Grant

Over the past few months I have been splitting my time between flying and taking on the Director of Safety role. As I look back on the diary I keep, it’s fun to see that a year ago I was starting my flight check-out here in Lesotho. Every day I get to fly here I realize how lucky I am to have a job that I love. We are about two thirds of the way through the windy season here. From August until the end of November, the wind is our biggest challenge. The airstrips that are usually challenging can become impossible to use on some days. When I return from a flight and report that I was not able to land at one or two places due to wind, I am always welcomed back with the words “great job for not landing.” That can be a confusing statement the first time you hear it. Good job, for not succeeding in getting the passengers in or out? Exactly right, because it means we made a call that keeps us on the side of safety, rather than unacceptable risk. I am so grateful for an environment where the pilot’s decision is never argued, but instead their call to play it safe is seen as bigger win than taking unsafe risks.

The role of Director of Safety is linked to that idea. We work in an environment of risk, and there will always be risks. But our safety system is based on managing and mitigating the risk to an acceptable level. I was able to fill this role because, as a non-mechanic, I am not pulled to the workshop floor when I am not flying, and because our safety system is something that interests me. My job in this role is to essentially monitor our safety system, ensure it’s working properly, and that no risks are outside acceptable limits. It relies on people feeling free to report hazards they see, so that we can fix them before they are bigger problems. So far I really enjoy the job of overseeing and encouraging people to use the system well.

Emily is a good practice model for first aid

Another aspect of this role that I enjoyed this year was providing basic first aid training. We did a few sessions in the hangar and then had a special session for people serving in other ministries around the city. Both Emily and I really enjoy being able to equip our community to care for one another well.

During September I ran an Ultra Marathon, and despite not completing it, I had an amazing time, and a fun day out on the trails of Kwa-Zulu Natal. In 2018, I won a photo competition where the prize was an entry into the Karkloof 100 Miler Ultra. I trained as hard as I could, but unfortunately struggled with injury during the process. I gave the race my best shot and completed 60mi before making the decision to drop out and not destroy my legs. The highlight was being able to complete the last 10 miles of my run with Emily, who had signed up to be a pacer. It was great to spend a few hours on the trail with her.

Emily

Emily has been working very hard with Pulane Children’s Centre. She is able to visit once every 6 weeks or so, and usually stays a few days at a time. During the last few visits, she has taken a friend with her, ‘Me’ Lineo, who is a gifted counsellor, and all-around wise lady. They have been pouring many hours of work into continuing the development of the staff, as well as approaching deeper issues and spending time counseling and guiding the older children. It feels to me like the way Emily is guiding the Centre, it is improving the quality of the care that is given, rather than just the outside, physical buildings and facilities.

Jane

Jane continues at her school, and despite wanting the weekends to last longer, she is usually pretty content to get back to her friends in the class. Over the last few months she has really developed a love for superheroes, probably amplified by the fact that I engage more when we are playing Batman and Batgirl rather than Princesses. It continues to be really fun and exciting to watch Jane grow and learn. And she never ceases to amazes us with how much goes into her brain.

The months ahead

As we approach the end of the year, we look forward to continuing to add value to these areas where we work. It feels like we are moving out of a season where everything is new, and a lot of change has taken place, into a time of developing our effectiveness in these different areas of ministry. Thank you all so much for the continued support, without which we could not be here.