Dear most wonderful Family and Friends!
We are always so happy to receive emails and letters from our family and our ward family. We received a happy note via "snail mail" from Sis. Pieffer this week. Every missionary in the world LOVES to get a letter. We're always grateful for your love and interest in our mission. We absolutely love this mission and the people we serve. Our most favorite moments are the moments we spend with the people here. Just about every day Elder Greenway will turn to Bono, our driver, and say, "Bono, do you know how lucky you are to live in Indonesia?" or "Bono, Heavenly Father must love you very much to have sent you to Indonesia for your time on earth!" Bono always laughs, "Yes, Elder...."
Today on the way to church I asked Bono what Sunday School lesson he was giving today. He told me he could only say it in Indonesian. Then some minutes passed by and he said, "sestah, the lesson is of King Bunyumeen, on hour deth to tha Savior" Oh! I said, from Mosiah.... “Yes, Sestah from hes towah.” He had worked that out in his mind so he could tell me of King Benjamin, and the tower, and about our debt to the Savior. He is a wise teacher. We learn something from him every day. We learn from each member. I think that happens more than any of us can say. We all can have an influence and we never know when that might be, so we just have to speak up.
We did learn that today. A couple of months ago we were out with Elder Garnett (now in Surabaya), and Elder Daliis (left today for Bandung). We went to visit a family where the mother (Bukti) was active, but the Father (Widodo) was not a member. He was very sick, smoked, and was in pain. I remember telling you that Elder Greenway spent quite a bit of time talking to him about his pain, and told him that he would feel better if he didn't smoke. We gave them the "recipe for eternal life" lesson. Well, he started coming to church with his wife. Now, the funny thing was, I was so worried about remembering her name, that I didn't even know he had a name.
So, when the Elders (Johnson and Dalilis) told us that there was a baptism, and that the man's son, who is a missionary coming through Solo on an exchange to Jakarta, would be here to baptize him.... We thought Great!!! They kept talking about Widodo the father and Widodo the son... Anyway, last Sunday I finally figured out that it was Bukti's husband! Today he was baptized!!! and the Branch Pres. asked him to bear his testimony. He is this little, skinny, rather withered 40-something man who has a hard time moving. But he stood very tall and bore his testimony with tremendous strength. At the end he thanked us for teaching him, and asked if I would play for everyone to sing "How Great Thou Art". You all know the feeling...... It always takes my breath away. AND...
Next week Francesa, Farida's friend, will be baptized by Elder Greenway. When we found out it was to be, I SMSed her and told her I was excited about the news. She told me "I can't wait any longer to be member of the amazing LDS Church." See how they teach you..... Those two are the Alma and Ammon of the Solo area. They are always teaching, always testifying with courage and always standing up to be counted. We are in awe of them, and love those special daughters of God. I asked Francesca how her family felt about her baptism, she said they were happy if she was happy. WOW!!!!! Quite a difference from sweet Farida, who had another bad week with her family. Each storm she has weathered has made her stronger, but we constantly pray for her.
We spent a lot of time this week making banana bread (to take on our visits), cookies (to take to the water project workers) and to DDM (to give to the Elders). We also spent time planning for the 24 piano lessons, (going through a gadzillion ink cartridges), and for fun and joy and relaxation, going to the Water Project. This week the Meridiths (humanitarian missionaries) left for home (Payson, UT), and their replacements, Elder and Sister Healy (SLC), came to Indonesia.
Now, the tale is... When a new Humanitarian couple comes there is a disaster. This time it was the earthquake just off Sumatra, (which we didn't even feel); last time, Merapi blew (and boy did it blow) the day the Meridiths flew in. When the huge tsunami killed so many in Sumatra (which by the way happened in the same place as the recent earthquake, but this one slid sideways, instead of vertically) you guessed it, a new couple had just arrived. Thank heavens this time they were not needed.
But, because we knew they were coming, Elder Greenway and Sutarno (head of project) wanted to get current pictures of the project's progress. Elder will post pictures from that day. What you can't see is the joy we have being with these men. One of the fellows, Ismun, is a delightful Muslim worker who has a giant smile, and loves cookies. Well, we missed him at the main project and so he zoomed after us on his motor and found us taking pictures at the MCK. He jumped off his bike and ran to shake my hand just as his bike tipped over and put out our taillight. This was less than a week after Bono forgot to take the car out of gear so that when he started it, it jumped forward into the light pole at the church. We were at the other building, but in both instances these poor men were devastated.
We just laughed and Elder kept saying "It's just a car", "It can be fixed." [phrases he learned from SOME (and they know who they are) of our children [cough_adam (3 cars in 1 swoop), cough_emily (looking at boys), cough_john (looking at beanie babies), cough_joel (looking very carefully at the side of a Ford Excursion)] Luckily, the workers who are members laughed also, which lifted the alarm a bit. We were able to spend some "down time" with these good, good men. Koko, (engineer) figures the project is about 40 per cent complete.
The people on the mountain are beginning to know us (I take them cookies, too.), and we love to watch their agriculture progress... cabbage, chilies, beans, onions, carrots, cabbage, grapes, corn, cassava, bananas, papaya, coconuts, some tomatoes, chilies, cabbage and more cabbage. We especially love the children. One of the little girls belongs to Kowo. His wife died 6 months ago from brain cancer and his daughter has been living with his parents in Samarang. She was so glad to be with her dad. She is the little "poser" in the picture you will see of the little girls.
We did spend some time teaching with the Sisters, and we went with Aster (a 19-year-old fireball from the Jebres Branch, who keeps me on my toes) to visit a less active YW (Elsa). She was not home, so we visited with her less active mom instead. Tomorrow morning, very early, we are taking Sister Nichols to the train station so she can head to Surabaya, then we are taking her companion, Sister Sori with us to Jogja (2 hrs.) to get Sister Blake, and bring them both back to Solo. Sister Sori goes home in a month.
Sister Peters, and Sister Collins are headed home this week, which will leave the mission 2 sisters short. However, we will be seeing the Barnards, a senior couple coming to Jogja, very soon..... And we are getting a new Family History Senior Couple here in Solo ( the Knorpps) in July.
Well I am sure this Epistle is way longer than it needed to be. We just get soooooo excited about everything, that our dear readers pay the price. You can do as my dear children always did, and just zone me out. (speed read) I will understand! Thank you for your patience and love, and especially for all the concerned emails the day of the quake. It is always nice to be cared for.
Care for each other,
Elder and Sister G.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Week 30 Photos - 2
We watched General Conference on Easter weekend because of the delay needed for translation. I was also given DVDs in English so we set up to watch it in the Relief Society room. Here are the attendees. Elder Xiong (from California), Farida, Elder Praesetyo, Francesca (non-member), and Aster. We also had Frankie, Sister and Elder Greenway.
I had to include this shot of Aster, Sister G and Xavi.
And I got her to smile big!!!
After the Saturday sessions which included the YW Conference, we went from Kapatihan to Supomo for District Choir Practice. First Sister worked with the General Choir, and then the Youth, SA-YSA Choir. These are all photos of the latter because I was singing in the General Choir and didn't take any pictures.
Sister Greenway directing and Yos as pianist.
I had to include this shot of Aster, Sister G and Xavi.
And I got her to smile big!!!
After the Saturday sessions which included the YW Conference, we went from Kapatihan to Supomo for District Choir Practice. First Sister worked with the General Choir, and then the Youth, SA-YSA Choir. These are all photos of the latter because I was singing in the General Choir and didn't take any pictures.
Sister Greenway directing and Yos as pianist.
Week 30 Photos - 1
This week was Zone Conference which saw the visit of our Mission President and his wife, and all of the missionaries from Central Java. Elder & Sister Kusumarmanto were also present. Here are some candid and sometimes less-candid photos of these great missionaries.
Elder And Sister Kusumarmanti.
Elder Rawle and Mogan - the Assistants to the President.
Preparing for the meeting.
Missionary choir from Solo and Jogja. "If You Could Hie to Kolob."
Elder And Sister Kusumarmanti.
Elder Rawle and Mogan - the Assistants to the President.
Preparing for the meeting.
Missionary choir from Solo and Jogja. "If You Could Hie to Kolob."
Week 30
Week 30!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it! I remember when I typed week 20 and couldn't believe it. Amazing, just amazing...
Anyway, Hello to all of our beloved Family and better than dear friends!
Today we watched conference. The Branches here watch a week late because conference needs to be translated for them. So we wait, also. We watched it, in English, at Kapatihan's Relief Society Room. I think that was a tradition begun by the Grovers. We are not the only attendees. Some of the members like to improve their English by watching with us, and usually we have the English speaking Elders.
But this conference we had one set, Elders Johnson and Dalilis (he is Filipino but has learned English at the MTC, and Indonesian) wanted to try the Indonesian direction. They did very well! Elders Xiong (a brand new Elder from California) and Praesetyo (Indonesian, but has good English) watched with us. Farrida and her friend, Francesca, Aster, and Frankie watched in English, as well. I wanted you to know how dedicated these fine people are to improving themselves.
We were all blessed to watch together, the Spirit was very strong. Every session, all four, left us wishing we could see another and another. When it was done, we all just sat for a while. Elder Greenway has been teaching the 11th commandment to the Branches. The Sopomo building has a projector to be used for showing conference, and a huge screen, while Kapatihan had a T.V that was about 25 " for their congregations. So, Elder Greenway went to the top, Senopati (mission offices) and complained about the inequity of the situation. Senopati said that all four branches were supposed to go to Sopomo for Conference. Elder Greenway quickly let them know that All Four Branches won't fit at Sopomo! Their 2 Branches barely fit. So today, the Kapatihan Branches watched Conference projected onto their new big screen!
Oh! The 11th commandment has something to do with the squeaky wheel. He received many a thank you from branch members. What a guy!
These branches are beginning to feel like home. We enjoy their company so much. Today I asked Frankie to tell me his daughter's name. Now, Frankie is a young father, going to school, working to provide for his wife and 3 little girls, and is a counselor in a branch presidency. When I asked her name (Paris), he just looked at me a said, "Uhhhhhh,". I just burst out laughing, then he started, then Elder G. said, "Do you remember your wife's name?" We all laughed and laughed.
The branches provide a "box lunch" for the members both days of conference. Yesterday we had Ayam Bakar. Today we had lunch made by Ani from her Warung at her home. We had "arem-arem", rice wrapped in banana leaves with "chaves" (chilis) and steamed until it is like a pudding. Little sweet cakes, also fried. Wonderful oily roasted peanuts (they keep them on the raw side and they are absolutely delicious). We also had "risoles", yummy croquette-like rolls that are filled with steamed bean sprouts, corn, grated carrot, etc. They are also delicious!! One of my favorite foods here, and Ani's are the best!!!!
Well, Brother Coki (Choki), ate his box, and then started on his kids. Every time we saw him he had a different box in his hand. Finally, I said, "Bother Coki! Are you still eating?" He held up the little sweet cake and told me he loved them. I turned to Sister Ani, and told her Brother Coki was on his eighth box!!!! Brother Coki looked so surprised and then we all laughed, and kidded him about how much he had eaten. We want you to know that these are real, and wonderful people, who have dedicated testimonies, who love the Lord and each other and are kind, happy, loving people. We can laugh and cry and happily, we can sing together. Which leads me to the choir.
Last night was practice number two. So, after sitting through 2 sessions of conference, and for the brethren, the Priesthood Session, and for some of the YW leaders, the YW Conference.... those men, women, YOUNG WOMEN and YOUNG MEN came and practiced the songs for an hour and forty five minutes. Now, just in case you think the teens don't listen to the Saturday sessions, they absolutely do. I was expecting a poor turnout. I need more faith... I need to quit judging on my level. Elder Greenway will post pictures of the Choir.
AND!!!!!!! On Friday, the Tangah and Barat Branches hired buses for their annual Easter Activity. In Indonesia, Easter is a Holiday. Yup!!!!! In a country that is (in some places) 90 percent Muslim, Easter is a holiday. So the day chosen is the Friday before Easter. Then there is all weekend to celebrate. So on Friday Tangah took off for Wonogiri (hour away) to fish, picnic, play soccer, etc. They left at 6:30 a.m., and returned at around 3 p.m. Barat headed to Jogja to go to a "water park" and to the beach. They left at 7 a.m. and returned at 10 p.m. Friday night. The Jebres and Banjasari Branches didn't celebrate on Friday. So the Elders from those branches were "orphaned".
We had a hard time deciding what to do. We could have used the time with the Tangah Branch, but those 4 Elders were on our mind. So after some deliberation, we decided to take the four out to lunch and then we went with Elders Praesetyo and Xiong to visit two less active prospective Elders. First, we gave them the choice of any place they wanted to eat. They chose Mac Donalds! The ate McFlurries, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, chicken and eggs (yes, chicken and eggs were eaten by both Dalilis and Praesetyo) and chocolate sundaes! We had such fun, because we had to go by taxi, (Bono was at Wonogiri), and we had to find many a big taxi at that.
But the highlight of the day was the visits. The first fellow's whole family are members, but he was "offended" and has been gone a few years. We really wanted to get to know him, and finally we asked if he knew that Heavenly Father loved him. He said he knew, he said that he believed in Jesus Christ, but the world was a hard place to live without making a wrong choice. Oh...,..... So we taught about repentance. But we also taught that he would not feel right until he came back to church. He agreed. He asked if he could go to Sopomo,( the other building). So, we suggested the Elders talk to his leaders about going to him and asking him to return. We will see.... The other young man hasn't been since he was a child, and doesn't have much family support. But he is reading what the Elders give him, and he is learning. We were soooooo impressed with Elder Xiong. He has been here all of a month, and he bore such strong testimony, in Indonesian! We were so proud of him. Both experiences were very strong experiences. We walked a lot, because you have to be on a main street to get a taxi, and most people do not live on the main drives. It rained, but that was better than muggy. All in all, it was a wonderful day, and we were very glad that we made that choice. The Elders were happy, too.
Now, I have to back up, because on Monday evening Bono took us to visit an entire active family, It is more common than not, to have whole families live together. So, it would be as if Elder G. and I live in our house, and so do a couple of our children and their children. Now these homes are not large, and so you will see padded mats rolled up, everywhere, and there will be a curtain to pull across to make a bedroom. The family we visited were the Tukimins, they live in a home that is right against the river. Occasionally their home is flooded. One time was in 2009, and they lost almost everything. They were lamenting losing their pictures of family and missions, so they wanted to see our pictures of family. There was the Ibu (mother), Bapak (father), 3 sons and their 2 wives, and a total of 5 children. The father had sold bakso (soup) for a living long ago, and would regularly feed the early missionaries. Well, you can guess the rest. One of the sons has been a Branch Pres. of the Barat Branch. We visited longer than we had intended, but they were so wonderful, and we were a bit lonely for family, I'm afraid.
Tuesday Elder Greenway and Bono went to Samarang (over 2 hrs.) to a meeting for PEF. I stayed at home for piano. PIANO IS SUCH FUN!!! We love these children, and teens. We have such fun. [editor’s note: Suster Greenway got two new piano students this week.] Today at church Luki (6) poked me and sang, Seeeeeeesssstttahhhhhhh Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeennnnwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayy! I poked him back and gave him a hug, Luki, Luki, Luki!!!!!
I took a taxi to get to the building, and when I got in the driver said, "Haaaallllo Seeestah, do you rrrrrrrremembah me? I did! But he had actually taken us to the other building once. He has pretty good English, and on Tuesday he told me he wants to come to Pennsylvania! I told him I'm sure they have taxi drivers in Pittsburgh, or Philadelphia. He wanted to know everything about that. In the meantime he got me lost, so then we had to figure out how to get to the building. We did some weaving back and forth until I found a street I knew, then we headed for the building. He kept laughing at me, "Kiri (left)! Kanan (right)"!!!! Well, we did get there, still laughing, THEN he told me I was beautiful, (because I laugh so much) and then he took my hand and kissed it.
When I told this to the Elders Greenway at lunch they told me the Sisters get marriage proposals all the time. I cracked up! Elders, I said, look at this face! I promise he was not making advances. He was just being gracious. (Maybe he thought I would arrange a job for him in Pittsburgh or something). Elder Greenway didn't have anyone tell him he was beautiful in Samarang, but he did learn a lot from Brother Tandiman, the fellow over all of the Seminaries and Institutes in all of Asia. He was also just called to be Patriarch of the Jakarta Stake. He was training the Institute instructors to do the PEF workshops. Later, he rode to Solo with Elder Greenway and Bono. Elder Greenway said it was the most interesting ride home. He got home very late, and the next day was Zone Conference. But, he felt his time was well spent. We have pictures from Zone Conference that Elder will post.
That’s it for this week!
Love you all,
Elder & Sister Greenway
Anyway, Hello to all of our beloved Family and better than dear friends!
Today we watched conference. The Branches here watch a week late because conference needs to be translated for them. So we wait, also. We watched it, in English, at Kapatihan's Relief Society Room. I think that was a tradition begun by the Grovers. We are not the only attendees. Some of the members like to improve their English by watching with us, and usually we have the English speaking Elders.
But this conference we had one set, Elders Johnson and Dalilis (he is Filipino but has learned English at the MTC, and Indonesian) wanted to try the Indonesian direction. They did very well! Elders Xiong (a brand new Elder from California) and Praesetyo (Indonesian, but has good English) watched with us. Farrida and her friend, Francesca, Aster, and Frankie watched in English, as well. I wanted you to know how dedicated these fine people are to improving themselves.
We were all blessed to watch together, the Spirit was very strong. Every session, all four, left us wishing we could see another and another. When it was done, we all just sat for a while. Elder Greenway has been teaching the 11th commandment to the Branches. The Sopomo building has a projector to be used for showing conference, and a huge screen, while Kapatihan had a T.V that was about 25 " for their congregations. So, Elder Greenway went to the top, Senopati (mission offices) and complained about the inequity of the situation. Senopati said that all four branches were supposed to go to Sopomo for Conference. Elder Greenway quickly let them know that All Four Branches won't fit at Sopomo! Their 2 Branches barely fit. So today, the Kapatihan Branches watched Conference projected onto their new big screen!
Oh! The 11th commandment has something to do with the squeaky wheel. He received many a thank you from branch members. What a guy!
These branches are beginning to feel like home. We enjoy their company so much. Today I asked Frankie to tell me his daughter's name. Now, Frankie is a young father, going to school, working to provide for his wife and 3 little girls, and is a counselor in a branch presidency. When I asked her name (Paris), he just looked at me a said, "Uhhhhhh,". I just burst out laughing, then he started, then Elder G. said, "Do you remember your wife's name?" We all laughed and laughed.
The branches provide a "box lunch" for the members both days of conference. Yesterday we had Ayam Bakar. Today we had lunch made by Ani from her Warung at her home. We had "arem-arem", rice wrapped in banana leaves with "chaves" (chilis) and steamed until it is like a pudding. Little sweet cakes, also fried. Wonderful oily roasted peanuts (they keep them on the raw side and they are absolutely delicious). We also had "risoles", yummy croquette-like rolls that are filled with steamed bean sprouts, corn, grated carrot, etc. They are also delicious!! One of my favorite foods here, and Ani's are the best!!!!
Well, Brother Coki (Choki), ate his box, and then started on his kids. Every time we saw him he had a different box in his hand. Finally, I said, "Bother Coki! Are you still eating?" He held up the little sweet cake and told me he loved them. I turned to Sister Ani, and told her Brother Coki was on his eighth box!!!! Brother Coki looked so surprised and then we all laughed, and kidded him about how much he had eaten. We want you to know that these are real, and wonderful people, who have dedicated testimonies, who love the Lord and each other and are kind, happy, loving people. We can laugh and cry and happily, we can sing together. Which leads me to the choir.
Last night was practice number two. So, after sitting through 2 sessions of conference, and for the brethren, the Priesthood Session, and for some of the YW leaders, the YW Conference.... those men, women, YOUNG WOMEN and YOUNG MEN came and practiced the songs for an hour and forty five minutes. Now, just in case you think the teens don't listen to the Saturday sessions, they absolutely do. I was expecting a poor turnout. I need more faith... I need to quit judging on my level. Elder Greenway will post pictures of the Choir.
AND!!!!!!! On Friday, the Tangah and Barat Branches hired buses for their annual Easter Activity. In Indonesia, Easter is a Holiday. Yup!!!!! In a country that is (in some places) 90 percent Muslim, Easter is a holiday. So the day chosen is the Friday before Easter. Then there is all weekend to celebrate. So on Friday Tangah took off for Wonogiri (hour away) to fish, picnic, play soccer, etc. They left at 6:30 a.m., and returned at around 3 p.m. Barat headed to Jogja to go to a "water park" and to the beach. They left at 7 a.m. and returned at 10 p.m. Friday night. The Jebres and Banjasari Branches didn't celebrate on Friday. So the Elders from those branches were "orphaned".
We had a hard time deciding what to do. We could have used the time with the Tangah Branch, but those 4 Elders were on our mind. So after some deliberation, we decided to take the four out to lunch and then we went with Elders Praesetyo and Xiong to visit two less active prospective Elders. First, we gave them the choice of any place they wanted to eat. They chose Mac Donalds! The ate McFlurries, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, chicken and eggs (yes, chicken and eggs were eaten by both Dalilis and Praesetyo) and chocolate sundaes! We had such fun, because we had to go by taxi, (Bono was at Wonogiri), and we had to find many a big taxi at that.
But the highlight of the day was the visits. The first fellow's whole family are members, but he was "offended" and has been gone a few years. We really wanted to get to know him, and finally we asked if he knew that Heavenly Father loved him. He said he knew, he said that he believed in Jesus Christ, but the world was a hard place to live without making a wrong choice. Oh...,..... So we taught about repentance. But we also taught that he would not feel right until he came back to church. He agreed. He asked if he could go to Sopomo,( the other building). So, we suggested the Elders talk to his leaders about going to him and asking him to return. We will see.... The other young man hasn't been since he was a child, and doesn't have much family support. But he is reading what the Elders give him, and he is learning. We were soooooo impressed with Elder Xiong. He has been here all of a month, and he bore such strong testimony, in Indonesian! We were so proud of him. Both experiences were very strong experiences. We walked a lot, because you have to be on a main street to get a taxi, and most people do not live on the main drives. It rained, but that was better than muggy. All in all, it was a wonderful day, and we were very glad that we made that choice. The Elders were happy, too.
Now, I have to back up, because on Monday evening Bono took us to visit an entire active family, It is more common than not, to have whole families live together. So, it would be as if Elder G. and I live in our house, and so do a couple of our children and their children. Now these homes are not large, and so you will see padded mats rolled up, everywhere, and there will be a curtain to pull across to make a bedroom. The family we visited were the Tukimins, they live in a home that is right against the river. Occasionally their home is flooded. One time was in 2009, and they lost almost everything. They were lamenting losing their pictures of family and missions, so they wanted to see our pictures of family. There was the Ibu (mother), Bapak (father), 3 sons and their 2 wives, and a total of 5 children. The father had sold bakso (soup) for a living long ago, and would regularly feed the early missionaries. Well, you can guess the rest. One of the sons has been a Branch Pres. of the Barat Branch. We visited longer than we had intended, but they were so wonderful, and we were a bit lonely for family, I'm afraid.
Tuesday Elder Greenway and Bono went to Samarang (over 2 hrs.) to a meeting for PEF. I stayed at home for piano. PIANO IS SUCH FUN!!! We love these children, and teens. We have such fun. [editor’s note: Suster Greenway got two new piano students this week.] Today at church Luki (6) poked me and sang, Seeeeeeesssstttahhhhhhh Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeennnnwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayy! I poked him back and gave him a hug, Luki, Luki, Luki!!!!!
I took a taxi to get to the building, and when I got in the driver said, "Haaaallllo Seeestah, do you rrrrrrrremembah me? I did! But he had actually taken us to the other building once. He has pretty good English, and on Tuesday he told me he wants to come to Pennsylvania! I told him I'm sure they have taxi drivers in Pittsburgh, or Philadelphia. He wanted to know everything about that. In the meantime he got me lost, so then we had to figure out how to get to the building. We did some weaving back and forth until I found a street I knew, then we headed for the building. He kept laughing at me, "Kiri (left)! Kanan (right)"!!!! Well, we did get there, still laughing, THEN he told me I was beautiful, (because I laugh so much) and then he took my hand and kissed it.
When I told this to the Elders Greenway at lunch they told me the Sisters get marriage proposals all the time. I cracked up! Elders, I said, look at this face! I promise he was not making advances. He was just being gracious. (Maybe he thought I would arrange a job for him in Pittsburgh or something). Elder Greenway didn't have anyone tell him he was beautiful in Samarang, but he did learn a lot from Brother Tandiman, the fellow over all of the Seminaries and Institutes in all of Asia. He was also just called to be Patriarch of the Jakarta Stake. He was training the Institute instructors to do the PEF workshops. Later, he rode to Solo with Elder Greenway and Bono. Elder Greenway said it was the most interesting ride home. He got home very late, and the next day was Zone Conference. But, he felt his time was well spent. We have pictures from Zone Conference that Elder will post.
That’s it for this week!
Love you all,
Elder & Sister Greenway
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Week 29 Photos - 2
I just had to include these shots because I continue to be amazed at these woderful, awe-inspiring people. This shot was taken south of Merapi and just west of Jogja between Jogja and Klaten on the way back to Solo. This is where the majority of the "down-hill" damage was from the volcanic eruption. I included pictures of the destroyed, detritus covered village a while back. A river was blocked by the volcanic material that flowed down the mountain and the government is working to redirect the river back into its original channel. This fello is "mining" volcanic boulders that were swept down from the mountain about 10 or so Km away. He mines the boulder and then manually reduces them to workable sizes!!!
Step 2 (or so).
Step 3 (or so). Almost managable. And did I mention - this is done with a hammer and rock chisel. NOT a sledge hammer!!!!
Step 2 (or so).
Step 3 (or so). Almost managable. And did I mention - this is done with a hammer and rock chisel. NOT a sledge hammer!!!!
Week 29 Photos - 1
This was a busy but a fun week. I was able to accompany the full-time missionaries to Ketep Pass, which overlooks Mt. Merapi, the volcano that erupted October 2010 and killed about 300 people. Ketep Pass is an on-site museum about the eruptions. Apparently, it erupts every 2-5 years and 2010 was the largest in recent history. The museum includes a movie about the eruption and the area's history.
Some of the missionaries at the entrance. Be prepared to pay. With Kitas, it cost rp 7000 to get in and another rp 7000 for the movie!!! Ahhh, but it was worth the $1.40 USD!!
What the 2010 eruption looked like. It lasted about 100 hours.
OK - ya gotta get the tourist shot in - right?!? Yes - the volcano is still active and the light whisp trailing up away from the clouds is smoke from the caldera. (The rest is cloud.)
And the pretty girls! (editor's note: those aren't just "girls" - they are Sister Missionaries!)
Some of the missionaries at the entrance. Be prepared to pay. With Kitas, it cost rp 7000 to get in and another rp 7000 for the movie!!! Ahhh, but it was worth the $1.40 USD!!
What the 2010 eruption looked like. It lasted about 100 hours.
OK - ya gotta get the tourist shot in - right?!? Yes - the volcano is still active and the light whisp trailing up away from the clouds is smoke from the caldera. (The rest is cloud.)
And the pretty girls! (editor's note: those aren't just "girls" - they are Sister Missionaries!)
Week 29
To the greatest family and wonderful friends,
This week has been colored by our reading together in Alma. We read concerning Lamoni's conversion by Ammon and all the service and patience Ammon showed to that king. Then after the mighty visit of the Spirit to Lamoni and his family and court, he and Ammon go to save Ammon's friends in prison. On the way they are met by Lamoni's father. The King who is angry because Lamoni missed a huge celebration. But he is sooo impressed by Ammon, that later when Aaron goes to visit and eventually convert him, Lamoni's Father asks "Where is Ammon?" Many, many of the Lamanites follow their leaders and are converted.
A great day for those missionaries, however it leads to a whole other set of problems, namely the Anti-Nephi-Lehies who refuse to kill anymore and bury their weapons. Of course, Alma feels responsible for these faithful new members, and therefore shepherds them in a very big way, for a very long time. Of course, many of those slain easily by their angry enemies are the fathers and grandfathers of the Stripling Warriors, and many of those saved by Ammon's people where their mothers.
What a sacred responsibility is the shepherding of our Father's children. Ammon's stewardship's were never taken lightly, and part of that was his tremendous patience and love. I know these stories so well, but I have never thought of this aspect before. It had a profound effect on my outlook toward all of our Father's children, from those close to me, to those I do not know. I have a lot of work to do.
We spent a portion of the week catching up on work at home and preparing for work to come. The 4 Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) Planning for Success workshops, which each PEF participant must attend, must have well-trained teachers. Brother Tandiman is coming to Solo this week to begin training the Solo area teachers and wants Elder Greenway to help. So Elder G. has been reviewing the course work and making sure he is prepared. As for me, I have been pouring over the music for the FIRST STAKE CONFERENCE to be held in Solo. Thursday we had made plans to go visiting with Bono and teaching with the Sister Missionaries.
However, last Saturday our newest Elder, Elder Xiong from California was elbowed in the eye playing basketball with one of the Branch Presidency and the Pres. non-member friends. (Yes, it is just like the USA with members and basketball, but you have to add badminton to that also!!!!) He was in considerable pain, and instead of getting better, it became worse. So, after a few days, he called us (we had told him to) and we canceled our visiting appointment to take this Elder to the doctor. It was a good thing, his eye was fine but the muscles around the eye were injured, so he received some meds and by today he was almost better.
This fine Elder is one of 16 children of parents who escaped Vietnam. His sister (24) was the first to join the Church in California (they are Hmong, so we thought of young Elder Richwine from our Carlisle Ward), then another sister (25), then Elder Xiong, and then a younger brother (16). His parents do not drive, and most of his siblings are gone from the home, so this young man was their driver. Plus, his father is disabled. So, it took a leap of faith for Elder Xiong to go on a mission. But, he was really blessed, because just before he left, his father and mother asked to be baptized. He is anxious to serve, so he can return home and go to the temple with his parents and be sealed, and start teaching his older siblings.
We did go teaching with the Sisters that evening. They had been invited to a home of friends of a member. In fact, these friends have a daughter who has been pals with Astrid, the daughter of Sutarno (our main water project guy). The family has been so impressed with Astrid, with the family, and had talked to them about the Church. The family wanted to know more about temples, and why other churches did not have temples. They were very kind, and listened well as the Sisters presented the restoration to them. We also talked about how much our Father in Heaven loves families and desires for them to succeed. They have invited us back, but this time I think we will take Astrid. She is anxious to go.
If you have seen the pictures, you know that Elder Greenway went with our missionaries to the volcano Merapi on Wednesday. I did not go because of piano lessons. I had had to cancel lessons the week before, so I could not cancel again. He had a great time as you can see by the pictures! He came home a little sunburned, but happy.
It was good I did not cancel, because I had three new students arrive at my lesson door. Two that are 8, and one who is 6, with their moms and one dad. After the Elder Mortoyo week, I am always prepared for new students! We had a good lesson and decided on a good time. I now have at Sopomo, 2 at four, 3 at four-thirty, 3 at five, 3 at five-thirty, and 2 at six. At Kapatihan I have about 5 at three thirty, 2 at four, (they all mix in and stay a while), 3 at five, 2 at five thirty, and 2 at six.
Finally, we had our first choir practice for the first Stake Choir in Solo, Indonesia! We practiced at Kapatihan, and had about 60!!!!!!! We were so thrilled. Heavenly Father really answered my prayers. It is really hard to do something new here. They love their traditions, and so when you try to do something different, they get so confused. I had dear Aster and Widap sending SMS texts all week to tell everyone to come at 5 PM on Saturday. Then as we were driving there I could see huge dark rainclouds forming. We have already told you that when it rains everything stops because they are all on scooters. I sat in the back seat of that car and prayed that the rain would wait for the practice. It did.
We are having 2 choirs, a General choir, and a YSA-Youth choir. That was the confusion. BUT, they came, and they sounded so good. The General choir was so quick to learn, and the Youth choir was so inspiring. We are quite certain there will be more participating when we practice this week at Sopomo. Today at church, Pres. Agus asked me how many came, when we said about 60, he was so surprised. He is trying to get an idea of how many chairs to set up for the choir on the 29th of April. We told him we'd get back to him on that. We hope about 100. He is a wonderful man, and a good leader.
I love my Father in Heaven. I know that he loves us, and is mindful of our trials and disappointments. I hope you all read Elder Bednar's talk in the Liahona (Ensign) about the Atonement, about Grace, and about strengthening. I know that He does answer the prayers of a little lady worried in the back seat of a car. I know because of the Savior we can be strengthened for our responsibilities, our stewardships, and our temptations. I am grateful to have been born of goodly parents, who loved the Lord. Thank you all for the blessing you have been in our lives. We have been blessed over, and over.
Have a good week taking care of Heavenly Father's children, (each other),
Elder and Sis. Greenway
This week has been colored by our reading together in Alma. We read concerning Lamoni's conversion by Ammon and all the service and patience Ammon showed to that king. Then after the mighty visit of the Spirit to Lamoni and his family and court, he and Ammon go to save Ammon's friends in prison. On the way they are met by Lamoni's father. The King who is angry because Lamoni missed a huge celebration. But he is sooo impressed by Ammon, that later when Aaron goes to visit and eventually convert him, Lamoni's Father asks "Where is Ammon?" Many, many of the Lamanites follow their leaders and are converted.
A great day for those missionaries, however it leads to a whole other set of problems, namely the Anti-Nephi-Lehies who refuse to kill anymore and bury their weapons. Of course, Alma feels responsible for these faithful new members, and therefore shepherds them in a very big way, for a very long time. Of course, many of those slain easily by their angry enemies are the fathers and grandfathers of the Stripling Warriors, and many of those saved by Ammon's people where their mothers.
What a sacred responsibility is the shepherding of our Father's children. Ammon's stewardship's were never taken lightly, and part of that was his tremendous patience and love. I know these stories so well, but I have never thought of this aspect before. It had a profound effect on my outlook toward all of our Father's children, from those close to me, to those I do not know. I have a lot of work to do.
We spent a portion of the week catching up on work at home and preparing for work to come. The 4 Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) Planning for Success workshops, which each PEF participant must attend, must have well-trained teachers. Brother Tandiman is coming to Solo this week to begin training the Solo area teachers and wants Elder Greenway to help. So Elder G. has been reviewing the course work and making sure he is prepared. As for me, I have been pouring over the music for the FIRST STAKE CONFERENCE to be held in Solo. Thursday we had made plans to go visiting with Bono and teaching with the Sister Missionaries.
However, last Saturday our newest Elder, Elder Xiong from California was elbowed in the eye playing basketball with one of the Branch Presidency and the Pres. non-member friends. (Yes, it is just like the USA with members and basketball, but you have to add badminton to that also!!!!) He was in considerable pain, and instead of getting better, it became worse. So, after a few days, he called us (we had told him to) and we canceled our visiting appointment to take this Elder to the doctor. It was a good thing, his eye was fine but the muscles around the eye were injured, so he received some meds and by today he was almost better.
This fine Elder is one of 16 children of parents who escaped Vietnam. His sister (24) was the first to join the Church in California (they are Hmong, so we thought of young Elder Richwine from our Carlisle Ward), then another sister (25), then Elder Xiong, and then a younger brother (16). His parents do not drive, and most of his siblings are gone from the home, so this young man was their driver. Plus, his father is disabled. So, it took a leap of faith for Elder Xiong to go on a mission. But, he was really blessed, because just before he left, his father and mother asked to be baptized. He is anxious to serve, so he can return home and go to the temple with his parents and be sealed, and start teaching his older siblings.
We did go teaching with the Sisters that evening. They had been invited to a home of friends of a member. In fact, these friends have a daughter who has been pals with Astrid, the daughter of Sutarno (our main water project guy). The family has been so impressed with Astrid, with the family, and had talked to them about the Church. The family wanted to know more about temples, and why other churches did not have temples. They were very kind, and listened well as the Sisters presented the restoration to them. We also talked about how much our Father in Heaven loves families and desires for them to succeed. They have invited us back, but this time I think we will take Astrid. She is anxious to go.
If you have seen the pictures, you know that Elder Greenway went with our missionaries to the volcano Merapi on Wednesday. I did not go because of piano lessons. I had had to cancel lessons the week before, so I could not cancel again. He had a great time as you can see by the pictures! He came home a little sunburned, but happy.
It was good I did not cancel, because I had three new students arrive at my lesson door. Two that are 8, and one who is 6, with their moms and one dad. After the Elder Mortoyo week, I am always prepared for new students! We had a good lesson and decided on a good time. I now have at Sopomo, 2 at four, 3 at four-thirty, 3 at five, 3 at five-thirty, and 2 at six. At Kapatihan I have about 5 at three thirty, 2 at four, (they all mix in and stay a while), 3 at five, 2 at five thirty, and 2 at six.
Finally, we had our first choir practice for the first Stake Choir in Solo, Indonesia! We practiced at Kapatihan, and had about 60!!!!!!! We were so thrilled. Heavenly Father really answered my prayers. It is really hard to do something new here. They love their traditions, and so when you try to do something different, they get so confused. I had dear Aster and Widap sending SMS texts all week to tell everyone to come at 5 PM on Saturday. Then as we were driving there I could see huge dark rainclouds forming. We have already told you that when it rains everything stops because they are all on scooters. I sat in the back seat of that car and prayed that the rain would wait for the practice. It did.
We are having 2 choirs, a General choir, and a YSA-Youth choir. That was the confusion. BUT, they came, and they sounded so good. The General choir was so quick to learn, and the Youth choir was so inspiring. We are quite certain there will be more participating when we practice this week at Sopomo. Today at church, Pres. Agus asked me how many came, when we said about 60, he was so surprised. He is trying to get an idea of how many chairs to set up for the choir on the 29th of April. We told him we'd get back to him on that. We hope about 100. He is a wonderful man, and a good leader.
I love my Father in Heaven. I know that he loves us, and is mindful of our trials and disappointments. I hope you all read Elder Bednar's talk in the Liahona (Ensign) about the Atonement, about Grace, and about strengthening. I know that He does answer the prayers of a little lady worried in the back seat of a car. I know because of the Savior we can be strengthened for our responsibilities, our stewardships, and our temptations. I am grateful to have been born of goodly parents, who loved the Lord. Thank you all for the blessing you have been in our lives. We have been blessed over, and over.
Have a good week taking care of Heavenly Father's children, (each other),
Elder and Sis. Greenway
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