ETHAN TURNS 9

Every Thursday morning from 10:00 to noon, I am in a planning/evaluating meeting at MMS. Last week, some of the discussion focused on setting priorites and the idea that we may each have different priorities based on our backgrounds, goals, age, etc. What effect do these differences have on MMS as a whole? I think all of us at MMS would list God as his/her number one priority. For us, family is second. Sometimes that involves more traveling than we would do otherwise but we figure the grandkids are only going to be young once and while we have the opportunity to be a part of their lives we are going to rejoice in those times and make the effort to "be there" for them. Yesterday was one of those times. Adam's middle child, Ethan, turned 9. His goal is to be "just like his dad". Adam is a good role model, a son to be proud of, and we're glad Ethan wants to "follow in his footsteps". That brings me back to our number one priority, our relationship with God. Abba Father, mold me in such a way that I, too, become "just like Dad".

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

It's easy to almost lose Christmas in the midst of the busyness of the holiday. This past weekend we were able to join Adam's family for their children's Christmas program in the morning and Rachel's family for their evening program. Both kids live 2 hours from us and about 1 hour from each other so lots of driving was involved. But, it was worth it. Both had wonderful Christmas programs, pointing to Jesus' birth making possible the forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Levi, Ethan and Anna's program was very simple and made me think of the simplicity of that first night when Mary and Joseph found "no room in the Inn". With animals of my own, I can easily imagine Jesus born in a manger with the donkey and any other animals that may have been present. I really enjoy being in a stable, but as a mother of two, I don't think I would want to give birth there. God's values seem so different than mine. Scripture is so full of Christ's life of servanthood and simplicity. In the busyness of this season, I intend to take some time out to simply listen to His voice.

HOLIDAY BLESSINGS

The past few weeks have been hectic (you are probably feeling the same way now that the holiday season is upon us). We enjoyed having our family in Coshocton for Thanksgiving. A special "treat" was the addition of two of their long-term friends from the days Rachel and Adam lived in Coshocton. So much fun to have everyone here. The weekend found us in The Plains, OH giving MMS presentations at 3 church services. What a great group of people. The very next day, one of the members of that congregation surprised us with a visit to MMS (he drove 2 hours so he could see this ministry in action). Visitors are always welcome, and it is always a "joy" to see them realizing the full-scope of the MMS ministry. Yesterday, I sent out our December ministry Newsletter and finished Christmas shopping for the grandkids. Now, it's back to the "normal" workdays, with Dennis in the hangar and me working on MMS bills and budgets. I've been online filing a tax return, recorded receipts into the accounting program, paid bills, and now it is time to begin working on the budget. Perhaps now I can even get back into the routine of publishing this blog :-)

MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND KEEP THE OLD

In Girl Scouts we used to sing a song "Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other gold." What a wonderful surprise to hear the phone ring this morning and know old friends were on their way to visit us here at MMS. Part of the MMS training experience often involves leaving Ohio and traveling to other ministries all over the world to assist them with repairs on their airplanes. Our apprentices get to investigate, while helping, other ministries and often end up serving with many of those ministries. Harry and Jan openned their home to Dennis on several occasions as he did phase inspections on Agape Flight's Caravan in Florida. They have had such a wonderful ministry to Dennis as they became "home away from home" on those trips. What fun we had "catching up." Just one more way God uses each of us to minister to others.

IT PAYS TO SHOP AROUND

Dennis spent time this morning demonstrating to the staff and apprentices at MMS Aviation the proper way to use a magnetizer. For those, like myself, who lack familiarity with some of the tooling used for aircraft repair, a magnetizer is used to re-magnetize a magneto. This gives the magneto more power to produce spark. Without spark, the engine will not run. The first quote Dennis received on purchasing this small, but necessary, tool was $17,600.00. After shopping around, he was able to get the cost down to under $600. Now a $17,000 savings is something this accounting mind can appreciate. Dennis tends to be very "thrifty" and capable of fabricating many types of tooling (perhaps from years of experience in the truck world where he fabricated trailers, and the many times he has had to build whatever we needed because we couldn't afford to buy it). Just one more example of God using a lifetime of experiences to equip each of us for the task He has called us to. Nothing is ever wasted in God's economy.

U206 RECEIVES AIRWORTHINESSS CERTIFICATE

What a great week of "everything coming together" - paperwork, weather, schedules, etc. This morning the FAA spent the morning at MMS inspecting the paperwork and the airplane itself. A little after noon, the airworthiness certification was given, the papers rubber-stamped and the plane officially had come to completion. Now, after all the hours of labor spent repairing and rebuilding this plane, it is time to disassemble the airplane and begin packing it into the shipping containers that will transport this airplane to Africa. There it will be used as a training plane for missionary pilots. Perhaps, because of MMS' labor, many pilots will become safer pilots through the experience gained while using this aircraft. To God be the glory!

CESSNA U206 FIRST FLIGHT

Early this afternoon a call came over the MMS speaker system to gather around the 206 for prayer. After several days of paperwork, it was time for the airworthiness flight test. We assembled in front of the plane for a time of thanksgiving and prayer for the ministry that will be using the 206 in South Africa. After months of finding parts, fabricating others, and lots of learning opportunities for apprentices and staff members alike, it was time to finally fly the airplane. What a wonderful sight to see the plane in the air for the first time since it came to MMS for repair and to envision it being using for future ministry. This plane will now be dissassembled, put in a shipping crate, and shipped to Africa.

"HORSE MOM" NO LONGER ON THE SIDELINES

Sherry has patiently transported Rachel to riding lessons all summer, brushed horses before and after lessons, fed horses, and even spent lots of time getting to know the colt and the ornery mini. Today was her turn to ride while Rachel brushed our Haflinger mare until she "sparkled". What a great way to spend the beautiful "summer" day we had here in Coshocton today (yes, I know tomorrow is November). Sherry's husband, Dave, is the facilities manager at MMS. Before Dave, Sherry and Rachel came to MMS, Team Leaders and teams had to take time away from repairing airplanes for missionary service for facilities maintenance projects (mowing, snow removal, painting, repairing facilities, etc). Dave also does a great job keeping our computers and internet connections functioning. My "Horse Tuesdays" have been so much fun this year and as an added bonus, have built "relationships" that I now treasure. Way to go, Sherry!

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

My grandson, Ethan, has "followed in my footsteps" with his love for animals and the quiet, relaxation they bring to our lives. After a morning meeting, an afternoon getting info together for MMS's 990 Tax Return, and miscellaneous office projects, I am looking forward to seeing the dogs myself. Even looking through scrapbooks of my earliest years, generally there is a dog in the photo with me. It is an amazing thing how God makes each of us unique, and in His compassion and love, provides just what we need not only to serve Him, but for times of relaxation and refreshment also. God is good!

CHEROKEE FACES HIS FEAR

This is not your normal horse "photo opportunity" (unless you are working as a photographer for a horse training magazine and demonstrating the results of a process called "sacking out"). It's been a long 3 weeks. After spending 2 weeks, and many late hours, working with 2 separate audits, implementing audit suggestions, extra meetings, re-organizing all MMS office supplies, beginning the training of a "back up" for my position, taking the time to shop (and replace) my printer, and this week catching up on my routine office work. Finally, it was "Horse Tuesday". As much as I was looking forward to the day, not much went "right". The morning was cold, my steady Haflinger demonstrated a very stubborn side that was hard for either beginner rider to overcome. My Paint gelding decided there were "scary monsters" under the tarp covering Dennis' log splitter and took me for a wild ride that only a teenage boy or girl could really enjoy. That made it necessary to spend extra time settling him down before he could be put up in the barn (dashing the hopes of rider number 2 for another lesson in trotting). Our Haflinger colt (Spirit) was the only bright spot of the day as rider number 2 calmly led him through the obstacle course. Wednesday and Thursday the sun came out, I finished my work at MMS early, and Cherokee and I went to work. By the time we were done, Cherokee was walking past tarps blowing in the wind, dragging tarps behind him, walking over tarps, and even wearing the lastest in horse tarp fashion. "Sacking out" is a process that requires a lot of patience. A variety of "spooky" objects are introduced until your horse accepts them. A lot of repetition is involved. It is an ongoing process, not a "one-time cure all". As good as Cherokee is today, tomorrow he may act like he's never seen a tarp before and the process will need to begin again. Patience, repetition, success. Perhaps God is preparing me to be an MMS Team Leader :-) While Cherokee and I were working hard, several others were working hard at MMS getting a Cessna for South Africa ready for an inspection, a Cessna for Hondorus ready to replace another plane, and an airplane for Moody Aviation. These have been long term projects. The guys have had a lot of practice patiently working when the projects have seemed overwhelming. Lots of reinforcement (both in the airplane structure and apprentice's knowledge) is going on. The result - impacting the world for God's kingdom. That makes it all worthwhile.

TIME TO TRAIN A "BACK-UP"

Last week was quite the week with 2 audits at the same time (from 2 different organizations) in addition to trying to do the daily accounting. It looks like this week will be much the same. In fact, I've had to cancel my Tuesday riding lessons (sorry girls) and will come in to the office tomorrow to keep the final audit flowing. With the financial audit still in process, I am training Dana Abernethy as a "back-up" in the accounting department for MMS and storing general office supplies and promotional items outside of my office so they are accessible when my office is locked. Dana is wonderful to work with. We've known each other for several years and I've always been impressed by her heart to serve. In the past year, I've seen her attention to detail, eagerness to be involved and faithfulness in many areas. Dana will come in on Mondays to begin to help me with the accounting "load" while she learns. Now, to finish up today's invoices, head to WalMart and then home to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.

AN AUDIT JUST SHOULDN'T BE THIS MUCH FUN

Almost every moment has now become a photo blog opportunity. I was just telling Kyle how I am going to make him world famous through this Blogger and Facebook photo. Who says us task-oriented "accountant/auditor" types don't have a sense of humor? Today was Day 3 of our organizational safety audit. Interviews were finished. Tomorrow the SMT will meet with MSI (Mission Safety Int'l) for the review procedure. It was also Day 1 of our MMS annual financial audit. Unless you are an auditor, you would not believe the number of forms to be filled out this year. I had spent last Friday organizing the preliminary reports, Kyle and I spent a few hours this morning talking about how MMS operates as a charitable organization, and all afternoon discussing standard operating procedures in MMS' world of finance. Tomorrow morning will be more of the same. Not only does this provide accountability in the use of funds for our donors, it gives me a chance to see what new government regulations are in place or are "in the works" for the future. Now, MMS is locked up for the night, I'm finishing some tasks then heading home to my wonderful husband who just informed me he caught the mouse that was feasting on our pistachio nuts.

CHEROKEE AND MARY ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE

Things didn't look good this morning. I woke up with a major headache and queasy stomach and was beginning to think I might have been the most recent victim of the flu in Coshocton. Because of a compromised immune system following last year's surgery, any illness now requires a lot more medical care than in the past so I was feeling a little nervous about my situation. Fortunately, by late afternoon most symptoms had subsided and I was able to get out and enjoy what was left of the sunshine with Cherokee. Dennis passed us several times as he was filling the horse water trough, changing gate latches, doing some early Fall cleanup and helping with some adjustments to my riding gear. Tomorrow morning Dennis and I will be involved in a safety audit at MMS. Periodically, Mission Safety Int'l (MSI) conducts interviews with the missionaries as well as inspections of various missionary aviation facilities. It is a time of accountability as well as a time of discovering how we can serve God more effectively. We will look forward to meeting with the MSI team in the morning.

FALL FUN AT PIGEON ROOST FARM

What a wonderfully relaxing day we've had. The weather was perfect for a morning horse ride, followed by a beautiful drive and lunch at Chipotle's. Then, on to Pigeon Roost Farm to spend the day with Rachel and family. There were all types of creative swingsets, tractors, a corn maze, slides, pumpkins, crafts, etc. and lots of animals to visit with. Dennis and Leah decided to spend a little time with this lovely lady :-) After an afternoon of "playtime", a pumpkin and a few gourds were picked out for the grandkids before heading home.

DENNIS' TOOL MAKING SAVES MMS $

I'm tired. Today was spent doing laundry at home, then coming in to pay MMS bills before getting lots and lots of paperwork gathered and organized for next week's financial audit of MMS's books. Each year MMS voluntarily goes under an auditor's watchful eye in an effort to be open and accountable to our donors who so generously fund this ministry. I was a little apprehensive about the 2007 audit since I was in and out of the hospital 3 times as well as spending some time in recovery but everything has come together, the paperwork is ready and everything accounted for. Dennis has a creativity and also the skill necessary to often make tools that are not readily available (or perhaps not invented yet - several people have told him he should be patenting some of his work) to make things easier for the mechanics to work on the airplanes. In this photo, he is making a tool to insert bushings into an aircraft carburetor. MMS could buy a similar tool to the one Dennis is making, but it would cost over $300.00. The tool has now been made at no cost and Dennis has enjoyed taking a break from the normal daily routine to use his skills to save MMS money and better equip mechanics to "get the job done."

CHAD U206 GETTING READY FOR FAA

This has been an interesting day. My day at MMS began pretty much in the normal manner with collating and paying MMS bills. By 10:00am all MMS personnel met for a bi-weekly time of sharing of ideas, and a time of exploring a vision for the future. Being, by nature, a task-oriented, single focus individual I must admit it has been a bit of a challenge for me to "warm up" to times that would take me away from my structured accounting day. Now, I see it as a valuable time of exchanging information and "hearing" the heart of each of the individuals here at MMS. There is such a wonderful blend of personalities and backgrounds here - perhaps just for this very moment in time. By 11:00 we were attending a funeral (homecoming celebration) for the mother of a very dear friend of ours. It was a time of reflecting on special memories of a life lived, loving the Lord and her family. At 1:00 it was time for our monthly Senior Management Team Meeting, a time to review what is happening at MMS and what needs to happen from the management level. A little after 3:00 I was back to paying bills, talking to the auditor and once the day at MMS was finished, working on Facebook (thanks Karen for all your help), trying out some new ideas and even talking to a friend who called me for advice on buying a horse saddle. Meanwhile - in the hangar progress was being made on several aircraft. The U206 shown above has been a long-term restoration and repair project. In a few weeks the FAA will be here to inspect the work that has been done. Once the plane is finished, it will be crated up and shipped to So Africa to be used in missions service. What a day - in all things may God be glorified!

GOING BY THE BOOK

At MMS we begin each day in prayer. It's an opportunity to pray for the projects in the hangar, personal needs, requests that come our way, safety and wisdom in the hangar (or administrative offices as the case may be). Once prayer time is over, the teams gather at their respective projects to begin the day. One of the current projects in Hangar C is a Phase Inspection on Gospel Carrier's (GCI) King Air (seen in the background). A question arose about a "stop bolt" - what is it, what is it's purpose in the structure of the landing gear? To help the apprentices visualize the bolt, Dennis brought out the Parts Manual and the Service Manual for the King Air and a valuable discussion and learning session began. What a privilege to be working on "live" missionary aircraft, returning them to service in the process. This King Air 200 is used by a Chinese evangelist (and evanglism team) who brings the gospel (through crusades, home meetings, etc) to Chinese living in the United States. Doing the routine maintenance and inspections on this plane (at no charge for our labor) is one of the ways we can be part of GCI's ministry.

LESSONS IN THE ROUND PEN

Sometimes you just have to go back to "basics". The "round pen" is just the right environment with an extra measure of safety and control. It is evident that Ruth-Anne loves horses. Before saddling Brenda, she brushed her until her chestnut hair glistened in the sun. This same love has kept Ruth-Anne from being an aggressive rider. Today was her "breakthrough day" after realizing that by using a little discipline now, riding would become much more relaxed and fun for both horse and rider. As the horse realizes she must do as you say, she becomes comfortable in her new role and no longer tests you (by stopping, turning to go her own direction, etc) and the ride becomes much more enjoyable even for the horse (this is how they operate in a herd setting). Ruth-Anne had a wonderful ride today, and so did Brenda. It seems our heavenly Father uses my horses often to teach me spiritual lessons. As I yield to his discipline and direction, my "ride in life" becomes smoother, easier and much more enjoyable. How thankful I am for His love and direction in life.

GOD'S SPECIAL TOUCHES

Starting out Day 5 with no electricity at home made it an extra joy to come to the office/hangar where lights, power supplies and computers are readily available once again. My special blessing of the day was the little bear you see in this photo. In the midst of everything else going on, God was adding the special touches. A friend found this bear, thought of me, and brought it to me at work today. Thank you Sandy for your thoughtfulness (even though you are also on day 5 without electricity) and letting God use you to brighten my day.


As for Dennis - during a routine wing inspection, he found a broken rib (airplane rib that is) and corrosion in the Hondoros Cessna 206. This meant the wing needed to be disassembled (a process involving the removal of lots and lots of rivets - I'd count them for you but I've already spent the last 5 hours processing inventory and I am "numbered out" for the day :-), the rest of the ribs inspected, corrosion taken care of, and new parts made. In this photo, Dennis is working on the top side of the wing while Josh handles the corrosion on the bottom side. It is a long process. Because of the broken rib and corrosion found in the first wing, the second wing was disassembled and found to be in worse shape than the first. Many extra man-hours will be spent dealing with these problems, yet Missionary Air Group will benefit from the labor we donate to their ministry because of our own faithful financial support team. When finished, this airplane will be returned to service in Hondoros to be used while their only other airplane is "grounded" for routine maintenance and will become a life-line to many missionaries and national workers.

FAMILY FUN AND POWER OUTAGES

Our week got off to a great start as we enjoyed having all our family together, in one place, again. Hiking Old Man's Cave in Logan, OH brought back lots of great memories of trips to the Caves from my early years growing up in Athens, OH. Just as we finished the last "leg" of the journey, the winds picked up, a tree branch fell right where a couple of the grandkids had been standing just moments before, and it looked like time to "evacuate the park". Who would have suspected that was the beginning of our 4 days (and still counting) without electricity. So far, no electrical service has been restored on our road. I am so thankful for the gas generator Dennis had the foresight to buy a few years ago. It generates enough electricity to power our water pump, refrigerator, and some lights. Many have had (and still have) it much worse. Even MMS was without power for 2 days. I sorted mail by the light of the open window, others stripped paint and continued installing wing tanks by the light of the open hangar doors. Alas, the computers refused to work - slowing down many functions we would have normally done on those days. It did cause me to reflect on, not only those who deal with hurricane damage on a regular basis, but those we serve through MMS in countries that do not have the facilities we have available here. May God bless each of them in a special way today.

PRAISE GOD FOR A GOOD MRI REPORT

This is last year's photo illustrating the fine care Levi, Ethan and Anna were giving me following a heart cath in April 2007, then surgery to drain a cyst below my brain. At that time, my optic nerve and my pituitary gland was pushed into my lower brain tissue causing many problems. Many miracles happened as a result of prayers on my behalf (many by people from surrounding states that I did not even know). Fast forward to this past Wednesday. Dennis and I spent the day at OSU hospital in Columbus. It was time for an MRI to see if the cyst had refilled. What joy it was when my surgeon showed me the difference in the 2 MRI's (last year's before surgery and the one taken Wednesday). Everything was as it should be. The surgeon was delighted and so were we. We praise God for leading us to the right ophthalmologists, surgeon, hospital, and His own healing power.

MECHANICS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

After spending most of the day working on repair station records, Dennis got a little break from paperwork at "quitting time". "The Buppsters" arrived with bicycle in tow. With their dad away, Mom and daughters were looking for help replacing the bicycle tube and tire. Shortly after this photo was taken the "crew" moved into the hangar, next to their dad's tool box, so a bicycle repair learning session could take place. Unfortunately, the tire had to be replaced (which meant another trip back to the hardware store) and the "classroom experience" was put off until today. Tonight I expect to hear there are 3 happy girls riding a repaired bicycle around the streets of Coshocton. Today is riding lesson day. We started out in the pouring rain, caught the ornery little miniature horse and proceded with a lesson in checking and cleaning hooves. I've spent my whole life with horses so it is often surprising to me how awkward some things are when kids do them for the first time. Hoof cleaning is one of those experiences. While Rocky (the miniature) is quick to cooperate with me, he determined he was going to "plant" his feet into the ground for Ruth-Anne. After a few fumbling starts, a spirit of cooperation between instructor and student (one holding the hoof, the other cleaning), all 4 hooves were done and a new horse experience was added. I wonder if that is how God feels when He asks me to do something and I fumble around. Does He wonder, "how difficult can this be"? I do know, He comes alongside, step-by-step patiently showing me the way until I, too, have learned the lesson and the next time I can confidently move ahead to the place He asks me to go.

PAINTING AND MUCKING

Yes, I know "mucking" is not an aviation term, but it sure is a part of horse ministry. Building fences, painting fences (so they last a long time), cleaning water troughs, caring for equipment, putting up hay, mucking (cleaning out) stalls, all these are necessary if you are going to work with horses. Yesterday I had a rider wanting to muck out a stall to see what it was like. Wouldn't you know it, there was nothing to "muck". Tonight was a very different story, those horses must have been having a party in one particular stall last night. While Dennis was painting, I was "mucking". God blessed me indeed with an understanding, hard working, loving husband to enable me to share my horses with others. Tonight's painting was done after a day inspecting airplanes, cataloging and sending tools out for calibration, doing the research and paperwork necessary to put the King Air in MMS' Repair Station manual, working with an apprentice on a Condition and Correction statement (detailing the work that had been done on that airplanes). Dennis, you are the best!

KODIAK LEAVES MMS TO COMPLETE TOUR

Friday was a day of "wrapping it up" for several projects. The Kodiak had 4 more stops then their "tour", introducing this airplane to the public and the mission community, would be complete. What "wrapping it up" means for Dennis is - a day of paperwork in addition to airplane repairs/inspections. After making a piece of test equipment for the Kodiak, selling scrap to pay fuel expenses for a couple of German missionaries trailering their floats (rebuilt at MMS) back to Canada where they will be used on the C-185 (also rebuilt by MMS a few years ago), it was time for Dennis to devote the rest of the day doing the final paperwork that would allow these projects to go "back into service" and leave MMS. As for me, it was my day off from working in the MMS office so I was paying our own bills, grocery shopping, then bargain hunting in nearby Amish Country. The evening "found us" in McConnelsville, enjoying a chicken casserole prepared by our daughter-in-law, a visit with the grandkids, and installing a starter in our son's truck, assisted by 7 year old granddaughter Anna who even brought her own personal toolbox to help get the job done (forgot to get a photo to share of those 3 greasy mechanics finishing their job :-). God is blessing in so many wonderful ways!

PASSING OF THE BATON er.... WRENCH

Today Dennis had mercy on the dogs and left them in the house so my "alarm clock" was right on time. After a trip to the bank and post office to pick up MMS' mail, then back home again because I forgot my glasses (I must be getting old and forgetful), I finally ended up in the office. Most of my day was spent invoicing aircraft projects to the various mission organizations we serve by repairing their airplanes (our labor is donated to these ministries). Dennis continued the Kodiak inspection and even made a few tools to make the job easier. At 2:30 the PA system announced "cake's here". Shawn had completed the MMS apprenticeship program and "passed the wrench" on to the next "senior" (most months of experience) apprentice David. We all gathered around, celebrating with cake and ice cream, jokes and laughter. Just as I was ready to "close up" for the day, Edgar and Giselle arrived to check on the financial status of their airplane floats and to take the floats (by trailer) back to Canada. Later, Paul (MMS's newest apprentice) introduced us to his parents, who were visiting MMS for the first time, as we were heading home for the day. God is certainly a God of variety.

FUEL NOZZLE TESTING

I feel like I've been "running behind" all day. My day usually starts out with Sunny (my yellow lab) coming over to the bed, whining to get my attention so she can tell me the latest thing Win (Dennis' black lab) has retrieved. Usually it is a sock or washrag, sometimes it is her ball or bone. This morning Dennis decided to put an end to Win's morning mischief and put both dogs in the pen. Consequently, I overslept. Breakfast was rushed, then a trip to the bank and the post office to pick up MMS mail. While sorting the mail, I heard an announcement over the hangar PA system. Mike Dunkley was giving a fuel nozzle test demonstration in the Engine Shop. After putting on gloves, Mike showed us a fuel nozzle (see photo) from the PT6 engine in the Kodiak. It was time to check the nozzles for compliance with operating standards. The box to the left of Mike was made by Dennis for just this occasion. The test box allows us to check for nozzle spray patterns. Those that don't make the grade are rejected and replaced. All nozzles tested within acceptable standards. It's been an exciting time for the guys to check out this new airplane.

KODIAK INSPECTION

After a morning of giving horse riding lessons, a trip to the post office to mail out newsletters, a trip to the bank to cash a check for MMS, a stop off at Wendy's for an ice tea to keep me refreshed, I headed for the MMS hangar where the new Kodiak airplane was receiving an inspection by Mike, Ian and Dennis (that's Dennis checking the rigging in the wings). This is the airplane I mentionned last week (when Dennis had to get a drug test to work on this plane). This is the newest in missionary airplanes. It has a PT6A turbine engine, making it feasible for countries where Av-Gas in no longer available or cost prohibitive. It is a 10-passenger airplane or can be used to carry cargo instead. There is already a "waiting line" as these airplanes are being produced. It is quite an opportunity for us to be involved in the inspection on this particular airplane, building experience in our hangar to serve future, as well as current, mission needs.

NEWSLETTERS AND SELF-PORTRAITS

Okay, after computer breakdowns, printer errors and a non-functioning internet dial-up connection, here I am (working in my home office) finally "stuffing" this quarter's Newsletter. The one part of this job I do really enjoy is seeing the names of so many friends that are such an important part of our lives (pre-MMS and through 21 years of missionary service with MMS). Tomorrow these letters will be on their way to those very special friends. Without a photographer available, I entered "unchartered waters" and taught myself to use the timer on our camera so you can see what Newsletter day is like. This constantly learning new things is getting a little "spooky" and very "brain draining". May God bless you today.

FUN PHOTO FROM ZOO VISIT

I just couldn't resist taking this photo of Ethan and "friend" at the Columbus Zoo. This was a "back to school" outing organized by Rachel for the kids. Just a reminder to "let all the earth praise Him"! Enjoy your Sunday.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM ? ? ?

What do these smiling faces have in common? Yesterday was a "meeting of the minds" for the MMS Senior Management Team (SMT). The SMT is made up of the various department heads (CEO, Production, Training, Office & Human Resources) at MMS to facilitate communication between the departments. We meet the first Thursday of each month, then again the second Thursday with the entire MMS Staff. Part of our work is visionary, the other part deals more with the daily happenings within the organization. As you can see, I bring the "gender difference" point of view to the "table", as well as the accounting and office updates. We all come from diverse backgrounds, yet are motivated by our common desire to be what Christ would have us to be and to bring that attitude to the organization. It's my joy to be a part of this group of servants.

FACEBOOK AND LAWNMOWERS

Just when you think you have entered the electronic age, something else "pops up". For me, today it was Facebook. Due to popular demand (at least that's how it felt from my friends), I began my Facebook page last night. Today, Karen and Lela were in the MMS office encouraging and tutoring me from their Facebook pages. I actually successfully linked this blog to my Facebook, found a few "friends" and shared some laughs while learning. This learning new forms of communicating is quite the task.

Dennis was also in the instructional mode. Tonight several of the guys spent time after normal work hours, learning the basics of small engine repair. A few teenagers were added to the mix and the fun began. All of this was to "lay the groundwork" to actually trouble-shoot and repair one of the staff member's lawn mower. Dennis really enjoys these opportunities and I could see he was right "in his element" as the "students" were learning valuable mechanical skills.

TIME TO "CATCH UP"

Today was payroll. That's the day everyone likes to see me in the office. After a week off it felt good to be back in the office - paying bills, figuring payroll, doing online banking and payroll tax deposits, and all the reports that go with those things. I know this is not everyone's "cup of tea" but it is a "fit" for me. It's always amazing to see how God uses each person's unique abilities and personality (of course He did create them for His purpose). For Dennis, today was a little different. Part of his job today was getting a drug test so he could work on an airplane (more about that airplane next week). Time to head home and help Dennis with those last (I hope) 2 loads of firewood.

FIREWOOD SEASON ALREADY?

Last week Levi, Ethan and Anna came to help us put up firewood for this year. In 2 half days they helped us load, unload and stack 4 truckloads and 4 trailer loads of firewood. Not bad for a 7 year old, an 8 year old, a 10 year old and two "old timers". Tonight a neighbor gave us 2 (6 ton) dump truck loads of firewood. That motivated Dennis so much we headed back out to the field to load another truck and trailer load. We have two more loads to bring in and we should be pretty well "set" with wood for this winter. With the price of utilities, it is a blessing to be able to heat with wood. It does mark the end of summer though. Today was riding lesson day. The last day of summer vacation for both girls. Tomorrow is the first day of school. Another sign of the end of summer. A reminder to us of the Scripture that tells us "to everything there is a season". Every season has its own special moments and every season is necessary. God is good.

BAPTISM

Yesterday was a special day for us. All three of Adam and Melissa's kids were baptized. I still remember the day Levi called and said "Grandma, there is a new Christian in our family. It's me, Levi." Our first grandchild to receive Jesus as His savior. What a great day that was for us and now all 3 have accepted Christ and were baptized yesterday (with Adam assisting Pastor Carl). It was a great reminder to us of why we are here at MMS. Not everyone's grandchildren have heard the message of salvation. Not every place is accessible by car. By repairing missionary aircraft, and training mechanics to repair those airplanes while serving in an overseas missionary outreach, we are privileged to be a small part of making sure other grandchildren can hear the Good News also.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR HAY, FAMILY & FRIENDS

The hay is in! For two months we have been watching the weather reports on our computers looking for 3-4 good weather days (without any rain at all) to put up this season's hay. Yesterday was the day we had been waiting for. We cut the hay. Then the weather report changed and predicted 50% chance of rain this evening. After much prayer that our hay would be dry, "fluffing & raking" hay, we checked the field, the hay was dry and it was time to bale. Our son, Adam, brought his friend, Bret. David, our good friend and neighbor joined in and the work began. I got coolers ready, made lunch and supper, ran errands, and even got to help load the wagon for a season. Soon neighbors Garry, Brian and Rob joined the work party and over 500 bales were put in the barn. What a blessing and wonderful provision! Also a great time of fellowship and a time to value and appreciate the wonderful friends (and son) we have. Farmers - our "hats are off" to you.

THE TWO LITTLE BOOKENDS

That's what our vet calls our two labs. Care to take a guess which one is Winter (Win) and which one is Summer Sunshine (Sunny)? Today was their annual checkup. After coaxing them into the backseat of the car, and again out of the car into the vet's office, things went well. Dr. Polland and his staff took fine care of "the little bookends", updated their immunizations and gave them a good physical. Sunny came in as the heavyweight by 2 pounds (time to lay off the extra dog biscuits) but otherwise they were happy, healthy dogs. Home again just in time to finally mow hay for the horses. Dennis ate lunch, headed to Garry's to pick up the tractor and then to the field. We've been waiting for the weather to co-operate all summer. Once the hay is cut this afternoon, Dennis will head back to MMS to shut down his computer, "tie up some loose ends", then head back to the hayfield for "fluffing" (standing the hay up so the air can move through it more easily for drying). Our hope is tomorrow the hay will be dry and ready to bail. If not, we will take Sunday off to attend Levi, Ethan & Anna's baptism in Waterford, then head back to the hayfield on Monday.

Meet Ruth-Anne

After spending this morning doing electronic funds bank donations for MMS, paying bills and invoicing aircraft projects, and then an afternoon of meeting with MMS's Senior Management Team it is going to feel good to get outside in the fresh air with Ruth-Anne and Brenda. Ruth-Anne's family is from Zimbabwe, Africa. We have worked with her parents for over 15 years at MMS. Dale is a Team Leader and spends his day working on missionary aircraft, while teaching apprentices how to repair aircraft. His team is busy working on a Cessna 206 that will be returned to Chad, Africa for missionary service. Ruth-Anne loves horses and just returned from a week at Skyview Ranch so it will be exciting to see what she has learned. Time to get our faithful Subaru (215,000 plus miles) home so Dennis can replace the back struts while I am giving Ruth-Anne her lesson.

CHIEF INSPECTOR PAPERWORK DETAILS

After spending yesterday giving a few horse riding lessons (one very excited rider even got to move from the riding arena to riding on the trail), today has been a paperwork day for Dennis and I both. For me, the last few days of the month are spent paying bills, finalizing aircraft project invoices, sending them to Team Leaders for review, then sending out statements to the ministries, or local pilots, who own the airplanes. Dennis has been working on two paperwork projects of his own today. Repairs have just been completed on the tail wheel of a Stinson 108. This airplane landed at the local airport (next door to us). We were asked to repair the airplane. The fun part for the mechanics is repairing the plane. The "not as much fun" part is doing the log book entries and any FAA paperwork that might be required. Part of Dennis' day has been spent on the work order and logbook entry. Recently, Dennis has been generating "proof of experience" files for each MMS staff member. This will come in handy as experienced mechanics are matched with those needing experience on various projects. Dennis was surprised to find that he has worked on 52 different types of certificated airplanes, and 6 types of experimentals. Amazing to see the variety of experience MMS offers to apprentices and ministries alike. Time to leave the paperwork behind, go home, pet the dogs, check the weather to see if we can finally get the hay cut, and ride a horse.

TENNESSEE VACATION

It's been five or six years since we have had a vacation that was not project oriented (house repair, hay, etc) so our trip to Tennessee was a special time. Dennis and Anna had fun "hanging out together" and riding rides at Dollywood. Ethan had a great time, and won the first place medal, in the chicken race at Dixie Stampede. But, our favorite time of all was visiting with Garland. We had rebuilt his airplane when Dennis and I first came to MMS Aviation 21 years ago. Our son spent 2 summers working on Garland's camp in Canada. This was the first time they had seen each other for 16 years. What a great reunion and wonderful time of fellowship. It was a good reminder to us that it is the people who are reached through these planes that are so important and that is why we do what we do. And guess what - he even let me ride his horse.

MMS' Newest Graduate

It's been a long "road" for Shawn. He is the 70th person to complete his training at MMS. Shown here during his training with Dennis (blue shirt), Shawn spent 5 years gaining experience at MMS. An officer in Air Guard, Shawn was dispatched twice for overseas "tours of duty" during his apprenticeship. Today, perseverance paid off. Shawn received his FAA A&P license to work on airplanes. Soon, he and his family will move to Florida to begin service with Harvest Aviation, serving missions in Florida, Central America and the Caribbean. We don't always understand God's timing but we know He is always faithful and accomplishes His purposes. It's a privilege to serve Him.

Meet Cherokee and Danielle

Today is Tuesday (riding lesson day). Time to pull out jeans, boots, cowboy hat and spend some time with the girls. Cherokee is my energetic, sometimes unpredictable, but fun-loving Paint gelding. Danielle is my oldest riding student (both in age and number of summers taking lessons). We have a great time together.

Danielle's grandfather is the founder of MMS Aviation (the ministry Dennis and I have been serving with for 21 years). That's not why I give Danielle riding lessons, but it is how I met her parents years ago. Danielle's grandfather (Jim) was a missionary airplane mechanic in Bolivia with JAARS (support arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators) when God gave him a desire to train other missionary airplane mechanics so they would have "hands on" experience before serving on an "overseas field". MMS is the "fruit" of Jim's vision, and the many hours of work it took to bring it to pass. In 1986, Dennis and I made a trip to N. Carolina to visit Jim (who had returned to service with JAARS at that time) and shared our desire to use our technical skills to serve the Lord. Jim's example and encouragement strengthened our commitment to pursue mission service. You can learn more about MMS and "meet" some of the people involved in this ministry by "clicking" the link on this blog site. God is faithful!

Anna Turns 7

What a great weekend we've had. My sister, Marilyn, and her husband, John, came Thursday night. We spent a day in Amish Country, and John & Dennis spent an evening at a bluegrass/country/gospel music "jam", then we all went to the Fireworks Display in Coshocton. Pearl Valley Cheese in Fresno was Saturday's highlight. It was great to have them here. Friday night, Adam's family joined us for the Fireworks Display, pizza, and a day of family fun on Saturday. Sunday it was time to head to McConnelsville to celebrate Anna's seventh birthday (where do those years go?). All the cousins had fun just being together. Now, we're back to work - fixing airplanes for missions and paying the bills (even missionaries aren't exempt from bills :-). God is good!

HONDURAS 206

While I was spending 5 hours in Senior Management Team meetings today, downstairs in Hangar B the repairs were underway on the Honduras 206. This plane was brought to MMS for a 1,000 hour inspection. Often we find a lot of corrosion in airplanes that are often used for flights over the ocean. Once the inspection began, it became clear this airplane needed much more work done than anticipated. While this situation can become very frustrating (for our MMS work schedule and the owner who wants his plane back in service as soon as possible), the plane is providing valuable training to MMS apprentices and interns as it is now being rebuilt for mission service in Honduras. Each missionary at MMS raises their own financial support team, allowing us to provide free labor for all missionary airplane repairs.

Horse Tuesday

Tuesdays are always fun around our place. I take that day off from my normal accounting responsibilities at MMS to give a few free riding lessons. It's a great way to provide another Christian adult mentor in a young girl's life. Our patient Haflinger mare, Brenda, helps me teach Rachel and Ruth-Anne the fundamentals of horse care and riding. Both girls did a good job navigating the "obstacle course". Lots of hugs and encouragement on those days.

Today, it was back to MMS to "close the books" for another month, print out Board reports and begin July's work. For Dennis, it was time to meet with the FAA (Federal Aviation Admin), and review what is happening at MMS. He had a great review, was mentally exhausted and took me out to lunch to help "clear his head". Hmmmm, maybe I ought to call the FAA and ask if they can review his work more often :-)

You can "Teach an Old Dog New Tricks"

This morning we entered the world of the Blogger.

Most of the MMS staff and apprentices sat around a table and learned how to create a blog (Yes, a lot of us are "pre-electronic communications" age). This is a whole new world of relating for us. Handwritten notes, newsletters and now a blog to maintain so you, our friends, can be kept up to date on what is happening these days at MMS and other outreach ministries God may bring our way.