Mountain Week

It's been a week since I (Kars) returned from Mountain week. We spent 10 days away from home in the Appalachian mountains close to the blue ridge parkway. We based out of a little airport, calling a hangar "home" and flying out from there to bring together all the training we've had in the last 3 months.

 We flew some low level navigation flights where we simulated low clouds and picking your way back home through the mountains and worked several grass airstrips that each had their own unique challenges. One was a cut hayfield named "Brown International" another was a steeply sloped runway formerly used to tow gliders out of named "Strawberry Ridge."

 Right now we're catching up on all the "to do" items we've not had a chance to do for the last 4 months and planning the next 6 or so months we have left in the states.

 Below is a picture from mountain week. There will be more to follow in weeks to come!

Our Growing Boys!

We are so blessed to have these two handsome blue-eyed boys in our lives!  Heavenly Father, thank you for giving them to us!

Jozie photo shoot

I can't get enough of this cutie-pie!  We think he is SO adorable.  The other day our friend's son said, "Jozie's probably the cutest person at JAARS" :) I have to agree...

Benji's birthday cake

Benji's birthday party was several weeks ago now.  So, I'm a little behind in posting this.  But I wanted to put up pictures of his cake.  It was great fun to create (with tips from our resident pilot)!  Thanks for your help, Jaime Brewer!  Too bad we had to eat it...

Benji Quotes

Benji was sitting on the couch the other day and we heard a noise. 

"Benji, do you need to go potty?" I asked.
"No, just gas, Mama," he replied.
"What do you say?" I coaxed.
He paused and thought a minute.

"May I please go sit on the potty, Mama?"

We didn't realize how polite our little boy was! :)  All that training does pay off eventually, even if he really didn't need to do what he was asking!

Grief and Good News

Today is the memorial service for our friends, Jay and Katrina.  It's been 2 weeks since their plane crashed into the river in Zambia, taking both of their lives and orphaning their 2 little girls (Find out more at: http://www.chitokoloki.com/?p=1018 ).  The grieving process has been strange for me, as I haven't lost someone this close to me since I was in 9th grade.  But I know grieving is normal and healthy, so it really hasn't been something to be concerned about.  And God has been working through the whole situation.  I have seen so clearly that HE is the One in control and that He is still trustworthy. 

I keep thinking that those who do not know God probably don't understand how such a tragic thing could make us run TOWARD God and not away from Him.  And how those of us who are training and heading toward being missionary pilots are even more committed and dedicated to the calling God has placed on our lives, despite the fact that a missionary pilot AND his wife just lost their lives.   Why is that?  It is because we long to bring the GOOD NEWS of Jesus to the lost and hurting people around the world.  We want them to know the HOPE that we can all have, by accepting the free gift that God Almighty offers to each of us, the gift of ETERNAL LIFE with Him.  "But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring Good News!" (Romans 10:14-15)  Jay and Katrina are enjoying being in the presence of our Savior this VERY MOMENT!  How beautiful are their feet, the feet of those who left the comforts of home and went around the world to share the Good News with others.

God is amazing.  In the midst of the week of grieving and loss, He confirmed for us that HE still wants us to go.  We were very encouraged by this confirmation, especially at a time where we might be tempted to doubt.  But we are NOT doubting.  God has commanded that we go to the end of the world to share the Good News.  And then He gives us the strength to say, "Here we are.  Send us!"

Flashback-This Day 2 years ago...

So I thought I'd look and see what pictures we took on June 13, 2010.  And here's what I found.

Benji (11 days old)

With Oma

Cross-eyed!

Getting ready to fly
(he's still flying the same RC plane!)

"Flying Dutchman"

Still one of his favorite hobbies!

Crazy Bug!

We don't have to move half-way around the world to see amazing critters!  This beetle was outside our apartment the other day...here in North Carolina.  He didn't look too friendly to me....

Benji Quotes

Benji got a bottle of bubble bath that has a big picture of Elmo on it.  Last night he asked me to turn the bottle around so he could see Elmo.  After I do, he says, "Hi Elmo!  This is my bath tub (points to the bath tub)....this is Thomas (holds up Thomas the train)....this is my truck (hold up his truck)."  Then there is a short pause.  He looks out the door of the bathroom and points, "This is happy birthday, Elmo".  Then he turns to me and says, "Showed Elmo happy birthday, Mama".  : )  He's been calling his birthday cake "happy birthday", so I think he was "pointing" at his birthday cake and showing Elmo. 

Benji and Jozie taking a bath "together"!

Happy Birthday, Benji!

Today is Benji's second birthday.  Crazy.  The last year has gone by quickly and he has changed SO much in that time.  Here are some pictures from his 2nd year of life.  Happy birthday, Benji-boo!  We love you SOOOO much!

Playing with Papa

Hugging Baana

Kissing Mama

Kissing Oma :)

Flying with Papa!

Intent on flying

Hugging his giraffes

Double tasking :)

Thrilled to be on a tractor!

Walking with Papa and Opa

Wearing Papa's headset!

Thanksgiving with Pa

Reading with Ma

Playing with "Titi"

Loving the bike seat Papa made him!

"Meeting Thomas"

Trying out the helicopter helmet

Talking with Uncle Matt

Playing with his cousins

Meeting his baby brother

Loving on Jozie

Playing with Mal

Joint birthday party with Seth last Saturday!