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.