The beginning of this year has been quiet in terms of flying, but busy in the office, at home and on the farm! Here are the highlights and a glimpse of what the rest of the year has in store:
MAF News!
- We have a new SIL (Wycliffe Bible Translators) family moving to Arusha in July, and they will become our new neighbours. They have two boys aged 5 and 3, and six month old twin girls! Kirstein will be involved in training this new pilot as the programme's Chief Pilot and Training Captain. The family will eventually move and serve in Mbeya in mid 2018.
- In March we had our annual Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) inspection which we passed with only a few administrative findings. Our next renewal will have to complete the new 5-phase inspection which includes rewriting all our manuals.
- Airfield Development (AFD) - The latest project has been to repair and build new airstrips in the Bariadi region, south of Lake Victoria. This is an area well known for witchcraft and it is spoken of by Tanzanians with a certain amount of fear and trepidation. A partnership with the Council of Churches in Tanzania means that MAF will fly local evangelists into the area.
- The work in Bariadi has already faced many delays due to land issues, so the challenges of working in this area has been evident even from the start.
- Kirstein conducted his first Base Check under TCAA observation and received his training captain endorsement.
- Read one of Amelia's stories about the Kilimatinde outreach on the MAF SA blog and catch up on Kirstein's blog here.
- Kirstein was able to fly a former pupil of Amelia's (when he was 8!), as part of his work experience with MAF and the aviation maintenance facility in Dodoma. He took some fantastic photos; see above.
Family news!
- We are overjoyed to announce that we are expecting our second baby due at the end of October! This time we will be having the baby in South Africa, as Kirstein will have to travel back and forth to Tanzania; see a rough timeline of our travels below.
- Huge congratulations to Kirstein who has now completed all his assignments for his Bachelor of Theology degree!
- Amelia is teaching music part time at Christchurch Christian International School until July. She hopes to return to teaching sometime in 2018.
- Amelia and Johann had a great trip to the UK for three weeks around Easter. Amelia was a bridesmaid at a college friend's wedding.
- Our hens have been working hard for us, and we have been able to sell about two trays of eggs a week, as well as having enough for the family. The chickens have been joined by a goat, Snowy (who is pregnant), and a sheep and her lamb who are presents for Johann from a friend. Our caretaker has two breeding pairs of rabbits, and he has gifted a rabbit to Johann too! This rainy season we also have maize, beans and sunflowers planted.
Look out for us in 2017!
- We arrive in Cape Town on 14th July for six weeks before Kirstein heads back to Tanzania. We hope to meet with many of our supporters and supporting churches during this time.
- Kirstein will return to Cape Town sometime after mid-October, hopefully in time for the birth!
- We will remain in Cape Town until the beginning of December when we will head over to the UK for Christmas.
- It will be a busy time but we look forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible!
Look out for us in 2017!