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

New Faces at MMS

(l-r) Laurie and Terry McClary are learing MMS policies and other orientation materials from Keith and Karen Dodson

Let us introduce Terry and Laurie McClary who have recently moved to Coshocton from Cincinnati, OH. Terry has volunteered many times in our MMS hangar during his vacation times.  Recently, Terry was able to take an early retirement in order to work fulltime here at MMS. We are excited about additional help in the hangar and the McClary's committment to furthering God's Kingdom this way.

The wings go on the Cessna 206 for Brazil

The above picture we posted last month of this Cessna 206 being moved from the paint booth. Below you can see the progress as the guys attach the wings.

Thanks Keith for this video which shows the wings being attached to the airplane for Brazil.

Tuesday Titbits

This morning I (Rena) found Dwight busy at his computer, composing his March "Donor letter". This is the name we attach to the letter that accompanies the tax deductible receipts as they are mailed out each month. He puts a lot of care and thought into his letters.

Looking through his window (behind his desk) I could see Jim N. and Andy P. working on the Cessna Skymaster for a ministry in Cananda. MMS is overhauling the engines as well as conducting inspections and other maintenance needs. It's bright red coat of paint makes it quite visible in the snow. This plane has two engines - one in the front to pull and one in the back to push!

It Keeps on Coming

The snow - it keeps coming! Thankfully we have a four-wheel drive vehicle and we have made good use of it. Up at MMS, we are running out of room to pile the snow. In spite of snow drifts, we do have a path to the front door. Dave Shelly, MMS' Facility Maintenance Manager, has been busy.

The shoveler wearing new boots. Rena made him buy them because the old ones had holes in them.

At home, Dwight spends a good deal of time shoveling snow from the deck and driveway. And it keeps coming. This last round of snow added seven more inches and more is forecast for tonight. Schools were closed all last week and again this week so far.