6-19-26 Friday | 6:14 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) From the Retreat Cabin – In the Mountains of East Tennessee Report Submitted by Air Mobile Joe

Living here in the mountains of East Tennessee, I’ve come to realize just how important hay is to our farming community, especially during the winter months.

Our little farm has some hay fields, but we were not harvesting them for our own use. Recently, Cindy and I decided to put together the farming implements needed to raise and harvest our own hay.

We prayed and asked our Lord to lead us each step of the way. Piece by piece, we found what we needed.

The heart of our hay-baling system is an old International Harvester #46 Square-Baler. Though it had been sitting unused in a barn for many years, we decided to take a chance on it.

We estimate it to be about 75 years old. We managed to get it up and running, but it would not tie the hay. As we discussed possible solutions, someone suggested contacting Jerry Hopkins, Sr. and his son, Jerry.

Though they are extremely busy during this harvest season, they dropped everything and came right over. Jerry Sr. remembered that when he was about six years old, his uncle had the exact same baler. That’s how we were able to time-stamp this grand old machine to be at least 75 years old—about the same age as me!

Their deep experience shined through, and in less than an hour, the old baler pushed out its first properly tied square bale in many years.

What a wonderful sight!

Now we have the ability to grow and harvest our own hay. It’s also good to know that we can share hay with neighbors who may be in need.

Meanwhile, back in Florida, I am pleased to report that the funding for the rear engine on the Little Donkey has been fully raised!  THANK YOU BEN!!

PRAISE GOD!!

Paul, our outstanding aircraft mechanic, will be installing the rear engine next week.

THANK YOU for your faithful prayers, love, and support. We could not do this without you.

May God richly bless you!

Air Mobile Joe