To all of the pumpkin lovers we know, let it be known (because Joel said) "The Frost is on the Pumpkin, the frost is on the Pumpkin!!!!" (thank you Joel, that was sooo "fall" of you :)
Oh my goodness! Where to begin.... We have definitely been on a learning curve this week. When you enter Indonesia, you must apply for and receive and "kitas", which allows you to move around the country and be legal. It is good for one year, while our visas are good for 23 months. We have actually been living here illegally since Sept. 28 because the computers at immigration were messed up.
Last week we found out that everything was up and going and we were to go to Jakarta to renew our kitas. We left Wednesday morning and arrived there about noon, then waited and hour for a taxi to Senopati, (the Mission Home). The traffic is like nothing you have ever seen. While there, we read an article in the newspaper that said that by 2014 the traffic will come to a complete standstill in Jakarta if so many miles of new roads are not built by then. We thought it was already at a standstill.....It took us longer to drive to the Mission Home than to fly to Jakarta. But we did get there around 2:30 p.m. and then Elder and Sister Seiters, Elder and Sister Kepler, Elder and Sister Healy, Elder and Sister Beaman, and President and Sister Groberg and we all had lunch. The Seiters and Keplers were also there to renew kitas.
We stayed until Friday afternoon. We enjoy these other couples and are so grateful for their example. They are all marvelous people. Our kitas appointment was not until Friday morning, so on Thursday we ventured to the oldest Museum in Indonesia, a beautiful old building built by the Dutch in the 1700s (John you would have loved all of this), and filled with artifacts ranging from the skull of the "east Java man" (for all you anthropologists), to ancient Chinese Ming dynasty vases, to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. I can't even begin to tell you how interesting it was. Our guide, Sis. Paul, is an ex-pat. who had lived in Jakarta once before, and was back for her second dose. Her husband works for Conoco/Phillips and they have raised their four children all over Asia. They are now grown, so she decided to take classes and learn to be a guide. She was delightful. THEN WE WENT TO LUNCH AT CHILI'S AND ELDER GREENWAY GOT A STEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now all is right with the world.
We also went to the gorgeous monument, the Monas, which is like their "Statue of Liberty". Inside the huge base, there are about 50 large dioramas depicting Indonesian history from the time of the "east Java man to Indonesia's Independence. Elder and I got to study these well while the others stood in line and rode to the tippy - tippy top of the monument. For those who don't know, Elder Greenway has a complete aversion to heights. I was thrilled because I was more interested in the history than the view. We now have a complete admiration for the valiant lives of early Indonesians. They have fought and fought and fought for their independence. It seems between the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Dutch/English, and Communists that someone has always wanted these beautiful islands. Courageous is probably the best adjective, then wise and patient are close behind. There just isn't room to tell you everything, but suffice it to say we are so proud of these lovely people.
On the second evening, while we were at Senopati, we received word via Emily that Joel and Rebekah had been advised by their pediatrician to take Little Jane Anne, just a week old, to the emergency room. She was vomiting green bile, and to quote Pres. Groberg (in his before life he was a pediatrician), "that is not good". Grampa Elder asked for everyone there to please pray for her. Dear Sister Kepler suggested that we do so right then, and so President and Sister Groberg, the Keplers, the Seiters, and the Greenways knelt together and kind President prayed for our Jane Anne. We asked Emily to please let us know as soon as she knew anything even if it were the middle of the night. (This time difference thing is a pain.) Around mid-night we got the call that everything had checked out, but that she had lost some weight, so they suggested a few things and now have her under the watch of the family doctor. WHEW! PLUSSSS..... When we got home we found out Sara's boy, Andrew, had fallen and seriously konked his head!!! Another trip to the emergency room, but more blessings. He is also doing just fine! We have felt tremendous blessings this week. We have known, and we have surely told you countless times, that we are more than blessed to be on this mission, to be healthy, to have the means to be here, and especially to be in Surakarta, Indonesia! Oh my, how we love the Lord.
On that note I will mention General Conference. We see it a week late here. On Saturday the wards meet in the two buildings at 10:00 a.m for Sessions 1 & 2. At about 3 p.m. the Priesthood session and Relief Society broadcasts begin. Their Young Women stay for the Relief Society Broadcast. The interesting part of this... most Indonesians have a 6 day work week, and all Indonesian children go to school on Saturday. So at 3 p.m. there were YM & YW all seated in their school uniforms to watch those 2 broadcasts. Today, we started at 8 a.m and ended about 1 p.m. Then one ward had their children stay for a Primary Sacrament Meeting Program practice. At 4:00 p.m. the youth from Solo 1 and we will practice for their part in Ward Conference, and at 5:00 p.m. is the Stake Youth and YSA Choir practice for Stake Conference. We don't need to tell you about General Conference. I'm sure you all were there to partake of that feast. Just in case you had some very important reason to miss any portion (say an earthquake and your power was off), please take the time to view and read and study anything you might have missed. President Monson asked that we do that anyway, so we'll all be doing the same thing.
Just one thing..... In case you don't know..... Elder Greenway and I have a great love for our children. Every day it grows. We can see now some greater eternal perspectives that we have come to recognize. We apologize for those things we surely could have done better. We know each of you will be better parents because you will have learned from our mistakes. You are the "noble and great ones" raising the"noble and great ones" who will usher in the coming of the Lord. We are better people because we know and love you, just as you will be better knowing and loving those priceless spirits in your family who have been reserved for this time. We were told many times today how families must work together. We were told it isn't enough anymore to just go along. We must hold Family Home Evening. We must be reading the scriptures together. We must pray and council together as families because Satan surely wants you to fail. We will be working and praying harder in your behalf, we pray that you will take this council seriously. We love you beyond measure...
Mom and Dad
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Week 56
What an odd week...
Once upon a time there was a girl. She was a determined soul, and a master planner. Her name was Emily. Years ago she met a young man. He was a determined soul, and a dutiful planner. His name was Ty. When Emily met Ty, she masterfully planned their courtship. "Ty," she said, "What are you doing this week?" "Oh," said a shy, but determined Ty, "I have something every night except Thursday." "Great!" said Emily, "How about going dutch to a movie with me on Thursday!!!" "Okay...???" said dutiful (and polite) Ty, and the rest is History.
Now... fast forward to October 5, 2012. Emily and Rebekah, sisters-in-law, have been masterfully planning for a week that Rebekah, who is ready to pop, must have her baby Friday night, while Emily, labor and delivery nurse, has a scheduled over-night shift. We won't even go into what has gone on during the week, but suffice it to say.... both girls were determined. So Friday evening, Joel wearily walks in the door from work only to see Rebekah with her packed bag, and packed up child, Logan, all ready to go. On that same evening, poor dutiful Ty walks in the door only to see the master planner waiting for him with a doozy of a master plan. So, to make a long story short..... Joel and Rebekah reached the hospital about 9 p.m., where her readiness to deliver was sanctioned by the powers to be, and on October 6, at 5:20 a.m. Jane Ann Greenway came into the world a hungry 9lb. 6oz. - 21 inch lovely girl......!!!
And all this was accomplished during The Master Planner's shift with time to spare. Oh, and about dutiful Ty.... He stayed home and took care of all the kids, including Logan, who adores him (but then what kid doesn't adore Ty). Rebekah and Jane Ann, Joel and Emily, Ty and Kids are all doing very well, thanks to determined planning. Gramma and Grampa are joyous and grateful!
Now, adding to our odd week. It started out normally enough, we made our usual pilgrimage to Boyalali to visit Kini and Markini, and now Markini's husband. They fed us lunch this week! Ayam (chicken), nasi putih (white rice), and some kind of greens that I don't know the Indonesian name for. They learned about fasting from the Sisters, and excitedly volunteered to fast this Sunday. So we agreed to fast for Boyalali, and for all the potential that is there. When we were leaving, I told them "Anda saya teman, dan saya mengasihi anda." (You are my friends, and I love you.) Then Markini, the Mother of Kini, told me she wanted to come to America with me. I said OKAY!!!! They are like family by now, and we love them so. Sister Neis had to tell them that it might be a long time before our church has a church in Boyalali. She told them they needed to learn well, and be strong, and hold on until things can happen. Markini said that there are many at the church they attend who want to know more about the wonderful church they tell them about. Kini's husband, who has not been religious, has started to attend the church there with her. So it is making a difference, they just need to hold on. We are all so very worried for them. It was a quiet ride home.
Tuesday we planned for piano, and other projects, and then headed to piano at Kapatihan. That is where we usually have 20 students. We had 3. Willi, Dinda, and Ricko came. We kept wondering what was going on. Then on Wednesday we had to have the A.C. in our apt. serviced and that took all morning. So then we headed to piano lessons and had 5 of the 15 show up. But we did find out that they were having testing in school, which I guess goes on and on. Then Thursday we went to Kantor Pos (the post office) to mail 4 Christmas packages home. Now the first Christmas package (it was the test package) we sent slow boat (literally), and it took 2 months. It also took 2 hours to get ready to mail. You walk in the building and they take the packages and weigh them, then you fill out a form, then you must take the box to customs who checks its contents, then you go outside where they sew it up into plastic, then you go back and it is weighed again, and then there is about 39 minutes of paperwork, then you pay, and then they staple everything to everything, then you can go. So we planned for at least 2 hours for 4 packages. It took one hour. So now we know, you get there early, and be there when there are 2 to sew rather than one. But because we were so fast, when we tried to call our appointment to go earlier, he wasn't home. So we scooted home to get the music ready for Stake Conference, and to let Elder work on the Senior Couple Conference.
Friday was DDM, a good sturdy DDM with lots of information and ideas flowing. Then we went to a "copy" place, where we had 150 copies made double sided for about $5. This was all the music for Stake Conference. Then we met with my young people who are going to play for me, Widap, Yos, and Agus. Then we headed for Gospel English where we had 3 out of 12 students. Hmmmmm......... So that is what I mean about an odd week. We were busy, but really didn't feel like we accomplished tooooooo much. This week will be better!!!!! Tomorrow night we have our first YW/YM - YSA Choir practice for Conference. Immediately following, we will have a Young Single Adult Fireside with our Stake President Budi Susanto speaking. That is the reason you are getting this early, because it will be late when we get home. Tomorrow will be Fast Sunday, our General conference is always a week late. So next week we will be at the Kapatihan Building Saturday and Sunday all day.
We know all you return Missionaries remember these kind of weeks. We are glad they don't happen too often. Our favorite part of the week is our time spent with the members, less active, and being out among the people. We just didn't accomplish that this week. Ahhh, time for better planning. HEY!!!!!!!! SOUNDS LIKE WE NEED A LESSON FROM A MASTER PLANNER!!!!!!
We just happen to know someone like that!
Much love and tender hearts for all our babies, 11 years old and on down;
Gramma and Grampa to 16 adored~!
Once upon a time there was a girl. She was a determined soul, and a master planner. Her name was Emily. Years ago she met a young man. He was a determined soul, and a dutiful planner. His name was Ty. When Emily met Ty, she masterfully planned their courtship. "Ty," she said, "What are you doing this week?" "Oh," said a shy, but determined Ty, "I have something every night except Thursday." "Great!" said Emily, "How about going dutch to a movie with me on Thursday!!!" "Okay...???" said dutiful (and polite) Ty, and the rest is History.
Now... fast forward to October 5, 2012. Emily and Rebekah, sisters-in-law, have been masterfully planning for a week that Rebekah, who is ready to pop, must have her baby Friday night, while Emily, labor and delivery nurse, has a scheduled over-night shift. We won't even go into what has gone on during the week, but suffice it to say.... both girls were determined. So Friday evening, Joel wearily walks in the door from work only to see Rebekah with her packed bag, and packed up child, Logan, all ready to go. On that same evening, poor dutiful Ty walks in the door only to see the master planner waiting for him with a doozy of a master plan. So, to make a long story short..... Joel and Rebekah reached the hospital about 9 p.m., where her readiness to deliver was sanctioned by the powers to be, and on October 6, at 5:20 a.m. Jane Ann Greenway came into the world a hungry 9lb. 6oz. - 21 inch lovely girl......!!!
And all this was accomplished during The Master Planner's shift with time to spare. Oh, and about dutiful Ty.... He stayed home and took care of all the kids, including Logan, who adores him (but then what kid doesn't adore Ty). Rebekah and Jane Ann, Joel and Emily, Ty and Kids are all doing very well, thanks to determined planning. Gramma and Grampa are joyous and grateful!
Now, adding to our odd week. It started out normally enough, we made our usual pilgrimage to Boyalali to visit Kini and Markini, and now Markini's husband. They fed us lunch this week! Ayam (chicken), nasi putih (white rice), and some kind of greens that I don't know the Indonesian name for. They learned about fasting from the Sisters, and excitedly volunteered to fast this Sunday. So we agreed to fast for Boyalali, and for all the potential that is there. When we were leaving, I told them "Anda saya teman, dan saya mengasihi anda." (You are my friends, and I love you.) Then Markini, the Mother of Kini, told me she wanted to come to America with me. I said OKAY!!!! They are like family by now, and we love them so. Sister Neis had to tell them that it might be a long time before our church has a church in Boyalali. She told them they needed to learn well, and be strong, and hold on until things can happen. Markini said that there are many at the church they attend who want to know more about the wonderful church they tell them about. Kini's husband, who has not been religious, has started to attend the church there with her. So it is making a difference, they just need to hold on. We are all so very worried for them. It was a quiet ride home.
Tuesday we planned for piano, and other projects, and then headed to piano at Kapatihan. That is where we usually have 20 students. We had 3. Willi, Dinda, and Ricko came. We kept wondering what was going on. Then on Wednesday we had to have the A.C. in our apt. serviced and that took all morning. So then we headed to piano lessons and had 5 of the 15 show up. But we did find out that they were having testing in school, which I guess goes on and on. Then Thursday we went to Kantor Pos (the post office) to mail 4 Christmas packages home. Now the first Christmas package (it was the test package) we sent slow boat (literally), and it took 2 months. It also took 2 hours to get ready to mail. You walk in the building and they take the packages and weigh them, then you fill out a form, then you must take the box to customs who checks its contents, then you go outside where they sew it up into plastic, then you go back and it is weighed again, and then there is about 39 minutes of paperwork, then you pay, and then they staple everything to everything, then you can go. So we planned for at least 2 hours for 4 packages. It took one hour. So now we know, you get there early, and be there when there are 2 to sew rather than one. But because we were so fast, when we tried to call our appointment to go earlier, he wasn't home. So we scooted home to get the music ready for Stake Conference, and to let Elder work on the Senior Couple Conference.
Friday was DDM, a good sturdy DDM with lots of information and ideas flowing. Then we went to a "copy" place, where we had 150 copies made double sided for about $5. This was all the music for Stake Conference. Then we met with my young people who are going to play for me, Widap, Yos, and Agus. Then we headed for Gospel English where we had 3 out of 12 students. Hmmmmm......... So that is what I mean about an odd week. We were busy, but really didn't feel like we accomplished tooooooo much. This week will be better!!!!! Tomorrow night we have our first YW/YM - YSA Choir practice for Conference. Immediately following, we will have a Young Single Adult Fireside with our Stake President Budi Susanto speaking. That is the reason you are getting this early, because it will be late when we get home. Tomorrow will be Fast Sunday, our General conference is always a week late. So next week we will be at the Kapatihan Building Saturday and Sunday all day.
We know all you return Missionaries remember these kind of weeks. We are glad they don't happen too often. Our favorite part of the week is our time spent with the members, less active, and being out among the people. We just didn't accomplish that this week. Ahhh, time for better planning. HEY!!!!!!!! SOUNDS LIKE WE NEED A LESSON FROM A MASTER PLANNER!!!!!!
We just happen to know someone like that!
Much love and tender hearts for all our babies, 11 years old and on down;
Gramma and Grampa to 16 adored~!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Week 55
Dear Kind Friends and Family,
We are so grateful for your notes of concern for all of the protests, and the "not friendlies" being arrested nearby. As we told many of you, we have always felt safe and the only warning we have received was to stay away from large gathering groups.
We ARE trying to be obedient missionaries. But Wednesday Bono text us early that Bro. Noto's son had died the day before and the funeral was that very day at 1:00 p.m. Now, there are a few Noto's...... however the only one we knew well (and you may remember this) was Bro. Noto from Banjasari who became active just before Christmas. We had gone to his business, (that was the first time I realized what our daughter, Emily, had meant when she called the Ecuadorian homes "little ovens") with Elder Ward and Companion, and we had found out that Bro. Noto was not married to the woman he was living with. It costs money to get married, but they had raised her child together for years and now Noto wanted this boy to be baptized. Well, eventually after they were married, after "dad and mom" we coming faithfully to Church, Bambang decided in June, at age 13, to be baptized.
That was the first Noto and son that we thought of, but Bono had said the funeral was in Sukaharjo, an area far from Noto's home. So we prayed it wasn't true. Elder and Sister Knorpp came along, and we set out about noon. We pulled up to "the large gathering of people" about 12:20, and there was Bro. Noto. I thought poor young Bambang..... and with that I grasped Brother Noto's hand. "Maaf, maaf, Brother Noto!" (I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Brother Noto). That was repeated by all of us. Then he motioned us to the middle of the "large gathering" of about 200 Muslim friends and family that were well into the funeral. So we started to make our way through this huge group shaking all of the attendee's hands because they were extended to us, and while the Iman is singing, and as is the custom every day not just funeral days, we removed our shoes, entered the home of the deceased to pay our respects to the family, and to view the body that they had prepared. Well, it wasn't Bambang. Hmmm.... Then we tried to find a tiny piece of standing room within the crowd. Bono finally found us, and he had found out about his faulty info. It was Noto's daughter by a first marriage, she was of course Muslim, and she had died of cancer. Both Sister Knorpp and I started to quietly giggle thinking about the "large gathering" warning. Now, this is the important point. As the Iman is praying and singing, everyone near us is shaking our hands and asking for "foto"? Some were taking pictures with their phones. One lady near me found a food crate to sit on, and I smiled and said, "Pintar" (smart) and all the ladies around nodded and smiled, "Pintar". When it was over, they brought their children to shake our hands. I think the only danger we were in was being Loved to death. When we first arrived in Solo I was warned about extending my hand to a Muslim man, because he will only touch his wife's hand. Just about every man, woman and child shook our hands!! Then we scooted to take the Knorpps home, and zoom off to piano.
We also did some visiting this week. Sister Paryiem (65) is the mother of the "Sausis Solo" people we visited a few weeks ago. Remember, they make a gadzillion "Sausis Solo's" twice a day to sell. Sister Paryiem had been in the hospital with severe vertigo. She couldn't open her eyes because the world was spinning. She had been in the hospital, but was sent home. (I guess they couldn't find the problem.) So she was going to a "Chinese Terapis" who was giving her herbal therapy. Chinese Therapists are very popular, here. We only stayed a bit, but it was a sad visit. Also, Elder Purnawan and Elder Townsend went with us to see Bro. Widodo and visited his wife, Bukti. I guess they are not getting along to well. It is hard to tell these things unless you are in their home. The Indonesian members do not regularly sit together as a family in church. That didn't help when we were first trying to put families together by name. The Elders were concerned about them, but alas, no Bro. Widodo at home. On Thursday we received a list of people to visit from the Jebres Bishop, but no addresses. So we visited Ratmini (she's the lady in the ward that knows everyone...every ward has one of those ladies) and she told Bono how to get to each one. We visited Bro Sangino, the Warsidi family, Sis. Timin, and Sis. Dewi, who lives in a hovel where they are tearing down all the houses to make room for a new University Dorm. She can't move until she gets the money TO move. It was like living in a disaster zone. But, of course she was pleasant and cheerful. During the week we also had Tues. and Wed. piano, a Primary singing practice, and Banjasari Choir practice, Elder had two meetings about PEF and Employment resources (so I had dinner with Widap), DDM, and Gospel English. Tomorrow we are taking the Sisters and a set of Elders to Boyalali.
Finally, just a funny story..... We have found the Primaries in the Solo Wards to be... let's see...what's a good word..... chaotic! We were really concerned for the Nursery Program or lack there of. Well, today Bro. Choki told me that SLC is sending the 1st Counselors from the General Young Women, and Relief Society to Solo the beginning of November. So I asked if the Primary Counselor was also coming. He said no, just the two Sisters. My shoulders sagged, and he asked me why. "Choki", I said, "I can tell you this. The Primaries in the Solo area do not function correctly". We talked a bit, then he asked me to write down how it is suppose to function, and he would take it to a meeting between the the Stake Pres. and the Bishops next week. (He is the Stake Executive Sec.) I told him NO! NO? he asked! So I told him that the Stake Primary President needed to read the handbook, and then train her Presidents from that handbook! I have no authority to do that. And Brother Choki said, "Sister Greenway, Indonesians don't read. They are too lazy to read the handbook." That is the second person to tell us that. I told him that it was important for that to change. I have heard many reasons for wards not following the Handbook of Instruction, and while this is probably the most general reason, most wards will not own-up to it. We hope we will see it change, for the children's sake.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings light, knowledge, peace and joy into our lives. So why do we fight it? I dunno.... When I am obedient I feel joy. When I kick against what I know is right, my life lacks light. We have a Prophet, and Apostles who together work to guide the Church. We are so blessed, we have such opportunity to show love and help others. We should all be jumping at the chance to share what we have. So why do we remain still? I dunno.... We love this opportunity. We really need Senior couples. We have found such joy. We love you all so much. Take care to love one another.
Dari hati kami,
Elder and Sister Greenway
P.S. To my family..... one month 'til Christmas Music!!!!!!!!
We are so grateful for your notes of concern for all of the protests, and the "not friendlies" being arrested nearby. As we told many of you, we have always felt safe and the only warning we have received was to stay away from large gathering groups.
We ARE trying to be obedient missionaries. But Wednesday Bono text us early that Bro. Noto's son had died the day before and the funeral was that very day at 1:00 p.m. Now, there are a few Noto's...... however the only one we knew well (and you may remember this) was Bro. Noto from Banjasari who became active just before Christmas. We had gone to his business, (that was the first time I realized what our daughter, Emily, had meant when she called the Ecuadorian homes "little ovens") with Elder Ward and Companion, and we had found out that Bro. Noto was not married to the woman he was living with. It costs money to get married, but they had raised her child together for years and now Noto wanted this boy to be baptized. Well, eventually after they were married, after "dad and mom" we coming faithfully to Church, Bambang decided in June, at age 13, to be baptized.
That was the first Noto and son that we thought of, but Bono had said the funeral was in Sukaharjo, an area far from Noto's home. So we prayed it wasn't true. Elder and Sister Knorpp came along, and we set out about noon. We pulled up to "the large gathering of people" about 12:20, and there was Bro. Noto. I thought poor young Bambang..... and with that I grasped Brother Noto's hand. "Maaf, maaf, Brother Noto!" (I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Brother Noto). That was repeated by all of us. Then he motioned us to the middle of the "large gathering" of about 200 Muslim friends and family that were well into the funeral. So we started to make our way through this huge group shaking all of the attendee's hands because they were extended to us, and while the Iman is singing, and as is the custom every day not just funeral days, we removed our shoes, entered the home of the deceased to pay our respects to the family, and to view the body that they had prepared. Well, it wasn't Bambang. Hmmm.... Then we tried to find a tiny piece of standing room within the crowd. Bono finally found us, and he had found out about his faulty info. It was Noto's daughter by a first marriage, she was of course Muslim, and she had died of cancer. Both Sister Knorpp and I started to quietly giggle thinking about the "large gathering" warning. Now, this is the important point. As the Iman is praying and singing, everyone near us is shaking our hands and asking for "foto"? Some were taking pictures with their phones. One lady near me found a food crate to sit on, and I smiled and said, "Pintar" (smart) and all the ladies around nodded and smiled, "Pintar". When it was over, they brought their children to shake our hands. I think the only danger we were in was being Loved to death. When we first arrived in Solo I was warned about extending my hand to a Muslim man, because he will only touch his wife's hand. Just about every man, woman and child shook our hands!! Then we scooted to take the Knorpps home, and zoom off to piano.
We also did some visiting this week. Sister Paryiem (65) is the mother of the "Sausis Solo" people we visited a few weeks ago. Remember, they make a gadzillion "Sausis Solo's" twice a day to sell. Sister Paryiem had been in the hospital with severe vertigo. She couldn't open her eyes because the world was spinning. She had been in the hospital, but was sent home. (I guess they couldn't find the problem.) So she was going to a "Chinese Terapis" who was giving her herbal therapy. Chinese Therapists are very popular, here. We only stayed a bit, but it was a sad visit. Also, Elder Purnawan and Elder Townsend went with us to see Bro. Widodo and visited his wife, Bukti. I guess they are not getting along to well. It is hard to tell these things unless you are in their home. The Indonesian members do not regularly sit together as a family in church. That didn't help when we were first trying to put families together by name. The Elders were concerned about them, but alas, no Bro. Widodo at home. On Thursday we received a list of people to visit from the Jebres Bishop, but no addresses. So we visited Ratmini (she's the lady in the ward that knows everyone...every ward has one of those ladies) and she told Bono how to get to each one. We visited Bro Sangino, the Warsidi family, Sis. Timin, and Sis. Dewi, who lives in a hovel where they are tearing down all the houses to make room for a new University Dorm. She can't move until she gets the money TO move. It was like living in a disaster zone. But, of course she was pleasant and cheerful. During the week we also had Tues. and Wed. piano, a Primary singing practice, and Banjasari Choir practice, Elder had two meetings about PEF and Employment resources (so I had dinner with Widap), DDM, and Gospel English. Tomorrow we are taking the Sisters and a set of Elders to Boyalali.
Finally, just a funny story..... We have found the Primaries in the Solo Wards to be... let's see...what's a good word..... chaotic! We were really concerned for the Nursery Program or lack there of. Well, today Bro. Choki told me that SLC is sending the 1st Counselors from the General Young Women, and Relief Society to Solo the beginning of November. So I asked if the Primary Counselor was also coming. He said no, just the two Sisters. My shoulders sagged, and he asked me why. "Choki", I said, "I can tell you this. The Primaries in the Solo area do not function correctly". We talked a bit, then he asked me to write down how it is suppose to function, and he would take it to a meeting between the the Stake Pres. and the Bishops next week. (He is the Stake Executive Sec.) I told him NO! NO? he asked! So I told him that the Stake Primary President needed to read the handbook, and then train her Presidents from that handbook! I have no authority to do that. And Brother Choki said, "Sister Greenway, Indonesians don't read. They are too lazy to read the handbook." That is the second person to tell us that. I told him that it was important for that to change. I have heard many reasons for wards not following the Handbook of Instruction, and while this is probably the most general reason, most wards will not own-up to it. We hope we will see it change, for the children's sake.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings light, knowledge, peace and joy into our lives. So why do we fight it? I dunno.... When I am obedient I feel joy. When I kick against what I know is right, my life lacks light. We have a Prophet, and Apostles who together work to guide the Church. We are so blessed, we have such opportunity to show love and help others. We should all be jumping at the chance to share what we have. So why do we remain still? I dunno.... We love this opportunity. We really need Senior couples. We have found such joy. We love you all so much. Take care to love one another.
Dari hati kami,
Elder and Sister Greenway
P.S. To my family..... one month 'til Christmas Music!!!!!!!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Week 54 Addendum
A note from the land of Islam:
We are safe and fine. Evidently, our little skirmish with terrorists made the Deseret News, etc.! Here's the scoop.... About 3 weeks ago 2 men on a scooter drove by one of Solo's many, many police huts (they are all over the city but the population does not trust the police, nor pay any attention to them) and with a rapid shot rifle, killed a polisi. Then the next week, same thing and two more officers were killed. People were very surprised by this. Solo has very little violent crime, basically petty theft, etc. and so people were very shocked!
However, the next week a more elite police force came in and killed 3 of the terrorists and wounded one, rounded up a few more. Now, nothing was said about these men being Islamic terrorists, and the word terrorist was just thrown in for drama it seemed. So when the latest news came out, we were absolutely surprised.
We have heard nothing from SLC, or the President of the Mission. He did tell the young Elders to stay away from large crowds. We have never felt threatened, in fact we walked home from the church in the late evening on Sunday, and all along the way down the little alleys people called out to us to say hello, and we respond "Malam" which is good evening.
The people of Central Java, Islam and Christian, are kind, helpful, and friendly. As the wise District Chief stated, The Egyptian Christian who made the film does not represent all Christians, and the Islam radicals that killed the Ambassador do not represent Islam. We just have to be the best of both and show others how it can be between us. Amen!
We hope you are all well, we love you and miss you. We have been super busy, and so if we are not online, just know that we are busy doing the work!!!
Safe in the arms of Allah :)
Mom and Dad
We are safe and fine. Evidently, our little skirmish with terrorists made the Deseret News, etc.! Here's the scoop.... About 3 weeks ago 2 men on a scooter drove by one of Solo's many, many police huts (they are all over the city but the population does not trust the police, nor pay any attention to them) and with a rapid shot rifle, killed a polisi. Then the next week, same thing and two more officers were killed. People were very surprised by this. Solo has very little violent crime, basically petty theft, etc. and so people were very shocked!
However, the next week a more elite police force came in and killed 3 of the terrorists and wounded one, rounded up a few more. Now, nothing was said about these men being Islamic terrorists, and the word terrorist was just thrown in for drama it seemed. So when the latest news came out, we were absolutely surprised.
We have heard nothing from SLC, or the President of the Mission. He did tell the young Elders to stay away from large crowds. We have never felt threatened, in fact we walked home from the church in the late evening on Sunday, and all along the way down the little alleys people called out to us to say hello, and we respond "Malam" which is good evening.
The people of Central Java, Islam and Christian, are kind, helpful, and friendly. As the wise District Chief stated, The Egyptian Christian who made the film does not represent all Christians, and the Islam radicals that killed the Ambassador do not represent Islam. We just have to be the best of both and show others how it can be between us. Amen!
We hope you are all well, we love you and miss you. We have been super busy, and so if we are not online, just know that we are busy doing the work!!!
Safe in the arms of Allah :)
Mom and Dad
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week 54
Dear "Near and Dear to our heart" people,
Probably the most important Greenway news to share came today came from our niece, sweet Katie, (Ron's sister Donna's daughter) who is engaged and will be married mid-November to her long-time beau, Steven. Congratulations Katie and Steven!!!!!! She emailed Elder Greenway and asked him to "interview" the poor young man. Hmmm.......
This is going to be a short but jam-packed letter, because it is late and we are just short of exhausted. But it has been an important week so here goes! On Monday we ran to Boyalali (1 or so hours), dropped off the Sisters for their weekly visit to Kini, and Markini. While they taught these beloved women, we drove and did a final check on the water project. WE LOVE BOYALALI/AMPEL!!!!! We will miss waving to the children, and talking to the workers. But alas, the project is over and done....more about this later. Wednesday Elder and Bono zipped to Jogja (2 or so hours) to check on a member who was injured in a Motor (cycle) accident. He bumped his head hard in the accident, but did not break his helmet, and was fine immediately after. But as time went by, 2-3 weeks, he began to lose balance and other symptoms, and had to have surgery. His left leg and arm were affected, and he has some speech problems, so the family wanted to know what they could do to help him. He is just 52, and was a school teacher. Elder spent some time there and then went to check out a place to hold our Senior Missionary Conference to be held the end of Nov. I stayed home and did laundry, baked, and taught piano.
On Thursday we journeyed the other direction (about 1 or so hours) with the Stake President Budi Susanto, and Barita to check out the site for the All Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference held in October. Temanggung is the name of the village, and it is sort of a resort area. If you were to add six feet of snow, you could imagine a ski resort there. It is up in a mountain region North and west of Solo. But first things first, the President had not had lunch (on purpose we found out) so we had to stop at a famous place (at least to the President and Barita) and have ox tail soup. THEN we went to the hotel site and looked things over. Pretty snazzy little resort. It ought to be fun!!!! It's coming up fast, so tonight we had another planning meeting and worked out the schedule and the rules. We do try to suggest a few things, but of course they do things somewhat differently, so usually we offer information then zip up and let them have at it.
Friday we were up at 4:30 a.m. to head to the opening ceremony for the Magalang Water Project (2 1/2 hours or so, if you are lost........ longer). These are BIG DEALS to the tiny villages, and so they call in the police, local army units, etc. to "protect" their local officials. There were 3 speakers at this ceremony:
Saturday we were up at 5:30 to pick up a set of Elders and the Sisters to attend the Closing Ceremony at Candasari, the neighboring village of Ampel. The day before Sister Healy (the Humanitarian Mission Sister) told me that she had volunteered me to lead everyone on Sat. in the Indonesian National Anthem. (blink, blink). So we got on-line and printed it and listened to some chorus sing it. Then we got in the car and sang it over and over with Bono. (I wonder if that is in Bono's job description). HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!! When we got there, what they really wanted was someone to entertain about 120 school children ages 4 - 12 for about 45 minutes!?! So! Sister Neis, Sister Manalu, Elder Suryono, and Elder Jameson, and I did just that with about 2 minutes notice. We had them sing to us, then we taught them songs in English. We played question and answer games, we did the Hokie Pokie, and I had a fun geography lesson with them about where all the Bule (American) missionaries come from. Then sweaty, and gratefully we all sat down and the master of ceremony, who had kidnapped Elder Jameson to be a translator, then started the ceremony and suddenly I hear my name and Indonesia in one sentence! So, I made Elder Jameson, who was sitting with all the dignitaries, come and stand by me and we led 250 Indonesians in the Indonesian National Anthem. Afterward, some guy came up and gushing said I did a good job and that I could do the Hokie Pokie well, too. (Seriously) I've never been so complimented before!!!!! Elder took about 60000 pictures, and shook that many hands, and of course, when it was all done WE GOT TO EAT!!! That evening we attend the Javanese wedding reception for Tian and Rianti, and while the temperature is hovering around 110 inside this HUGE reception center, there are videographers that are shining a huge spotlight on you, while waiters are feeding you 6 courses of hot (temperature) hot (spicey) food. It made a wedding at the White House look like Sweet Home Alabama, it was regal, and everyone was dressed in traditional Javanese dress, with make-up and hair to the nines! Elder took about 600000 more pictures which he will share.
Finally!!!!! (did I say this would be short???) President and Sister Groberg were in town for the wedding, as were the Barnards( the Jogja Sr. Couple who are from Tasmania) and they had no place to go after church to - you guessed it - EAT!!!!!!, so we had the Grobergs, the Barnards (and their fun driver), the Knorpps, and the Greenways all for dinner in our 4 ft. square apt. We did eat, but it was nicest to just sit and visit.
We are going to bed now. We have not eaten since about 3 p.m. We are NOT getting up until 6:30 a.m. tomorrow (mission rules, or it might even be later). AND, We have given poor Bono tomorrow off. We hope you have a good Monday, and just so you know..... we will not be eating rice for the next few days!!!!
We love you all,
Elder and Sister Greenway!!!
Probably the most important Greenway news to share came today came from our niece, sweet Katie, (Ron's sister Donna's daughter) who is engaged and will be married mid-November to her long-time beau, Steven. Congratulations Katie and Steven!!!!!! She emailed Elder Greenway and asked him to "interview" the poor young man. Hmmm.......
This is going to be a short but jam-packed letter, because it is late and we are just short of exhausted. But it has been an important week so here goes! On Monday we ran to Boyalali (1 or so hours), dropped off the Sisters for their weekly visit to Kini, and Markini. While they taught these beloved women, we drove and did a final check on the water project. WE LOVE BOYALALI/AMPEL!!!!! We will miss waving to the children, and talking to the workers. But alas, the project is over and done....more about this later. Wednesday Elder and Bono zipped to Jogja (2 or so hours) to check on a member who was injured in a Motor (cycle) accident. He bumped his head hard in the accident, but did not break his helmet, and was fine immediately after. But as time went by, 2-3 weeks, he began to lose balance and other symptoms, and had to have surgery. His left leg and arm were affected, and he has some speech problems, so the family wanted to know what they could do to help him. He is just 52, and was a school teacher. Elder spent some time there and then went to check out a place to hold our Senior Missionary Conference to be held the end of Nov. I stayed home and did laundry, baked, and taught piano.
On Thursday we journeyed the other direction (about 1 or so hours) with the Stake President Budi Susanto, and Barita to check out the site for the All Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference held in October. Temanggung is the name of the village, and it is sort of a resort area. If you were to add six feet of snow, you could imagine a ski resort there. It is up in a mountain region North and west of Solo. But first things first, the President had not had lunch (on purpose we found out) so we had to stop at a famous place (at least to the President and Barita) and have ox tail soup. THEN we went to the hotel site and looked things over. Pretty snazzy little resort. It ought to be fun!!!! It's coming up fast, so tonight we had another planning meeting and worked out the schedule and the rules. We do try to suggest a few things, but of course they do things somewhat differently, so usually we offer information then zip up and let them have at it.
Friday we were up at 4:30 a.m. to head to the opening ceremony for the Magalang Water Project (2 1/2 hours or so, if you are lost........ longer). These are BIG DEALS to the tiny villages, and so they call in the police, local army units, etc. to "protect" their local officials. There were 3 speakers at this ceremony:
- The local Islamic representative - He told the villagers that Muhammad had worked closely with Christians (this is a historical fact). He had asked his followers, and taught them to work with all cultures. So, on Friday, they were asked again. He praised the Gereja Yesus Kristus Dari Orang-Orang Suci Zaman Akir (say that 3 times fast), that's us, and admonished the 98 percent Islam village to work for the better good.
- Our Elder Subandrio - who talked about the humanitarian efforts of the Church, and taught them about accepting responsibility for the project. He reminded them that we do not ask for anything in return, except their dedication to keep the project in good working order.
- The District Chief, the guy that arrived by motorcade with lights and sirens blaring, the grand puhpah of the whole event. He told the villagers that the "film" that has caused so much sorrow, was made by a Christian, but it did not at all represent Christians over the world. Just as those Muslims who chose a violent reaction to the film did not represent the Muslims of the world. He reminded everyone to be the best Muslim or Christian they could be and honor their religion. He also told them that our Church is a small group in Indonesia, but that we do Great things. He is always amazed at what the Church accomplishes.
Saturday we were up at 5:30 to pick up a set of Elders and the Sisters to attend the Closing Ceremony at Candasari, the neighboring village of Ampel. The day before Sister Healy (the Humanitarian Mission Sister) told me that she had volunteered me to lead everyone on Sat. in the Indonesian National Anthem. (blink, blink). So we got on-line and printed it and listened to some chorus sing it. Then we got in the car and sang it over and over with Bono. (I wonder if that is in Bono's job description). HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!! When we got there, what they really wanted was someone to entertain about 120 school children ages 4 - 12 for about 45 minutes!?! So! Sister Neis, Sister Manalu, Elder Suryono, and Elder Jameson, and I did just that with about 2 minutes notice. We had them sing to us, then we taught them songs in English. We played question and answer games, we did the Hokie Pokie, and I had a fun geography lesson with them about where all the Bule (American) missionaries come from. Then sweaty, and gratefully we all sat down and the master of ceremony, who had kidnapped Elder Jameson to be a translator, then started the ceremony and suddenly I hear my name and Indonesia in one sentence! So, I made Elder Jameson, who was sitting with all the dignitaries, come and stand by me and we led 250 Indonesians in the Indonesian National Anthem. Afterward, some guy came up and gushing said I did a good job and that I could do the Hokie Pokie well, too. (Seriously) I've never been so complimented before!!!!! Elder took about 60000 pictures, and shook that many hands, and of course, when it was all done WE GOT TO EAT!!! That evening we attend the Javanese wedding reception for Tian and Rianti, and while the temperature is hovering around 110 inside this HUGE reception center, there are videographers that are shining a huge spotlight on you, while waiters are feeding you 6 courses of hot (temperature) hot (spicey) food. It made a wedding at the White House look like Sweet Home Alabama, it was regal, and everyone was dressed in traditional Javanese dress, with make-up and hair to the nines! Elder took about 600000 more pictures which he will share.
Finally!!!!! (did I say this would be short???) President and Sister Groberg were in town for the wedding, as were the Barnards( the Jogja Sr. Couple who are from Tasmania) and they had no place to go after church to - you guessed it - EAT!!!!!!, so we had the Grobergs, the Barnards (and their fun driver), the Knorpps, and the Greenways all for dinner in our 4 ft. square apt. We did eat, but it was nicest to just sit and visit.
We are going to bed now. We have not eaten since about 3 p.m. We are NOT getting up until 6:30 a.m. tomorrow (mission rules, or it might even be later). AND, We have given poor Bono tomorrow off. We hope you have a good Monday, and just so you know..... we will not be eating rice for the next few days!!!!
We love you all,
Elder and Sister Greenway!!!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Week 53
Happy beginning of Autumn!
Yesterday Emily Skyped while she was running home to get some jackets so as to comfortably sit through Isaac's Fall League T-Ball game. Imagine! .....and Elder went swimming yesterday in our outdoor apartment pool. Autumn is such a pleasant time. It is a great time for a super birthday!!! Eli will be 8 years old on September 21st!!! EIGHT YEARS OLD! I'm sure we all remember when he was leaping up and down in the "jumper" that fit in the doorway of the kids bathroom. We were terrified he would leap right out of it. Obviously he is still that active, and he has the broken arm to prove it! His is the only birthday for us in September. Grampa Greenway (Sept. 12) and Great (Sept. 14) are good birthdays to remember, too. We miss both very much. Last year on Sept. 12 we entered the MTC.
As usual our week started with a trip to Boyalali. Things are progressing with the sweet Ladies there. They are planning to come to Church on Sept 30th. We have to plan it way out because there is much to be arranged. Bro. Sutarno is planning to hold a FHE at their home soon, and the closing ceremony for the Ampel Water Project is next week. We have permission to take the Sisters to that ceremony with us. We are thinking a couple of Elders might also be a force for good, but we will need to see about that.
We had our District to our apartment on Wednesday for some teaching about using Family History as a missionary tool. We had already done this, but then we lost 7 of the ten that had been taught. So, we did it again last Wednesday. Elder and Sister Knorpp have worked hard on their presentation. They will be using it allllllllll over the Indonesian Mission. Family History IS a great tool in many ways. The missionaries asked questions, helped Knorpps with their translation of words, and were very interested. Elder and I decided to feed them with a baked potato bar. They eat potatoes in Indonesia, however not baked, usually fried with peanut sauce, or sambal. So eating a baked potato was a new experience for the Indonesian missionaries. I'm not sure how it went over with all of them. I saw a couple gobble it up (hey, it was food) and I saw a couple looking at it with concern. But we baked 14 potatoes, and had tons of toppings, and in the end everything but the onions were gone.
On Thursday we attended Tian and Ryanti's wedding. It was similar to the wedding last week, with a different bride and groom. However, this was the wedding where the Young Single Adults were asked to sing. Tian's mom had asked months ago if we would put the group together. We had a fabulous choir!!!! Now I have to be honest, most of that is due to the group of Elders we happen to have here right now. They all can sing, and sing well. So the men of the choir were just absolutely amazing. Mellow, strong voices that created this great foundation. We sang a medley (I LOVE a medley) of "Where Love Is", "Families Can Be Together Forever", and "For a Family Is of God".
I took part of the last song's verse 2 and combined it with verse three... so It began "a mother's purpose is to care, prepare, to nurture and to strengthen all her children," then "a father's place is to preside, provide, to love and teach all his children". Ahhhh Fabulous lyrics. It made Tian cry. It ends..."God gave us families, to help us become what He wants us to be. This is how He shares His love, for the family is... of.... God." Beautiful, true and touching! I love it when music bears witness to the Heavenly Father's plan. It did at that wedding. I hope every family is singing that song. I remember when other primary songs were introduced, and our family would sing and sing. "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... I know who I am, I know God's plan, ...I'll follow Him in faith." Boy did our family sing that song!!!! Living in the mission field, that was an important song! Aren't we grateful for Primary, and Primary Music?!?
Speaking of Primary Music, Solo 2 and Solo1 both had their Primary Sacrament Meeting presentations today. Solo 2 is a huge Ward taking in all of western Solo, to the North and South. They had 52 primary children, with the boys all in white shirts with red ties. Every child had their parts memorized, the music prepared, and they ended with Yvonne, who just turned 12, singing with Jati, one of the Presidency, "Teacher Do You Love Me". Sniff, sniff!!!!! Poor Solo 1 is landlocked into the center of town. It has around 15 children, with the children of the leaders running wild all over the podium. I kept saying to Elder, "if you grabbed two, and I grabbed two, we could probably reach the doors before they began their terrified screaming." (They are still apprehensive about our whiteness). But they did try, and they did sing. In fact, I played the piano "Secret Prayer" for the congregation to sing opening the meeting. When they started I thought that there was only one other choir ever that could compare to Indonesian members singing. That was when the Heavenly Hosts sang the night of Christ’s birth, AND the Indonesians were probably in charge of that choir!!!!!
We did some visiting this week, also. We were walking home from the wedding on Wednesday and passed by a barber shop owned by a less active member. We stopped and visited with him and met his children. He told us he was less active, (we knew that). Then we just visited with him. So on Friday we stopped by to deliver some Oatmeal Raisin Bread, and to talk. He was busy cutting hair, so we didn't stay, but he was cordial, especially when he saw Bono (he is the best missionary in the Church), and we will stop by more often now. We also visited Widap's home. She is 7th of 8 children, and her house is maybe as big as the family room on Sunset Dr. I can remember when I saw where my Grampa Joseph Hanson had been raised in a similar family as Widap's. It was a 2 room adobe brick house and I can remember how I thought of all those bodies trying to navigate inside. WE ARE SOOOOOOOOO BLESSED!!!! But Widap is a tender-hearted, kind, generous soul, and she adores her family. There is something to be said for "togetherness".
Finally, we visited Barita. He attended BYU-Hawaii, won the BYUH Idol contest, (that means he can really sing), and he lived in Indiana for a while with his wife, Jati and their 2 children. She is expecting # 3 very soon. They are delightful people, and they love to learn. They asked a bazillion questions when you are with them. They both have great English. Then we were off to our Gospel English class where we played a couple of board games, I got the idea from on-line. They were about Frequency Words ( often, seldom, always, etc.) and Comparing Words (bigger, larger, smaller, nicer, etc.) We have so much fun at those classes. Some of the "spaces" on the board asked them to do crazy things like sing Happy Birthday, walk backwards, pretend you are playing soccer, dance for 10 seconds, etc. So of course it was a bit of a riot.
Lastly, life will be picking up for us a bit. We have been asked to be on the committee for the "all Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference" held in Oct.. We just returned from a meeting and we will be working on the program part of it with Barita! Elder is also heading up the "Senior Missionary Conference" to be held the end of Nov. We have 10 Senior Couples in the mission and the conference will be in Jogja. Today the Stake Pres. asked if I would put together a choir of YSA, and Youth to sing 3 songs for Stake Conference in Nov. We are also practicing with the Banjasari youth for their Ward Conference on Sept. 30th. So life is busy, wonderful, joyful, and busy. (Did I already say that?) Isn't it remarkable to be a part of the Gospel with Elder and I doing the same things that are being done wherever you might be....... Teaching, being taught, and loving the members! We are amazed at what is accomplished when everyone heeds the call. We love you and we love our Father in Heaven for blessing our lives with your love.
Terima Kasih!
Elder dan Sister Greenway
Yesterday Emily Skyped while she was running home to get some jackets so as to comfortably sit through Isaac's Fall League T-Ball game. Imagine! .....and Elder went swimming yesterday in our outdoor apartment pool. Autumn is such a pleasant time. It is a great time for a super birthday!!! Eli will be 8 years old on September 21st!!! EIGHT YEARS OLD! I'm sure we all remember when he was leaping up and down in the "jumper" that fit in the doorway of the kids bathroom. We were terrified he would leap right out of it. Obviously he is still that active, and he has the broken arm to prove it! His is the only birthday for us in September. Grampa Greenway (Sept. 12) and Great (Sept. 14) are good birthdays to remember, too. We miss both very much. Last year on Sept. 12 we entered the MTC.
As usual our week started with a trip to Boyalali. Things are progressing with the sweet Ladies there. They are planning to come to Church on Sept 30th. We have to plan it way out because there is much to be arranged. Bro. Sutarno is planning to hold a FHE at their home soon, and the closing ceremony for the Ampel Water Project is next week. We have permission to take the Sisters to that ceremony with us. We are thinking a couple of Elders might also be a force for good, but we will need to see about that.
We had our District to our apartment on Wednesday for some teaching about using Family History as a missionary tool. We had already done this, but then we lost 7 of the ten that had been taught. So, we did it again last Wednesday. Elder and Sister Knorpp have worked hard on their presentation. They will be using it allllllllll over the Indonesian Mission. Family History IS a great tool in many ways. The missionaries asked questions, helped Knorpps with their translation of words, and were very interested. Elder and I decided to feed them with a baked potato bar. They eat potatoes in Indonesia, however not baked, usually fried with peanut sauce, or sambal. So eating a baked potato was a new experience for the Indonesian missionaries. I'm not sure how it went over with all of them. I saw a couple gobble it up (hey, it was food) and I saw a couple looking at it with concern. But we baked 14 potatoes, and had tons of toppings, and in the end everything but the onions were gone.
On Thursday we attended Tian and Ryanti's wedding. It was similar to the wedding last week, with a different bride and groom. However, this was the wedding where the Young Single Adults were asked to sing. Tian's mom had asked months ago if we would put the group together. We had a fabulous choir!!!! Now I have to be honest, most of that is due to the group of Elders we happen to have here right now. They all can sing, and sing well. So the men of the choir were just absolutely amazing. Mellow, strong voices that created this great foundation. We sang a medley (I LOVE a medley) of "Where Love Is", "Families Can Be Together Forever", and "For a Family Is of God".
I took part of the last song's verse 2 and combined it with verse three... so It began "a mother's purpose is to care, prepare, to nurture and to strengthen all her children," then "a father's place is to preside, provide, to love and teach all his children". Ahhhh Fabulous lyrics. It made Tian cry. It ends..."God gave us families, to help us become what He wants us to be. This is how He shares His love, for the family is... of.... God." Beautiful, true and touching! I love it when music bears witness to the Heavenly Father's plan. It did at that wedding. I hope every family is singing that song. I remember when other primary songs were introduced, and our family would sing and sing. "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... I know who I am, I know God's plan, ...I'll follow Him in faith." Boy did our family sing that song!!!! Living in the mission field, that was an important song! Aren't we grateful for Primary, and Primary Music?!?
Speaking of Primary Music, Solo 2 and Solo1 both had their Primary Sacrament Meeting presentations today. Solo 2 is a huge Ward taking in all of western Solo, to the North and South. They had 52 primary children, with the boys all in white shirts with red ties. Every child had their parts memorized, the music prepared, and they ended with Yvonne, who just turned 12, singing with Jati, one of the Presidency, "Teacher Do You Love Me". Sniff, sniff!!!!! Poor Solo 1 is landlocked into the center of town. It has around 15 children, with the children of the leaders running wild all over the podium. I kept saying to Elder, "if you grabbed two, and I grabbed two, we could probably reach the doors before they began their terrified screaming." (They are still apprehensive about our whiteness). But they did try, and they did sing. In fact, I played the piano "Secret Prayer" for the congregation to sing opening the meeting. When they started I thought that there was only one other choir ever that could compare to Indonesian members singing. That was when the Heavenly Hosts sang the night of Christ’s birth, AND the Indonesians were probably in charge of that choir!!!!!
We did some visiting this week, also. We were walking home from the wedding on Wednesday and passed by a barber shop owned by a less active member. We stopped and visited with him and met his children. He told us he was less active, (we knew that). Then we just visited with him. So on Friday we stopped by to deliver some Oatmeal Raisin Bread, and to talk. He was busy cutting hair, so we didn't stay, but he was cordial, especially when he saw Bono (he is the best missionary in the Church), and we will stop by more often now. We also visited Widap's home. She is 7th of 8 children, and her house is maybe as big as the family room on Sunset Dr. I can remember when I saw where my Grampa Joseph Hanson had been raised in a similar family as Widap's. It was a 2 room adobe brick house and I can remember how I thought of all those bodies trying to navigate inside. WE ARE SOOOOOOOOO BLESSED!!!! But Widap is a tender-hearted, kind, generous soul, and she adores her family. There is something to be said for "togetherness".
Finally, we visited Barita. He attended BYU-Hawaii, won the BYUH Idol contest, (that means he can really sing), and he lived in Indiana for a while with his wife, Jati and their 2 children. She is expecting # 3 very soon. They are delightful people, and they love to learn. They asked a bazillion questions when you are with them. They both have great English. Then we were off to our Gospel English class where we played a couple of board games, I got the idea from on-line. They were about Frequency Words ( often, seldom, always, etc.) and Comparing Words (bigger, larger, smaller, nicer, etc.) We have so much fun at those classes. Some of the "spaces" on the board asked them to do crazy things like sing Happy Birthday, walk backwards, pretend you are playing soccer, dance for 10 seconds, etc. So of course it was a bit of a riot.
Lastly, life will be picking up for us a bit. We have been asked to be on the committee for the "all Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference" held in Oct.. We just returned from a meeting and we will be working on the program part of it with Barita! Elder is also heading up the "Senior Missionary Conference" to be held the end of Nov. We have 10 Senior Couples in the mission and the conference will be in Jogja. Today the Stake Pres. asked if I would put together a choir of YSA, and Youth to sing 3 songs for Stake Conference in Nov. We are also practicing with the Banjasari youth for their Ward Conference on Sept. 30th. So life is busy, wonderful, joyful, and busy. (Did I already say that?) Isn't it remarkable to be a part of the Gospel with Elder and I doing the same things that are being done wherever you might be....... Teaching, being taught, and loving the members! We are amazed at what is accomplished when everyone heeds the call. We love you and we love our Father in Heaven for blessing our lives with your love.
Terima Kasih!
Elder dan Sister Greenway
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Week 52 Photos 1
Before I get into the photos I want to share, I had to show this one first. Out apartment overlooks a large pool area that attaches to a large ballroom. Sometime events spill out into the pool area and it is decorated accordingly. They even build a runway out over the water. On Saturday last, there was a wedding and I thought I would include just one photo... "Shades of Scarlett O'Hara"
Here are some random shots of typical street scenes. Here's Mr. Burger. They are scattered throughout the city. Sort of like their iteration of McDonalds. (The real McDonalds here is expensive by Indonesian standards.) Oh, and we've been warned away from Mr Burger. ...Maybe someday....
This fellow is a SUPELTAS officer. They direct traffic. You'll notice that he is waving us through - the blue motorcycle and the car are moving!
This is typical of the entrance to a neighborhood. Bono calls them villages, even in the heart of the city. This one is to Karokan and if you look closely you'll also see RT 03 and RW XI. An RT is like a street leader, and has about 20 - 30 families and and RW leads 5 - 10 RTs. (Pronounced Air-tay and Air-way) So this area or street is lead by RT 03 and RW XI. The dates on the columns are their Independence Day. 17 August 1945 to 17 August 2012 (They update every Independence Day.)
And this is Pasar Kota Boyolali (traditional Market City of Boyolali). It is a full block long, has its own street and is 2 stories tall.
Finally, here's a typical street-side fruit market. These can be made up of dozens of stalls all vying for the same customers.
Here are some random shots of typical street scenes. Here's Mr. Burger. They are scattered throughout the city. Sort of like their iteration of McDonalds. (The real McDonalds here is expensive by Indonesian standards.) Oh, and we've been warned away from Mr Burger. ...Maybe someday....
This fellow is a SUPELTAS officer. They direct traffic. You'll notice that he is waving us through - the blue motorcycle and the car are moving!
This is typical of the entrance to a neighborhood. Bono calls them villages, even in the heart of the city. This one is to Karokan and if you look closely you'll also see RT 03 and RW XI. An RT is like a street leader, and has about 20 - 30 families and and RW leads 5 - 10 RTs. (Pronounced Air-tay and Air-way) So this area or street is lead by RT 03 and RW XI. The dates on the columns are their Independence Day. 17 August 1945 to 17 August 2012 (They update every Independence Day.)
And this is Pasar Kota Boyolali (traditional Market City of Boyolali). It is a full block long, has its own street and is 2 stories tall.
Finally, here's a typical street-side fruit market. These can be made up of dozens of stalls all vying for the same customers.
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