Burg Stahleck & The Rhine River

A couple of weekends ago, Lana and I took the kids to Bacharach, Germany on the Rhine River.  We have taken the train to the Frankfurt Airport a few times and are always amazed at the scenery along both the Mosel and Rhine Rivers...it was time to see it up close.  We told the kids we'd be staying in a "hotel" for a night, which made staying in an actual castle an ever better surprise!

Lana was able to get us a room in Burg Stahleck with origins dating back to the 12th century.  It is placed on the side of the Rhine River valley overlooking the vineyards with amazing views up and down the river!  We also spent a good amount of time in Oberwesel enjoying their wine festival which ended with a great fireworks show on the river.  Another chance to experience German culture at it's best!

Sunday morning we drove to Mannheim where we met with members of PMA Deutschland at a local church where they were giving a presentation.  After church, we spent the better part of the afternoon enjoying some Christian fellowship with one of their workers asking many questions on the topic of preparing for the mission field since this is rapidly approaching for us.  We plan to see them again in October when PMA's president visits Germany.

We're Officially Missionaries - Pacific Mission Aviation!

Jeremiah 29:11 -  "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The Island of Falalop, Micronesia during our trip to visit PMA in Sep, 2013 (minus Luis).

Greetings from Spangdahlem, Germany!  Many of you are familiar with how God has lead us to serve with Pacific Mission Aviation (PMA) while some of you aren't.  Well, we're EXCITED to share we have been accepted by PMA to serve as a missionary pilot family!

Lana and I have been blessed with many family members and friends who we'd love to stay connected with in this journey God is taking us on.  We haven't seen many of you over the past years as we've traveled the world in the Air Force, but we'd like to keep you up to date on what God is doing in our lives and have you consider partnering with us through one or more of these areas: prayer, mail / email, phone calls, finances, general encouragement, or even a visit to see PMA at work once we're settled.

Stay tuned for a follow-up, more in depth message with specifics soon!  We have lots of details we're eager to share, and provide answers to some questions we've already been asked. 

Our PMA Acceptance Letter

9/4/2014

Dear Lance and Lana,

We have prayed for God’s wisdom, carefully reviewed your application and recommendations and believe that you have the experience, leadership skills and passion for serving in PMA’s aviation ministry.  Therefore, the Board of Pacific Mission Aviation joins me in congratulating and accepting the both of you to missionary service with PMA. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the PMA family. 

I am confident that your many years of experience in aviation and management, will contribute greatly to the ministry and lives of the people of Micronesia.

In reviewing the different qualifications that you have, we are in agreement that you would be better equipped if you came with an A&P to the field.  We support your decision to get this license.  Your supporters can support you during this time through PMA as you have been accepted as our missionaries. In coordination with PMA Guam this will be communicated with your supporters so that there will be no misunderstanding.

With regard to remaining in the Reserves:  I have no problem with this and you having to fulfill your duties.  Just so that your responsibilities with PMA will be covered during that time.

In regard to all matters of preparation for the field, Melinda Espinosa, at the Guam Headquarters Office will communicate and coordinate these matters per email with you.  

In the meantime, we wish you both many blessings as you share your calling and vision for Micronesia with your church and friends and prepare for the ministry in the islands.

Our prayer for you is found in Proverbs 3:6

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

For the Honor of His Name,

Norbert Kalau

President, PMA

Souda Bay, Greece (Crete)

Of all the flying work trips I've taken over the years in the F-16, Souda Bay, Greece is near if not at the top of the list when it comes to location and great food (especially the Greek salads)!  The 480 Fight Squadron spend two weeks in August flying from the island of Crete, training with the Hellenic Air Force in multiple Close Air Support (CAS) and Large Formation Exercises (LFEs) sorties.  It was sunny and around 90 F every day, which made for great flying and enjoyable weekends at various beaches on Crete.

I was originally scheduled to fly to Souda Bay one of the KC-135 tanker aircraft "dragging" our F-16s but ended up flying a jet down last minute.  It was a picturesque flight south over the European Alps and Sicily before turning east towards Crete.  Mt. Etna on northeast part of Sicily, an volcanic mountain, was smoking looking like it was about to erupt any minute.

The middle weekend of trip, a few of us wanted to explore a couple of the great beaches on Crete.  The first one we visited was Elafonisi and the second Balos Lagoon.  Both were a little difficult to get to, but it was worth the trip; which sand beaches and turquoise water all over!  It would have been great to have Lana and the kids there since both would have been perfect for kids too.

This was the last flying trip on the schedule until next year.  Next spring we may be going to the island of Sardinia to train with the Italian Air Force, so we'll see what happens!

Lana's KC-135 Tanker Flight

Well, after two previous attempts at getting Lana a tanker flight to watch me air-to-air refuel, she finally had her opportunity today!  Thankfully, Lana's mother was visiting and able to watch Liam and Lilli while a friend watched Luis on base.  This is the closest most wives get to actually seeing us airborne, so I'm thankful Lana was able to have this experience!