Missionary Kid

I was having a conversation with my mom and brother earlier about what it means to be a missionary family. We may be missionaries in our own culture, but that doesn't mean we should blend in. Our mission, just like any other missionary family sent overseas, is to reach out to people. We need to stand out.

When people ask where I'm from (I still have that slight Ohio accent), or ask what my dad does, I tell them that my family is here as missionaries. I get one of three reactions when I mention this; sometimes people just nod or shrug, then don't say anything. Other times they are excited that we're here starting a flight school, and want to know more about it. However, the reaction I get most often is confusion. They'll ask questions, like "What does that mean?"

The basic facts are that missionary families live on the support of others, we go wherever God tells us, and we're here to help people; but there's so much more to it than that. Every day is lived by faith, and there are many trials to work through. We make sacrifices, but for every sacrifice we are blessed. Missionary families do not have a steady income, but every day we are provided for. Through everything we go through, the good and the bad, we become stronger.

We're known around town as "the missionary family". I don't know exactly what people think of us, but that doesn't matter. For my brother, sisters and I to be known as the "missionary kids" is an honor. It means we stand out. It means we're being who we are. It means we're making an impact.

It's a beautiful thing.

An Airplane

The flight school just got donated an airplane! My family was at a YWAM picnic back in August, and my dad started talking to one of the other YWAMers about Trinity Aviation. The guy then said that his brother was looking for a place to donate his 1948 Stinson. He called his brother up on the phone right then and there, and now we have a new airplane for the school. Is God amazing or what? The plane, despite it's age, is in great condition and flies beautifully. Here are some pictures of it coming in.

New Day Foster Home

Recently someone gave me the link to New Day Foster Home, which is a facility in China that takes care of children until they can be placed in good homes. Looking at the pictures of the children and reading their stories makes my heart break for them. Most of those babies were abandoned, just left alone in the street, until someone found them. They were abandoned just because there was something wrong with them, or because they were of the wrong gender; but there was nothing wrong with them-God made them that way for a reason. They may have a deformity, but that doesn't mean they don't need love. Each and every one of them is a tiny, adorable, sweet and beautiful gift.
This foster home takes in the babies nobody else wants, and gives them the loving care they need so desperately. Each one of those babies has a story; they also have a lifetime ahead of them. God has a plan for all of them, and thanks to people who care, each one of those little lives can be fulfilled. That's what I want to do someday-change Chinese children's lives. That is the reason I'm learning to read, write, and speak their language. That's what I'm called to do.

One Day, One Hour, One Minute

We found our new students a place to live! Thank you for your prayers. God has also blessed the school with a new airplane-one that's in actual working condition. (The other planes the school has are, well, in pieces in the hangar).
Something I've observed lately is how fast things can change, especially when you're not paying close attention. One day the sun could be gracing the earth, warming it in it's golden blanket; the next, the clouds could come rolling in, and the wind and rain could sweep across the ground. One minute you could have your plans in order-what you're going to do, when you're going to, and how you will do it; the next everything gets shattered and comes tumbling down on top of you. Or, one day you could be completely desperate and hopeless, and the next someone could offer you their hand, and, more importantly, hope. It's like when a rose blooms-it stays closed up for a while, then suddenly, one day, it opens, showing the world it's beauty. In just a day, a whole nation can change. In an hour, a whole point of view can change. In a minute, a life can be changed.

Trinity Aviation's new student, Gabe, is here! He starts his classes tomorrow. He and his family are living in the school director's home until they can find a place to rent in town. Please be praying we will find a good place for them soon.

Gabe's daughter, Ciara, and Lydia are close in age and have been having a blast playing together. Ciara is Lydia's first friend that hasn't been Faith's also, and she's very excited.

Sammy is eight, and gets along well with Eli, who has already given him a bike and let him wear his spongebob hat.

We went up towards Mount Rainier last night, and I caught a couple of good pictures of the scenery. It had been a warm day-warmer than it's been yet this year-and the sunset was really pretty. It looked like God really had painted the sunset.

The moon was beautiful, too. It makes you wonder how many other wonders there are out in space.

A work team came out to the airport yesterday and helped us with some more construction. We are putting in dorms, bathrooms, a kitchen, a classroom, and an office. We keep getting more and more phone calls every day from people interested in the school, including one from an unbeliever. A family from South Africa is coming as soon as we can get their visas. When I look back on how far we've come in the past two years, I'm amazed at how much work God has done in and through my family. A year ago, there wasn't a flight school yet, and now we have people coming in from all over the place wanting to learn. It's an amazing thing.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

I thought I would share with you some pictures I love, giving you a better glimpse at my family's life as missionaries.

I love that my sister, though she is young, is not afraid to worship.

I love that we live near the ocean, and get to visit it often-even if it is a lot colder than the Atlantic.

I love that this guy in downtown Seattle can make his living playing two guitars, hula hooping, and playing harmonica-at the same time.

I love that God created beautiful sunsets.

I love that my younger siblings get so excited about each new experience.

I love that God made trees big enough for the six of us to live in.

I love that I get to work with toddlers.

I love the double rainbow God sent us last year, and that my mom can't help cracking up about it because of the Double Rainbow youtube video.

I love the weird faces my baby sister makes.
(I guess she's not a baby anymore):

I love that my other little sister shares my passion for running, and that she doesn't let her size stop her.

I love this picture because of the look of pure joy on my brother's face

I love that I'm finally able to capture good pictures on camera

I love that my town's movie theater only has one screen, and only shows one movie a week.

I love that my dad can do what he's passionate about.

I don't know if that really gave you a look into our lives, but I hope you at least found it entertaining.

I took Lydia and took some pictures the other day! If you know Lydia, you know that getting good pictures of her not looking goofy is hard. Here are the results:

Yeah, she didn't really grasp the concept of "lightly hugging" the pole.

"The sun is in my eyes, Sissy!"

I could not get her to smile her real smile-this one is the closest I got.

This is my favorite