From the Hangar to the Kitchen?

Recently our director reminded the members of our branch that we have to be ready to stretch into roles that we didn’t necessarily train for or expect to do in order to facilitate the branch’s long-term success. It’s a common theme in the life of a missionary—we do a lot of things we never thought we’d do for the sake of Bible translation. And beginning in August, it will mean I move from working in the hangar to working in the kitchen.

Missy and I have been asked to act as Kitchen Managers during the Pacific Orientation Course (POC) that begins in mid August.  Without kitchen managers the course would have to be cancelled. Fifteen families are scheduled to attend the August POC where they will learn about PNG culture and the Tok Pisin language. Missy and I took a short version of it back in 1999 and then our whole family participated in the course in 2012.

Please pray for us as we get ready for this assignment.  We need to move to the POC facilities around August 8, and we’ll stay there until a few days before we leave PNG on October 15.  So during the next several weeks, we’ll be packing for our return to the US at the same time.

Photo: One of our responsibilities will be teaching the students to cook and bake over an open fire.

Aircraft & Airport Improvements

On occasion, Quest Aircraft Co. (the manufacturer of the aircraft we use in PNG) sends us instructions on how to improve the Kodiaks—ensuring that they serve Bible translation to their full potential. Recently I (Jon) installed an airframe kit on one of the Kodiaks that will strengthen and extend the life of the body of the aircraft. I had to take some of the tail section apart, strengthen specific parts with sheet metal, and reinstall the tail section when finished. The job went smoothly and the aircraft is back in the air serving Bible translation in PNG!

Our airplanes and helicopters fly hundreds of hours each year ferrying thousands of passengers around Papua New Guinea (PNG). But one thing our department has desired for a long time was an organized place to prepare flights and load passengers. Since February, I have had the privilege of overseeing the transformation of our facilities. Lots of concrete has been poured, a fuel system modified, and new flight line sheds were built to store supplies for the pilots and ground crew. Praise God, the new ramp extension is now helping our staff prepare for flights more smoothly and efficiently. The next phase of improvements involves remodeling the hangars and offices. First step: Lots of cleaning out and throwing away!

Sweet Success

As teacher, principal and half the school board, I get to determine when school is done for the year.  (Yes, I feel the power….)  This year our last day of school fell on 6 June.  Claire graduated from Grade 4 and Isaiah completed Grade 2.  And there was much rejoicing!

They each received a bundle of the much anticipated “You Did It” certificates to proudly display on the walls of their rooms.

Daddy took the day off to get some communication done…or so the story goes.  I’m sure the fact that we planned to celebrate with Magnum bars had nothing to do it.  Our deepest sympathies to all you North Americans who have never had opportunity to sample this decadent, frozen confection.  It’s been years since they made an appearance in our Centre’s store, but when they do, we all find reasons to celebrate!

Isaiah, however, chose the green, lime-ish flavored ice.  We’re debating whether or not to pursue counseling for him.  <wink>