Blessings Abundant

As you know from Pete's previous post, we had been in preparation for Technical Evaluations with MAF for quite some time (6 years or more for Pete) and were finally on our way... We packed up the dog and took him to a friend's house for his own little vacation and excitedly boarded our flight to Boise, ID.

At some point during our travel day Pete looked over at me and asked, "Do you think we are ready for this?" While I wasn't quite sure that we were ready, I did know that God was leading us at this specific time and we were right where we needed to be. The numerous ways that God provided for us to even make the trip are beyond mere coincidence. Time off for both of us (at the same time!!), financial support from family and friends, preparation time in the hangar at LETU and with Pete's first flight instructor, Gene... truly, the direction God had for us was made clear! After a full day of flying, we found our rental car and began the short drive to Nampa, ID. Our journey was in full swing and we were getting even more excited (and a bit anxious, too).

I won't bore you with all of the details of the trip, but let's just say that TE's are essentially a two week long interview process with meetings, flight evaluations, maintenance evaluations, a psychological appointment, etc. We really grew together on this trip and, more importantly, grew with the Lord - constantly putting our hopes and dreams into His hands and relying on Him for peace and strength. Just as we had begun our two weeks sitting in front of the Candidate Committee, we ended our two weeks in hopeful anticipation of being accepted into Candidacy.

Wouldn't you know it - just as it was His plan to bring us to Idaho for evaluations, it was His plan to allow us to continue the journey as MAF Candidates! Even as I write this, I can barely believe it is real! Needless to say, we sat in that last interview overwhelmed, thrilled, and relieved.

The next day we boarded our flight back home to Texas. In just two short weeks (and many years of preparation and prayer) we were one step closer to the calling God had placed in both of our lives so long ago. I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us and how He continues to guide our path in every aspect of our lives!

We've been home for almost 3 weeks now and we are still amazed at how God has worked and continues to work in our lives for His glory.

Over then next year, we will be paying down the loans that we acquired for Pete's flight training/degree and will welcome our sweet little Greenbean! God has truly blessed us abundantly and we cannot wait to invite our little one into the amazing journey He has us on!


A few prayer requests:
For our Greenbean to continue to grow/develop in the womb.
To enjoy and appreciate where we are now, while still looking forward to our future in missions.
For Pete's flight students as they learn and hear God's call in their lives.

Blessings Abundant,
Ashley