Time to go!

Paul & Bridget Christmas 2011

Happy New Year one and all!

It has been a few months since you've heard from us so I will attempt to bring you up to speed with the most interesting information.

You may recall the last we wrote was about my (Paul) visit to San Jose, Costa Rica to evaluate the possibility of a missionary aviation program for the region.  This service would be in relation to the Hospital Clinica Biblica, supporting their outreach to local and indigenous people.  It was an exciting and informative trip.  After returning I was able to find a part time job with Medford Fuel.  The work has been rewarding and I have learned quite a bit about the petroleum industry.  As mentioned, it is part time in the afternoon allowing me the morning to work on mission related items.

One constant of this time has been the learning of the Spanish language.  I've made progress but will spare you the insights and opinions pertaining to learning a different language as  an older person.  Thanks goes to Mrs. Ray of Cascade Christian High School for getting us started.  In September Mrs. Ray had to begin her regular teaching duties at Cascade and Bridget returned to her's at Logos Public Charter School.  I then transitioned to learning aviation terms in Spanish.  Sometimes, being articulate with customers and co-workers at Medford Fuel is a chore after spending a good portion of the morning working on Spanish.  My brain gets stuck between two languages.

To help keep the rust off my flying skills I have    made a few trips up I-5 to fly with a couple friends who have instructor ratings.  Flying is expensive and I greatly appreciate those of you who have supported us financially.  It has allowed me to maintain my commercial license and currency.  The funds we have earned from our jobs go to living expenses (a New Testament concept known as tent-making).

Hospital Clinica Biblica, San Jose, Costa Rica

During this time, Dr. Alekcey Murillo-Alfaro, the Costa Rican doctor I'm working with has been busy.  "AeroVital (c)" is coming to life and will be the organization we will be working under.

The Vision:  AeroVital (c) will become the most specialized professional rotor-wing air ambulance service in Central America.  It will maintain its primary purpose of providing subsidized services to those in most need.  It will be recognized by the Christian values of solidarity, honesty, and love for those in need.

The Mission:  To provide subsidized emergency air transport services to those not able to access these services at full cost due to their socioeconomic conditions.  To provide subsidized cargo transportation that will serve to better the quality of life of those in most need.  The ultimate mission is to share the love of Christ with those we come in contact with.
  
Back here, with all the things to be done in preparation for moving, I find I tend to rely on myself to accomplish things instead of depending on God.  When I encounter "speed bumps" or am not able to bring something to closure I feel a measure of failure or discouragement.  Over the years, employers have utilized my skills to fix or bring about desired results.  With this endeavor to go to Costa Rica, I have had to take a step back and "boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians chapter 3).  When I've held tightly to the idea it is on my shoulders to make progress, it is at that moment when I am most vulnerable and take hits from evil's fiery darts.  To quote a friend, Dave Fyock, of Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF), "Discouragement is not of the Lord, discernment is.  We must continually ask to discern His will, His timing, His funding."  Another missionary friend, Helen Blauser, reminds us to use the whole armor of God (Ephesians chapter 6), allowing God's provision for protection and perspective.  What a blessing to have missionary friends who share insights from their own journeys.  I am reminded again that "the journey is the destination" and the circumstances, along with the people He brings across our path, prepare us for what is to come.

Architect's model of Hospital Clinica Biblica's helipad

Before I get too carried away sharing insights learned, I need to let you know the time has come to begin transitioning towards our departure for Costa Rica.  Our desire is to follow God's timing for this adventure and respond wholeheartedly to His nudging.  It appears God has been busy (doesn't surprise me) as the last email I received from Dr. Alekcey shared about what progress has been made and the sooner I arrive the sooner we could start flying.  An aircraft is available, the hospital helipad is near completion and the Costa Rican government has responded to our organization in a favorable manner.  They see us filling a humanitarian role that is largely unmet.

I need to mention that I'm excited for the missionary families I met the last time I visited Costa Rica.  They were interested in the fact that Bridget has a background in teaching and experience as a home school parent.  All of the families I met home school their children and expressed interest in having assistance from someone like Bridget.  As I was leaving one home, they said jokingly, "Don't come back without your wife."

In order for Bridget and me to make the transition to Costa Rica we need:

• To raise an additional $2500 a month. (Currently we are at 15% of our monthly support.)
• Plane tickets to San Jose, Costa Rica
• An additional $2000.00 for Paul's flight fund for currency and annual flight physical.
• To gather information for our visas.
• To prayer as we consider attending the dedication of the helipad at the hospital in March.

We appreciate your interest, prayers, and financial support.  Your partnership enables us to move forward.  Together we will make a difference.

Serving Him,  Paul & Bridget