Illustrations for Mile-High Missionary
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All photos by author unless otherwise specified.
Grumman S2F-Tanker
Grumman S2F-Tanker
Cessna Turbo 337
Cessna Turbo 337
Shuar woman with pet toucan
Shuar woman with pet toucan
Shuar kids love to watch the airplane. Typical Shuar house. Photo credit: Bruce Weid
Shuar kids love to watch the airplane. Typical Shuar house. Photo credit: Bruce Weid
Shuar village of Surikentza. The old runway from upper right to lower left was no longer in use.
Shuar village of Surikentza. The old runway from upper right to lower left was no longer in use.
Sluggish rivers in the lower, flatter jungle twist back upon themselves.
Sluggish rivers in the lower, flatter jungle twist back upon themselves.
Just before takeoff, I always asked again, "Do I know I can clear the trees?"
Just before takeoff, I always asked again, "Do I know I can clear the trees?"
Two Shuar evangelists in the village of Yuvientza.
Two Shuar evangelists in the village of Yuvientza.
On final approach for runway 30 at Shell. The Pastaza river enters the Baños Pass.
On final approach for runway 30 at Shell. The Pastaza river enters the Baños Pass.
Our daily morning briefing in the hangar always included prayer.
Our daily morning briefing in the hangar always included prayer.
My panel during an approach into Shell.
My panel during an approach into Shell.
This Atshuar couple returned home with a healthy mother and baby—not always a given.
This Atshuar couple returned home with a healthy mother and baby—not always a given.
Miriam (upper left) in her element, working in a Lowland Quichua village.
Miriam (upper left) in her element, working in a Lowland Quichua village.
Mateo, a Lowland Quichua, prepares to install a new engine in a C-206.
Mateo, a Lowland Quichua, prepares to install a new engine in a C-206.
We made our own charts by adding airstrip locations to Ecuadorian maps.
We made our own charts by adding airstrip locations to Ecuadorian maps.
Maximo and Panchito plan how to fit all that cargo into a C-206
Maximo and Panchito plan how to fit all that cargo into a C-206
The "Little Old Miss," a C-180, waits for a jungle storm to pass.
The "Little Old Miss," a C-180, waits for a jungle storm to pass.
A Waorani couple in the village of Tiwaeno.
A Waorani couple in the village of Tiwaeno.
Rachel Saint posses with Waorani men from Toñompade, and visiting rocket-scientist, Jerry.
Rachel Saint posses with Waorani men from Toñompade, and visiting rocket-scientist, Jerry.
Calculations and confirming paper work followed me even into the jungle. Photo credit: Bruce Weid.
Calculations and confirming paper work followed me even into the jungle. Photo credit: Bruce Weid.
My office was small but the C-206 cockpit offered a great view.
My office was small but the C-206 cockpit offered a great view.
Me and Cawena at the Waorani village of Domointaro. Photo credit: David Underwood.
Me and Cawena at the Waorani village of Domointaro. Photo credit: David Underwood.
Flying through clouds over the "baranco" (cliff) while returning to Shell from the jungle.
Flying through clouds over the "baranco" (cliff) while returning to Shell from the jungle.
Lucas working as a dispatcher, using the radio to confirm our aircrafts' positions and status.
Lucas working as a dispatcher, using the radio to confirm our aircrafts' positions and status.
Danny (left) and Job about one month before their accident.
Danny (left) and Job about one month before their accident.