kiddos. Now here's a story for you~ Knowing that I was about to spend some time in Eugene, my dear friend tells me we must go and get a Beaver's shirt (Oregon State) because they're huge football fans in Eugene and I better be wearing the right shirt. So she proceeds to buy me a Beavers Hoodie with the strict instructions to make sure I wear it with pride and everyone will adopt me as their own. I'm a sucker for instant friends:) So I drive down to Eugene, OR with my hoodie handy and on the second day I put it on with pride! As I was about to leave the house with my face beaming, my dear friends confront me on my attire. They say - you may want to be careful out there wearing that shirt! I proceed to tell them how my friend specifically bought it for me to support the team down here and that's when I learned that Eugene IS passionate about football and they DO have team spirit and that would be for the DUCKS! The Oregon Ducks! DUCKS!!!!!! Not their rival team - The Beavers!! I laughed OUT LOUD as I realized how I was played. Four complete strangers commented on my shirt that day making the same statement - I was cheering for the wrong team.
From Eugene, I drove up to Longview, WA to visit another great family. We had a quick visit and as I looked out their kitchen window, I was surprised to see a llama in their backyard - mere feet away from the window. Yup they have a llama for a pet! In fact it's a "camping" llama! It carries the gear when they go camping - how handy! Because llamas are herd animals, they also have an alpaca for company! They would tell me how they would load the llama into their mini van along with the kids and head to their favourite hiking spots. Love it! Now they have a horse trailer - so those days are done.
The Sweater & The Llama
And so friends, I hope you enjoyed the stories of the first half of my traveling adventures.
Stay tuned for part 2!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thoughts from a girl with squishy boots
I was on the road for 3 weeks and through that time I had the opportunity to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in a few months to several years. Seeing each and every one of you blessed my heart and I was privileged to hear your stories of joy, frustration, courage & disappointments . I am grateful that you allowed me to step into your world- despite the challenges many of you are facing.
Throughout the course of my travels, the Lord has been bringing to light my unspoken expectations; surprisingly my expectations of relationships. I have had a history of unrealistic expectations. It was these that led me on a path of burnout several years ago. Although I feel I have overcome on the work front, personally I still have some work to do. I am realizing that my expectations are too high when it comes to people. This is a problem. For we all know - even I do - that people will fail. I will inevitably fail. Unmet expectations.
What do you do?
I wrote the above this morning and actually had to stop and put the computer aside b/c I didn't know how to respond. I came across a blog of a woman who wrote a post today called "This Is The Person You Will Hurt". She talks about brokenness and how it comes to light in close relationships - specifically marriage. That this brokenness causes you to hurt one another. And forgiveness is how you will heal each other. This is the person you will be asked to forgive more than any other, and from whom you will need to ask forgiveness more than any other in return.
What I am realizing is that it is a guarantee that people will hurt each other and therefore I do not need to fear if and when it may occur. It will occur. Relationships are messy because people are not perfect. Hard to swallow for those overachieving perfectionists... (cough) ...like myself... (cough).
Lord, thank you for starting to show me where my thoughts are misconstrued.
Help me to choose forgiveness when it's my turn to do so.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Back in Thrills~
I'm finally back in the little town of Three Hills! I have noticed since returning that there is something that this lil' place offers this time of year that the west coast does not - and that is
SUN!!
After weeks of grey skies and rain, it has been wonderful to return to such a bright place!
COLD, but sunny!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Where are my wellies???
Did your mother ever lecture you on wearing sensible shoes for every activity? My mom did:) I think this is why I cannot bring myself to wear super high heals, for that off chance I'll have to run down the street or stop by for a quick game of soccer, or ....walk. Anyways, I am presently in the Vancouver area visiting friends. I learned very quickly that rain is quite popular here these days and my Alberta soft non-waterproof moccasin-boots are not very "sensible" here. If they were made of say caribou...perhaps...but no, they are made of some other material. So although I have only a few days left in this damp area....I am on a mission to find some sensible boots:) Ones that could be worn in BC , in AB and in SE Asia. A feat that could appear impossible, but I feel I can be victorious!
It has been wonderful catching up with so many old friends these last 2 weeks! Thank you to all of you who have let me stay in your home, do laundry, feed me and just have great conversations:) It has been wonderful to be in your world and see you again!
I look forward to seeing a few more of you over the next week as well!
Till then~
April
Saturday, January 7, 2012
To the Potato State I go!
Welcome & thank you to those who have recently joined the team!
Today I am ever so briefly back in Three Hills to repack & have a good night sleep. Tomorrow morning I am flying to Nampa, Idaho to start the 2 week MAF-US Candidacy Orientation. Because the place I will be serving is one of the MAF US programs, I will need to complete all of my training through Nampa, Idaho. This is the same place where I did my technical evaluation in October, but this time there is no flying, just a time of getting to know MAF-US and additional preparation for moving abroad.
After this training, I will be heading up to Pullman, Washington to visit a friend and then over to Portland, Oregon to visit a few more and then finally up to the Vancouver area in BC to visit some more of the crew. I'll be returning to Three Hills, Alberta on February 6th - just in time for my birthday:)
I ask you for your prayers as I will have a very tight traveling schedule over the next 4 weeks. Pray that I'll balance visiting with rest and that the Lord will continue to build His team and encourage all of us as He carries out His plans.
May we all reach for the Lord and find Him.
Acts 17:26-31 (NIV)
Today I am ever so briefly back in Three Hills to repack & have a good night sleep. Tomorrow morning I am flying to Nampa, Idaho to start the 2 week MAF-US Candidacy Orientation. Because the place I will be serving is one of the MAF US programs, I will need to complete all of my training through Nampa, Idaho. This is the same place where I did my technical evaluation in October, but this time there is no flying, just a time of getting to know MAF-US and additional preparation for moving abroad.
After this training, I will be heading up to Pullman, Washington to visit a friend and then over to Portland, Oregon to visit a few more and then finally up to the Vancouver area in BC to visit some more of the crew. I'll be returning to Three Hills, Alberta on February 6th - just in time for my birthday:)
I ask you for your prayers as I will have a very tight traveling schedule over the next 4 weeks. Pray that I'll balance visiting with rest and that the Lord will continue to build His team and encourage all of us as He carries out His plans.
May we all reach for the Lord and find Him.
Acts 17:26-31 (NIV)
"From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. "Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Traveling Begins!
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:)
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:)
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!!!!