We just graduated class 12 today from Spokane Turbine Center (STC). The entire course started on June 7th covering subjects like PT-6 engine familiarization and how to do in depth inspection on the engine, to Garmin 1000 maintenance practices and finally Kodiak Systems which is basically a class teaching some of the differences about the Kodiak compared to other aircraft. Sean Cannon (wearing the hat) has been here in Spokane for entire three weeks which is a long time to be away from his family.  We have had him over for supper several times (to make sure he wasn't getting thin) and even do other activities outside of the classroom setting together. Sean and his family will be going to Indonesia with MAF and the training he has taken at STC for the Kodiak will help him maintain the the aircraft in the harsh conditions of the jungle. Before going to Indonesia they will be in language school for about 9 months learn the language and the culture in which they will be living in.  You can pray from them as they transition from their home in Colorado to the islands of the Pacific.

MAF Kodiak passes through Spokane on its way to Nampa ID

A new Kodiak that was just delivered to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) passed through Spokane on its way to the missions head quarters in Nampa ID.  It was neat to see yet another Kodiak ultimately going to end up somewhere in the world serving overseas as a tool for Jesus.  We had just finished a class of Spokane Turbine Center students and they were able to get a ride in this very new aircraft back to Nampa.  This past class was a lot of fun to get to know and find out more about where they were serving at and what kind of things they were doing in normal life overseas.  David Holsten was one of our students and guests in our house this month and he was from  Borneo Indonesia.  It was a great encouragement to talk and see pictures from where he is serving at, and to hear that life carries on in a somewhat normal way just like here in Spokane.  One thing that I may have taken away from our time with David is that we did not have a specific area in the world that we felt that God was nudging us to serve in.  Now that we know more about Indonesia we will see how that "seed" of interest will grow.

Thank you to all that are praying for us, we appreciate them very much in our day to day activities.  It is amazing looking back on certain events to see how God had protected us, like a near accident in a car, or provided a wonderful house and yard that we can grow our garden it!  God is good in times of plenty and in times of need, no matter what, the Schmidt family will choose to praise His Name.

Spring is still lingering here in the inland Northwest.  Although we are starting to see the signs of warmer weather coming with our grass growing long and our garden is starting to sprout from the ground.  Yes this year we are trying our hands at growing a garden. We have planted all sorts of veggies from corn to lettuce and even some cantaloupe.  At the moment just our corn and green beans are starting to peak through the soil, which makes us very excited to see that some things survived the few nights below freezing temps.

Renae has been busy keeping the house clean as students go through a three week classes Spokane Turbine Center (STC).  It has been so fun and encouraging to get to know these guys that have come from all over the world to train here on the Kodiak.  We can hear what their stories are about living overseas and what kind of struggles they go through adjusting to life in a different culture.  It helps us see where we want to be and how the Lord is directing the path that we are on even though we cannot see very far along the path.  Renae is also enjoying the days she has to see Caleb grow up and develop into a little boy.  He is starting to learn to crawl on his hands and knees but still prefers to scoot on his tummy.  Caleb is also discovering how to open and shut the doors on cupboards, but his favorite thing to do so far in the kitchen is when the fridge door is open to try and get his head into the blast of cool air flowing out.

Tyler has been working on changes in the Kodiak System curriculum for the next class which will emphasis maintenance aspect of the PT6 engine and the airframe of the Kodiak.  While he and Jeremy Toews (the other intern instructor at Spokane Turbine Center) have been chipping away at the curriculum and they have been trying to get some flight training in the Kodiak the week before classes where scheduled  to start up.  Regrettably the Kodiak was delayed in Sandpoint ID at the Quest aircraft factory for modifications, so Tyler will have to wait a little more till he can finish his training in it.  While not at work, the lawn has started to grow as well as the weeds.  So he is busy spraying and mowing the lawn trying to make it look good.  Tyler has also been given a Mazda pickup truck from a friend.  This new little project was totaled by the insurance company because it was rear ended and the bumper fell off and the frame was a little bent.  It has been a good learning experience to try and heat and bend metal back to where they will fit again.  This little truck comes at a very good time because the Buick that Tyler has been driving around is starting to really show its age after only 261,000 miles.  We are very thankful to get this gift from these very generous people.