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.