This has been a very different year for us. Sometimes it seems like it’s been defined by the plane crash. And in a way it has been. But maybe it’s more accurate to say that this year is defined by God working through the plane crash. We’ve been able to share the story with so many people and speak of our powerful God. Of course, it’s not an experience we would have chosen to go through beforehand…but on the other side of it we are so grateful for the testimony we have to share. A friend recently challenged us that this a gift God has given us, a ministry tool to use for the rest of our lives. And not only that, but for us personally it is a faith-builder! Having lived through that experience, it reminds us that God is in control and we are immortal till He is finished with us.

A question that people ask us frequently is, “Have you flown since?” or they wonder about the fear factor.

The answer to the first question has been, “We haven’t had to,” and the answer to the second has been, “It will be hard, I’m sure, but God will give us the grace if He wants us to fly again.”

Now the answers have changed. Now it’s, “Yes, we have flown again. It was hard, but God helped us.”

The ministry that owned the first plane bought another one. It is very similar, with six seats and the same set-up. A few weeks ago, the pilot Dan and his family flew out here in the new plane with the idea of our family going up in it. Dan is a good pilot and we trust him.

walking out to meet the new plane

exploring

The first flight after the crash is a hurdle all of us siblings would have to get over sooner or later, so our whole family decided to go. Before we climbed in Dan huddled us up and prayed.

And then we went flying. Mom and the girls went on the first flight, and Dad and the boys went on the second. Each of us experienced our own levels of difficulty, but God gave us each the grace and strength to do it.

off we go

our house (center)

Dan

Jonathan

on the ground again

We are so grateful for our God and for each other, and for His grace and help in our first flight after the crash.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9