Winter update from A.J. Hollaway

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

It seems like winter one day and summer the next here. We have gone from a 70 degree day on Sunday, 3 inches of snow and 20 degrees by Wednesday and rain and 40 degrees by the weekend.

Besides the weather, it feels like a crazy time here, looking towards the next several months and what the Lord has instore. It was great to be home over Thanksgiving, to see and catch up with some of you! I wish it could have been longer and I was able to get together with you all. It was a huge blessing to introduce Stephanie to friends and family.

While we were in Washington, Myself and Stephanie had the opportunity to go for a beautiful hike in the mountains. It was great to just see mountains again and so much snow! But anyways, on this wonderful time in the mountains I asked Stephanie to spend the rest of her life with me, and she said yes:) ! We are to be married this spring. It is an exciting time and I am so beyond blessed by Stephanie. We are excited as we, both now, look forward to what the Lord has in store for us, as we continue on this path towards missions together.

Stephanie is from Bolivar and recently graduated Southwest Baptist University with degrees in Christian Studies and Elementary Education. She currently works at our church as a minister's assistant and seeks to teach in the fall and for the rest of our time in Bolivar.

The last few months, and the next few ahead of us have been/is a busy time, as we plan a wedding here in Missouri and a reception on June 20th in Washington. As well as my time at SOAR, continuing my last 6ish months as a mechanics apprentice and getting ready to test for my Instrument rating. We are truly grateful for the community we have around us here in Bolivar and back in Washington, to help guide us and pray for us in this time. It brings great peace knowing that God, and not me is in control of all and we continue to trust him in all these things.

Flight Training

In my flight training I have been flying a Piper Arrow, which is considered a complex aircraft because of it's retractable landing gear and adjustable pitch propeller. To fly a complex aircraft it requires more specific training and a flight instructor's endorsement. This training will also go along with my commercial pilots license, which requires 10hrs in a complex aircraft. This part of my training has been a great experience and is going well. I am also still working hard to study for the oral portion of my Instrument rating check ride, which I hope to take in the next couple months, before we get married.

Maintenance in the Shop

Recently I have done several sheet metal projects. Most have been making patches to fix worn or cracked areas. These projects usually involve riveting the sheet metal repairs together. Riveting in itself is a whole different skill. I have learned a lot about these processes since being here and have had many opportunities to practice these skills.

Last week I removed and replaced a side window in the Cessna 182. To remove the window I had to drill out the rivets holding it in and then pull it out of the tight spot where it fits in the airframe. Then I had to trim the new fiberglass window to fit and then repeat the removal steps. It is a process and takes a lot of time to do well, but it's satisfying to complete!

Partnership Update

The Lord has been faithful to provide for me this far and I know he will continue to as we now, seek his will and guidance. I'm getting closer to being fully financially funded while here at SOAR, but not quite there yet. If you are interested in hearing more, or in financially partnering with us on this journey of serving in Missions Aviation please let me know. Thank you all who have been apart of this path to this point, your prayers and financial partnership are a tremendous blessing. It takes a team to accomplish this goal and is not something we can do on our own.

If you would be praying for us

As we work towards the wedding day, planning it all and preparing to start a life together.
In my training focusing on preparing for my Instrument check ride
For Stephanie as she looks to teach in the fall
As I work on remodeling a duplex for us to live in once we get married, prayers that it will all come together.

In all of this, prayers for peace and confidence in the Lord. That when the things He has laid before us seem huge and not accomplishable on our own, He is there and His ways are good.

Blessings From A.J. & Stephanie

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ