New Airstrip, New Milestone, New Faucet, and other fun updates

The updates seem to  be fewer and fewer...maybe because time seems to be at a premium these days.  Here are a few updates on the ministry and family.

The government of Cameroon has approved the use of a new airfield in Akwaya in the village of Manko. See the Needham's blog article for how this new airstrip was opened.  I have been there twice now in the plane, once yesterday for a medical evacuation, and once as you see in these pictures to practice approaches, landings, takeoffs, and departures.  It is a maximum performance field especially since more trees at the approach and departure end of the field need to be taken out.  Here are a few pictures of my first time there in the plane: 

Passing the mountains of Amanavil...notice all the landslides from last year's rainy season.

This is looking at the Manko strip from the departure point of view.  Notice the trees at the far end that have to be flown over or else flown through via a path above a stream.  You can clear the trees easily with a headwind and a less than full load. 

First landing at Manko! 

Many of the primary school kids raced over to the field. 

There are still numerous bush fires burning throughout Cameroon.  This one clouded visibility a bit until I passed by it.  The smell of smoke also fills the air. You can also determine the strength and direction of the wind when the smoke is blowing. 

Last week, I reached the 500 hour mark as a pilot.  Abby made tacos one night and a cake the next night to help me celebrate!  It reminded me of the times we celebrated with Jack and Jonnie Hunt in North Carolina after I finished my Instrument then Commercial flight training.  Abby is a great pilot's wife! 

 

Thanks to Abby and Elena for donating their time to make the cake, and thanks to Elias for donating his toy planes :) 

Abby's kitchen faucet has been a nuisance for months.  I finally got the time and "courage" to attempt to replace it and make the new one mount stronger.  It turned out pretty good. 

 

Since Elias is not in school yet, he gets to go with me to Sabga alot when I fly.  He helps me unfold the wings and prepare for my flight.  Then he spends the next few hours playing with airplane legos at Uncle Tom and Aunt Barb's house. 

He likes to sit in the plane while we push it away from the hangar down the "taxi-way."

The Needhams found the first mangoes this year, so Abby asked me to find some the next day in Bamenda. 

Uncle Jim, notice the array of Herbalife next to my healthy bowl of cereal.  Unfortunately, I am not trying to lose weight but gain it.  Anyone for a Culver's trip when we get back?