"When are you leaving?"

This is a pretty common response from people upon hearing that we've joined MAF and we're pretty sure the thrill in their voice stems from genuine excitement for us rather than for the fact that we're leaving.  While the question is simple, the answer isn't.  We've certainly come a long way in the preparation process, but there are still several key pieces that have to fall into place at the proper time.  Short answer?  We plan to move to Indonesia next January.  I (Jeremy) will likely start flying about a year after that.  Why so long?  Aren't you already a pilot?  Can't you just hop on a plane tomorrow and get to work?  If any of these questions are plaguing you, I'll try to explain below.  If not, then you're done!  You can stop reading here.

Phase I: Ministry Partnership
Completion of this phase is the primary determinant of when we can actually depart for Indonesia and all subsequent steps are contingent on this being complete.  As with most mission organizations, MAF missionaries don't serve alone but rather as members of a team which includes those who provide the prayer and financial support necessary for them to serve.  Jodie and I are required to raise ministry financial support to cover both the initial launching expenses of preparing for and moving to Indonesia, as well as the ongoing expenses of living and serving once we get there.  If you believe God wants you be part of this team to help get us out the door to Indonesia by this coming January, we would be thrilled to welcome you to the team!  Click here or contact us with any questions you might have.  If we are fully supported by August of this year, we will be able to continue with the next phase.

Phase II: Additional Training
MAF has an excellent reputation and safety track record, despite serving in some of the most difficult and technically challenging regions in the world.  This is primarily due to God's protection and blessing but it's also due to the fact that MAF adheres to a very high professional standard for their pilots and mechanics.  This fall I will attend two months of standardization training (flight and maintenance) to learn MAF Standard Operating Procedures.  In addition, both Jodie and I will receive training in a wide variety of areas including: how to intentionally nurture our marriage overseas, how to build friendships and minister in an Islamic culture, and how to be smart and alert as we live in places where certain, inherent dangers exist.

Phase III: Packing/Moving
Who knew how much preparation went into moving halfway around the world?  Endless details from what to pack, what to get rid of, building a crate, applying for visas, moving out of our home, travel immunizations so we don't endanger ourselves or the people we plan to serve, and many others will consume our lives right up until we walk down the jetway onto the plane.  Again, we plan to actually depart for Indonesia mid-January, 2016, Lord willing.

Phase IV: Language School
Our first year in-country will be spent on the island of Java, focused on learning the national language: Bahasa Indonesia.  Makes sense, right?  It's very difficult to serve effectively among people with whom you can't even converse.  Once we complete language school we'll move to the island of Borneo and begin serving in our long-term roles.

We appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement over this next year.  It's going to be (and has already been) packed and it can seem a little overwhelming at times.  We especially appreciate your prayers for Connor and Joel throughout this tumultuous time in their lives and for Jodie and I to strike an appropriate balance between all the demands of this phase of life and our primary roles as husband/wife and parents.

So there you have it.  That's when we're leaving.