Settling-in in Arizona

For the first time since the start of 2022, we are finally beginning to feel a little bit of routine in our life as we get settled here at Ethnos360 Aviation’s training center in McNeal, Arizona.  This is not where we saw ourselves when we started into 2022, but it is where the Lord has directed us.

Update of Phoebe:  Her Legg-Calves-Perthes disease is progressing well.  The Lord provided a doctor closer than we expected AND even a new friend who is on the same journey (who “just happens” to live 20 minutes away).  Phoebe’s doctor was encouraged that the blood flow is “back on” in her right hip so she is allowed to walk without crutches as we enter the “repair stage.”  She still needs to keep up with her exercises and stretches.  One area for concern is that she might have signs of bone death in her left hip as well. Only time will tell (25% of patients present in both hips).

Because we live so remotely we have been wanting to get an above ground therapy pool.  We often have to drive an hour to the closest indoor pool and with rising gas prices, that is very painful!  We are so thankful to our sending church, South Potomac Church, for their Vacation Bible School offering project that helped tremendously towards this pool purchase.

Update on our Ministry: While we are still wanting to return to Papua New Guinea next year, we want to make sure that Phoebe is in a place for the best possible recovery.  Only God knows and we want to trust Him in the timing.  While we wait, we are excited to still be able to be a part of seeing remote people groups reached for Christ. Ethnos360’s facility here is vital in training up the next pilots and mechanics.  It is encouraging to see the new families…families that will go all over the world (yeah!) to help facilitate the spreading of the Gospel.  Paul would love to be in the shop working on aircraft, but for now he is filling a crucial need in the facilities maintenance team here on campus.  He never knows what his day might include…. from helping set up student housing, fixing a leaking roof, working with a work-team, to weed-whacking…. he doesn’t stop moving.  In the tiredness, there is a thankfulness in being a part of something bigger.  (And we hope you feel that too. Your giving and praying is a part of something bigger… seeing people come to Christ!)

Want to learn more about “The Power of Flight”?  Check out the June edition of the Ethnos360 magazine at https://ethnos360.org/magazine.  If you want a paper copy, just let us know.  It not only shares the importance of aviation in missions BUT it might just give you a little window into life here in McNeal, Arizona.  🙂

Update on family life:  We are thankful for a wonderful home here to rent on campus.  It honestly feels like more than we need, but we are enjoying the space to spread out and refresh. The kids have a few friends here as well so that has helped with the transition.  It still is almost a daily struggle especially for our very social Phoebe.  We have started into our homeschool year.  We are thankful for those who have given extra these last months.  Some of that was used to purchase what was needed for this school year.

Update on Papua New Guinea:  PNG is never far from our minds.  Recently we have enjoyed hearing about a new tribal work that is starting.  With the help of our new R-66 helicopter, a team of missionaries is moving into a new work amongst the Kuyu people.  Let me share just a little bit from one of the team members, Michael LeBlanc:

“This is my friend Thaddeus. 7 years ago he started carrying letters to the neighboring people group 10 hours away over that mountain ridge in the background. And now every time I see him, he thanks us for finally hearing their cries.

They feel empty inside and know they need something but don’t know what it is.  This past week we shuttled in via heli all of the materials for our team office. Inch by inch we are getting closer to telling these people the greatest story of all time.  The best part is that Thaddeus doesn’t even know how good it’s going to be. I’m praying that his heart would be softened to trust in His Maker.”

Praise & Prayer Requests

• Praise: Safe move to Arizona and a wonderful house to call home for this year.
• Praise: The busy R-66 in PNG helping the Kuyu work open!  Pray for the future believers in Kuyu.
• Praise/prayer: Healing for Phoebe as she continues this journey of Perthes.
• Prayer: Strength  and safety for Paul as he works in facilities maintenance.
• Prayer: Andrea and the kids as we jump back into homeschooling.  We all miss our mission school in PNG.
• Prayer: For Paul’s mom, Marie Blackburn, as she struggles with chronic pain in hip.