THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES.....SEPTEMBER 2016

9-8-16  Thursday 6:39 AM (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

A STORMY DAY IN HAITI

Was up early yesterday and made the run to the airport.  It was good to see that the Little Donkey made it through the night.  The "anchor" system worked. 

But...the "stormy weather" was not over.  Currently, this region is just covered in storms and thankfully, they're not (for the moment) growing into major "trouble-makers"!

As you can see from this image taken yesterday, Haiti was nearly 100% covered in thunderstorms.

Getting around town can be very challenging.  Haiti is usually in some sort of "Grid-Lock" in good weather.  In bad weather....you can only imagine.

I had to get up to Petionville, just south of Port-au-Prince to meet with a dear friend, Leo.  Leo was a past Director General of OFNAC (FAA of Haiti). 

We share a heart to minister with Haitians who are having an extremely hard time in the Dominican Republic (DR).  

We discussed ways that we can work together to bring help to those who have been "rejected" by the DR and Haiti.  Many are "stuck" in a "no mans land".  With God's help, we'll be able to do something. 

After that good meeting with Leo, I fought through the stormy weather and insane traffic for another meeting with OFNAC on Search & Rescue (SAR).  

The meeting went well as we're moving closer and closer to seeing Haiti have a strong SAR Program.  Again, with our Lord's help, we'll see this become a reality.  

Today, will be in more meetings.  Looks like the stormy weather has diminished (for now), so it'll be a bit easier to get around.  

Just hoping to not run into any "Manifestations" (riots), as things are still quite tense with the "election" season here in Haiti.

Again, extremely blessed to have you on-board with your precious prayer, love and support!!  

Air Mobile Joe

   

9-7-16  Wednesday 6:59 AM (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

A "STORM" IN THE NIGHT IN HAITI

Had been following a weather system to the southeast of Hispaniola for several days.  Last night, it "arrived" in Haiti.  

These kind of storms usually diminish at night, but...they can also grow in intensity.  We saw that with the "long-lived" Hermine that lasted over 3 weeks.

At the general aviation airport in Port-au-Prince, there are very few "tie-down" spots.  One must improvise to secure ones aircraft.  

I already had "chocked" the wheels when I arrived several days ago.  But, a little extra "securing" would be a good thing with the storm coming.  

It was in the late afternoon that I decided to make the run to the airport to secure "Ti Burik".  The problem with this plan is that I'd have to travel some dangerous roads at night.  

While driving, I called Cindy (have a hands-free blue tooth) and asked for prayer.  Then I called my best friend, Joe (who introduced me to Jesus 45 years ago) and recruited him for prayer.  The trip to the airport went smooth and quiet.

Upon arrival, all of the gates were closed and locked except...one little side gate that was tied with wire.  I entered and found the lone security officer, Augustine.  I explained my plan and he agreed to help.  

As I said earlier, there were no "tie-down" rings available but....there were several large, heavy cement blocks under an old Convair 540.  We drug them to the Little Donkey, which was no small feat.  Those things are heavy.  

In addition to wheel chocks, we "anchored" the Little Donkey with the big heavy cement blocks.  Here, Augustine poses next to Ti Burik.

Now, it was time to make the "run" back to the Village.  It was pitch black dark and the storm was rapidly approaching.  

Then I saw them, small U.N. Convoy on a nightly patrol.  I quickly tucked in with them and began to trek back to the village.  

Here's a YouTube clip of the ride home - FOLLOWING A UN CONVOY IN HAITI  

I made it back to the village safe and sound last night. BTW, the storm did diminish somewhat and did not produce any high winds.  However, it was much better to be safe than sorry.  I also slept better knowing that we did what we could to protect Ti Burik.

So, the "Adventure" continues today.  Will be all over the place in meetings and ministry.  Our Lord is so good!  Again, I'm extremely THANKFUL to have you on-board with your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe  

9-6-16  Tuesday 6:53 AM (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

LIVE!  FROM THE HAITI DESK

It was time to fly to Haiti.  Had a lot of much needed supplies for Barb and the babies.  Hermine had delayed the departure for nearly a week.  

Now, there was only 1 big storm cell, right off the coast of Florida and...it was slowly moving out of the way.

Arrived at the airport at 4:45 AM.  

The Little Donkey was loaded and fueled.  The flight plan was filed and had a final word of prayer asking our Lord to continue to move that big cell out of the way.

Fired up the engines and pushed the throttles forward.  Climbed to 15,000' and saw the answer to my prayer.  That big cell slowly drifted right out of my way.

Can't begin to tell you how beautiful are the Caribbean sunrises.  Here, you can see a couple of the storms just to the east of my route to Haiti.

The 5+ hour flight was smooth, but bucked some pretty strong headwinds the whole way.  So glad for the 14 fuel tank configuration!! 

Again, our Lord made a way!  Upon arrival, began the unload.  The Little Donkey was packed to the rim!

BTW, the newly "Topped" front engine did great.  The 6 new cylinders performed very well. 

Even my Haitian helpers at the airport are constantly amazed at what a big load the Little Donkey can carry!  So am I!!

You know, I never, ever take it for granted to fly a 46 year old airplane, right through the Bermuda Triangle with multiple storms to dance around.  Our Lord is good!  I've been doing this for 38 years and love it!!!

So, here I am,  at the "Haiti Desk" in our base camp.  Barb was certainly pleased for the replenishment of baby formula and food and supplies.  What a joy to be here!!

Have a full schedule this week.  Will be all over the place. Haiti is getting ready for elections and the tensions are high.  

So, as I ask for every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

9-5-16 day Monday 3:52 AM (Eastern U.S. Time) - East Central, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

SAINT TERESA

No matter what side of the religious fence one is sitting on, Mother Teresa, now Saint Teresa, was a remarkable person.  This loving, caring lady of God changed and impacted more lives than  we can imagine.  

I am pleased that the Catholic Church and truly, the rest of the world has honored her memory and work.  May her sacrificial, giving life be an example to us all.  Here's more - POPE FRANCIS DECLARES MOTHER TERESA A "SAINT"  

It looks like Hermine, the storm wouldn't go away, has finally departed to the east and continuing to head that way.  Many folks are breathing a sigh of relief!  Here's the latest - HERMINE HEADING OUT TO SEA

What are you doing on this Labor Day?  We're thankful for somewhat clear skies here in Florida.  

I'll be heading to the airport to make sure that Little Donkey will be ready to gallop when the time comes.  So glad to get that front engine all "topped off" (replaced all 6 cylinders with factory new ones).  Our Lord has given us a wonderful tool, with which to serve Him and bring help to others in need.

I love getting up early and having a cup of coffee.  The skies are crystal clear and stars are very bright.  A lovely time to get up and reflect on the goodness of our Lord.  May you blessed today and THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

9-4-16 day Sunday 7:27 AM (Eastern U.S. Time) - East Central, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

WHAT TO SAY??

I have a routine.  Get up in the morning.  Thank God for giving me another day.  Put the coffee on and write a blog.   

 Often, have absolutely no idea what I'm going to write about...and I'm sure that shows in this "Rambling" blog.

It seems, I've "journaled" for most of my life.  Have documented quite a few of our missions but....

Just before midnight on January 12, 2010, I sat down and penned a blog about the devastating and tragic Haiti earthquake.

It was a breathless, quick one telling that in just a few hours, I'd take off for Haiti.  We were actually, the first private plane to land there on January 13th (my birthday).  It's a day I'll never forget.

Now, I'm not going to say anything more about those tragic moments. What I will say is that this "Rambling Blog" has gone on every single day, uninterrupted, since  since January 12, 2010.  

Often, nothing special is going on and I just tell what's going through my mind and heart.  The remarkable thing is a number of you read this crazy, rambling blog every single day.  

I'm blessed and honored that you'd join me on this journey through life and above all, I'm THANKFUL for your prayers!

Together, we've been around the world many times in this 6.5 year journey.  

We've been to Haiti regularly and reached to the Philippines, India, Nepal, Ecuador, Japan, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Bahamas and many other countries that have suffered tragedy.

With your help and love, we've been able to bring clean water and hope and the Good News of Jesus to many.  BTW, we've been able to place 1000+ Air Mobile Rescuers in 48 countries!!

So, on this beautiful Sunday, I pen another rambling blog and share my heart with you and THANK YOU for your faithful prayer, love and support!!  Time to get on with this day and see where our Lord leads.  

Air Mobile Joe

PS - IF YOU'RE NEW TO THIS BLOG AND FEEL AS IF YOU'VE JUMPED RIGHT INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY....YOU HAVE!  

                                                                             
JUST CLICK ON "OLDER POSTS" BELOW AND YOU'LL SEE HOW WE'VE ARRIVED AT THIS "JUNCTURE OF THE JOURNEY".  GOD BLESS AND WELCOME ABOARD!!

9-3-16 day Saturday 6:27 AM (Eastern U.S. Time) - East Central, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

CLEAR SKIES OVER FLORIDA - HERMINE CHURNS ON

It's been a while since we've seen "Clear Skies" here in Florida.  Hermine has come 

and gone (from Florida) breaking a "long standing" record of NO HURRICANES FOR 11 YEARS.  

This Storm has been on "Radar" for a long time and....it's not over!  Hermine, after lashing Georgia and the Carolina's is moving off shore.  

It may be "recharging" for another punch.  Time will tell.  Here's the latest - TROPICAL STORM HERMINE MOVING OFF THE EAST COAST; DANGEROUS TIDAL SURGE FOR VIRGINIA TIDEWATER 

Cindy and I felt it important to stay "close" to home in the event of severe damage and the need to deploy Air Mobile Rescuers.  We're thankful that the crisis has passed....for now.

Besides, it's been rather nice "hanging around" home and watching the weather channel.

Also, today is the real beginning of College Football season. Peter & Christian will be joining me this afternoon at our favorite hangout, "Dogs-R-Us".

This has been a tradition with the Hurston Boys for years and we begin another season today.  

There's going to be a real "Shootout" at Lambeau Field between LSU (our team!) the Wisconsin (Doug's Team).  We have a friendly wager on how this game will turn out.

So, on this sunny Saturday morning, it's time to head out and do some clean-up chores (a lot of debris has been blown around) and then to "Dogs" for the game.

As always, THANK YOU for your invaluable and truly appreciated prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe 

9-2-16 Friday 5:59 AM (Eastern U.S. Time) - East Central, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe  

HURRICANE HERMINE SLAMS FLORIDA / TROPICAL STORM HERMINE HEADING UP THE EAST COAST

After 11 years, it happened.  Florida was struck by a Hurricane.  Millions are without electricity, waves are crashing, winds are howling and Hermine moves through north Florida and on to the U.S. East Coast.

We're on the southside of Hermine and getting blown around, but things are not too bad, though the threat of tornadoes is real and present.

Again, we've been watching this same storm for nearly 2 weeks and folks have had plenty of time to prepare and plan their strategy.  

At this point, I don't think anyone has lost their life.  Praise God!!  Here's the latest - HURRICANE FORCE WINDS IMPACT FLORIDA COAST 

Looks like Hermine is far from over and will be around well into next week.  We'll continue to keep a close eye on this "long- lived" storm.

Yesterday, Cindy and I had the distinct privilege to speak to the Missions Prayer Committee for First Baptist of Merritt Island.  We love these precious Saints and so appreciate their love and prayer!!

So, today, will just be staying close to home base and monitoring the Weather Channel.  I must say, it will be nice when all this messy weather clears out of here.

So, as I say every day, and mean with all of my heart....THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

9-1-16 Thursday 6:57 AM (Eastern U.S. Time) - East Central, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

HERMINE WILL SLAM INTO FLORIDA & THEN "DRAG" UP THE EAST COAST...GET READY

We've been TRACKING this storm (Tropical Storm Hermine) since August 21st and it's just growing in strength.  This Storm is NOT going away!!  

By this evening, Hermine will likely gain Hurricane status and should actually make landfall in the Panhandle of Florida.  It''ll continue to strengthen and pass over Florida, then "drag" up the U.S. East Coast.  This storm can do a lot of damage, specifically Flooding and the threat of Tornadoes is very real!

I must say, the "Forecasters" have "nailed" this storm.  Their projections have been extremely accurate and have given us all a lot of time to PREPARE!!

Here in East Central Florida, we've been getting A LOT of rain and have experienced some outer bands of wind from Tropical Storm Hermine.  

Things should heat up tonight and IF the forecasters are right, the storm should pass just to the north us. Again, we're PRAYING for all in the path of this storm.

Speaking of "Storms".  Donald Trump made a "Whirlwind" trip to Mexico, met with the President of Mexico and made it back in time last night to give his much anticipated speech on Immigration.  What a day!!

Cindy and I listened to Trump's Speech and he certainly gave clear and specific details as to what he would do as President.  It is "refreshing" to hear points brought out that many politicians have avoided.  May God have His way in this crucial upcoming election!!

This morning, Cindy and I will be speaking at First Baptist Merritt Island to the "Missions Prayer Committee".  We love speaking to these Saints who know how to PRAY!!

It's time to head out into this rainy and blustery morning.  As always, THANK YOU for your precious and truly appreciated prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

PS - IF YOU'RE NEW TO THIS BLOG AND FEEL AS IF YOU'VE JUMPED RIGHT INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY....YOU HAVE!  

JUST CLICK ON "OLDER POSTS" BELOW AND YOU'LL SEE HOW WE'VE ARRIVED AT THIS "JUNCTURE OF THE JOURNEY".  GOD BLESS AND WELCOME ABOARD!!