Colour Deficiency Update

Thanks to all of you who have been praying for Simon regarding his colour deficiency issue.  As mentioned before he failed his colour test with CASA and has now been referred for another test in Brisbane on the 2nd August.  Thankfully, CASA has not banned him from flying but have issued him with a restricted pilots license which enables him to continue in his training role with MAF

We are praying that it all comes together and the issue can be sorted out.  Another pilot that Simon works with has a similar colour deficiency and he is able to fly with no restrictions.  Just need to work through the red tape on this one.

Thankful  for your prayers as we navigate the challenges of living in another culture.  Life continues to keep us on our toes.

Aussie Update

The last couple of months have continued to be a whirlwind for us.  Between work, studying, school and training the days and weeks have just sped by.  

I  have just returned from the airport this morning as Simon needs to fly down to Townsville for an eye test.  We found out this week that the medical that was done in Kenya and the subsequent FAA waiver that Simon has for his colour deficiency has not been accepted by CASA (Aviation Authority in Australia).  They have asked him to do a further test.  He was on a early flight this morning and has an appointment at lunch time.  To be honest we are not that hopeful of him passing this test as the testing is very similar to one he did in London a number of years ago which he failed.  However, we can always pray for a miracle.  I will keep you updated as to the results.

Arnhem Land

A few weeks ago Simon was up in Arnhem Land for a week getting checked out on the caravan.  MAF serves aboriginal communities in this remote area of Australia through flights, outreaches and technology services.  You can find out more by visiting their website http://www.maf-arnhemland.org/maf-arnhem-land/

Simon enjoyed being back in the caravan again and the plan is for him to help out in this programme in between the standardisation courses that he will be teaching.

Simon flew from Cairns to Gove Airport in Nhulunbuy.  Can you find it on the map? :)

MAF's hangar at Gove Airport in Arnhem Land

A view out the cockpit

I have been busy in the MAF office here in Cairns working in the HR department.  The department serves Arnhem Land, PNG, Bangladesh, Timor Leste and Mynamar along with the needs of the support office in Cairns and the Flight Training Centre in Mareeba.  Due to a shortage of staff the responsibilities have been shared far and wide in order to ensure that there is enough support for the programmes.  Next week we will be having interviews for one of the vacancies.  Pray for the right person to fill this slot.

Joshua and Zara are doing fine.. Their second term at school went well and are adjusting to the ways of doing things here in Australia.   We just returned from a camping weekend with friends.  We had a good time together and the kids were sorry to see the time come to an end.  I will post photos at some point.  They are still on holiday this week and have some fun things planned.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers!