FINALLY Instrument rating Complete!!!!!

Heading out to Jones Riverside to take the exam

We did it!!!! YOU did it, the LORD did it! Edwin now has his instrument rating! Happy dance! Big sigh of relief!

Just a few weeks ago it still seemed so far off, like it might never happen. I am ashamed of how weak my faith was at times. Waiting, and waiting and waiting was the hardest part for me.

Thanks to your generous support, Edwin has been able to focus all his energies on his flight training. Thank you!

Thanks to Edwin's parents, Bryant and Joy Davidson, for the use of their airplane for these last three years and helping keep the airplane flying. They graciously provided a roof over our heads for most of the training process, and helped with keeping us fed. We couldn't have done it without them.

The weather has been quite the complication at times. The Lord provided on test day by lifting the clouds and holding the storms back. And now the summer heat has hit, we are praising the Lord that Edwin was able to take his test right when he did. We can always trust the Lords timing, even when it makes no sense to us.

Have you ever wanted something and worked for something for years? "Pleasure occurs when an intense need is satisfied." Dr. James Dobson. We have worked so hard, sacrificed so much, prayed so long for this. The happiness I felt Monday night almost rivaled our wedding day and Kathryn's birth. I cried tears of happiness. It feels like I have wings on my feet! The Lord got us through the valley and brought us to the mountain top. Our faith has been strengthened for the next valley experience that the Lord has prepared for us.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

~Laura


What a journey these last three years have been. We moved here to Oklahoma June 2 of 2013, to complete my instrument rating. I finally took my instrument rating check-ride June 13 2016. Through many speed bumps, hurtles, employment hiccups, uncooperative weather, and uncooperative avionics, I now have the instrument rating and a total of 295 hours flight experience. We are so grateful to God for the call that started us on this path and for the faith bolstering experience it has been. We are thankful for all your prayers, encouragement, and support on our behalf as we navigated this course. The Designated Pilot Examiner said when he handed me my new certificate; “Congratulations you’ve just completed the most difficult pilot rating. It is difficult because it is hard.”

~Edwin

Where I have been taking Lessons this past year.

2 hours of questioning.

PreFlight before the practical phase of the test.

"What?! Me nervous???"

YAY!!!! Finally I have an Instrument Rating!!!!!

Couldn't have done it without my patient Laura by my side.

N2668G

Lifters might as well be coarse sand paper.

A damaged rod journal from debris in the oil.

I spoke with the mechanic last week who is working on 2668G, the Cessna 182 that I flew for the month of January in Collegedale TN. This plane was donated to GMI around Christmas time, and is being prepped to go to Guyana. They got the new cylinders back. While they were cleaning everything up and inspecting everything before it goes back together, they found BAD NEWS. Because the engine had been sitting for much of its life it had developed corrosion on the camshaft and lifters. The corrosion made the surfaces rough and increased the wear in the engine significantly. The particles that came off were then circulated in the engine oil causing damage to the crankshaft. This means that a thorough tear-down, inspection and rebuild of the engine is required. Fortunately the cylinders, which are the expensive parts in an overhaul, are already purchased. Yesterday David Gates was at the hanger and talked with the mechanic and gave him the go-ahead to complete the overhaul.

Clarification: this is not the plane that I am using in Oklahoma to finish my IFR training. that one is a Cessna 172 that looks similar but is smaller. N4192F seems to be working just fine. I flew with the instructor yesterday and spoke with the Examiner and they feel that I will be ready for the test with just a few more mock exams.

The Cessna 172 that I am training in.

Casualty of WAR!!!

Every war has casualties. Even spiritual battles have physical casualties. Each soldier has their orders. Each has a job to do. It takes each one doing his or her part, working as a team within each fighter group or battalion, each giving it their all, pressing towards the mark. It is keenly felt when a soldier is taken out. It leaves a hole in the ranks, a role that has to be filled. Who will fill that hole? Who will pick up the standard from the fallen?

Not unlike physical war, families are not only hurt but torn apart, suddenly and without warning, leaving holes in hearts and emotions. Hurting deep down more than a person can know possible. It can happen to anyone, any family whether you are in the trenches, on the water, in the air, or on the bleachers.  This Great Controversy has no civilian casualties; all are soldiers whether they decide to be active or passive in this conflict. You can die just as easily sitting in the bleachers as you can in the fight.

Fortunately our King has fought in the trenches; He set an example of how it is done. He laid His life down that we may live eternally with Him. He died to expose the depths of the evil that Satan brought into the universe. Jesus’ life was cut short by this war. Now He calls to each of us,”Whom shall I send, and who will go for US? (Isaiah 6:8)

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords says “be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” Rev 2:10

Todd Anderson with his family, had chosen to be active in this fight. They were a much needed part of the team. Todd’s fight is over, but it is not over for the rest of his family. They need prayer and comfort and encouragement like never before. I encourage you, to read his widow’s recent post http://www.athomewithmillieandsam.com/2016/04/i-am-widow.html

Cas Anderson posted the following information;

"We are holding a memorial service to celebrate Todd's love, life, and legacy in Tacoma, Washington at Tacoma Central SDA Church on Sunday, May 1 at 11 am. All whose lives were touched by this wonderful man are invited to join us.

Additionally, because my inbox is filling up asking me, the address to send cards is;
Cas Anderson
c/o Jenn Kilgore
PO Box 176 
Brewster WA 98812”

For Todd, this fight is over. To him, he will have a short nap. He went to sleep gripped with the pain of cancer and treatment to wake up on that bright and glorious morning when the trumpet of God will sound, piercing the ground, arousing the dead from their slumber never more to sleep the sleep of death, without pain and suffering.

Let us run this race, let us fight this fight, let us say “Here am I, send me”.

Davidson’s Guyana trip Q & A

By Laura Davidson April 19, 2016 The biggest news is, WE SOLD OUR TRAVEL TRAILER!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers. The Lord sent a buyer for which we are very thankful! We are currently staying with Edwin’s parents in Owasso OK. We are working to sort through and pack our stuff. Edwin moved the plane to a paved runway on Friday. With all of this rain we have been getting, it is making the grass air strip soft.  When Edwin flew last Tuesday he realized that if he didn’t get the plane moved, it could result in the plane not being able to be used until the rains let up and things dry out. There are still a lot of things that we don’t know the answers to, but I thought I would answer our most frequently asked questions: Question: “So when are you leaving for Guyana?” Answer: We are hoping to have a date soon. As soon as Edwin passes his Instrument Rating Check-ride, then we will buy tickets. Question: “How long will you be gone?” Answer: We will be in Guyana for a six month trial period with plans to return on a more permanent basis. Question: “Are you going to be working with a ministry, or going on your own?” Answer: We have the privilege of working with Gospel Ministries International, David Gates ministry. GMI has clinics, schools, aviation programs as well as TV and radio stations in many countries around the world. Visit their website for more information about the amazing work that GMI is doing. gospelministry.org Question: “Were will you be living in Guyana?” Answer: I wish we knew the answer to that. All we know is that we will be living near the Ash family, wherever they happen to be at the time. It may be Georgetown, Paruima, Bethany….We will just have to wait and see. Question: “What will Edwin be doing in Guyana?” Answer: Edwin will be apprenticing under James Ash who is the head pilot for Gospel Ministries international, in Guyana, also known as Guyana Adventist Ministries and Services, (GAMAS). James Ash flies supplies to the missionaries in the interior, and transports people with serious health concerns back to Georgetown to be treated. Edwin will be doing a lot of ground work for James. When there is space available on a flight, Edwin will go along to learn the ropes of being a mission pilot in Guyana. Question: “Laura, what will you be doing while you are in Guyana?” Answer: I will be a homemaker. Edwin needs me to keep the home and have clean clothes for him to wear and meals ready! Kathryn also needs me in these formative years, to teach her to be an obedient and cheerful worker for Jesus. I am looking forward to doing friendship evangelism and helping out wherever I can. Joy Ash has graciously offered for me to use her washer while we are living close to them. From what I understand, most everyone in the interior does their laundry in the creek. I am hoping to have an oven and stove and running water! I have been advised to take whatever kitchen items I “have” to have, like knives, can opener, nonstick skillet etc. There are also many food items that are not available or are prohibitively expensive in Guyana, like nutritional yeast flakes, gluten flour, seeds, nuts, TVP etc. I am hoping to take some of those items, but I am really hoping to learn to cook and enjoy the local foods. Everything that is for sale in Georgetown is of poor quality and costs more than the same item in the US. We are taking all the clothes, linens, shoes and boots that we will need. Several people have advised, “Don’t take very much stuff”  “Pretend that you are going on a camping trip.” Oh boy, they must not have seen our truck when we pack to go camping! Ha ha, I am a heavy weight camper for sure. It feels more like I am undertaking the impossible feat of being nonexistent while still living. It certainly is a character developing task, for which I am thankful. I continually pray for strength and wisdom as we pack and prepare. When I am tempted to freak out about all the things I think I NEED, I stop and remind myself of the five things that I truly DO need: food, water, shelter, air and the most needful, HOPE.  "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them 'With man this is impossible; But with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26)

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/

My, How Plans Change

My How Plans change!

This has been a very eventful Christmas Season. We drove to Tennessee to spend time with Laura’s side of the family and to visit several churches. We saw many friends we hadn’t seen in a while. While out here we thought it would be good to touch bases with the folks at GMI. We met the Anderson family and discuss details of packing for Guyana and looked over the Plane that Todd Anderson has been working on getting ready to go. Wednesday Dec 30 I (Edwin) was working in the hanger with Todd. He was complaining about his lower right abdomen hurting. After discussing his symptoms he decided to go to an urgent care clinic to be looked at. The urgent care sent him to Erlanger. It turns out that he has a grapefruit sized sarcoma; obviously this changes most of their plans regarding Guyana in the near future. We are praying for a miracle on his behalf.

While Todd was heading to the ER I was left at the hanger with instructions regarding the plane that I could do. While I was there David Gates arrived with a “new” 1959 Cessna 182 that had been donated. It is a very well kept plane. We got the plane rolled into the hanger with the help of a large group that came to welcome him back. He departed in a car for a meeting. Later that afternoon he came back to the hanger to talk with me about my progress on my instrument rating. When I told him that progress had halted due to problems with the plane, he offered for me to use the plane he had just brought. I am so close to being done with my rating. I have flown Mon, Tues, and Wed this week. Most of the time has been spent getting used to a much bigger, heavier plane. Even though it doesn’t look much different, it flies quite a bit differently then what I am used to. Wednesday evening I got signed off to take the written exam. I have scheduled the Exam for Monday, Jan-11. Laura is going to spend next week with her Sister and family while I work really hard. Hopefully I will be ready for my check ride next week.

We praise the Lord for opening a door we didn’t even know was there! God is good all the time! Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Assignment!!!

Dear friends and family,                                                                                       Dec, 14 2015

Merry Christmas!

It is so exciting to see how the Lord is leading our little family in service for Him! We are more sure than ever that the choice to serve Him full-time is the best thing we’ve ever done.

Your prayers and support mean so much to us! Because of your generous giving, we exceeded our training fund raising goal! Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

Training report: Training is going well. In September, Blaine Cyr, flew with us to TN as safety pilot for Edwin on a trip to see family. At the conclusion of that trip, he had added almost 12 hours of IFR experience, bringing the total to 35 hours, toward the 40 hour minimum required by the FAA for the instrument rating.  The information is proving to be very challenging as he studies for the written exam. As of this date, Edwin has just over 224 hours total time, 75 hours cross country (only 50 hours required) and 44.5 hours instrument/hood time (only 40 required). He still needs to take the written exam, do a 250 nautical mile instrument cross country with the instructor and make sure that he is ready to take the practical exam to become an instrument rated pilot. Please keep Edwin in prayer as he studies for these exams.

We will be going to serve in Guyana, soon! We have been talking with James Ash from Guyana. He is chief pilot for Guyana Adventist Ministries and Services (GAMAS) in Guyana. GAMAS has accepted our application to work with and learn from them in Guyana. We will be working with the Ash and Anderson families. We are planning to join them in Guyana in January or February, Lord willing.

Please continue to pray for us as we sort and pack the items we need to take with us and store the things we don’t. We will be cleaning out and selling the travel trailer that we have been living in. Pray that we can find a buyer this time of year.

Thank you again for your support through the Humanitarian Relief Foundation Inc. If you are interested in continuing to support our family, please send your donations to GMI (Gospel Ministries International). We are now raising our launching budget of $3800, which includes airfare and what we need to get set up in Guyana, and our budget of $1200 per month. Thank you again for your generous support in helping us reach these goals. We appreciate you helping us to make this a reality.

We care about each one of you and pray that the Lord will bless you and your families during this Holiday season and always. We will keep you informed as the Lord continues to unfold His exciting plan for our lives.

Much love,

Edwin, Laura and Kathryn Davidson

If you feel impressed to contribute financially to our work in Guyana, you can donate in the following ways:

Mail a check to:        Gospel Ministries International

                                    PO Box 506

                                    Collegedale TN 37315

Please write your check to “Gospel Ministries Int’l” and in the memo line write:             “Guyana - Davidsons”

Credit or debit:          423-473-1841

Online:                       http://gospelministry.org/donations/

                                    Please indicate your donation is for “Guyana - Davidsons”

All donations are tax-deductible and 100% of all donations go directly to the work our family is doing in Guyana. Thank you so very much!