Got My Very Own Plane

     Having his own plane and route for six months now, John was confident he knew every mile and every person along the way. He knew the wants and needs of the missionaries he supported and did his best to satisfy them. He flew some of the fortunate citizens of each village, but mostly ended up flying small livestock for barter. Usually the villagers paid him with food gifts, souvenirs, but more often than not, smiles. He reflected on the myriad compliments as he walked to the hangar where his beautiful plane was almost completely reassembled.

     “Good afternoon, John, what brings you by?” Pete Brown asked as he wiped the grease from his stained hands. He had spent most of the morning giving John’s plane its required service.

     “How are you? You’ve been working pretty hard since we towed the plane in last evening,” said John.

     “Don’t be fooled. I’ve been working hard, and playing. You know the old saying?”

     “We all need to make sure we get our share of fun around here,” John said.

     “Actually, I let the engine cool down overnight so I could get right on it this morning.

I’m about to wrap it up. Wanna help?”

     “You do pretty quick work.” John said admiringly. “I thought the engine would still be torn down, parts everywhere. But I see you almost have it all put back together.”

     “This is one of my favorites. Yep, this is my baby and I try to keep her up. She’s been good to you, hasn’t she?” Pete asked, searching for a compliment.

     “I can’t complain.” John noted how the mechanic would claim the plane as his own, but he remembered the sense of pride he felt while a helicopter mechanic before becoming an Army aviator. “She climbs flawlessly and takes max power without a sputter. All pilots should be so lucky.”

     “Thanks, that means a lot.”

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

But at what Cost?

“Here comes Tucker,” Marta greeted.

“What happens, Mrs. Springer and Mr. Braddham?” Tucker said, strutting in his usual happy way. He was the type who liked to learn.

"‘What’s happening,’ Tucker,” she corrected.

“Yes, what is happening?” he said, smiling broadly.

“Do me a favor and call me John, okay?”

“Okeedokee, John. Do you take me flying?”

“Someday I will, when I have the plane?” John said.

“When is someday? I hear about it always?” Tucker asked.

“Someday is very soon. In fact, the first time that I fly here to visit, I will take you for a ride. How does that sound?” John asked.

“It sounds like bzzzzzzzz!” Tucker replied with his arms stretched like wings as he ran around imitating an airplane.

“I think my question was lost on him.”

“He is my best English student. Still, I can’t help feeling guilty,” Marta said.

“Guilty? I think you’re doing an excellent job with him – in fact, with everyone. This village loves you,” John replied.

“They have more or less adopted me, but maybe to their detriment. Tucker’s father is dead, and his mother is dying of leprosy. She has been for years, and she doesn’t have much longer. He has accepted me as a guardian, but I have to face the fact that I will leave here, and what about him?”

“I am sure he will be taken care of,” said John

“But it goes beyond me leaving him. I have ‘Americanized’ him. He is no longer just another simple Dani, living a simple life. You see how he dresses. He almost always speaks English and he has accepted living my way of life. Actually, by just living here, I have altered everyone’s outlook. Even those villagers who refuse Christian teachings are indirectly affected by the lives of those who haven’t. Their culture has irreversibly been altered, and possibly lost,” Marta replied.

“It can’t be that bad. People still are carrying on traditions and customs,” John said.

“A foreigner is learning their language, and now beginning to translate Bible verses. There is an airstrip in the middle of an almost prehistoric culture. They are using stone axes, and until two years ago, had never seen an airplane. They rely on modern means of transportation to conduct business. How can they ever return to their way of life? What will Tucker do when I leave?”

“I don’t know. But when you and Raymond decided to come, you did so because God put it on your hearts. Do you think he is going to let this be destructive?” John said.

“Let’s just say I never thought of the consequences. But you are right. God did put me here and great things are happening because of Him. I didn’t mean to make you think otherwise. I worry about these things, you know? It weighs heavily on me.”

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

Ready to Solo?

“I’ve taught him everything I know. Especially the few flying restrictions. He likes the idea of uncontrolled airspace,” said Steve.

Jason bristled. “He has to realize uncontrolled airspace or not, I give the final decision about flights.”

“I think John is cool with that. He just has to get used to the idea of falling under your authority and obeying POW-imposed restrictions,” Steve defended.

“That’s your job then. I agree, he is probably more experienced than most of our pilots, but reel him in. It’s not a one-man show.” Jason was hesitant about the idea of giving John a route sooner than usual. “What else?”

“He is aware of weather and terrain dangers. I’ve reiterated that flying in cloud cover and heavy fog is treacherous and unpredictable, strictly prohibited and tightly enforced,” said Steve. “I’ll keep reminding him.”

“Make sure he understands. If not, we’ll keep him in training.”

“Jason, there’s something else.”

Jason flinched as Steve told him of John’s desire to fly for an airline.

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

Take off and Landing Drills

“That was an excellent landing,” Steve said once on the primitive air strip.

“This is definitely a smaller area than I am used to landing in,” John said over the running engine. “Plus I’m not used to landing uphill.”

“This is probably one of the toughest landing areas you will eventually take over from me,” said Steve.

“Who lives here?” asked John. Their landing earned only a few glimpses and a wave from the villagers up the hill. John wasn’t sure, but he thought the half-naked males wore gourds to cover themselves.

“A branch of the Yali tribe. They inhabit most of the Balium Valley. We won’t stay though. The missionary that served here had to leave for personal reasons. I don’t know when he will be replaced.”

“Daryl told me that a lot of people end up leaving,” said John. He watched as Steve took the controls and pointed the plane downhill.

“Try taking off this way,” said Steve. “We do have some leaving. The Lawrences were as dedicated as any, but he had to take care of his family. There are a lot of hardships to being a missionary, but it’s tougher when your children don’t adjust,” said Steve.

John could feel his stomach drop as the plane lurched skyward. “Dedication to job verses dedication to the family,” he said.

“It’s going to be just as tough for you,” said Steve. “You’ll get homesick and lonely. Dedication takes on many forms and has many obstacles. I’m sure you are feeling some pangs.”

“Yeah, I guess I am. I’m not sure I will make it as long as most pilots do,” said John.

“Oh, in what way?” asked Steve.

John suddenly felt nervous. “I mean, I have no problem being here but I see myself flying airliners. That’s my future,” said John uncomfortably.

Steve seemed unfazed.

“You don’t see that as a problem?” asked John.

“Somewhat, but I think the Lord has you here for some reason. We’ll just have to work with you while we have you,” said Steve.

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM