July 2022

above: the “ham-mock”

The Hammock

Let me tell you of a controversial word that could divide your family loyalty in two. This word may drive brother against brother, and may even make fathers disown their very children. The word is hammock. No, you didn’t read that wrong. Stop and say the word “hammock” out loud. If you said “ham-mock” you are a decent and trustworthy person. If you said “ham-mick” you are probably someone that should be on a no-fly list. I am not an English language master, for example, the words “pool” and “pole” escape my lips as essentially the same word. But I will die on this mountain that the swingy, sleepy thing is called a ham-mock.
We the Martin family have several ham-mocks. I have always been fond of sleeping and hammocks offer a unique burritolike experience. I have two “Wise Owl” backpacking hammocks, one for me and one for Freddie. I once made the mistake of sleeping with my 5-year-old son in my two-man hammock. That night started well with both our weary bodies retiring early. Then it grew into a long and uncomfortable one, as what once was my precious son got replaced by a boney-kneed octopus with restless leg syndrome.
One of our favorite hammocks is the one hanging on our back porch. Freddie and Aria both love to swing from it, and Freddie will routinely spend hours swinging back and forth daydreaming about new inventions. My relationship with this hammock predates my relationship with Maria, and I find my fondness for both has grown ever deeper over time. Unlike Maria, my hammock doesn’t take all the covers or lay criss-cross and demand more bed real estate… Hmm if I continue much longer, I maybe spend all my time on the hammock… Anyways moving on. I purchased this hammock on a short-term mission trip to Belize 14 years ago. After seeing everyone looking so comfortable hanging out in these lovely things, I knew I needed to acquire one. Recently after Evelyn’s surgery, I spent hours holding and rocking her in this trusty hammock. For some reason, Evelyn was comforted so well by the gentle swinging of that hammock.

We honestly don’t know the long-term consequences of our actions. Like the Central American factory worker that assembled that hammock 14+ years ago probably never imagined that their handiwork would be what a father needed in Ohio to help calm his hurting daughter. Or the factory worker in Lititz, Pa welding wheeled platforms that will one day allow medivac helicopters to leave their hangars faster and save more lives (I witnessed this firsthand). Our lives are interdependent, and the small things we do can make a giant difference thousands of miles away. I’m privileged with my job here at MMS because I am daily reminded of the missions that use these flying tools to aid people around the world, but we couldn’t be here without you. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (paraphrased) “So, whether you eat or drink, make helicopter dollies, trusty hammocks, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Enough writing; time to take a nap in my trusty ham-mock.

Currently at MMS

The annual I was working on for “Flights for Christ” Maule M5 is completed! Since completing the Maule, I have been busy! I aided in getting the AWA yellow and blue 206 annualed and ready for its trip into northern Canada where it will be used to reach far into the interior of the great white north.

I also assisted in an engine change on Gospel Carrier Mission’s King Air 200. This engine change gave me great turboprop experience which will be very helpful in the near future.

I am currently working on an avionics upgrade to LAMP’s bright red Piper Lance. This airplane will also serve in northern Canada, which I am told is a big country. Avionic upgrades like this are crucial for ensuring continued safe flights for missionaries and their loved ones. Plus, I love the satisfying feeling of taking the unruly wire messes behind the old panels and making them into organized, labeled wire bundles. And yes, I am the type of guy that organizes my M&M’s by color before eating them.

Here is a quick update about the end of May, June, and the beginning of July.

Evelyn’s surgery was a great success! On the day of the surgery, we had to leave the house by 5:30 AM to get to the hospital in time. We were unable to feed her after 6:30 AM and we feared a very unhappy and very hungry baby. But we could honestly tell people were praying for poor little Evelyn because she stayed happy all the way up to the time of surgery. The surgery took just over 5 hours when they inserted ear tubes into both ears and repaired her cleft palate. Time moves painfully slow when you have a child in surgery, and we waited for what seemed like ages. The only great distraction for me was that the hospital had $.50 cent wings, and nothing helps overcome nervousness like stuffing your belly. Finally, our doctor came out and said all is done, and we could come back to see her. There she was being rocked by a caring nurse. Her cry was so confused and painful. The second I saw her puff of hair, my heart skipped a beat. I love my daughter and I am so happy that she is okay. Thank you all for all the prayers, encouraging words, and kind deeds, we are forever grateful.

Aria turned 3 in May. I really can’t believe how old she is getting. It’s crazy to think that she was just 8 months old when we first arrived here in Coshocton and now, she is growing into this beautiful and expressive little girl. We love our silly dirt-munching (yup she still eats dirt) daughter.

Here is an updated timeline. I added a new event possibly next year. AIM Air in Nairobi, Kenya offers a 2-month internship to see the inner workings of their ministry. Currently we feel like God is opening doors for us to serve at AIM Air and are looking at pursuing this opportunity. I have been praying that this trip will make us grow as a family and help us to see the needs in the broader world.

Prayer

Please pray for our neighbor Roger. He keeps talking about the “big man upstairs” but is not yet willing to admit that he is not in good standing with the “big man upstairs”. I do see his heart softening to the idea, but not yet broken.

Pray for me as I test in September. Honestly, I am nervous and weirdly confident at the same time.

Pray for Maria as we prepare to move and get rid of almost everything. Our next house is fully furnished.

Praise

Praise that Evelyn’s surgery was a success and that she is healing so well.
Till next time,