August 2010 - European Excursion

The first half of August we tied up loose ends in Medford. Paul finished up his irrigation project with the county at Emigrant Lake. Bridget had a garage sale. Both of us packed boxes for Elim and suitecases for Europe. We pared down our belongings to fit into a 5' x 10' storage unit. Then we spent a weekend with Paul and Bridget's families in Central Oregon. Thank you to all our family and friends who helped us and/or prayed for us to complete our "to-do list."

Mid-August we flew to Europe. France and Switzerland are green and lush countries. The people are very hard working and welcoming. What an extravagent blessing from God to spend time with family and Helimission in such beautiful settings.

Dining by the Drac with Paul's relatives

In Southeastern France we visited with about 20 of Paul's relatives who live in Lyon, Gap and St Bonnet. Cousins, Valerie Athenour and Martine Ghebbano, acted as our hosts for five days. We had met them years ago when they traveled from France to Portland to visit us. The highlight for us was the day we hiked in the mountains where Paul's grandfather, Alphonse Bernard, had grown up. In the afternoon we savored a five course meal and talked around the table for four hours with Paul's cousins. Over one shoulder we could see the Bernard family home and over the other was the picturesque Drac River flowing out of the Alps near Champoleon. The connection between the French and American relatives is very strong.

Hiking at Helimission CTC.

After a full day of traveling we arrived at Helimission (HM) Headquarters in Trogen, Switzerland for the Candidate Training Camp (CTC). The candidates ranged in age from high school graduates to "empty nesters" and came from Germany, Switzerland, and the USA. Paul had met one of them while in Haiti back in January. Two were missionaries in Papua home on furlough. Another grew-up on the mission field and his father was a pilot/mechanic for HM. The first evening Ernie Tanner, founder, addressed us nine candidates. He said the heart of HM continues to be supporting pioneer evangelical missionaries, providing medical evacuation services and aiding disaster relief work. Throughout the week staff presentations gave us spiritual encouragement, practical steps for preparation and a picture of life in another culture. The week confirmed our direction. The HM leadership met with us and feels Paul should build up some current flying time. After that they are considering sending us to Indonesia where there is the greatest need for pilots.

We appreciate your prayers, logistical assistance and financial support that enabled us to make this trip. Please pray as we: attend Elim Bible Institute (Aug 31 - Dec 17, 2010), seek a flying job for Paul, sell our house, pay off debts and raise funds.

In His service, Paul & Bridget