Our Mission Aviation Fellowship Journey #2

Since our trip to Mission Aviation Fellowship in Nampa, Idaho in May of 2011, our family has been steadily moving forward to continue our journey.

Old Testament Survey

One of the requirements of Mission Aviation Fellowship was to have 15 hours of biblical studies.  Several years ago, in our bible study group, we all went through the books of John, Acts, Romans and 1 Corinthians.  As we tallied up the time we spent getting ready for these throughout the years, the time studying and as a group.....we had accumulated quite a few credit hours.  But to get a better, well-rounded view of the bible, we were asked to take an Old Testament survey study.  We looked into various curriculums and studies and found the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary online courses.  These are free as well.  We have enjoyed the Old Testament Survey online course through Gorden-Conwell Theological Seminary. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/semlink/OT500.cfm.  We actually listened to our first session of 32 while we were at the Mission Aviation Fellowship base in May, 2011.  The first time we sat around the table as a family was an interesting adventure.  After that, we were able to print out study guides to go along with each session and this held the children's attention much better.  The kids found it a great time to doodle.  Amazing what one can draw when made to sit and listen.  We have all our study guides filled with notes and amazing drawings.  I'd usually make a cup of coffee and enjoy sipping on my java while listening.  We'd also enjoy snacks and drinks together.  We had to crack down a little on the doodling because the kids weren't listening well enough to fill in the answer to the questions on the study guide.  We have also learned to stop at times and discuss a particularly deep or puzzling bit of information when there are questions.  It is easy to forget that the children haven't read as much of the Old Testament as us adults.  So a little background goes a long way.

Our Marriage

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) would like our marriage to be strong.  There were patterns and issues that were pointed out in our marriage that could be devastating to us once out on the mission-field. 
Back in the fall of last year, my husband and I joined a marriage training seminar hosted by our church, Living Faith Fellowship.http://www.lff.net/  Paul Spasic, executive director of Aim-Straight Marriage and Family came and taught us how to mentor other couples.  A wonderful article regarding the heart of this ministry: http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2006-12-20/news/26944912_1_mentor-couples-marriage-family-foundations

Terry and I signed up for this marriage mentorship program ourselves.  We met with our mentor couple, Don and Beth Hendrix in the fall of 2011.  We enjoyed meeting this wonderful couple.  We met together 8 times, working through these five subjects:  "Marriage As A Process", "Intimacy", "Compatibility",  "Communication" and "Commitment".  Our mentor couple facilitated conversations between Terry and I as we discussed specific key issues in each subject.  It was a very good experience for us and one that we highly recommend for any marriage that is struggling.  In fact, we like it so much, we also trained with Aim Straight for Marriage Preparation.

Our Home

We have decided to sell our home.  There was a section of brick in the front that needed fixed.  This is now done.  We have been steadily getting rid of unneeded stuff.  I recently organized and stored my children's toys, books and other memorabilia we'd like them to keep but will not need to take with us.  As we continue on this journey, God has been giving us some answers to our questions as we ask. 



Physicals for the Children

We completed in-depth physicals for each of our three children in the spring.  These included chest X-rays, TB tests (for tuberculoses), updated shots and labwork.

Passports

We have filled out the forms for our passports but have yet to have these processed.  We are going to get these soon!

Candidacy - Very exciting news!!  We have been invited!!

Our family is very excited to share that Mission Aviation Fellowship has officially invited us to Candidacy in January of 2013!  What this means is that for two weeks, we will have an in-depth look at where MAF serves.  We will meet with the Candidate Committee.  MAF will get a chance to continue to get to know us as well as for us to get to know them.  We will have a chance to ask more questions.  We will get to know the staff and other missionaries who are on their journey.  After these two weeks, the Candidate Committee will share with us which country we will be assigned to.  And at that time, I know many of you will find out as we share the exciting news.

Then the last two weeks will be in partnership development training.  This is where we will learn how to share with friends, family and churches about MAF and believe God for ministry partners.

Prayer Support

Our family appreciates your prayers.  Even though God has called us and we know without a shadow of a doubt this is where we are to be.....the process from point A to point B is not an easy one.  There is much God is working into our hearts and helping us let go of.  The transition isn't easy if we were to dwell too much on the loss, but when we continue to hear God's voice - there is so much hope in Him through it all.  And He keeps reminding me of this encouraging verse,

"But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'"

God has great things in store for those who love Him!