OUR LITTLE MIRACLE BABY

For months it looked like Rachel was going to lose this baby. After months of appointments, bedrest, an ambulance ride to the hospital, then a ride by helicopter, Cayde made his appearance 6 weeks early. Even though he was only 4 lb 11 oz, his lungs were well developed and he only had a 6 day stay in NICU before going home to be with his family. This photo is 2 months later (weighing in at over 12 pounds). We are certainly praising God for His care over Rachel and Cayde.

MMS books are done, Dennis is making labels for the Repair Station Parts, progress is being made in the hangar on airplane repairs, and the sun is shining so I am heading out to enjoy this beautiful day. Time to walk the trail at the park, then head home to ride horses.

AHHHHH, VACATION AT LAST

Day 1 of vacation and only 2 calls to/from MMS for Mary and 1 for Dennis. That's pretty good for us - so far, vacation is a success :-) After lunch out at Chicago Pizza (where Seniors get their drinks free with the buffet on Mondays), it was time to head to Zanesville for a little tool shopping errand (the one type of shopping Dennis actually enjoys). Lowes, Home Depot, WalMart here we come!Okay, let's try this thing out! Well, it was fun (?) while it lasted, but back to WalMart to return the paint spray gun (which did not work as well as Plan A's old paint gun try). Time to put Plan C into action. At least, I'm counting on Dennis having a Plan C (and I hope it's not for me to paint the fence by myself again with an old fashioned paint brush).

What do "accountant types" do on vacation? While Dennis is trying to make at least a little progress on painting the fence, I thought I'd organize some of our own paperwork, work on our blog, and a quick link to Facebook. It's pretty slow going with dial up internet connection. After several frustrating attempts to upload photos, I think I'm about ready to head to the barn, clean some stalls, and see if I can find a horse to ride. After all, I am on vacation :-)

These two REALLY know how to enjoy a vacation!

GOING BY AIR

Yesterday, it was "brought home" to me once again what a valuable tool the airplane can be. A 3 day trip was reduced to 1 day. 2 days of travel were reduced to 4 hours of travel. No overnight lodging was required, no gas stops, and only 1 meal. And - that's here in the United States.




Williams Cheng (Gospel Carrier Intl) graciously agreed to fly Dennis, Tim and I (in a Cessna 310 that MMS maintains for his ministry) to JAARS (support arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators) for a conference with JAARS' Chief Inspector regarding FAA Repair Station work orders and JAARS' procedures.

After a short meeting with Ken (JAARS' Chief Inspector), we went to the Parts Department to talk with the bookkeeping and receiving departments to see how their system was linked (we even got in a little "grandparent/Facebooking" conversation time). After lunch, the afternoon was spent going over Standard Operating Procedure Manuals and Repair Station work orders.

As we were leaving, Jim told me that when he became a JAARS member in 1969 there were only a few translations (it was approx 10) of the Bible in the area Wycliffe served. Now there are over 700 translations, allowing those "people groups" to hear God's Word in their "heart" language. Many people in places that could not be reached without the use of the airplane.

It was good to take a day "out of the office" to see God at work in so many ways.

MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES

July is hay making season for us. Thanks to the generosity of the friend who gives us his field and another who lends us the equipment, we are able to continue using horses for a ministry to others (something I thought I would have to give up when we went into missions over 20 years ago). After watching the weather forecast, co-ordinating schedules, and arranging vacation leave, we were ready to begin cutting hay Monday morning. As you can see, it was a beautiful, sunny, low humidity day, with a slight breeze to dry hay.

Two neighbors volunteered their help. Two friends serving here with us at MMS came to help, one brought his son for the experience (see photo of Noah transferring hay from bailer to wagon). Noah was a reminder of the days our own son has baled hay with us.

Once again, the hay has been provided for another year of ministry with the horses God has given us.

A BUSY FEW MONTHS

I knew I hadn't "blogged" for a long time, but 2 months is quite "a stretch". The month of May found us putting over 3,000 miles on our Subaru as we traveled at least every weekend, as well as mid-week on some occasions. It was a wonderful time of visiting family and support team, celebrating birthdays, etc.
One of our favorite times in June is when Adam and Melissa take their youth group to S Carolina for evangelism and discipleship training. Levi, Ethan and Anna spend that week at our house. We always have lots of fun. Here is Ethan taking his first ride on our 2 year old Haflinger, Spirit.

We took a week of vacation and spent time at Rolling Ridge Animal Park, Heini's Cheese Factory (took a tour - everyone especially enjoyed the many free samples - did you know they make chocolate fudge cheese :-), swimming, biking in the local park, McDonalds and Wendy's, and making Father's Day Gifts in the garage with Dennis (I admit I was a little nervous when I saw the table saw in operation, but was thankful for goggles and hands on protection from grandpa), and Logan, Ohio's Washboard Festival.

Our first week back from vacation, Richard and Ashley Whittemore came to MMS for their missionary candidate evaluation. Missionaries with SCORE, Richard and Ashley were accepted for apprenticeship with MMS once their support is raised. There are now 5 families raising support to begin training. We had fun getting to know Richard and Ashley when we hosted them at our house for dinner Thursday night. Our Haflinger, Brenda, was a big "hit" as Ashley spent some fun time horseback riding.

As much fun as it is to meet the new families, part of MMS is saying goodbye to those you have come to love and serve with for the past few years. David Mozombite and Gertjan Kamphorst have just passed their FAA exams and now have their A & P licenses (Airframe & Powerplant). This means they are "moving on" to other ministries to fly and/or repair airplanes for those ministries. This was a celebration dinner hosted by Gertjan & Glenda. A new experience for us, grilling your meal while you visited.

EVALUATION WEEK

This has been a busy week - payroll, dentist appointments, doctor appointments, and today a hospital appointment for a bone density scan (and it's only Wednesday). I am having a hard time staying focused - and next week I will be in an MMS audit (lots of files to get ready this week for the auditor). A bright spot this week is the family who has come from Colorado with their dream of being a missionary pilot/mechanic family. They feel MMS would be a good "fit" for their training and have come for an evaluation. Last night was our night to "host" them for dinner and we had a wonderful time getting to know them. Today, Jeremiah finishes his "in hangar" evaluation. Tomorrow, they will learn whether they have been accepted into the MMS apprenticeship program.

Asher enjoying his trip to see Spirit.

Evals are good for us also. It is a reminder of the hopes and dreams we brought with us 23 years ago when we first "checked out" MMS for our missionary training experience. God is good! For us, MMS is still a "fit" and a place to serve.

WITH AGE COMES EXPERIENCE

What do I do on a cold, rainy day off in Coshocton when the internet is "down" at home and the dogs are tracking in so much mud it's pointless to clean the house? I go to MMS.

Mary and Paul reviewing his 2008 tax records for tomorrow's tax deadline.

Dennis helping Chuck with the paperwork that comes with engine repair.

Though it seems only yesterday we were the new apprentices, in reality that was over 22 years ago. Now, we are the "old timers" (I know it's hard to believe), and can serve others through the experience we've gained over the years. Almost, makes getting older worth it.

TRAINING THE TRAINER

To be a good trainer, you must be trainable. At MMS, it seems we are always in the process of some type of "development". People skills are refined, spiritual attitudes are addressed, and this week was a time of instruction for our staff and apprentices in methods of learning and teaching. The same is true in the world of horse training. Last Friday I attended Equine Affaire in Columbus, OH to learn new training skills. Now it was time use what I learned.

Okay, Cherokee, here's how it's done.

That's not a "yield". Talk about your "stiff-necked" students!

Now we are making progress. Nice flexible "yield".

Whoops. I guess there is still a little belligerence left in this student.

Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May I learn to joyfully "yield" to the lessons He has to teach me.

1941 TAYLORCRAFT GETS NEW GASKET

This is a very unusual photo of Dennis. He likes to get his hands dirty. He likes to work on engines. Here he is trying to keep his hands off the engine while instructing 2 LeTourneau students who are replacing a blown cylinder head gasket. It's been fun for everyone this week sharing the "beauty" of the MMS program (an apprenticeship program with a "hands on" approach, while working on "live" aircraft). The airplane they are working on is a 1941 Taylorcraft that was donated to MMS several years ago. This allows our pilots to get more hours of "tail dragger" experience, as well as more hours of less expensive flight time, preparing them for future service with other missionary organizations. Now that I've given you just a little glimpse of Dennis' day, I'm heading out to do errands.

LETOURNEAU INTERNS AT MMS

It's Spring (or it will be in 2 days) and for universities that means Spring Break and Intern Programs. For the past several years, MMS has hosted college students from LeTourneau University in TX. They travel to Ohio, then spend a week with us at MMS and, under the supervision of MMS staff, work on whatever current projects are available. This gives them an opportunity to use their airplane maintenance skills in actual shop conditions. Sometimes, this confirms a "call" to mission service. Later, MMS can provide a 2 years "hands on" additional work experience for mechanics that are "fresh" out of school, with little or no maintenance experience. This makes them eligible to apply with various mission organizations that use airplanes to enable the spreading of the gospel, often in remote parts of the world.

PEOPLE AND PLANES

Bat-Enkh, missionary from Mongolia

In 2004, Bat was sent to the United States (and MMS Aviation) to study, gain more experience on the hangar floor, and take the US Airframe & Powerplant exams. Bat completed that course and returned to Mongolia. Now, he has returned to MMS for another month of preparation and , when the preparation is complete, will take his Authorized Inspector's exams. He will then return to Mongolia as a missionary who can return mission aircraft to service.

Paint job now complete

Time to install engine for Moody Aviation's airplane

COMPANY IS COMING

Tomorrow night company is coming for dinner and it's time to get the house back in order. After a day at MMS, working with Dana to prepare February's financial reports, close the accounting month and begin paying March's invoices, it was time to make a quick stop at WalMart, then heat up leftovers for supper, order my prescription, bake a few pies, toss a salad and do the dishes. That was about all I "had in me" for today. Dennis and his two companions "stepped up to the plate" for the final kitchen preparations. It'll be fun to meet Mark, Jenny and Abigail. They are here from England for a one week evaluation and some time on the hangar floor to see if MMS is a "good fit" for their future training in aircraft maintenance and a career in mission aviation. Rounding out the table, will be our two single apprentices, Paul (from Ohio) and Andy (also from England and here as a part of MAF-UK's partnership with MMS Aviation). Another opportunity to see what English is really supposed to sound like.

THINK SPRING

Perhaps I'm rushing the season a little bit, but today's warm temperatures (and even the little bit of rain showers) sure felt good after a day in the office. Took my tennis shoes to work and headed to the local walking path for some fresh air and exercise. Then, came home and spent some time with the horses. Meetings in the morning, aircraft project statements, correspondence, and end of month projects in the afternoon. I love what I do, but sometimes I just need to be outside - instead of just looking outside.

BOY SCOUT CEREMONY

This weekend we went to Athens, visited our home church (always great to see old friends we grew up with), then went to our grandson's Boy Scout Blue and Gold Awards Banquet. Saturday night was spent with Mary's mom, Sunday with Rachel's family.

Tanner & Doug spent Saturday making this soccer ball cake.

A "shy" Tanner with some of the awards he received.


Sister Leah trying to be patient.

Today, it's back to business as usual. Except - I am training Dana in payroll accounting. It seems there were a lot of "exceptions to the rule" today (isn't that how it always is when you are training someone), and a lot to learn but Dana is working hard and doing a good job. I'm glad for her willingness to provide a "back up" for my job.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, ANYWAY

I thought I'd be much too sore to even get out of bed today, much less spend the day at MMS doing accounting. But, I made it. The last few days have been eventful. The windstorm that went through Coshocton Wednesday night kept Dennis up all night (watching for storm damage at our house), shut off our electricity until 3:00 Thursday afternoon, then kept Dennis busy all day Thursday removing trees from the horse pasture fence and repairing fencing and gates. Just as he finished that task, we received a phone call from a friend who stores the rest of our horses' hay in her barn. The storm had destroyed a transformer at her house, taken part of the roof off the barn, blew the sliding doors and one side off the barn. Since our hay was in that section, we needed to quickly move about 500 bales of hay.

In the process of moving part of the hay to our smaller barn, the truck (pulling a wagonload of hay) made it part of the way through the gate then refused to move. It was stuck in the mud. After much discussion, winching, pushing, putting out wood shavings (for better traction), prayer, offloading hay from the wagon (that we had just loaded onto the wagon 15 minutes before) to the truck, progress was made and the first truckload of hay was put up in our barn. Now it was time to get serious and go pick up the tractor. In all, 3 trailer loads of hay were loaded. The rest of the hay was moved to the other side of the barn for storage. As I was picking up the trash that had been blown around, the wind blew open the well-soaked item in my hand. You can imagine my surprise as I looked down to discover I was holding a hymnal, opened to the hymn "To God Be The Glory". I had to smile. Even in the midst of all that had happened, everyone was safe, 7 helpers showed up to help move the hay and we finished before nightfall.

Yes, I thought, "to God be the glory."

IT'S NOT AN ALIEN INVASION

When I saw this photo, I had to smile. Although David and Paul may look like aliens, they are really MMS apprentices "suited up", checking out the spray gun and ready to paint an airplane for Moody Bible School. We have done several repairs to this airplane, now painting is next on the agenda. Thanks to the donations of many during the MMS building fund campaign, this paintbooth is now a reality. When Dennis and I first came to MMS over 20 years ago, painting was done outside with "windbreakers" put around the project, and the weather had to co-operate. This is a great, all weather system - safe and efficient. So many changes. This morning I was checking on international wire transfers, paying Ohio State Sales Tax online, and downloading MMS' current bank transactions for reconciling with the accounting program. So many tasks have now been "streamlined". Hey, maybe this will give me more horse riding time!

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF TRANSPORTATION

It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to send a note. I had to laugh when I saw this photo of the Cessna 182 on its way to Hangar C to receive a new paint job. With all the advantages of air transportation, the old-fashioned use of our own two legs (Shank's mare, as my grandmother used to say) often has merit. Snow and ice have been everywhere this past week and a half. It didn't matter much to me since I had all 5 grandkids here for a cousin/grandchild 4 day sleepover and was "homebound". They have only done this one other time at our house so it was a special event while Doug and Rachel attended Pastor/Wives retreat and Adam's kids joined in the fun. The first day Dennis was sick, 2 days later MMS was closed because of the icy road conditions so Dennis stayed home again (fortunately for us, since the electric went out and Dennis was able to get the generator going for lights, bathroom breaks, and cooking). No one got hurt, the fears that the youngest would cry for Mom all evening were unfounded (in fact she cried when she had to go home), they had lots of fun playing in the snow, and we have recovered from all the fun times and extra work. I love being a grandma! Now back to "normal" life.

BELLANCA VIKING BACK IN SERVICE

MMS is a great place to serve. There is always a variety of things happening. Some weeks are like last week when it seemed God was working on my "planning issues". Every day apprentices (and staff members alike) are learning and growing in maintenance, communication and personal skills. This week, Andy (from England) began his 30 month apprenticeship program. We are partnering with MAF-International in Andy's training. Today, the annual was completed on the Bellanca Viking owned by I-Care Ministries. This plane is used as a transportation tool while Pastor and Mrs Williams lead Leadership Training and Development courses for developing churches in Mexico and the US. Through the gifts of our personal support teams, we were able to work on this aircraft at no labor charge to I-Care Ministries (saving them several hundred dollars in repair costs that can now be channelled back into their ministry).

DON'T YOU LOVE A BARGAIN

Looking back over last week's blogs, I realized I had a common theme (change in plans). It must have been a "learning curve" week for me. It's the end of the day. Payroll is finished. Federal reports are filed. Here is the "rest of the story" on last week's "change of plans/printer saga". Because of the delays, I was able to do a little further research (for rebates, etc), gather a few more coupons, pick up ink cartridges we could no longer use and a folder with a year's worth of receipts - now I was ready to "deal". Dennis went along for a "couples night out" and trip to the office supply store. By the time I was done, the store manager was laughing, I was able to return to MMS with a $179 printer for $89 and we had an additional $160 in credit on MMS' account. My patient husband even stayed to help set up the printer at MMS while I reprogrammed some of the receipting program "set-up" to accept the new print format. I must admit - I love a good bargain!

GOING IN CIRCLES

Like these two furry friends, it seemed like I was going around in circles today. A problem with the bank transfer program, a 2 hour meeting, a problem with a rebate website, the fax machine - it seemed I was never going to get the things done that I had planned for today. It was time to re-organize my priorities. I do accounting. I rely on consistancy to achieve results. I almost always have a "plan" in place. Changing my plan is not easy for me. Yet, today was a day of change. In my frustration, I was reminded of Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." My "to do list" didn't get completed, but many good things were accomplished at MMS today. The Lord determined "the steps" and that's what I desire in my life.

NOTHING LIKE A "SNOW DAY"

I had plans for the day. I made them yesterday afternoon (right before the headache and upset stomach set in for last night and today). I made plans to be "out of the office" and "on the road" to find a printer for our receipting department at MMS. That may not sound very exciting, but I was looking forward to the change in schedule. Instead, I spent the morning recuperating and the late part of the afternoon doing household and barn chores. I must admit, it felt great to be outside with the dogs and horses, play in the snow for awhile, and just enjoy getting away from technology. Thank you Lord for your much better plan. I'm glad my original plan "fell through".

MAGNETO 500 HOUR INSPECTION

Everyone is happy that physical inventory is done and work has resumed on airplanes. I'm happy to have all the inventory changes made in the computer, 2008 books closed, 2008 files replaced with 2009 files, receipting program achived and updated for 2009, tax reports, 1099's and W-2's done. With a "sigh of relief" we are back in the normal day-to-day operating mode. Several have been out of the hangar, falling victim to the "stomach flu" virus that is going around. Dennis took a break from paperwork to lend a hand with the Pfeiffer Aztec annual inspection. Here Dennis is instructing and overseeing Gertjan on a 500 hour magneto inspection. The magneto must be "torn down", parts inspected and perhaps replaced, tolerance levels checked. They were having a great time together when I stopped in to take this photo and as I watched Gertjan measure the "tolerance level" smiles broke out as the magneto was "right on". One more day meeting training goals, serving others while inspecting their airplane that will continue to be used in evangelism, and an opportunity to return to God the skills He has given us to use for His kingdom. To God be the glory.

TIME TO TAKE INVENTORY

The beginning of a new year brings lots of resolutions and is a time to reflect on the past (you might call it "taking inventory of our lives"). At MMS, on our first day back from Christmas break, we take inventory of all the parts that are kept in stock to work on airplanes. The guys would rather be working on the planes, but even these details are important to the daily activity at MMS. Sunday was our oldest grandson's birthday. We spent mid-Nov to Jan 4 doing a lot of travel with Thanksgiving, a speaking engagement, birthdays and Christmas. It's a time to reflect on the blessings we have as we spend extra time with family. May your 2008 reflections and 2009 resolutions cause you to rejoice in God's presence in every area of your life.