storing uploaded images in another path that retrieving them

Hello,

I'm trying to find a solution for a typical java problem, which is: when I upload images or files to the webapp directoty, and later I redeploy the application, the files get lost. So what I need is to save them outside the webapp, but make them available to retrieve. The retrieval part could be accomplished by a custom servlet.
What I'd like to know is, if it's possible to make fckeditor save the userfiles in a directory outside the webapp, but on the other hand, make it find the correct path when a user choses an image or file through the file browser. Any thoughts about this?

Cheers, Bo