Our Daily Witness — UIM Aviation

What do rainbows, paperwork problems, broken fuel trucks and venomous snakes have in common? They just might be part of a normal day in the life of a missionary pilot.

This past week I flew some Hospital Misión Tarahumara staff members from the mountains of a Chihuahua down to Guaymas, Sonora. The morning started off bright and clear as the sun rose. We had been concerned about fog delaying our departure, but it looked like it was going to be clear for us. We needed to make an early departure so that I could get back to the mountains before the afternoon thunderstorms started forming. Then about 30 minutes before my passengers were to arrive, fog blew in instead. It looked like it was going to be a delayed departure after all. Strike 1 on the day. While we watched the fog roll in the Lord blessed us with a gorgeous double rainbow, a reminder that God was in control of the day.

As the passengers arrived, suddenly the fog began to dissipate and by the time we got all the luggage weighed and loaded, the fog was mostly gone. We were able to leave on time! The flight was uneventful and we arrived down in the very hot and very humid coastal town of Guaymas on the Sea of Cortez. Once I got my passengers on their way it was time to get my flight plan approved, landing fees paid, and the aircraft fueled up. Mexico has new regulations which require American registered aircraft to submit additional documentation when filing flight plans. There are also regulations that prohibit flight plans being authorized to certain airports. This requires additional time and planning to work through. Unfortunately, on this day the airport official in Guaymas would not authorize my flight to the airport I needed to go to. After about 45 minutes of phone calls, coming up with alternative airports, and filling out a bunch more flight plans, I got a plan filed and approved to return to Chihuahua City, not my original destination. Now it was time for fuel. I went out to the aircraft to wait for the refueler to arrive. After about 30 minutes waiting, I inquired as to where the fuel truck was. I was then told that there was a problem with the fuel truck which they were trying to fix. It was at this point, I was starting to get concerned, because I was needing to get on my way before the monsoon thunderstorms started up in the mountains. After an hour it was apparent the fuel issue would not be fixed. It was time to come up with an alternate plan.

Piles of flight plan paperwork

Fortunately, I had enough fuel on board to fly to the nearby city of Obregón to get fuel there. But, it was now too late in the day for me to make that trip and then make it back to the mountains with the thunderstorms now blocking my route. I would need to spend the night in a Guaymas, something I had not anticipated. I contacted Dr. Mike, the founder of Mexico Medical Mission and Hospital Misión Tarahumara who I had flown that morning. His hosts in Guayamas generously offered a place for me to stay the night. Praise the Lord!

After I secured the aircraft for the night I went out to wait for a ride from the airport. While standing there I looked down to see a brightly colored snake at my feet. A venomous Coral snake! I quickly got out of it’s way and watched him slither under some fake grass. I then informed the Mexican soldier nearby of the snake and it quickly became a Code Red all hands on deck event! The airport wildlife staff and half the airport terminal workers came out and we watched the 15 minute spectacle of the trying to catch this little snake. We shared some nervous laughs and then my ride arrived.

Venomous Coral snake surprise!

After an enjoyable evening making new friends and getting some rest, I got a ride out to the airport for an early morning departure to Obregón for gas. I was able to get fuel and also clear up the confusion on flight plan authorization issue from the day before with the airport Comandante. I was then able make it safely to Chihuahua City ahead of the daily thunderstorms.

James 1:2-3 tells us “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” The trip had not gone according to plan, between potential weather delays, paperwork issues, broken fuel trucks, sneaky snakes, forgetting my overnight bag, and having to spend the night in an unplanned location!

*We never take a working fuel truck for granted!*

In these circumstances, it is easy to become frustrated and impatient. However, it is often in these “various trials” that we have the opportunity to shine the light of Jesus even more. God gave me opportunities to show patience and kindness to the airport authorities, even though they were making more work for me. God gave me an opportunity to be gracious to the fuel guys even though their broken equipment was costing me a day’s delay. These were little witnessing moments.Throughout the trip, God also reminded me of his love and care, through rainbows, positive interactions with authorities, protection from snakes at my heals, receiving generous last second hospitality, and new friends. We serve a faithful and loving God and we get the opportunity to share that with others every day, no matter the circumstances!

The beautiful Sea of Cortez coastline in Guayamas, Sonora.

Written by Aaron Varela, UIMA Safety Officer/ Field Pilot