First thing in the morning at the MAF Office was to join them for a time of praise, Bible teaching and prayer. It was a most uplifting experience with harmonious singing, a challenging talk and fervent prayer.
Next a visit to Wilson airport to meet Jane Wambui. Jane has been with MAF for a number of years after completing her pilot training in Kenya.
My first proper job was a development engineer in the electrical laboratory of the Ford Motor Company. So for me it was a fascinating to spend some time talking ‘techy’ stuff with Hannu Heinonen who is the chief avionics engineer. He is an absolute whizz on all things electronic such as radar, satellite positioning systems, and radios along with all the other specialist instrumentation on board modern aircraft used by MAF. He has also built some complex testing equipment.
One aspect of living in Nairobi is the traffic jams. I used to think the M25 was bad. This is worse. And even though the distance from the 2 MAF compounds to Wilson Airport is under 10 km It can take up to an hour in heavy traffic. Taking children to school or after a hard day’s work flying, working in the hangar or office it is a drain on energy and patience keeping safe in Nairobi where the rules of the road are loosely adhered to.
And finally it is always a joy to spend time with families. Sensing the call of God in their lives to use their skills to bring physical and spiritual hope to those in remote areas. Adrian and Lindsay Rose have been in the programme for a number of years. Adrian has a lot experience of the Cessna Caravan will soon begin flying the bigger PC12.
Steve and Katie Machell have only been in Nairobi a few weeks with their children. Steve is currently obtaining all the licenses he needs to fly in the Kenya programme. I know they would appreciate our prayers as they settle into the programme, accommodation and new schools for the children.
