"Distance makes the heart grow fonder"

Yoni has now been at IFS ("Initial Flight Screening"), in Pueblo, CO, for over two weeks. He left right after Pesach, and will return, with G-d's help, within the next two weeks.
He has been working very hard!! For the first week there he spent 12 hours in classes all day learning as much as he possibly could about the aircraft they fly there (DA-20 katana)










Yoni said he felt like those classes were almost a throwback to high school Biology. As much as he had learned about all the different systems at work inside the human being (endocrine system, nervous system, etc.), he felt like he learned just as many intricacies of the aircraft. I guess that's a good thing if he's responsible for keeping the plane and himself safe while it's in the air!

To start off the second week (last Monday), he had his "dollar ride." It's basically just an experience to get up in the plane and get acclimated before too much is expected of you. He lost a little bit of his lunch that day, chalked it up to experience and continued studying for his next flight.

Throughout the week, he flew two more times. Thankfully, he did not get sick again and he enjoyed the experience.

This week he's working through the flights quickly. He flew the last 200-level flight yesterday and was scheduled to fly 301 and 302 today. Doubleturn days are hard, but I can't wait to hear about it!

Once he finishes the 6 rides at the 300-level, he will get to solo, then fly a pre-check and check ride and come home! We're hoping this could occur before his scheduled return date of May 22. That would be really nice - not only because it's difficult being apart for so long, but also because May 22 is our one year anniversary (on the Hebrew calendar - Yom Yerushalayim).

Thank G-d, Libby and I have been doing alright here in Enid. During the week I'm still working two days a week and studying. I took my Number Theory Final last week and have Geometry at the end of this week. I've also been trying to get some good scrapbooking done. That's kind of difficult with Libby in the picture, as she's discovered paper recently and loves tearing it to shreds, but I've been managing.

The first weekend he was gone, we went down to Dallas. That was very nice to spend some time with his parents and see the community. The drive was a little tough by myself, but we (me and Libby) managed. This past weekend I wanted relaxation and quiet, so I stayed here in Enid for Shabbat and our friend Victoria, who we often stay with in Oklahoma City, came to stay with me. It was very nice - we had good conversation and singing at the meals, then good reading and nap time!!

G-d willing, my Mom comes this Friday and is staying for the long weekend through Monday. That'll be really nice. Weather permitting, we're hoping to start our garden, finally, on Sunday!!

Off to study for the exam!