Feeling Sentimental

I've had a song going through my head today...just keep hearing it over and over!  Don't know when I first heard it but I used to sing it to my children when they were little.  Can't remember all of the words but it starts like this...

Do you know who you are little child of mine?

So precious and dear to me...

Do you know you're a part of a great design

That's vast as eternity.

Can you think for a moment how much depends

On your holding the iron rod?

Your life is forever...worlds without end

Do you know you're a child of God?

Miss those babies but love who they've become!  So grateful for the love and support of family!!

A Typical Day

Three visits with Elders Lopis and Gil

Left at 10am and was home by 8pm...with no down time!

Did take an hour to eat lunch/dinner at Pizza Hut....the rest of the time spent in driving or visiting...

First stop in Sidoarjo...Pak Hilarius and his family

He has already read to Alma 26 and is gaining a testimony of the gospel

Their oldest daughter has CP...mom asked us to pray for a miracle

Sister Mamik, Sister Nanik, Brother Tejo

Wow!  They have been very offended by members and we heard twenty four years worth of frustration!

They now attend another church but want us to stop by and visit....I think they needed to get it out!  Still have strong testimonies and defend the gospel....just don't  like the members!  

Ibu Rosey...a Christian midwife who sought out the missionaries

Missionary Interview

President Donald was coming to Surabaya on Friday to interview a perspective missionary when all flights were cancelled due to the volcano eruption. He asked Elder Anderson to facilitate a Skype interview, which took place Monday morning.  Brother Angga was so nervous when he arrived for the interview...said he had hardly slept all night!  He had on a brand new white shirt and tie, which is a great expense for the Indonesian people. His mother Sister Sumarlik sent over some fried bananas for us to thank us for facilitating the interview.  Dad has some new white shirts that he is hoping will fit Brother Annga....would love to help in some way and we are asked not to help with money!

Brother Angga, Elder Anderson

Valentines Party

YThe Timur Branch had a Valentines Party (aka talent show) on the 15th.  We couldn't believe how many of the members performed....and they really get into it!  We even danced during one couple's duet :)

Young girls performing a dance routine...lots of sass!

Some of the priesthood brethren singing "I Want to Break Free"

When they announced their song I thought they said "I Want to Break Wind" 😳...and they said it two or three times!! I could hardly contain the giggles!!

I asked one of our Australian elders if he thought they knew what 'breaking wind' means and if it meant the same thing in Indonesian as it does in English...he started laughing and told me what they actually said!  

Some of the sister rockin' the moves!

Sister Christin and Brother Hendi were our MCs...they are the cutest couple!!  So talented and fun!!

Keluarga malam

Sister Ira, Brother Darius and their daughter Joyce came for dinner and FHE Monday night.  Brother Darius is not a member but is very supportive of his family.  We made Neumans Chicken served over rice, garlic bread, sliced watermelon, and blonde brownies and ice cream for dessert.  So far the Indonesians we have invited to dinner have NOT liked the food I have made!!

Christian Cemetery

Stopped by a Christian cemetery during our travels last week...

All of the graves have jugs next to them...we were told they are for watering the plants (???)

These two little boys were gathering flowers that fall from the trees in the cemetery.  They get paid according to the weight of their gatherings.

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Lunch at Sister Elly's

Sister Elly invited the Barat missionaries to lunch this week....delicious fried noodles, chicken, rice and soup!  The food was so good but the company was even better!  She invited several branch members and her parents to join us....so fun to get to visit with people outside of Sunday meetings!

The Elders

President Siswoyo (counselor in District Presidency) and Elder Anderson

Sister Catur and her adorable little boys

Sisters Tanti, Catur, Anderson, Soewardi, Irene, Elly, Ana, Emmy

I love these women...they truly have become my sisters!