Flying News

Today Don achieved his Commercial Pilot's Licence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Thank you God.  

To celebrate here is some Ding Duck:

This comic is borrowed from here.

It is Sam's last day at Kinder tomorrow, Jack's last day on Thursday, and then we head over to our new town to get the keys for our new home on the hill. Mum and Dad Watson arrive on Saturday and we will be moving on Monday.

But for tonight we are celebrating God's favour and his faithfulness in bringing the end of the season here to such a wonderful end.  Thanks for sharing in the excitement with us.

The Fog

Fog is all encompassing isn't it?  The last two mornings we have had very thick fog while driving Don out to the airport.  Fog so thick, that we can not see the rear lights of the car in front of us.  There is beauty in the fog and the way it lies across the terrain, but today I don't want to tell you about it's beauty as much as it's danger. 

When driving there were some cars that had not turned on their headlights.  We could not physically see them until we were face to face.  And what struck me the most is that our headlights were not so much for ourselves, they barely help in the fog, they were to warn others where we are there so that they too can keep safe.  By having our headlights on, we were a beacon of warning providing a sign to show how we travelled.

So it is when we are filled with Holy Spirit.

When God reigns in our lives, we are lights in the darkness, a beacon in the fog.  Sometimes the fog will be so thick that the light will do little to help you see where you are going. You may feel like you are wandering and cannot see far in order to know your path.  Still we keep moving, bit by bit revealing the next part of the road ahead.  And in the meantime our light shines to warn others that we are on the move, that we travel a safe path, and we provide a guiding light so that others can travel safely as well.  It allows the other drivers of this life to make choices about their own journeys.  And one day who knows they too may even choose to switch on their own lights and provide a bit of light for others as well.  Our little light shining in the fog may bring others to realise that they are traveling in the dark.

Today Don is flying his Commercial Pilot's Licence Test again.  We are having a farewell morning Tea at ACMA and Sam and I will continue to pack at home.  We can see the next little part of our path and we are going in with our lights blaring.  Let it be a warning to all who see, that we are not lost in the fog.

Taking The Scenic Route

This weekend has seen us face many new challenges, so I thought it must be about time that I share them here.  As most of you know I blog to share our family life, to rally people to pray, and in the process I work things out with God, hoping to help others as well.

Our call to MAF is not going to take the path we originally thought. Over the last month any things have happened to bring about this change.  The two most pertinent being:

• God has brought to Don' and my attention that it is not possible for Don to complete Bible College this year, as well as finishing the flying training.  For us to continue our course of action and do this is would all need to be completed this year, as otherwise we would have no income after that.

• We received news on Friday that the cost of the remaining of the flying course has now increased by $6000-$10000.  This is when the door was finally closed to us following our present course of action.  God has closed the door. 

It is not the enemy.  We feel at peace.  At first we were disappointed, but as we waited on God and he spoke to our hearts we realised, this is His way.  And His way, is ALWAYS better then ours, no matter how it looks at the time.  We know God can miraculously supply the money needed and already we have had offers of people wanting to help. But we cannot, when we know it is not God's will that we do. 
For the last month, God has been talking to us about open doors, and the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 has been ringing out loud.  So we know now that God has closed this door, that another will shortly open. 

So what does this mean...

• It means that we are still moving toward serving with MAF, but at a much slower rate.  WE have asked MAF to give us an indication on our suitability to serve with them, using the information they have (interviews, medical, psyche etc).  If this is favourable, then we will continue to pursue this calling. 

• The open door we are waiting for is a job for Don.  We trust God that he has something ready somewhere, for him to go to.  It may mean that we need to move again. In fact it is highly probable.

• Bible college will be completed by distance at Don's own pace.

• Don will continue to fly now until he achieves his Commercial Pilot's License (CPL).  At this point he will cease flying at ACMA and just continue with Bible College until the end of Semester or until he finds work.

We have been through much this last weekend with all of this; first shock, then disappointment, then humility, then a sense of feeling lost.  So we just both held on tight and sat in God's lap listening to his heartbeat.  No profound sense of revelation came.  Just His steady heartbeat and then finally His amazing peace.  We know we have made the right decisions.  Now we just wait and act patiently for Him to point us in the right direction.

We have not failed.  In God's eyes, we have done all He has asked, and that makes us His obedient children.  He has blessed us here with great friends and an awesome church.  The people we have met have impacted out lives and we have impacted theirs.  That is what missions is all about anyway.  Even if this was the whole purpose to us being called to MAF, that is enough for me. 

We don't pretend to have this altogether, in fact we are more unsure of our future here than we have ever been.  But I know where my future is secure.  Jesus is building us a home in heaven and it is beyond what my mind can ever comprehend.  I know that when I see it, I will crumble at his feet and cry, because He knows me better than I know myself. We may not have much treasure left this side of heaven, but I know Jesus is storing up mine with Him. He sees our future and He knows what is to come.  And so we will trust Him now, as we always have and rest in the fact that he has plans to prosper and bless.

If you think of us, please pray for us in this time of endings and new beginnings. 

xx Nicole

Praise and Prayer Points

As there are many things swimming around in my heart and head at the moment, I thought I would share them with you, so you can celebrate and believe with us.

Praise with us:

• Jack is loving school and God answered his prayer by sending him a friend in his class that knows Jesus. He is loving writing and reading, so this is awesome.

• Sam loves Kinder.  He is exhausted afterward but so energetic while he is there.  He absolutely adores playing with the kids.  His introductory line is : 'Hi guys, I'm Sam', so cute.

• Sam's cardiologist is in the process of writing us a letter stating that he is happy for Sam to live wherever we are, as long as he can attend his appointments every 4-6 months.  This will be forwarded to MAF, so that our application can continue.

Pray with us:

• Don is (weather permitting) resitting his practical flight exam tomorrow for his Commerical Pilot's License.  This would take a load off his shoulders and be a really awesome early birthday present for him (and all of us).

• I am continuing to write my next book and though I am over halfway, I lack the time to really get into it.  I get distracted so easily.  Pray for me to have a focused mind and perseverance to complete what I know I must.

• Pray for safety in travel, as Don is travelling a lot both in air and on the road. And pray for us that despite the changing weather the walks to school and Kinder will be pleasant.  Also pray that our car continues to motor along, as it is well overdue for a service.

• Pray for Sam's continued healing, good health and growth.  He is doing really well at present and seems to be back to his normal self. 

• My Dad is going to have surgery on his foot tomorrow, a surgery that has quite a long recovery.  Please pray for his healing but also for him to rest, relax and make the most of the time he has to be  stationery.

Thank you for believing with us for these things.  Sometimes a monthly newsletter is just not enough! 

Also if anyone has snow gear that they think might fit us.  Could we please borrow it for the Winter if you don't need it?  We are really looking forward to seeing the snow this year and do not have the proper clothes to go.

Love to you all. xx

A Chat Over A Cuppa

Don has been back at ACMA (Australian Center for Mission Aviation) now since the 9th of January.  In that time he has been working on doing Commercial Pilot License NAVs (planned trips), his Cessna 206 endorsement, and IFR training.  He is really happy with how it is all progressing.  We have been so blessed that Ian Deed, one of the flight instructors has been down helping out, as he is a very encouraging and supportive man of God.  Don is on target for achieving his Commercial Pilot's Licence before he starts at MST (Melbourne School of Theology) on February 14th (my birthday!).  He is very focused, but much more at ease than he was last semester completing the theory tests.  Praise God for that!

Last week, we all had our medicals for the application to MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), the kids and I included.  The went extremely well and as a bonus, majority of it was bulk billed by our very sympathetic doctor.  When we rang to collect the results for the blood tests, we were asked to make and appointment with the doctor. OH OH!  Two days later was the earliest we could see her.  We prayed that all would be well, and once again I had to contend with fear.  On the morning we arrived for the appointment to find there was a miscommunication and the tests were excellent, all of them.  She just wanted to advise us that if we were heading overseas we would need injections!   We will think about injections if we are accepted to serve with MAF.

Jack heads off to begin school at Yarra Glen Primary School on the 2nd February.  He is very pleased with his uniform, shoes and lunch box. All else is provided by the school.  I am so very pleased with that.  it is so much simpler.  He is very keen to start, so that he can play with new friends and learn to read.

Sam is growing up more and more.  He sings out loud when I swing him on the swing at the park, at the top of his lungs.  His favourite song is 'This is the sound of a warrior', by Andrew Ironside.  Sam adores music, and we cannot ride in the car without the CD player going.  He makes sure of it. He also goes down the big boy slides by himself now.    He will also be attending Kinder/Kindy (depending where you live), on a Wednesday morning for 2 and half hours.  He has a new lunchbox and is very excited.

I have just started writing again today after taking a months break.  I really needed the head space and rest.  I am so pleased that I did make the effort to stop.  I feel much refreshed and like I can finish what I have started with God on this project.    Below are a photo of some of my favourite things, bits and bobs that have made my life enjoyable over the last few weeks. I love tea. My husband bought me this six place setting tea set from the local antique store for Christmas.  The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, had me loving God and desiring to serve Him all over again.  And many happy hours of Jane Austen were enjoyed over the Christmas break also.

I wonder, what are you favourite things at the moment? 

Missions Newsflash!

 Celebrate with us!!!!  It is official, Don has finally been passed for his CASA Class 1 Medical!  It is in the post as I type.  It has been a long 4 months waiting for the approval.  We have been praying, you have been praying, and all the while God has been whispering 'It is in my hands'.  We have moved interstate, waiting and believing that God would make it happen, and once again, He has shown that He is faithful..  All glory to God!

The radio interview from Sam's Heart, seems to have sparked a whole new wave of readers, and I have received orders and feedback over the last couple of days, which has lifted my soul, and inspired me to write once again.

Don has his psyche test today and it looks like we will be doing more formal interviews by the end of the year. 

The boys and I, went to get a Christmas tree today, a real one.  It is just perfect for our little home.  We are looking forward to having fun decorating it, over the coming weeks.  On the way to get the Christmas tree, Jack sang to Jesus in the back of the car and told Him, 'I love you Jesus, Happy birthday to you.  We are decorating the house because we love you.' . He has already made the star for the top of the tree.  Now I know why we decorate a tree at Christmas :)

A Missions Update

Don is studying a subject called aircraft performance, with an exam coming up in the next week or so. We have had to realign our thinking in regard to him finishing his flying this year, as his medical still has not come through from CASA. In the end we came to the conclusion that the only time limit there was, was the one we had placed on ourselves, and as we always find out, God's ways and times are well above our ways.  So in light of our prayers, Don is now concentrating completing all of the theory exams he has left (I think there are 5), the remainder of this year, with the odd flying component thrown in.  This will mean that next year he can complete the flying while he is studying the ministry at MST.  The Certificate IV in Ministry means Don will spend three full days at the College next year, and then have a day a week to put into flying if needed.  We are always amazed at God's plans.  Now that Don will complete the course in this manner, he will be current with his flying all the way through to the end of next year, with little need to do extra to remain current.  God truly is awesome.  The difficulty in obtaining Don's medical, has been used for God's purposes, and our good.  GOD IS AWESOME!

In relation to the class 1 medical from CASA, they have cleared Don's heart, and have now sent him off to an ophthalmologist. A what you may say?  My question exactly.  An eye doctor for short.  If we had known that they had wanted this, we would have started the process months ago!  Thankfully, God has provided an appointment this week. So hopefully this will all be sorted out quickly and they will stop trying to delay the issuing of his medical.  We head off to this appointment this afternoon.  Your prayers would be valued highly.

We had an eventful morning Sunday when we turned up for church half way through, as we forgot about changing to daylight saving.  Our meeting was very quick, as we missed all of the worship : (, but we were blessed int he afternoon by spending time with some wonderful new friends. We spent close to seven hours, sharing what God has done in our lives and watching our children play.  It was such a blessing to us, and we look forward to sharing more times like these.

Jack heads back to Kinder on Monday.  This week we have been doing some gardening, playing, cleaning, painting and walking to town and the park.  We always meet plenty of interesting people along the way.  The trees are bursting into new growth, and the floral show is prolific, as the warmer weather meanders it's way into the area. I have read two wonderful books this week, both missions orientated, My Seventh Monsoon by Naomi Reed, and And the Word Came With Power, by Joanne Shelter. They are both equally inspiring if you get the opportunity.

We have also started the MAF application process, which is quite a lengthy and detailed exercise.  I will be sitting a psyche test on Monday.  Don and I are taking turns so that we can look after the boys.  Apparently is runs for about 2 and a half hours.  You prayers for this would also be appreciated.  I am looking forward to find out if I clinically insane, or not.  (That was meant to be funny).

Well I will leave it there, and let you know that we are more in love with God than ever.  There has been so much happen that has been obstructing our path since we have arrived in Melbourne, but in hindsight we see his hand in all of it.  We must keep striding forward, one step at a time, toward Him, in the meantime reaching out, and helping along those who stand along the way.

Bless you all heaps

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯` Nicole

Fellowship

Fellowship -sharing in common, an intimate relationship of internal affinity, and likeness.

When I became a Christian, I inwardly cringed every time someone would use the word fellowship.  It was such a strange and seemingly 'churchy' word, that talked about the warm and fuzzy get togethers that Christians had.  And I was right.......but oh so wrong.

When I first became a Christian, my heart was hardened to all things that seemed religious, including the language.  I felt the language to be exclusive of so many, and I wondered what purpose the words served, if not to divide the church from the outside world.  

As God softened my heart and taught me more about what is means to follow Jesus, much of the critical negativity left.  One by one he has knocked down my defences with love.  The biggest of these hurdles was baptism, the most recent has been fellowship.  

The Greek word for fellowship, Koinonia, is not about religion and exclusion, but rather abundant love and inclusion.   

You see, I discovered it was impossible to have true fellowship, the way God intended unless we are of one accord with Christ.  

As we seek after God's own heart, we are joined together, sharing in common, an intimate relationship, both with God, and each other.  Our purpose and our goals are the same- for Him to be glorified in our lives. 

It is something that I am so grateful for, this wonderful relationship with other believers.  Our relationship goes beyond the weather, the football, sharing recipes and stories.  It digs deeper to the heart issues, the God issues, and the fun stuff too.   

 

One of our opportunities for fellowship, is this wonderful support group every fortnight.

 

Awesome News!

Today was crunch time for us.  We have moved interstate knowing Don has been called by God to do the flying course to serve with MAF.  He has been training, and we have been paying the large bills that come with it.  All of this time waiting for CASA to approve Don's medical.  They found an anomaly on one of his ECG readings, and this caused a number of appointments with doctors and a cardiologist.  Today he went to the cardiologist for his final check - a stress test.  And....

There is nothing wrong with his heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a quiet assurance, but still the cloud lingered over our shoulders for the last 5 weeks.  Now the cloud has lifted, and shortly he will be approved to fly solo.  Praise God for his faithfulness.
Many times over the last weeks the doubts have come, especially when I am about to pay another huge flying bill. 'What if this doesn't work out?'.  And each time I would answer back, 'It will be well, God has promised, his word always comes to pass.' And then I would pay the bill.  Faith is lived out in actions.

 Don's a happy camper in the Cessna

 Sam, calling in his position.

 Jack, climbing the tree.

 Sam helping Daddy mow the footpath.

One Month On

Well God has turned on the weather in the last few weeks, and we are delighted!  We have had warm days and cool nights, just like back in Pittsworth.  All of the locals here tell me that this weather is extremely extraordinary, and it is about 7 degrees above average.  Sounds like better than average to me!  Jack began Kindy on Monday, and is LOVING it, and I delight in seeing him so happy and settled. 

Don has been busy dong NAVS in controlled airspace, and flew into Essendon this week, first on SIM and then for real.  He is developing much more confidence in this area, which is great to see, because he is very hard on himself, which is both a blessing and a curse.  He is also studying Air Law, for which he will do the exam next week. CASA is still causing headaches for Don's medical, and have upheld their decision that he must go and get clearance from a cardiologist.  So Don is booked in on Thursday morning to go and do this, to silence them once and for all.  Please pray for breakthrough in this area.
I have been very busy orangising our new home life and looking after the boys (that takes up most of my day).  I have also been selling some of our un-needed goods on eBay, in preparation for our future.   The book promotion schedule has been organised between now and Christmas, so that will be full steam ahead soon.  I have an interview with Signs of the Times Magazine tonight, over the phone.  Then in the next few weeks I have a couple of radio opportunities with local Christian, and regular broadcasters.  I will keep you posted about those, as they can be listened to online.  Praise God that in the first month of sales Sam's Heart sold around 600 copies.  So people must be reading our story, which is awesome to hear! Promotion is great, but it is word of mouth that will get our story heard.  So make sure you keep sharing it with your friends.
Our days are pretty long and packed to the brim, but we are beginning to find our feet here.
Keep your eyes open when checking your inbox this week for the first edition of our newsletter.  If you are not on our mailing list, and would like to be, drop me an email (address in the sidebar), and I will pop you on.
 
I want to take this moment to tell you how much we appreciate, and love each one of you that love us, pray for us, support us and walk with us.  That's what this journey is about -relationship with Jesus, and for Jesus.  Mission is not just about helping people in a far off  lands, but affects every heart involved in the process.  Yes we are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but I can tell you that you travel with us in Spirit every step of the way, and it means more to us than you can imagine.

A New Week With New Beginnings

This morning is Jack's first day at Prep at Yarra Glen State School.  To say he was excited would be an extreme understatement.  I am praying that God gives the teacher strength to get through today. He looked super cute in his uniform, complete with matching beanie.

Don had his first exam this morning and passed!  Hallelujah, he studied so hard all weekend.  I am so proud of him.
Now it is just Sam and I at home, and it is incredibly quiet.  I am looking forward to having this special time with just he and I, something that we haven't shared unless he has been sick in hospital.  The more I know God, the more I am convinced that He knows best ALL of the time.  I am a slow learner it seems, that I argue with his requests.  He knows all of our hearts better than we know ourselves.  Today I feel content, knowing that he holds all of our futures in his hands.

Clear Prop!

Finally, after a week and half of waiting, the sun peeked through the clouds and brought forth a clear afternoon of flying weather.  We left and went to pick up Don, and arrived just in time to see him preparing to take off in his first flight, since we have arrived.  Today saw him do just over an hours flying, with the instructor putting him through the wringer to see what he can do. We were all so excited to see him takeoff.  He did a touch and go on the first landing, and then landed he second time.  Here he is as the boys watched on:

 We all let off a big cheer as he taxied in and then parked the Cessna 172.  Hallelujah!!!  So exciting to see all of this come together after so many years of dreaming and waiting.
The fine weather also meant the boys could play outdoors today.  As I vacuumed and made the inside of the house clean, the boys had a fabulous time in the mud that is in the backyard from all of the rain. 'Look Mum, I'm Bear Grylls.  No midgies will get me now hey!'  I honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  In the end I laughed, took photos, and let him go.  Boys will be boys. 

Bear Grylls, from Man vs Wild

What We'll Be Doing

 On our way to church this morning, at the Maroondah Resovoir, Healesville.

So now you know where we are, I thought I would let you know a little more about what we are doing.  God has called us collectively, as a family to serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship.  In order to do this, we have moved interstate to Victoria where Don will be studying for the next 18 months.  You can read more about our calling here.


Don will be spending the remainder of 2011 at Coldstream Airport, at the Australian Center of Mission Aviation completing his commercial pilot's licence.  He will be completing both a Certificate IV in Aviation, and then a Diploma of Mission Aviation -Flight.  He has a big workload ahead of him, and needs a whole lot of God's grace to get through the rest of this year.  He is excited and is focused, and I am looking to support him however I can.  He has just organised uniforms, and has spent the last week getting to know everyone, figuring out a plan for his flight course, and waiting on clearance from CASA for his medical.  Next year will be spent at the Melbourne School of Theology, completing a Certificate IV in Ministries and involves such subjects as-Old and New Testaments, Missions, Discipleship, Church History, and Pastoral Care, among others.  At the completion of the course at the end of 2012, we will undertake the step of moving to serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship.  This first involves some introductory work, and meeting with the supporters God is providing for us to do His work.   From what we have discovered here, most of the flight students serve initially in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, accruing flight hours and experience and doing God's work there. 

I will be supporting Don as much as I am able, as well as participating in and helping with any activities and ministries alongside him as he studies.  I will also be at home with Jack and Sam, making this an exciting but also stable part of our journey.  Routine is really important for our little guys.  I also look forward to further promoting Sam's Heart,  and sharing our story with anyone who will listen. There are many Word Bookstores down this way, so I will be contacting them when we settle down, to look for opportunities for book signings etc.  I am also looking forward to continuing my writing, as God has placed a new book in my heart.

Jack will continue with Prep, hopefully at a school (if they will accept him) or at home if that doesn't work out.  I am really praying that they will accept our request for special circumstances. Jack has decided he likes our new home because it has a worm farm.

Sam is enjoying our new home and loves the central heating.  He looks really well and both of the boys are healthy.  He is the talkative one out of the two and is constantly chatting away.  He will be at home with me during this next part of our journey. 

I love that you are sharing this journey with us.  I love that God calls us all to different walks so that we all work together for His glory. 

Bless you all


Nicole xx

M Day

Moving to a new state
Much to do before we head off on Saturday
Marvellous news today that our house sale is now unconditional
Many exciting adventures planned along the way
Maybe even the Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo
Most of the packing is done and dusted
Mopping and cleaning are not my favourite jobs (so what's new!)
Mightily blessed by our church family supporting us every step of the way
Making sure our little boys are excited about the move
More and more the blessings come with our new home being Yarra Glen
Monday 1st August is the day Don begins at the Australian Centre for Mission Aviation.
My oh my..I'm running out of 'm' words....

This will be my last post for about a week as we travel on down to Victoria.  Please pray for safe travel and for all of our goods to arrive safely.  I will leave you with a couple of happy snaps. May God bless you all for your care and prayers.

 Sam has been so healthy this Winter, glory to God!  (The gun in the background is a toy)

Yesterday the boys were marching around the house pretending they were in a band.  So cute...so unbearably noisy.