The Greenwalds

New Posts and Pictures

2011-10-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! I noticed not everyone has made it over to our GreenwaldFlightFollowing.Blogspot.com blog. This is where all of the new and update blog posts are going! We have news about our journey with MAF, pictures of Cade as he grows and learns new things, and info about where we will be going - Indonesia!
Can't wait to see you on the other blog!

Greenwald Flight Following

2011-07-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! We are so glad that you follow us here, but we have a new home - GreenwaldFlightFollowing.blogspot.com is where you will find new updates on life, journey and adventures!

You can also check out our facebook page - Greenwald Flight Following

Thanks for your prayers, encouragement, and love!
Pete, Ashley, and Cade

The Last Five Years...

2011-07-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

I sit here typing from our adorable studio apartment at MAF Headquarters in Nampa, ID. Looking out the window at a gorgeous landscape - high desert, beautiful mountains, and farmland - I can't help but thank God for all that He has done in our lives over the past 5 years (and more). In the last five years, God revealed to Pete and I His plan for us to be together. In the last five years, God began in us hearts for a strong marriage and people/situations to strengthen our love for Him and one another. In the last 5 years, God gave us peace about the path He had for us in overseas missions and the organization we should pursue for His calling. In the last five years, God blessed me (Ashley) with a job that helped limit Pete's school loans. In the last five years, God allowed Pete to complete school and become a flight instructor. In the last five years, God grew our family of two into a family of three. Pete and I continue to be amazed at the wonderful little man Gad has entrusted to us. In the last five years, God kept doors open to MAF by allowing us to complete a successful two weeks of Technical Evaluations and acceptance into Candidacy. In the last five years, God worked out the financial details to allow us a start into fulltime missions far sooner than we could have ever thought! In the last five years, God has been oh so good to our family. It did not come without hard work, diligence, and even some difficult times, but boy has God been faithful!

As we begin our time at MAF and keep following God's leading in our lives, we will keep you - our friends and family - updated through a new blog. Please join us on the journey by logging on to GreenwaldFlightFollowing.blogspot.com.

2 months

2011-03-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

A not-so-average Monday - instead of waking to feed Cade, get him and I ready, and head to work, today, I was able to spend the morning with our son! Today was Cade's 2 month check-up. Baby in tow, Pete and I drove to Cade's pediatrician. Upon our arrival, Dr. Hunter noticed Cade's striking resemblance to his daddy. This has been a constant since he was born. I must say, I am pleased he looks so much like Pete and love that he has his own little quirks, too. We listened as she gave his new height, weight, and head circumference information. He now weighs 12 lbs and is 23 1/2 inches long. Today was also shot day - screaming (and holding his breath), Cade took his shots like a little champion and I (drum roll please) didn't cry as he was receiving them!

Our growing Cade-man has some amazing quirks and other cute attributes that I would like to share (proud mom moment begins):
1. He snorts like a pig and makes a fun open-mouth face when hungry. The snorting he gets from me and the amazing appetite he gets honest from both Pete and I!
2. He can hold his head up. Not for very long or all too steady, but he holds it up none-the-less.
3. He can focus on objects and likes to look at me - woohoo!
4. He smiles - my favorite smiles are what we call 'smile-kisses' where I kiss his little cheeks and he smiles in response. I know - your heart is melting now! Mine does everytime I give him a 'smile-kiss'.
5. He makes adorable little noises. Some might call them "coo's". Again, my heart melts when I hear them and see a smile come upon our little man's face!
6. He likes to play "where's Cade?" Also known as "peek-a-boo", this fun game keeps him entertained for quite a while and gets those beloved smiles as well.
7. He loves the Ash's - the amazing family who keeps him during the day while I am at work. The younger kids like to play with him and his toys and Megan, their oldest, feeds him and cares for him in such a loving way, I couldn't be happier!
8. He loves snuggles with both Pete and I.

We are one VERY happy family. Here are some pictures - enjoy!

Greenbean Delivery

2011-02-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

January... where did January go? As Pete and I began the new year, we knew an important milestone would be approaching quickly. Our son's due date was January 20th and we could not wait for him to arrive. Every night we would go to bed thinking, "this could be the night". Every morning we would arise and decide, "perhaps while I am at work". And with every phone call to Pete, my parents, and even some friends I would inevitably here the words, "is it time to go to the hospital?"

On January 19th I went in for a routine check-up, just one day shy of 40 weeks and I wanted a baby, but I also wanted to make sure that our son came in God's timing and as naturally as possible. During the check-up, my doctor (Paul Lin who is the BEST OB-GYN EVER!) let me know that since my blood pressure was on the high side, I needed to go to the hospital for some "further observation". The staff would check my blood pressure for several hours and perform some bloodwork to make sure the baby wasn't in danger. Pete and I got our bags together, Pete ate lunch (none for me since there was a chance I could be induced while at the hospital) and with great hesitation and a bit of unease, we made our way to the staging area for labor and delivery at Good Shepherd Medical Center. While under observation, my blood pressure was in normal range and all the bloodwork came back "perfect". So Pete and I were sent home from the hospital and I was told to take it easy a day or so before going back to the doctor on January 21st. I just knew our son was not supposed to be born that day!

I was cleared to go back to work at my next doctors appointment with instructions to stay stress-free (yeah right!) and return the following Tuesday.

Side Note: For those of you who do not know what I do for a living, I am an Admissions Counselor and Preview Events Coordinator at LeTourneau University and this is the BUSIEST and most STRESSFUL time of my year due to the large back-to-back preview events I am responsible for planning.

Upon returning to work I proceeded to continue my work on the next preview event (around 50 students coming to campus that Thursday-Friday). When I saw Paul on Tuesday, my blood pressure was back up to an "unhealthy" level and I was told at that point that I would be sent to the hospital again - this time I could go through the observation routine again and return home on bed rest OR I could go ahead and have our son. This time, I was ready and had a HUGE peace that this was God's timing. Pete once again got something to eat and we made our way to the Labor and Delivery floor at GSMC.

My body went from zero to baby in a matter of 13 hours - this was remarkable considering the doctors used two means of induction to make my body cooperate! Throughout the entirety of the process, Pete was amazing and remembered all the key points from our birthing class, supported and encouraged me when I needed it, and made sure that I was as comfortable as humanly possible (not an easy task!).

At 4:05am on Wednesday, January 26 (6 days "past due") our son, Cade Bennett Greenwald was born! 6 lbs 15.9 ozs, 19 and 3/4 ", and perfect as can be! He is by far the most amazing thing the Lord has allowed me to be a part of!

The past two weeks (and 2 days - but who is counting?) have been the most amazing moments for our family. Cade is a sweet and peaceful baby who makes wonderful noises, adorable expressions, and has rockin' reflexes! I am one blessed momma!

Here are some pictures of our little bean upon birth:

Brand New Year

2011-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

2010 was an incredible year filled with great memories, blessings, provision, and reminders of God's goodness (no matter the circumstances we faced) and constant faithfulness. In 2010 Pete graduated, we passed MAF Technical Evaluations and were invited to begin Candidacy, we learned that we would be adding a member to our family, and have begun a prayer ministry at our church! What a wonderful year it was! Although 2010 was a year to remember and continue to praise God for, we are incredibly excited for what is in store for 2011.

It's amazing the fresh perspective that comes about with the ringing in of a new year. I was reminded this morning of the new mercies that God provides to us DAILY (not yearly) and am in awe of Him, whose grace is more than sufficient and whose faithfulness and love are never-ending!

As this year begins and we await the birth of our son, I look forward to growing more in love with my Savior and friend and sharing that love with my husband and son!

Happy New Year!

LOVE

2010-10-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all, matters the most
Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep locked inside

Love is a river that flows through
Love never fails you

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease at the end of time
and Love will protect
Love always hopes
and Love still believes when you don't

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

When my heart won't make a sound
when it can't turn back around
when the sky is falling down
nothing is greater than this
greater than this

Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way, the truth, the life
Love is the river that flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
and Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you

|brandon heath|

This is the song the struck my heart the morning after we learned our Greenbean is a boy. I can't imagine the fullness of love our Father has for us, but I do know that the love I have for my husband and this baby grows leaps and bounds everyday. What a joy to know His love is far greater!

As I start the third and last trimester of this pregnancy, I can't help but look back on the first two-thirds and sit in awe of the miracle that is 'being pregnant'. I am shocked at how quickly time has passed and how much the Lord has shown Pete and I over the past 7 months.

One thing is for certain - we are blessed! Blessed by a God who is HUGE and yet knows the most intimate details of our lives. Blessed by a Savior who loves beyond barriers. Blessed by a Spirit who leads and guides. Blessed by family and friends who offer support in trying times and rejoice with us in glad times.

I can't wait to bring this baby boy home! (Although, I must admit, I sometimes get nervous when I realize he won't come with an instruction manual...) What a joy it is to pray for him, his life, and the testimony of God's love, grace, mercy, and power that we hope his life will be!

This last trimester will be filled with many joyous occasions - Thanksgiving with great friends, Christmas with family, celebrating the New Year, and it will culminate with our son's birth. The next few months will fly by, so I hope to enjoy every moment and cherish the together time that Pete and I have as a couple before we become parents.

What an awesome journey we are on!

Pictures of our Greenbean

2010-09-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Now that you have seen pictures of my preggo - here are some of the little man who is growing inside:

Greenbean

2010-09-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

22 weeks. 22 weeks of belly expansion, nausea pills, contemplating parenthood, and thinking of baby names... 22 weeks of enjoying pregnancy, registering, monthly appointments, and daily reading of how Greenbean is growing and developing.

Today makes 22 weeks of carrying this precious little boy that we will continue to call Greenbean. I could not have imagined my belly this big nor the size of my heart for this little boy whom I don't even know. Over half way to the finish line (or the starting blocks) and I am already in love!

According to my "What To Expect" updates, the Greenbean is the size of a spaghetti squash, weighing in at 1 lb or so and approximately 8in. Within the week, he will have reddish skin due to the blood vessels that are developing under his skin and over the next few weeks he will double in weight - YIKES!

To date, Pete and I have learned several things:
1. Greenbean is a BOY!!!
2. Registering is OVERWHELMING! Thanks to Pete for keeping it a light-hearted learning experience and making it enjoyable.
3. Ansel is excited about having a brother. He pounced on my belly when I told him he would have a baby brother :) I'm sure this is just a small dose of what is to come.
4. I love the feel of his arms and legs kicking at my stomach. It is amazing to feel the new life growing inside me! And yes - Pete has felt Greenbean from outside my belly as well, which makes this even more exciting!
5. Picking out names is impossible - or at least really difficult.

All in all, pregnancy is wonderful and I can't wait to see our son and hold him in my arms!

Blessings Abundant

2010-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

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

Preparing for Technical Evaluations

2010-07-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

To prepare for our two weeks with MAF, Pete went to Georgia and spent 3 days flying with his favorite flight instructor Gene Gawthrop. The video below shows them going into High Valley, a private airport just north of Dahlonega. Pete's dad also rode along one day on a flight into the mountains.

Pete and Gene on the last day of flying

Pete and Dad after returning to WDR from a trip to North Carolina

A New Adventure

2010-07-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Pete and I have had such an amazing few months. In our last post, I shared with y'all the major milestones that we have undergone over the past several months. As I write this note, Pete is in Georgia preparing with his old flight instructor for our MAF Evaluations next week. Yes, you did read that correctly - NEXT WEEK we will be in Nampa, ID for two weeks of MAF flight and maintenance evaluations! I can barely contain myself and have already begun packing/planning.
But our evaluation at MAF is not my main reason for posting today. As many of you may already know, Pete and I have encountered yet another major milestone in our life together - we are expecting! Little baby Greenbean is due in January of 2011 and we could not be more excited for his/her arrival! I have officially begun my second trimester and am looking forward to the day when I can feel the Greenbean moving around (and start to actually show)! I have added some of our first pictures of the Greenbean so you can all see how adorable he/she is already. We'll keep you posted on Greenbean's growth and progress (as well as ours as we prepare for parenthood).
Thanks for your prayers and support!

A Look Back

2010-05-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Throughout our lives, both Pete and I can see how God has guided our steps and provided in many ways. It is always fun for us to take a look back and see the amazing things the Lord has done! As we sit less than one week away from Pete's graduation, I cannot help but take a look back.

Currently Pete is sitting next to me, studying feverishly for his finals. Within the next week he will take three finals, interview for a job at LETU with the Dean for the School of Aeronautical Science, go on a second interview with the VP of Academic Affairs at LETU, and GRADUATE!!! Looking back, it is only the Lord's doing that Pete was able to complete his education at LeTourneau University. When Pete and I got married (after my graduation from UGA, but only 2 years into Pete's time at LETU) we were advised that I should apply for a job at LETU. Not only did the Admissions Counselor job at LETU fit my passion for youth and higher education, but it also offered us the ability for Pete to attend LETU tuition-free after I had been working for a year. For the past two years, we have only had to pay for Pete's books and course/lab fees - PRAISE GOD! This is one of the hugest ways that God has allowed Pete and I to continue on our path to MAF and mission work!

Along with LETU's tuition break, the Lord is providing financially through your support - to date we have received many contributions for paying off Pete's college debt for his flight training (not paid for by tuition benefits). PRAISE GOD for your prayers, support, and love!

Not only has the Lord provided for Pete's education, but He has also helped us in paying off some of that debt that strangely accumulates upon graduation/getting married. Through word-of-mouth referrals to many of our friends in town, we have saved over $2000 in rent. (3 1/2 free months of rent!) Once again - it is amazing to see how God has provided and clearly continues to show His faithfulness as we pursue His call in our lives.

While His financial provision is certainly one great aspect of this look back, I also can't help but remember (as we come up on our 3rd anniversary) how God has grown us together and in Him throughout the last three years. We have grown from two independent and stubborn singles to a couple who takes time to spend with the Lord and with one another daily. We have learned a lot about communication, sacrifice, and grown in our love for one another. I can't imagine how I ever lived without Pete and his amazing friendship and love.

In these three years our family has also added a member - our wonderful little "Anselbear". This adorable cocker spaniel has added fun and excitement to our lives and given us countless hours of entertainment.

Yet another way that the Lord has provided is through the amazing friends we have made. About two years ago, a mission family from MAF came to work at LETU at the same time Pete began part-time flight instructing. Through our friendship and similar passion for flight and reaching unreached people groups, Pete and I have learned a great deal about life overseas as a mission aviation family and enjoy stories from the Ash's time in Indonesia. Again - PRAISE GOD for this amazing relationship and encouragement!

Lastly, Pete and I were asked to attend the annual EAA Airshow in Oshkosh, WI. The theme of last year was "Fly 4 Life" and hundreds of missionaries and other humanitarian relief organizations came together to show the world of general aviation how flight makes a significant impact in human life overseas! Being representatives for LETU at the show, we had the opportunity to meet, mingle, and do life with some of the organizations that we were interested in joining. This was a time when the Lord gave us confirmation about our desire to work with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). We thoroughly enjoyed all of the people we met, including those who had never even thought of flight being used to reach others for Christ! PRAISE GOD for His confirmation and the opportunities to share His love with others!

There are so many amazing ways that God has provided and encouraged us the last several years and we cannot wait to testify to more of the goodness of our Lord in the years to come! Thank you for being a part of how God continues to bless us and share His plan for our lives.

The Beginning of the End

2010-03-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

5 years in East Texas. Let's be honest, this isn't a tropical paradise; it's not a paradise in any way unless you're a pine tree. It is, however, a great place to build relationships with some of the people that we cherish the most. Those people, especially in the last two years, have helped us through tough times financially, been excited about steps we've taken towards the mission field, and have spent so much time encouraging us and praying for us.

In less than 2 months I'll graduate and my collegiate saga will come to an end. Finally! Not that it's been that bad, but it has taken a while. You can't learn to fly airplanes overnight I suppose. Not to mention figure out how to fix them after they break.

On April 21'st I will begin 4 days of testing so I can become a certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic (A&P). If anything has ever stressed me out, this is it. 4 days of bending sheet metal and safety wiring. 4 days of remembering things that I learned 5 years ago. Everyone keeps telling me "it's not as bad as it seems" but as far as I'm concerned right now, it is. Thankfully I have some good friends who will be taking the same tests so we have spent a lot of time studying together, but still, can you ever really be prepared for something like this? Perhaps it's the overachiever in me that wants to do so well, but it seems like I could spend another 5 years preparing for this.

Here's the exciting part though, once I have my A&P we meet every requirement for MAF! All that's left is to get our debt low enough, pass our technical evaluations, and we're off!. The closer we get, the more excited we get.

Now please, hear me out on this. Airplanes are fun. But our desire to go overseas has nothing to do with airplanes or achievements or obligations. All we desire to do is share the love of Christ that has been shared with us through countless people in our lives. Airplanes are a great way to meet people's needs in a practical way. They can go where you can't go in cars or on boat. They can save people months and years of traveling by foot. But here's the most important thing; they can allow relationships to be built, and through those relationships the love and never-ending pursuit of Christ can be shared with people who God is madly in love with.

Thanks for your continued prayer and support. Our prayer for you is that you will see how God is pursuing you in real and tangible ways every single day.

Go meet someone's needs today.

And so it begins...

2010-02-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

While Pete's semester is beginning and the first quizzes and assignments are distributed, I find myself in the midst of preview central. The two largest previews of the year have just concluded and our annual scholarship competition weekend is just around the corner.

January 21-22 brought Engineering and Science students to the LETU campus for a great time of team competition and intensive rotation demonstrations of the many concentrations that LETU has to offer in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology. STEM (Engineering) Preview is always an exciting event and makes for a great event to start out the Spring semester.

Aviation Preview occurred the weekend after STEM Preview. We had a huge number of future pilots, mechanics, air traffic controlers, etc on campus for Aviation Preview. This year was the first year that we have hosted the main preview events at the new Abbott Aviation Center and it was GREAT! While the weather did not cooperate (we were not able to put all of the previewers in a flight due to the low ceilings) we did have simulator times set up and tours of the new aircraft system labs for the prospective students!

Aviation Preview happens during an amazing week on campus - Missions Emphasis Week. During MEW, LETU hosts missionaries of all kinds onto campus for sessions about the mission work each is committed to. While such organizations as AIM Air, MAF, JAARS, NTM, MMS, etc are on campus LETU students have the chance to learn about the groups and the specific mission/passion of each. It is always a time that Pete and I look forward to - especially this year because we had made so many great friends at Fly 4 Life in Oshkosh. Our aviation previewers also had the chance to mingle with representatives of these organizations while they were on campus. Altogether, this was a preview not to miss!

As I write this, the Admissions Office is gearing up for yet another preview event - Heritage Scholarship Competition. This is an invitation only event for our top-level prospective students and provides them the opportunity to earn one of ten amazing scholarships worth the cost of tuition for the first year (and up to 3 years after)! The next two weeks will be full and tiring, but I know it will all be worth it as I meet more prospective students on campus and help them and their families as they make the college decision.

Pete and I covet your prayers as we tackle this final semester of his schooling and another full semester in the Admissions office.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

Pete and I had the joy of spending time with some of our favorite people - our families - in the past two months.

Thanksgiving: This year was Pete's year for Thanksgiving, so we packed up the car and headed to Oklahoma City, OK for a fun-filled long weekend with his sister and her family, his brother and his family, and his parents. What an amazing weekend it was - we did everything from eating a delicious Thanksgiving meal at the church to walking around Bricktown and even hanging around with bats at the OKC Zoo. This was the first time that the entire family had been together since our wedding in 2007 and we had a blast!

Christmas: Part 1 was a quick drive from TX to South GA and back in one weekend (26 hours). Pete and I have been trying every year to make it down to my grandparents Christmas weekend (always the weekend before Christmas) and this year was no exception. Unlike years past, I had to work the Monday after, so Sunday morning we loaded up the gifts and the doggie and made our way back West. It was great to see all of the family in South GA - the only person we were missing was my older cousin Ryan (but we made a trip to South TX to see him when we returned)!

Christmas: Part 2 began with a tornado touching down just miles from my office on Wednesday as I was getting ready to drive home and meet my parents at the apartment. From what I know, no one was hurt, but it definitly made for an exciting night. Pete and I were able to spend our first Christmas in Texas since our engagement and we enjoyed having a bit more relaxed Christmas at home! Since dad and I had never gone to a UGA footbal game together, we bought them tickets to the Independence Bowl for Christmas and had a fun day in Shreveport, LA the day of the game. It was COLD, but was worth it to go to a game with my husband and parents!

It's hard to believe the year is at it's end already, but I look forward to what the Lord has for us in the year to come!

We will be praying that this year is a year of joy and peace for your families and that you will grow ever-closer to our amazing God!

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
Rev. 4:8

Time to Catch Up...

2009-12-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

Life Update:

3 months later I finally have the time to post a new blog! These past few months have been filled with fun and work and most importantly, more steps towards getting to the mission field! Woo hoo!

Ashley has spent time traveling the Northeast to recruit students and has been organizing preview events for future students! Of course, she has done an excellent job (she would settle for nothing less) and is already working hard on her next few projects.

I have been focusing on school and flying. This semester we got 2 new multi-engine trainers that I have been learning to fly in and teach in. They are great airplanes that have taught me a lot and will be an excellent learning platform for our students. My three students are doing great and are getting close to finishing their courses for the semester despite 3 weeks of bad weather.

Update: Steps towards entering Mission Aviation Fellowship

A short time ago Ashley and I received our application to Mission Aviaton Fellowship (MAF) and have been working steadily at completing it. We have set a goal of starting with MAF in January of 2011. This means that between now and then we have to complete the required bible classes and I have to get my Airframe & Powerplant Certificate (A&P) which I will be tested for this coming April. After we meet the requirements we will get to go to MAF headquarters in Nampa, ID to do a technical evaluation consisting of flight and maintenance tests as well as interviews with MAF staff!

For more information about MAF please visit http://www.maf.org/

We are excited about what lies ahead and have seen God come through in HUGE ways. We thank you for your continued prayer support as we enter the "home stretch" of classes and next round of decisions.

There is one specific area where we need financial support. In order to responsibly enter a mission organization we essentially need to be debt-free. We have worked hard over the past year to get rid of any debt that is not school related and have accomplished that goal. Next we need to pay off school loans which are just shy of $39,000. Please prayerfully consider supporting us to help meet the goal of entering MAF in January of 2011 so that we can answer the call to take Christ to the nations of the world! For more details please contact us directly via email or phone.

Please continue to let us know if you have any concerns that we can be in prayer for. We cherish the time that we get to spend talking with God about our friends.

petegreenwald@gmail.com (404) 291-4112
ashleyfgreenwald@gmail.com (678) 641-8771

Fly 4 Life

2009-08-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

Recently Ashley and I were able to attend Airventure 2009 in Osh Kosh Wisconson. We were there to represent LeTourneau University and share what LETU has to offer to future missionary pilots. Little did we know that this would be an experience that would teach us so much about the awesome community of people involved in mission aviation.

Fly 4 Life was one of the featured themes at Airventure. The Fly 4 Life tent on Aeroshell Square told the history of mission aviation and explained a few of the areas that it supports. Besides the Fly 4 Life tent there was also the IAMA tent. IAMA (International Association of Missionary Aviation) was the organization that brought us, other schools, and many mission organizations together at Osh Kosh. Our tent was flanked by MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), JAARS (Wycliffe), and Spokane Turbine Center, a training organization for mission pilots who will be flying the new Quest Kodiak.

By the end of the week almost 750,000 people had been to the airshow grounds and almost 500 of those people were there specifically to represent Mission Aviation. What an awesome place to be!! Throughout the week Ashley and I were able to meet people like Steve Saint, the son of martyred Missionary Pilot, and representatives from almost every mission organization that was there. We also worked in the Fly 4 Life tent and had many opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ with people who had never even heard about Jesus!! Woo Hoo!!!!

We were also able to spend time around the new Quest Kodiak 100, an airplane which was specifically designed to operate on short, unimproved airstrips in some of the most remote areas of the world. The Kodiak is an impressive airplane which has the potential to transform mission aviation as we know it.

As I begin my last year of school at LeTourneau University Ashley and I are becoming more excited every day about what the Lord has planned for the future! Airventure 2009 was a great confirmation that mission aviation is exactly where the Lord wants us and has been continuing to lead us. Please be in prayer for us as we begin to take larger steps towards moving overseas to share the Gospel in some of the most remote areas of the world.

-Pete

Blood = Life

2009-07-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I have felt a real call to sacrifice. While I didn't know what/how, I knew the Spirit would lead and make it clear. Walking into church on Sunday morning, I noticed the "Blood Bus" (Carter Blood Center) and my stomach sank. As a child several nurses were called in to hold me down so that they could take my blood for a routine cholesterol test. Just the idea of blood leaving my body (much less knowing that people are willingly TAKING it from me) has always been a source of anxiety. Immediately after seeing the Blood Bus, I knew what type of sacrifice I had been called to. Just like the widow who gave a mite showed Jesus her true sacrifice, me giving blood - my own blood - would be an ultimate sacrifice.

The message Sunday morning was on Bloodlines and the fact that we are called to sacrifice for "even for the least of these" in accordance with the will of God. That Jesus gave not just one pint of his blood, but all 12 pints demonstrates His love and desire to give us life - ABUNDANT LIFE! We learned how a lack of just one pint of blood can be the reason to call off many surgeries. At this point in the service there was a knot in my stomach, my mind was racing and thinking of all the reasons I shouldn't give blood today, and my heart knew that if blood gives life, then I would give blood.

As the service ended Pete looked over to me and said, "So should we give blood now or after we help out with the family worship theatre?" This not only confirmed what I knew I had to do, but gave me no way out - I couldn't just go home and then bring it up later as one of those "I should have done that" type of thing. I love how the Lord overcomes the evil of Satan even in our minds as we are battling over the sacrifice we are called to make.

After the line at the Blood Bus grew short, Pete and I hopped aboard and started to fill out our paperwork. We both began at about the same time and laid head to head while the blood was being drawn. The entire time I knew that the Lord was overcoming a fear of mine and would be able to use the blood to give life! The Carter Blood Center employees were a delight to spend time with and made the experience better than expected.

With apple juice and oreo cookies in hand, Pete and I left the bus and began talking about how amazing the Lord is and the joy of obedience to Him!

Therefore I urge you, bretheren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. - Romans 12:1

This is how the Lord is using aviation to change lives around the world.

2009-07-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Summertime Fun

2009-07-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Summers in Texas are much like summers in Georgia... heat, heat, and more heat. One thing is for certain about a TX summer - the heat is worse, the humidity is better! While faculty and students take a month or two off from the rigors of classes and meetings, the Admissions Office (along with a few other offices) stay for the long hot summer months. Luckily, this is also the best time for us to take vacation days. After Pete had completed his summer classes we packed up our bags for a trip east. Along with 5 other couples, we hid out in the Outerbanks of North Carolina! It was a great time of rest, fun, and THE BEACH! While we were at the Outerbanks, a group of us went to Kitty Hawk - home of the first powered flight! It was incredible to see where Orville and Wilbur had worked, slept, and prepared for their first flight. Pete and I had a great time at the Memorial! In addition to our trip to Kitty Hawk, we also enjoyed local restaurants, putt-putt golf (I got two holes-in-one!), ice cream, and the waves!
As all good things do, our vacation came to an end - but it will not be forgotten and the rest that occured was much needed. We are already looking forward to our next adventure with the couples we vacationed with and are grateful that the Lord provided such a perfect week for us.

Solo!!

2009-06-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Although we are not currently involved in a mission aviation organization we still have the opportunity to work within mission aviation.

Zac Wojahn is a young man from Minnesota who was one of my flight students this semester. Zac wants to be a missionary pilot as well, so it was a joy to work with him.

When Zac and I first started flying he had just a few hours of flight time under his belt. The goal that he and I worked towards together was for him to Solo. This is one of the biggest accomplishments of any pilot. I still remember the insanely hot day in the North Georgia mountains that my instructor actually found me worthy to fly the airplane all by myself! There is nothing else like the experience of taking to the air by yourself and experiencing such incredible freedom!

Well sure enough Zac soloed early in the summer. Being able to play such an important role in helping a future missionary pilot accomplish the necessary steps towards taking the Gospel to the world was a humbling and exciting opportunity. I am still amazed that the Lord has put me of all people in a position to teach others a skill that He will use to enlarge the Kingdom!

Mighty to Save

2009-04-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Savior, He can move the mountains.
My God is mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation.
He rose and conquered the grave.
Jesus Conquered the grave!

We've just returned from another great Easter weekend with Pete's brother's family. Our two nieces are always a delight to be around. Kalli (3 1/2 years old) has a new pink room and an OKC Thunder basketball, while Tori (1 1/2 years old) wakes up after every nap with a mohawk that is truly inspirational. Some of my favorite moments in Oklahoma this weekend were when we Tori would see me after a nap, sunday school, or some other function that kept us from each other. As soon as she would see my face she would light up and run full throttle towards me while saying "aunt Ashawee". This adorable little girl of 1 1/2 years brighten my life with her unabandoned excitement when she saw me. Not only did this warm my heart, but it really made me start thinking - if I get joy from a sweet little girl running into my arms, how much more joy does the Father receive when his children run into His.

Within the past few weeks healing has been the prayer of my heart. With friends and family recovering from heart surgery, dealing with the onset of cancer, and undergoing procedures that can bring about devastating results, my heart has been crying out for healing in many ways. Over the past week or so, "Mighty to Save" by Hillsong has been playing over and over again in my mind. I am reminded during this Easter season that our God, the God who spoke and the world was created, who breathed and life was formed is the very same God whose character is love and whose desire is relationship with His created. That He wants our salvation. That's what it's all about. That's the reason for the cross. That He wants us. He wants us!! The cross is a reminder for us to surrender to His will, to His goodness, to His love, to His might and mercy to save!

While I do want physical healing for my family and friends, more than that I want them to know the God who gave them life and know that He not only created them, but that He wants relationship with them and loves them. My heart breaks thinking that any would perish without the opportunity to know and accept the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Risen Savior.

Shine your light and let the whole world see.
We're singing for the glory of the RISEN KING!

- Ashley

A week at MMS Aviation

2009-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

During my spring break I was able to spend the week at MMS Aviation in Coshocton Ohio with a group of LeTourneau students and faculty. MMS is dedicated to maintaining and repairing aircraft that serve in the mission field both overseas and in the US. The service they provide saves hundreds of thousands of dollars for mission organizations across the globe.

I worked almost exclusively on a Cessna 206 which will be returning to service in Honduras when it is complete. When this aircraft first came to MMS they discovered severe corrosion of the airframe which had to be repaired for the aircraft to be safe. The aircraft was gutted and has been almost rebuilt from the ground up. I worked on installing a Robertson STOL Kit and repairing a portion of the right wing. STOL kits (short takeoff and landing) are installed as after market modifications and allow the aircraft to fly much slower and land on extremely short runways.

Here Scott is instructing me on the finer points of installing the Robertson STOL kit.

The leading edge of the right wing had been previously repaired but we decided to go ahead and replace a large portion of it. This required us to make a cut in the sheet metal, drill out all of the rivets that held the metal on, form a new leading edge, and then reinstall it. Unfortunately our week was ending just as Scott and I were preparing to form the complicated shape out of a sheet of flat aluminum.

Scott finally turned me loose to remove the middle portion of the leading edge and prepare it for new skin.

For more information about MMS Aviation click the link at the bottom of the page. Ashley and I are looking forward to seeing some of their crew at Oshkosh this summer!

An afternoon in the SKY

2009-03-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Pete and I have had a wonderful weekend spent together (a rarity in our lives currently)! Saturday was filled with flight cancellations, which led to a full day of resting with one another. I was pretty sad that Pete didn't get to fly with his students, but think it was the Lord's way of making sure we make time for each other during our full weeks. Pete is such an amazing flight instructor, always wanting the best for his students and making sure that they do well. I appreciate this about him.
Today, Pete had some flight time saved up that he needed to use to stay current, so I got to don my headset and tag along. We flew for about an hour, looking over East Texas and checking out the local lakes, "piney woods," and LETU from the air. I even got to fly a bit. I am currently learning to fly straight and level and do turns (with rudder and aileron). It's so much fun being in the cockpit with Pete! He has such a passion and talent for flying and teaching. The Lord is equipping him for great things!

We have another full week ahead of us. Pete will be flying with students (weather permitting) and trudging his way through another week of classes and labs. I will be hosting a UIL Competition on campus tomorrow and a small version of a preview on Friday. It should prove to be a good, productive week for both of us. We are blessed beyond words and grateful for our time at LeTourneau and all the Lord is teaching us in this season.

-Ashley

Let's get it started!

2009-03-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Texas!

We're so excited about where the Lord is leading us and can't wait to share each step of our journey with you! Questions about what we're doing? We'll here is the answer.

From early years we've both felt a call to full time missions. In the recent past the Lord has clarified how He wants to use us overseas.

For the past five years, Pete has diligently worked towards his Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine rating, and Instructor Certificates (MEI, CFI, & CFII). While not always easy, Pete has remained focused and driven towards what he feels called to do: become a Missionary Pilot. This not only meant that he needed to be a pilot, but also a certified aircraft mechanic with his Airframe and Powerplant Certificate (A&P). As a missionary pilot, Pete will be expected to fly and perform any necessary repairs on the aircraft. Pete is in the process of completing his A&P as he flight instructs to gain hours and experience flying. This keeps him pretty busy, but I get to go on his student's cross-country flights and sit back-seat as he passes on his knowledge!

Ashley graduated from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a bachleors degree in Speech Communication. She now works at LeTourneau University as an admissions counselor where she recruits for the School of Buisness and plans preview events for students who are interested in LeTourneau. Ashley is a great encourager and she keeps me motivated when school becomes overwhelming. In the future Ashley would like to get her masters degree in marriage and family counseling which she intends to use overseas as she works with orphans and local families.

We are currently serving the Lord in Longview, Texas as we continue preparations to serve overseas. For now there is not a specific part of the world which we feel specifically called to. We are excited about the doors that the Lord will open and the work that He will continue in both of us!

Our desire is that above all else, God is glorified through our lives and that His Kingdom is enlarged through the work that He has for us.

We appreciate continued prayers and support as our journey continues.

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16