Scouting
In the pursuit of aviation missions, training is key.
Training is what determines your skills, habits, methods, and therefore safety and effective flying. So if I really wanted to pursue helicopter aviation and even go into missions with it, I needed a good flight school. And I mean a GOOD flight school.
A proper flight school for instrument and commercial ratings would not only give me the credentials to pursue my dream in following the Lord, but also give me the skills and knowledge to SAFELY traverse various forms of terrain and unpredictable weather while on mission.
I had done my research and the decision came down to two admirable flight schools. One in the Pacific Northwest and the other in the Southwest. For various personal reasons Jerry Trimble Helicopters in the Pacific NW seemed to be the best fit for my needs. So I booked my flight for PDX (Portland Airport) and set out to do some scouting. After all, if I'm going to move our family of four almost 3k miles, I better be certain the King is leading and it's safe, right?
With my wife just two months away from her due date, my plan was to make this trip as quick and affordable as possible. This meant flying the red eye Tuesday 9/10 so that I could sleep at the airport, wake up and do a scouting flight at Jerry Trimble on 9/11 (thats just me ok lol), finish touring the area on 9/12, and return home Friday the 13th, all while sleeping in the rental car and using various local gyms for showers and bathrooms.
Oh it was a fantastic trip! Upon arrival in PDX, I was struck by the uniqueness of the city. Living in the bible belt, I have long heard tales of the treacherous and poisonous west coast. And while every city has its rough spots, I felt surprisingly safe and comfortable. What's more, the people were genuinely kind. I am at this point used to the New England uninterest, midwestern coldness (of the people, not the weather), and the southern hospitality but I never expected the Pacific NW to actually be kind. I was continually greeted by all ages expressing their delight that my family and I would be moving there. Now five months later, I am still in contact with many of these individuals and they are prayerfully awaiting our arrival. Surprising.
I then picked up my rental car (Mustang Mach e) which was electric. I was not a fan. Perhaps I will have to write a post on my experience with EVs. I spent the next two days traveling the countryside visiting McMinnville, Newberg, Aurora, Portland, Tigard, Salem, Neskowin, and many other small and large towns.
I quickly fell in love.
Not only were the people kind and courteous, but the landscape and scenery! Wow was it unlike anything I had seen! McMinnville area is know for its vineyards. A local took the time to describe how a while back it was discovered that the soil in Willamette Valley was nearly identical to the soil of the vineyards in France, and so the wine business took off and attracted much attention. Besides the farmland and vineyards, the coast was magnificent! Truly breath-taking. I visited the so called "Proposal Rock" and quickly realized how apt this name was. "If only I could have proposed to my wife here..."
After much sightseeing, I gathered my things, picked out a souvenir for my wife and son and headed back home.
What had I discovered? In short, God seemed to be giving significant confirmation (more in depth stories for later).
What had I learned? "Do not be afraid." God is at work everywhere. Not just where you assume Him to be. No, He is far greater than you can imagine.
Until next time...
