Here at the Missionary Training Center, there is a Tech department. I have not spent much time there, but what I do know is that they are the gurus on missionary technology. What are the things you need to know in the bush? Ask them. They could probably tell us the best way to rig up a solar power system or make a septic tank. But one of the most celebrated occasions down there is the Tech Sale. As far as I know, they have only had two since I've been here, and one of them was last Friday. Somehow they are able to put on a sale with dirt cheap prices and decent merchandise. I don't know if the stuff is donated or how they get it, but joy was in the air amongst the shoppers.
When the crowd had calmed down a little, I browsed through the tables full of various hand tools, power tools, drill bits, glues, flashlights, and various other useful things. Now you know why the wives weren't so excited. Sledge hammers and shovels generally aren't very interesting to them. Although, I'm sure a sledge hammer would be kind of handy around the kitchen for tenderizing meat or threatening disobedient children. My roommate was excited to get a bunch of tools for construction in the summer and I found a handful of useful items myself.
All in all, it was an interesting experience and I think many missionary candidates and staff went home happy, carrying their new belongings.