Earthquakes, volcanoes, and now floods!

The 'misi couple' and Peter are home teaching companions in the Barat Branch :). We just received four new families this month, so on Wednesday set out to find one of the families for whom the phone number was wrong!  We left at one in the afternoon but after searching the designated neighborhood and making numerous inquiries we were unable to locate the address we had been given.  It was now three o'clock, so we decided to head to the grocery store to do our shopping.  Within minutes the weather changed from warm and sunny to a torrential downpour!  I have never experienced such rain...it was unreal to watch the water rapidly rise in the streets.  Before long the water had risen to the point that it was in the car and we had about two inches covering the floor.  Cars and motorcycles were stalled everywhere....people were walking in water up to their waists....it was frightening to not know how long it would continue or what our outcome would be.  I silently prayed for help from The Lord as we navigated the flooded street.  We were so fortunate that our car didn't stall like many others and that we were able to continue to try to get home.  The usual thirty minute drive from where we were to our apartment took five hours...traffic jams everywhere!!  We arrived home at 8:10 in the evening...what a day!

The rain just beginning...

Continuing to rise....

People assisting those in  a stalled car....

Approaching higher ground on our way home!

The Indonesian Gourmet

Bananas from a members tree...they shared with us when we were home teaching on Saturday.  These bananas have hard shells and black seeds about the size of small peas!

Everything is fried inIndonesia, so.....

Frying bananas dipped in a batter 

Not quite as good as an eclair but actually tasty!

The Eruption of Mount Kelud

We've had some interesting experiences since living in Indonesia...earthquakes and volcanic eruptions being two of them!  It was such a rewarding experience to be able to assemble and then deliver humanitarian supplies to the people impacted by the volcano!

Waking up to volcanic ash settling over Surabaya

Upside down picture from the newspaper of volcanic eruption

Assembling 1500 humanitarian kits....toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap, combs, face masks, towels, prayer skirts, sardines just a few of the items in each bag.  Also took cases of water, diapers, women's hygiene necessities, food items...

Stopped for breakfast...rice and beef

Just arrived in Malang to join with those members to deliver the supplies

Brother Hadi, Sister Ningsih, President Soewardi, District President, Sister and Elder Anderson

A view of the village devastated by the volcano

Unloading the three trucks at a mosque serving as an aide station

Nobody told me....

Transfers come around every three or four months...you'd think an old senior couple would get used to them!  But I wasn't  prepared for how hard it is to see these elders 'move on'.  You grow to love them as you watch them struggle and grow and mature...you are filled with righteous pride as you listen to them teach with the spirit and bear powerful testimony!  You learn from them and with them, provide counsel and comfort, and enjoy the time spent together!  We are excited for their new adventures but saddened that we may never have the chance to see some of them again!   But there is somemercy associated   with transfers...the new elders arrive and you fall in love all over again!

Elders Anderson, Johnson, Barlow and Rogers (Elder Barlow is leaving this transfer)

Elders Gil, Suryono, Hall, Lopis and Marsudi (Elders Suryono, Hall and Lopis are being transferred)

Our District 'Farewell luncheon' at McDonalds hosted by the Andersons

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