Spring has Sprung

According to experts on the news, the blossoms on the trees this spring are extra abundant because of the harsh winter we had. Our Bradford Pear tree is no exception and we're enjoying the beauty. I like to think this is God's gift to us after the hardship of winter. Consequently, I know why my (Rena) allergies are more severe this time.

Spring also brings an abundance of weddings and bridal showers. I had fun on Friday at a bridal shower for Esther J. who will marry Andy P. from MMS. Esther is in the center of the picture wearing a compulsory pink feather boa. The rest of us had to wear novel headgear to join in the silliness. None of us knew what the head decorations were called. Do you know?

Saturday afternoon, after Dwight completed his PT6 engine course, we attended a wedding of a young couple from our church. It has been a busy week.

Back to School

I'm back in the full learning mode and really enjoying it. For quite a few years MMS Aviation has sent staff and apprentice mechanics to training schools for Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6A turboprop engine series. When Bob (MMS' Training Manager) asked if I'd like to take advantage of a PT6A maintenance course here at our facility, I said, "Yes".

Several boxes containing a PT6 engine, tools, and various training aids needed for the course were shipped to MMS last week. Classes began Monday morning and there are ten students. We have about four hours of classroom time and three and a half hours in the shop each day practicing what we learned in class. The course will be completed Saturday.

MMS contracted with StandardAero for the training. StandardAero is the world's largest independent small gas turbine engine and accessory repair and overhaul facility. The instructor has many years of experience conducting PT6A (and other engines) training courses in a number of countries.

For some context to all this, the airplane pictured above is a Beechcraft King Air 200 and is powered by PT6A engines. This one is operated by Gospel Carrier International and is maintained by MMS. In this picture the left engine is getting a compressor wash with de-mineralized water because dirty compressors degrade engine performance. (I knew that already, but have learned more about the process this week.)

Easter/Birthday

We trust you all had a blessed Easter as we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord.  We were blessed to have all of the family here with us this weekend. Not only was it Easter, but also my (Rena) birthday. Javin and Chanelle hunted for those colorful eggs that Uncle Scott and Aunt Stephanie filled with candy and money!

left to right (back row) Jason, Stephanie, Jen, Scott, Dwight.. (front row) Javin, Chanelle and Rena

On to Honduras

After many months, hours and weeks, this Cessna 206 left MMS for Honduras this week. We praise the Lord that another airplane is now being used to further God's Kingdom.



The Honduran 206 Returns to Missionary Service from Keith Dodson on Vimeo.

Hernia Surgery Day

Last night we drove up to Cleveland in preparation for Dwight's hernia surgery this morning. You may ask, "Why Cleveland, when there are surgeons here in Coshocton?"  Years ago my (Rena's)  uncle heard about a method for hernia surgery in Canada where healing time was much faster than the normal method (either under general anethesia of lapriscopically). My uncle went to Toronto for this surgery and was on his way home shortly after. He was thrilled with the results. We discovered the Hernia Center of Ohio does this same method. And we are very pleased with the results. Dwight has to walk two hours today (in 30 minute increments) and four hours tomorrow. After the third day there are no restrictions. Sounds incredible doesn't it! Check out the video below. Evidently, people come from all over the country to be operated on by Dr. Grischkan. The method for this kind of surgery on all hernias is called "Shouldice" - named after the Dr. who deveoped it.

LeTourneau Week

This has been "LeTourneau Week" at MMS.
A team of students from LeToureau University in Longview, TX came to MMS during their spring break to volunteer in the hangar for the week. Serveral of our staff hosted these wonderful volunteers in their homes. We enjoyed getting to know Linda and Erica in our home. Linda is from Miami and Erica from Wisconsin. Both are in the mission aviation course at LeTourneau.

                       

(back row)Matt Poelman(LeTourneau instructor), Ben Hoogewerf,

 Jonathan Searcy, Norman and Taryn Fleet with Dwight

(front row) Linda Saintelus and Erica Smith

                                  Linda, Rena and Erica