New Year!

Wow! As I survey what happened in 2008, I am amazed at God's continued provision in our lives.  Sustaining us in our Fifth Wheel Camper until at just the right time, providing us a place to live that was not only a Super Super great deal cost wise, but perfect in location and size for our family of six! Then God provided a renter for our Kentucky home! Then part-time jobs for both Kathy and I.  Kathy at the Medicine Shop, and me, my old Army Reserve job with the Savannah District US Army Corps of Engineers, only I get to work out of the Robins AFB Area office (what a deal)!  The part-time income, along with the support that is coming in, has kept us from totally draining our savings account, and is almost meeting our monthly expenses in full.  Praise God!

Mission Preparation Schedule.  We are about half-way.  Tomorrow begins the last three quarters of A&P school. I am on track to complete Airframe in June, and Powerplant in September. This quarter and next I will be going at night (M/T/W) as well, so please pray for Kathy and kids, as they will be seeing a little less of me over the next six months. 

Many are wondering how the flying is going. Well, there hasn't been much flying this past year, as money and time just did not allow. This is not a grave concern.  As it goes with flight training, it is best to knock out the written knowledge tests, then concentrate the flying hours leading up to the oral & practical with the FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. So, my approach has been to fly once or twice a month to maintain currency, and focus on completing the written exams for Commercial & Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), then when I finish A&P in September, I can focus solely on flying until the time comes for the technical evaluation sometime in spring of 2010.    

Our short-term goals remain:  

1.  to build a long-term support network

2.  to achieve qualifications, both technically and non-technically, in the most expeditious and economical manner, while remaining debt-free

3.  select a mission organization

One important qualification for overseas service is our medical fitness.  It is for this reason that I share the following and ask for your prayer.  Kathy has been suffering from chronic neck pain for over a year now.  Having sought a number of medical opinions, all are convinced the pain is muscular and possibly TMJ related.  Though we don't see this as being a disqualifier right now, it can become debilitating.  Shepherding four young children full-time demands all the strength and mobility one can muster.   

Thanks to you who have been so faithful in supporting us this past year! There is no way we could do this if it were not for your generosity and partnership in what God is doing in our lives.  May God richly bless you who support us with your prayers and financial gifts; for you - we are truly thankful! Please don't hesitate to drop us a line, and especially if there is anything that we may be in prayer about.

"...so that all nations might believe and obey Him ..."  Romans 16:26

Jeff & Kathy 

~ The Hoover Crew~