Transitions

This past holiday season has been particularly busy for Bridget and I, so I'm just going to share some highlights and photos. We hope your holiday memories are full of fun, family, and of course, the reason for the season, Jesus Christ.

During early December we met with Ryan and Gretchen Rought  They lead an interesting ministry, TACTICA, “The mission of TACTICA is to fulfill the great commission by investing into the lives of Central American authorities and their families through high quality police training, evangelism and discipleship”. (http://www.tacticaministries.org/ )

The reason for sharing about TACTICA is because we have been invited to partner with them in one of their trainings as we would provide a helicopter for a medical evacuation simulation. Emergency Medical Evacuation (EMS), using helicopters is common in the U.S. but is nonexistent here. We are excited since it provides us with an opportunity to assist this great ministry as well as demonstrating what we, AeroVital, are capable of. In this simulation we will provide medical air transport to an injured policeman or fireman and airlift the person to the Hospital Clinica Biblica. The event is scheduled for February 10 - 15.

Looking back, briefly, 2013 was productive (we all like to see progress). Perhaps the biggest item on the list was to finish language school. If you are young and reading this then it may not seem all that big, for us “slightly older young at heart”, we have spent a considerable amount of time learning Spanish. Of course there is a lot of time spent talking to those who we came in contact with daily. I (Paul) find it encouraging when I am able to clearly communicate with Spanish speakers.

Concerning aviation (AeroVital) we have seen some significant milestones.

• The generous offer to use a helicopter owned by a Christian businessmen.

• Cabécar (see previous blog posting "...and I also learned Spanish") “Health Promoters” have provided dozens of map coordinates for landing zones throughout the interior where the indigenous people live. This is huge.
• Multiple contacts have been made with other missions/ministries in Costa Rica.
• We have grown our relationship with the department of civil aviation (DGAC) here in Costa Rica. There is much to be gained by their growing trust in us.

Mrs. Joy McMurchy

Our daughter Joy was married January 18 in Corvallis, Oregon, and we were able to help with preparations and related events. Joy's husband, Patrick, is great and we feel blessed to have him as part of our family. 

Patrick McMurchy

There was much planning that went into the wedding, and related events, which resulted in an enjoyable time for those attending.  It was such a blessing for both Bridget and I to be able to be there, especially for me, as the father, it was a privilege to give Joy away at the alter.
If you are interested view more wedding photos at:
http://bluecastle.zenfolio.com/p975268079
The password is- abbott

We were able to see many family members and friends (and make new ones) while in Oregon.  A special thank you to each of those who hosted us.  Obviously the wedding was the highlight of our trip to the U.S.  Two days after the wedding we boarded a jet to fly south with a short diversion in Texas for a great visit (and a little time to decompress) with friends we

Matt and Heidi Giles and pizza.

 knew from flight school. 

Getting my puppy fix.