Birthday Party in Pennsylvania

Rena's parents, Bill and Mae Tarter

May 28th found us on our way to Wyomissing, PA to visit Rena's folks. My mother-in-law, Mae, turned 80 on that day. Rena's brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Deborah arrived earlier from Vancouver, BC and were there to help celebrate the milestone birthday. Some weeks earlier e-mails had gone out to family and friends requesting a card shower for Mae (hoping she would recieve at least 80 cards) There were many enthusiastic participants and as of Saturday 110 cards had arrived!!

Dwight, Deborah and Bill Tarter (Jr.) As her gift to Mae, Deborah single-handedly prepared a delicious evening meal. Actually, we all enjoyed the gift.

Happy Birthday to you.....

Lots of cards to open

Memorial Day Weekend

Last week was quite busy for Dwight. After an FAA renewal seminar for Designated Mechanic Examiners in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Dwight drove on to Reading (PA) to spend a couple days with Rena's parents. He was able to lend moral support following Dad's recent hospitalization and do some minor maintenance projects around their house. Dwight returned late Friday, just in time to start the Memorial Day Weekend.

Rather than relying on word pictures, here's some picture pictures.

Scott and Stephanie came and decided Saturday was a good day for a haircut. (The result is upper right.)

While Stephanie cut Scott's hair, Dwight gave his granddog some attention.

After church on Sunday, it was grilling time.

Something to do while Grandpa grills the meat.

Monday evening everyone's gone home and we go for a walk at a local park.

We met some really nice people at the park--our pastor and his family.

Newsletter is coming!

printer repair

We have been busy getting our personal newsletter ready to send to you. Typically it takes us about a week from start to finish. The writing takes a few days as we toss around ideas, rearrange the wording etc. Many of you will of course get it via e-mail as per your request, but the majority go out by "snail mail". That of course involves printing, folding, stuffing, stamping and mailing. This time we needed to repair the printer a little so that we could offer you a quality looking letter :) The MMS GroundCrew goes out this weekend too. Many of the MMS ladies will be gathered tonight to stuff those envelopes.

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Last Sunday, Mother's Day, we spent time together with Jen, Jason and the grandkids. Javin is a very active 5 year old and keeps Dwight "young" with his games. As you can see, Dwight was persuaded to particpate in a stick sword fight.

Javin found the "swords" in the yard and gave Grandpa the skinny one.

Missions Fair

When MMS received an invitation to participate at a church Missions Fair in Mansfield, OH, Dwight jumped at the opportunity. We always enjoy sharing about the unique ministry of MMS and the way God uses this ministry to further His Kingdom. We spent Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday morning at the church, participating in various activities.

Dwight talks to an inquirer in front of the MMS Display

A bonus to our trip was spending an overnight with Ron and Connie Daughtery, who live in Mansfield. Ron is the chairman of the MMS Board of Directors. Their neighbors, Dan and Fran Manningham are also friends and it was great to see them too. Dan and Dwight serve on the Board of MSI (Mission Safety International) together. In fact they will be traveling together on Thursday to the semi-annual board meeting of MSI in Elizabethton, TN.

l-r Dan and Fran Manningham, Connie Daugherty, us and Ron Daugherty

New to MMS

l-r Rena, David Schwartz, Briana, Asher (13 mo) and Jeremiah Morris, Bob and Lisa Schwartz

Just last week MMS accepted a new couple for training at MMS. They are Jeremiah and Briana Morris. Jeremiah pilots for an airline based in Colorado and desires to use his skills in missions. He will be getting the mechanic's training in order to meet the pilot/mechanic licenses required by most missions. We hosted a supper for them and their delightful son, Asher (13 mo), along with staff members Bob and Lisa Schwartz and their son David. Pray for Jeremiah and Briana as they share their vision with friends, family and churches. We look forward to their move to MMS just as soon as their financial support has been raised.

Mozombite's new family member

Amy, Asher and David Mozombite

In an earlier post (March 17 - you can look it up in the archived posts) I (Rena) put up pictures of an adoption shower that Jen and I attended for Asher who was to arrive from Ethiopia. He arrived in the USA on April 4th and is adjusting well to the Mozombite family. He has such a happy personality and is liberal with his hugs. For more pictures go to their blog at http://www.mozosonmission.blogspot.com/

The highlight of Dwight's day - a hug from Asher

David has just completed his training at MMS. Pray for him as he takes his FAA exams next month, ending with the Oral and Practical exams on the 12th and 13th of May.