As the pulse of life ebbs and flows with a natural kind of inevitability, I have found there are often seasons where we are embroiled in the activity of doing "eh, not much". For me (Michael), this has been one of those seasons. In January this year, I had but one new student to work with. The low number of students in this current cohort has been good in the sense that we have had a great deal of one-on-one time, but has also meant that my time in the air has been fairly limited compared to what it has been historically.

Not quite a cockpit view but it'll do just fine!
As a result, I have become very proficient in operating the desk in my office! I've used this time to update theory briefings and complete a myriad of tasks that find themselves pushed to the bottom of priority lists normally.
Passenger for the Day
Although my office chair has been warmer than usual, I have been presented with a few opportunities to get out and about. Tim and Abi have been participating in mock commercial flights where they need to take passengers and cargo all over the Tablelands. I was flooded with pride as Abi briefed me as her paying passenger and took me back to Mareeba (where I "desperately" needed to go).

Back-seating a flight as Abi's passenger from Atherton to Mareeba.
Upon reflection, my mellow work situation has an air of analogy about it. God is allowing me a time to be still and prepare for what he has in store for me. The next month will bring with it 5 new students and a total deprivation of my spare time. Likewise, this season at the Training Centre is allowing me to slow down and develop my skills as a pilot before we are sent further afield, where the speed and regularity of flying will be heightened.
Fly, Little Bird

Jacob and I practising some instructing on each other.
Earlier this month we said goodbye to Jacob, another instructor, who left us to begin his training with the Air Force. Having both been through the Training Centre as students as well as instructors, we shared a unique nexus that will venture far into the depths of eternity. Our office certainly hasn't been the same since!
Canada comes to Town

Showing the Prairie boys what a true-blue Australian made beast is capable of.
Last week, we hosted MAF Canada and Prairie Aviation Training Centre - another mission pilot training facility on the other side of the globe. Apparently 50cm of snow isn't as enjoyable as mild, 25 degree weather so they found themselves stepping off the plane into paradise for a few days. Between eating biscuits and exploring the differences of our two worlds, we shared with each other war stories and began cultivating our unique relationship. It was quite beneficial to all of us, and the trip was topped off with taking them for a spin in the Airvan.
Naomi's World
The end of last year brought with it a fun-filled trip to Adelaide, where we lived before moving to Far North Queensland. We had a wonderful time catching up with friends and family, many of whom we hadn't seen for two years. Some highlights of our two weeks in Adelaide include camping with relatives at Second Valley, sharing about MAF at the church we used to attend (CityLight) and eating our favourite gelato (from Bottega - if you're in Adelaide and haven't been, it's worth a visit)! As is often the case, our holiday went too quickly and it was difficult to say goodbye to the people in Adelaide who are so dear to us. Though I felt sad, I was also excited about the year ahead and was at peace knowing that we are living and working on the Tablelands for a reason.
It's now hard to believe that the school holidays are almost here once again! This school term has been full of new learning experiences, particularly those that come with teaching a different year level (Year 3/4). I also went from having 13 students in the second half of last year to 23 this year! The challenges have reminded me that while I can't do things in my own strength, God is with me and I can trust that he will sustain me. It is here that I think of Psalm 28:7-8:
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
What wonderful words to hold dear.
Prayer/Praise
Here are some ways that you can be praying for us these next few weeks:
As we approach the time where we find out where we are headed next with MAF, please pray that he will open the right doors and open our hearts to walk through them obediently.
We are still at 80% of our ministry partnership target. Pray that God will lead the right people to join us in supporting us financially and prayerfully in our ministry with MAF in Far North Queensland
I (Michael) have 8 new students starting in the next few months. It would be great to have some prayer for endurance and energy as I become quite busy.
With this, we leave you with the same love that made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father:
"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:34-35
Michael & Naomi
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