June 2022
The word we have been reflecting on recently is “transition.”
The first area, which is minor in comparison to the others, is in getting used to the weather here. As someone used to experiencing four very distinct seasons, this is very different. Our winter and spring temperatures of 70-80 degree highs have transitioned to the summer temperatures of 80-90 degree highs. The distinguishing feature of summer here is the frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the humidity. Most days start sunny in the morning, shift to overcast in the afternoon, and then move into rain and thunder in the late afternoon and evening. This makes the flights that Missionary Flights does interesting for our pilots as they navigate home. This also means that the best time for outdoor activities is in the morning.
 Before  After I wore my “mechanic hat” and installed a new rail for cargo straps on the aircraft floor The second area of transition is at Missionary Flights itself. In the last several months, we have had a number of staff transition into other roles. Two of our pilots felt God leading them into the airlines and have left MFI. Our reservationist left to pursue being a doula. Our bookkeeper left to spend more time helping with her family’s company. The gentleman who handled our missionaries’ questions has retired. Our volunteer coordinator has shifted roles within MFI to do more community relations. This has resulted in new people coming on board. We have a new reservationist, new bookkeeper, and new volunteer coordinator. We also had a new pilot start in June. I’ve been asked to help answer the missionaries’ questions and am trying to take that on in addition to learning the Load Master position. The intention is to have a team able to answer questions. As others are trained, I won’t be trying to do two full-time jobs. Transitions like this are opportunities for growth as well as fumbling. Please pray that this transition is handled well, that MFI grows through this transition, and that our stumbles are kept minimal.  Repackaging 9,000 Covid Tests into fewer boxes to send to Haiti  Repackaging 9,000 Covid Tests into fewer boxes to send to Haiti The third area of transition is in our communication. Recently we’ve been having several devotional thoughts and sermons on the power of prayer. We’ve realized that we’re not communicating prayer needs as often as we could be. To that end, we are going to start sending a monthly prayer calendar. Each day will have an item to pray for: some will be generic, some will be specific to MFI, and some will be specific to our family. We plan to start in July as an opt-in type publication – meaning we would like you to request this via mail (742 Forster Ave, Sebastian, FL 32958) or email (gabhartsflyingbyfaith@gmail.com) – rather than assuming all of our newsletter recipients would be interested in this. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support as we serve at MFI. James and Sam Gabhart Family News Summer is most definitely upon us. The weather is warm, humid, and a great opportunity to go to the beach when possible. Our favorite place to go is fondly referred to as “The Bathtub Side” of the Sebastian Inlet, one of many Florida State Parks. Sam and the kids go almost weekly and all three kids are becoming stronger swimmers. Sam and the kids are developing a new routine of running. Back in May, we had the opportunity as a family to participate in a Mud Run at the Teen Missions headquarters on Merritt Island. It was shortly after that when Sam began running on her own, and now the kids have joined her. Now they each are taking turns having a run time with mom. Going forward, these times will be rolled into our official homeschool curriculum.  Post-run Photo  Defense! Church Basketball League  “Hustle Back!” Church Basketball League  Post Game Church Basketball League As the school year drew to an end, the kids were excited for a break from the usual amount of work each week. Being homeschool kids, they don’t take too much of a break during the summer. This summer, we are reading “Artemis Fowl”, working on solidifying some math facts, creating Bible stories out of Lego, reading independently each day, and helping out with chores around the house. We have fun going up to church to practice basketball for the church league on Saturdays and going to the Sebastian Inlet. The kids thrive on having some sort of expectations to meet before they can play games, and as their parents, we are thrilled to help them. |