MAF

A large part of the work here involves flying into and out of the jungle. The airport here is the third busiest in the country despite a population of Shell of only 8000 people. The weather changes so frequently. The mornings are often clear and the snow-capped mountains in view. the clouds roll in by late morning and there is frequently a raging thunderstorm by late afternoon. Navigation aids are few, mountains are high and conditions unpredictable.

For a glimpse into the like of a jungle pilot, Sean Cannon maintains an active blog with lots of pictures and accounts of flying with MAF in Ecuador. It's worth a look.
http://jungleaviator.blogspot.com
If you want a short You Tube experience of flying into some jungle strips Sean has posted some here.
Takeoffs and landings in the Ecuadorean jungle
Not only does MAF supply pilots, they also try to bring teachers to the bases from which they fly as many missionaries come with school-aged children. Jeremy and Jodie made initial contact with MAF April 15th, 2007 and by August they were unpacking in Ecuador and settling in with their 4 children. Jeremy stays at home with the 2 pre-schoolers while Jodie teaches at the Nate Saint school. There are so many remarkable stories.

Lori and the kids went swimming today (a National holiday) with one of the other families. They had a great time as many of the other mission families had the same plans. They came back non the worse for wear other than a little "green" hair. I guess that means that the water should be safe.

I had some cases to do this afternoon so celebrated here with some Doritos and Coca Cola. Some things are the same everywhere.
Gary