8:02 AM - Arrive at Missionary TECH Team.
Almost made it on time. Still working on the timing of the morning commute. Maybe I will try a different route. That aside, it was a beautiful morning and cooler than expected. Several years ago I made it a habit to spend the morning commute praying and preparing for the day. This morning was no different. This morning, was spent praising our Father for the journey that led us here. I am in awe of the path He has set us on and the way He brought it to fruition.
10:00 AM - Set up and ready to go!
Like most things new, it is rare to hit the ground running. I spent the first two hours just settling in. The activities ranged from setting up my new work space and setting up the computer (signing into email, organizing the AutoCAD user interface, etc.) Also spent some of this time reviewing the policy manual and familiarizing myself with the CADD standards. While not directly productive, these steps helped me jump right into the first project.
10:15 AM - Facilities Planning conference call.
Every week, those serving in Facilities Planning in Longview gather in the conference room for a video call. It is a time to discuss project status and upcoming work with those who are stationed around the country. One amazing aspect of technology is that someone can serve (full time or volunteer) from anywhere in the world. It is also a great time to gather and pray about the needs of the staff and the various projects
11:30 AM - Chapel
Every day, the TECH staff gathers for 30 minutes to focus our attention on our Father. The theme of the chapel can change, but the purpose is always the same: honoring Him. Today the room was a little sparse, but we learned about the happenings of the vehicle leasing department. This ministry leases vehicles to missionaries on furlough. Today we learned that the fleet of cars and vans is in great demand. Some of the vehicles are already leased into 2018!
12:00 PM - Lunch!
Sorry, no food pictures here!
1:00 PM - The project
Yes, I know it is the same photo from above, but this image still applies. The image on the screen is of a master plan for a camp in Kentucky. We were given a hand drawn sketch in a PDF file, which I imported into AutoCAD and then scaled and converted the image. This served as the base for a line drawing. Once the line drawing is complete, it will be rendered to create a graphic image which can be used by the ministry as part of long range vision casting or be incorporated into a capital campaign graphic.
3:15 PM - 3 o'clock parade!
The family surprised me with a Sonic drink! Katie will provide the photos and the history of the 3 o'clock parade in a later post.
5:00 PM - Closing time
This is the view out my window. What you are seeing is the shop where the vehicles that have returned home from lease are serviced and prepared for the next trip. Today it was a bustle of activity. While it is not the prettiest view, it is a reminder that everyday on the TECH campus work is being done that goes beyond these four walls. Everyday, no matter how mundane or exciting a specific task or project may be, each project we complete has eternal impact. Even in the simple act of leasing a vehicle to a missionary who is home to visit family and supporters, we are in the business of partnering with our brothers and sisters in ministry to help them spread the Good News of Jesus.
Today was an eventful day. Thank you for your prayers and financial support that has brought us to this day. We are looking forward to many days of service ahead and sharing with you the amazing things God is doing through Missionary TECH Team!
