No Dream is TOO Big…

“What do you want to be when you grow up?, is a question we’ve been asked throughout our educational careers. If you’re like me, my thoughts and answers to this question were always evolving. As I explored life, found new interest, tried new things, discovered more about myself my answer to the life long question would reflect whatever I was “into” at the moment.  At one point, I wanted to be a teacher, a chef, a professional  lawn mower, a professional  ballerina and even a New York City Rockette. Haaa, totally serious! As I started to think college, I still had no clue what I wanted to pursue. I even changed my major four times!

I’m sure most of you can relate to my experience, however, unlike most of us, my husband, Ryan has known from a early age (elementary school) that he wanted be a pilot and work in aviation. A dream and a passion was stirred in him early. He fixed his eyes on that goal and has not looked back!

When Ryan was 14 years old, he opened a Christmas present from his parents that had a piece of paper in it with the words “flying lessons.” Ryan was excited and begin pursuing his dream.  He continued to take lessons through his teen years. Flying lessons are not cheap, but with determination to keep flying, he found a job waiting tables and began to tuck every penny earned into his night  stand drawer. After some time, he had a “wod”  (his word) of cash to put towards the rest of the lessons needed to earn his license.

In college, he majored in aviation science at Baylor University. While in college, he studied and received his CFI (certified flying instructor) and CFII ratings, which certified him to instruct/teach others how to fly. After graduation, he landed (no pun intended) a flight instructor position at Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas. This position allowed Ryan to gain the experience and hours needed to apply to commercial airlines.
Ryan was hired by ExpressJet Airlines in October of 2004. As they all do, he was hired as a First Officer. After a little over two years, he was able to move into to the Captain seat.

Ryan has been with ExpressJet Airlines for 6 years. There have been some great times and some very challenging times as the industry has also taken a hit through these tough economical times. The past year with ExpressJet has been really challenging for the pilots. A lot has been asked of them and very little given in return. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve been very thankful and appreciative for Ryan’s job, especially as unemployment has reached a record high this year. However, the demands of Spring and Summer flying only lead to more frustration and fatigue for the pilots, Ryan included.  Also, while the merger of Continental and United was in the works, ExpressJet Pilots were really put through the ringer. All of this began to take a toll on Ryan and our family too. As work become more challenging we began to really pray for breakthrough, change and new vision for Ryan’s career.

Ryan applied to Delta and AirTran over the summer. In August he attended a job fair in Atlanta where he had a chance to speak with representatives from Delta and AirTran. Ryan left feeling good about the job fair, but only time would tell.

In November, Ryan received a call from AirTran for an interview. Thankfully, Ryan was already on vacation and was free to go to the interview with no complications (he didn’t have to seek time off from work or call in sick). He flew to Atlanta to interview with the Chief Pilots on November 16th. The interview lasted a couple hours. Ryan left the interview with mixed emotions. He felt okay about the way he handled questions, but didn't know how well he connected with the interview panel. As best as we all could do, we trusted the Lord and just waited. After a very loooooong week and, just before Thanksgiving, AirTran called with great news! Ryan was offered a job and accepted. Praise God! Great news and answer to prayer.
 
From the beginning, one of Ryan’s big dreams is to one day fly for Southwest Airlines. He has followed them through the years and really respects the company and what they represent.  Shortly after Ryan went to the job fair with AirTran, Southwest announced their plans to purchase AirTran.  This means once the merger is complete Ryan will become a Southwest pilot! Another answered prayer and dream fulfilled.

We are filled with such excitement and thanksgiving! The Lord’s goodness, direction, and favor through this whole process has been so humbling and amazing! God is so good, even when we see no way out, He has one! The Lord’s way are timely and perfect. The road that the Lord provides for us usually looks different than the one we’ve mapped out for ourselves. At times, we end up at the same point or with the same resolution, but it all happens in a completely different way than we assumed. We are SO thankful for the Lord’s grace. His ways are usually richer, more timely and in the end, reflect back on the Lord’s goodness and character, not our own.  As Ryan and I enter into this new season, we find ourselves just in awe…No dream is too big when its a dream from the Lord.

And I just want to take a moment to say how proud I am of my husband! From the beginning, Ryan has been faithful in the little, worked hard and remained focused. Even during hard, discouraging and disappointing times he has stayed the course, waited, and held to his dream. I’ve been so blessed in walking the journey with him!

After 6+ years with ExpressJet Airlines, Ryan flew his last flight on Thursday, December, 16, 2010.  The kidsand I were able to be there at the gate to meet him as he parked for the last time.

Pulling up to the gate.

If you look close, you can see Captain Ross and his First Officer.

After the plane was unloaded, the kids and I were able to visit the cockpit with Ryan for a few pictures.

The final walk up the jet bridge.


The break of the dawn! A fresh start. A new beginning! Renewing, peaceful, envisioning. As Ryan leaves ExpressJet, we’re all very excited, hopeful and thankful for all the opportunities that lay ahead for him at AirTran.

Taken from the cockpit on the Morning of Dec, 16th. Just amazingly beautiful if you ask me!!