Camp Simonettie

This past week has been busy.  I have been continuing my research into starting a 501c3 NPO.  It involves laws that are federal and some that are specific to the state in which your head quarters are based.  The Web is a wealth of information however it requires a lot of time to schlogue through and find the information that is specific to our cause.  

Still thinking about several missions to plan.  I came across several pictures of when my son Mark and I flew into the Camp down in the Bahamas.  It was amazing how much good work was going on down there to provide a place for young people.  Camp Simonettie is a place where Churches or other groups can send young people to help with mission work and get to experience the local culture in the Bahamas.  They have dorm like rooms set up for boys and girls and a structured environment where everyone is expected to pitch in.  The funds generated from these activities go back into the project to make it self sustaining.  These young people are learning about God's work and what can be accomplished if they all work together.

Well its Saturday and the Honey-Do list is still calling my name.   will make my way to the Six this afternoon to work on a few repairs.  I need to make sure that it is in perfect shape before starting my IFR instructions.  I hope that I will be able to start that soon but I know I must be patient.  All things in God's time.  Pray for me and this little project.  We still have a long way to go!  Another hymn helps me with the words "Send Me Lord"… Jesus send me, lead me, fill me.  words to live by.  Later, Robin

Kathy's surprise!

Well today is Monday and we like to have fun at the old hospital.  This is a video about an early April fools joke they played on Kathy.  Watch and have fun!

Sunday 3-25-12, a Mission

   Yesterday involved some projects to get our house back in shape.  The weather had other ideas about what was going to happen.  It was a rainy day here in Virginia Beach.  We were still able to repair a gate, a shed door, and rearrange the garage.  The Good Will Store was happy to see my wife's car (and all the stuff in it).  We were able to reduce the unnecessary clutter and donate some things that had been accumulating around the garage and shed.  

I started looking at the IRS paperwork again and have made some leeway on the establishment of a 501 ©.  I sense this will take some more thought and probably a trip to see someone who has some legal and business training.  It seems that what we need to do first is establish a corporation in this state.  Once the corporation is established then we can apply for 501 status.  One of the things that has to happen along the way is to establish a board of directors.  This will set up a group of people that will help guide the course of this venture.  We have to have an "organizing document" and fortunately the IRS website has a draft to work from.

  It has occurred to me that we have yet to talk about what mission we would like to accomplish.  I think the first one should be one that is not too complicated and fairly straight forward.  Bahama Habitat is a great organization that is doing great things in the Caribbean.  They have established contacts and they are used to handling small aircraft.  The majority of what they are doing is in the Bahamas where they have set up a Methodist based camp.  I have visited this camp and toured the current projects that they are currently working on.  Of course they are interested in providing affordable housing for the low income population but they are also working on a project called " Zion Children's Home Project."  This is a desperately needed home for abused children.  Your can click on the link Zion Children's Home Project and check out this mission's progress.  The things I like about helping out people in this island country is that it is very close to our country.  I think its important to keep up good relations with our neighbors to allow God's word and work to take root.

Its Sunday and that means a lot of singing.  One of the things that I love to do.  I sing with various groups but one of my favorites involves some "good old boys".  The Elizabeth River District Mens Chorus.  In the beginning our mission was to have members from all the Methodist Churches in our district and to perform at all those churches.  We are always "making a joyful noise unto the Lord!"  Martha directs and Pat plays the piano.  Its amazing those two girls can keep us together!

Ok, pray on the selection of a Mission.  Bye for now, Robin

Good Friends

    The last 3 days have been a blur.  It all started with the traditional Wednesday night dinner where the whole family tries to get together and celebrate the middle of the week.  Unfortunately my flybuddy Randy had to teach a class and could not make it.  The next day was his 50th birthday. 

    Got up and worked all day at the animal hospital with my friend and colleague Dr. Dawne Jones.  Dawne is a special individual who has a great passion for the Lord's work.  She keeps our little clinic on the right path.  She has a genuine interest in all the employees.  I know that she wants to make sure they get to Heaven with her when she goes.  Her husband, Oliver, is the founder of an organization called The Everwild Foundation (Everwild.org). They are doing fantastic things in Jamaica by establishing self sustaining school centers. This model will become global and do a lot of good for the youth of our world.  Check out their web page for even more information.  Oliver is one of my silent mentors.  I can only hope to catch up with him as his unbounding energy allows him to get more done on his day off then I do all week!!

     After work we went to Randy's house where his girlfriend, Susan, threw him a Fiftieth Birthday celebration.  Fifty is a big mark in one's life.  Its the passing of an era… but for those of us who have made it through, its not as scary as you would think.  It is however, a great time to take stock of your life and see if there is any new projects that you would like to start.  I can only hope that one of those projects includes a man, his plane, and a mission!

   Friday was a day when all the animals decided to come and see us.  I was exhausted by the end of the day but I feel like we accomplished a lot of good things.  Veterinary Medicine is the great humiliator, it can really test your metal, however, there is nothing better then sending a family home with a healthy protected puppy or kitten.  Or, helping a senior animal to be a little less painful.   I know that God put these creatures here to help us through the day and to teach us valuable lessons.  I learn a lesson from these giving friends everyday.  "That which you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."  

    Well its Saturday and a whole host of Honey-Do lists are waiting for me.  Pray for me and our quest for mission work, I know there are greater things to come.  We will continue to explore the possibilities.  Bye for now, Robin

The Plane

    Today I was able to take a break from the demands of Abbey Animal Hospital.  Was able to go out and look at our plane.  She is a 1969 pa32-300, a Piper Cherokee Six.  She has a useful load of about 1500 pounds.  This type of plane has been used for hauling freight and so it is perfect for moving small loads to hard to get into places like the small airports on some of the outlying islands.  I am sometimes amazed at how much you can put in her.  When hauling for Bahama Habitat during the Haiti earthquake, we stuffed the fuselage and had no problem with weight.  One time we were able to haul a windshield to the outer islands... something easy to find on the mainland but not so much in the islands, and this was greatly appreciated as they had been waiting for months.  Almost everything that is built down there has to be imported.  Something as simple as door hinges have to be flown in.  Fortunately most of the building supplies gets donated... its just a matter of getting it to the places that need it.

Me and Tom at his busy desk.

     The Six is certified for IFR flight and I am in the process of becoming rated to fly IFR.  I have passed the ground school and now have to finish up my instruction (more learning for this "Old Dog"). The Six is outfitted with a certified GPS connected to a nice multifunction display (MFD).  This helps me stay on track and tells me where I am.  I remember the days before GPS and I think its very comforting to have something that tells you where you are.  I am reminded of the old hymn that says "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path".  Well there is a great Bible lesson waiting to happen... "What the Bible and GPS have in common"!

     While I was out at the airport I looked up my friend and Aviation Guru extraordinaire Tom Stevens.  He has been steeped in aviation for his whole life.  His father was a legend at this airport.  His whole family is involved with aviation. You can view his website at  Learstevensaviation.com .  A wealth of knowledge, he is ALWAYS a GREAT help when it comes to keeping me in the air!  I am sure that I will have more to say about him as we go along.  I also have the privilege of treating his beautiful Chocolate Lab "Cleo", a great dog and a constant companion of Tom at the airport.

    Well, have to get back to the house and cook a meal for the Wednesday family night dinner.  We try to get together every Wednesday with family and friends to keep the week going.  Think we will have some beef and veggies tonight.  Pray for me so we can keep this adventure going.  Bye for now, Robin

IRS and NPOs

Well, went to the IRS web page and found what it takes to become a 501 (c) corporation... or at least what the paper work looks like.  I think I will have to study this before I can make intelligent choices.  There is about 30 pages of questions that will have to be answered before moving on to the next phase.  I will have to hunt down some officers for the board that will have to be created.  Fortunately I have some friends that are interested in getting this project going.  I will try to consult them and see if they have some ideas.  I think this is important because in order to become a legitimate nonprofit organization (NPO), you have to pay the IRS.  Therefore it takes some start up monies to become a NPO... seems like a "catch 22".  If you are not a legitimate NPO you can not interface with some of the other NPOs.  In other words.... people will not take you seriously.  More meetings...

 Just today was contacted by a childhood friend who is a computer wizz and will be invaluable for helping me get started.  Will report more on this development later. When I take inventory I am very excited to see the amazing array of friends to help out. It is amazing how things seem to come along at just the right time.  I think things are happening for a reason and I am just so happy to be part of something bigger!  I think the Lord is working in this project and I am excited to see just what he has in store!!  Well, I have to get back to work... its good to see that I am still needed.  Bye for now.  Your friend and mine.  Robin

P.S.  If you are just starting to read this blog, don't forget to view some of the later postings as they have more updates into the starting of a NPO in Virginia.

In The Beginning

This is a start up to a longer blog.  This is about a man, his faith, his profession, and a plane (a 1969 Cherokee Six).  I hope you will enjoy this journey and participate in all the possibilities.  Along the way we will look into what it will take to accomplish some missions.  I plane on being a pawn in this adventure!