March 19, 2016

A lot has been happening; we just want to get you up to date. We also want to clear up any confusion that our last blog post may have caused (by the title being about plans changing.) We ARE still going to Guyana. The things that DID change are:

·        * That the Anderson family has been delayed in their return to Guyana, while Todd is going through cancer treatment.

·        * That we would be staying in TN for a few weeks for flight training in the 182, rather than heading straight back to OK after Christmas.

·       *  That the suggested lodging arrangements are up in the air for our arrival in Guyana.

January was a flurry of activity learning to fly the Cessna 182. It was a little surprising to me how different it was from the Cessna 172 of the same year that I have been flying for most of my instrument training. A little heavier and a lot more horse power makes for a different beast. But I did learn to fly it and received my high performance endorsement and I am now checked out in the Cessna 182, which is the primary work horse of GAMAS. An upper respiratory bug slowed me down for almost a week. By the end of January all requirements had been met to satisfy the FAA. A few more flights with an instructor are all that are left to be signed off to take the Oral and practical Exams. Skill wise I am almost there, a little more practice is needed. 2668G was due for the annual inspection at the end of January and it was decided that the engine should have a Top Overhaul. They pulled the cylinders off to work them over and also to take a good look at the other internals of the engine before it goes to Guyana. This process would take most of the month of Feb with the plane leaving for Guyana the 2^nd or 3^rd of March. Well, there have been difficulties in getting the parts to complete the engine work so it is still in TN waiting on parts.  Laura and I decided that it was a good time to head back to Oklahoma and wrap up some projects and sell our travel trailer that we have been living in for the past 2.5 years. The travel trailer sold last week. Praise the Lord!!!

Through a series of events my dad’s plane (the 172) is back in service again. I am working with a local instructor here in Oklahoma that I have flown with a good bit in the past. Hopefully my instrument rating will be finished shortly. Please pray that everything goes smoothly.

On a sad note Laura’s Grandpoppy, Joel Everett, has passed away. He was almost 94. We went to TN for the services held on March 6. We ask for prayers for all of our family at this time. We must remember that this earth if not our home and that we have the hope in the resurrection at the Trumpet of the Lord.

On a happier note our friend Todd Anderson who is fighting cancer has started treatments in Seattle with really good prognosis you can follow his progress on their blog at: http://www.athomewithmillieandsam.com/