HOW WAS THE TURKEY!?! And I don't mean Uncle Fred!!!!!
Hello Everyone. We totally missed out on your Thanksgiving. We were really in the middle of something, had zero Internet (we were at a hotel and the WiFi was not working in our room), and didn't even get to find out how everything went in Thanksgiving land. I can imagine it was pretty wonderful, and we missed seeing and talking to you. But I'm sure you all had your hands full... what with preparing, eating, cleaning up, and SHOPPING!!!! This week we will be sure to talk to Little Elia Melanie's family...Elia will turn one this week. Last time we talked to Adam she hadn't quite got the hang of walking, but it's coming. Then next Sunday will be Madelynne's big day! It will be a happy day at Matt's house, and she will be the big 7!!!! She is a great reader, so she'll probably want BOOKS! for her big day. Wow, it will be a week of celebrations.
Most of our week was spent in Yogjakarta, Java Tengah, at the Indonesia Jakarta Mission's Senior Missionary Conference. It began Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. and ended Saturday about 11:00 a.m. Elder Greenway was in charge of the conference, so he has been very busy. We stayed and ate our meals at the beautiful Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel. The theme of the conference was "Help Me Teach With Inspiration", and each couple participated with a presentation. President and Sister Groberg opened the conference by introducing the theme. They gave us wonderful information about how the Savior taught, and how he loved those whom he instructed. Elder Greenway gave each couple a scripture and a related hymn as the basis of their thoughts. So we would sing the hymn and then hear their presentations. Music has such a wonderful way of calling up the Spirit. Beside the Hymn "Help Me Teach With Inspiration", presentations were centered around - "How Firm a Foundation", "Because I Have Been Given Much", "Go Forth With Faith", "The Hearts of the Children", "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus?", "You Can Make the Pathway Bright", "Come Let Us Anew", "I Have Work Enough to Do", and "God Be with you Til We Meet Again". We have 3 couples going home before we meet again in 6 months. One is the office couple, so we have 2 new Couples coming so far. One office couple, and one member support. Both will be here before Christmas. Each presentation was wonderful, and we learned so much. The themes were related to the couple's assignments and strengths, so there was a lot of experience and knowledge in the meeting room. We also talked much about gratitude, so Thanksgiving wasn't a complete wash!
Along with 12 hours of instruction over the course of 2 days, we also took time to learn about the culture of central Java. On Thursday afternoon we visited some of the "smaller" ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples in and around Jogja (short for Yogjakarta). Elder took a gadzillion pictures, so I will let him tell you the names and items of interest of these temples. You always hear about the ruins in Mexico and Central America, but you seldom hear about these temples. They are equally amazing, old, and beautiful. You will see what I mean when you see the pictures. On Friday afternoon we visited a Batik "Factory", which is really a small Batik workshop. Batik is fabric related to the Javanese culture that has patterns that are hand drawn or stamped with bees wax, then dyed and boiled, then re-stamped or re-drawn, then dyed and boiled, etc, etc. The more times it is dyed different colors for pattern, the more expensive it is. It is absolutely beautiful and absolutely steamy in the shop because the wax is kept hot over a flame, and then there is the boiling process. The end result is so interesting. There are specific patterns for different symbolisms, and the patterns in Solo are very different from those in Jogja. After seeing the Batik, we all then traveled to a Silversmith's Factory. There were people creating intricate works of art, or jewelry out of silver. Of course both of these factories have stores attached. Soooo we did do some shopping on Black Friday. It just wasn't Walmart. Jogja has better than Walmart. It has Malioboro Street, which is a long line (like miles) of large and small shops selling anything and everything. But alas, it is the rainy season so Malioboro Street was a wash :>) (so to speak)!
On Saturday, at 5 a.m, we all departed the hotel and traveled to Borobudur. NOW THAT IS AN ANCIENT TEMPLE! I can't begin to describe this place. All of the ancient temples were either buried in soil and volcanic ash, or covered with jungle when they were first discovered. Another interesting fact is that there are literally hundreds of small temples around central Java. They estimate that there are hundreds more undiscovered. Some were just a large rock in a field that a farmer tried to dig to remove and kept digging and digging, until it was obvious it wasn't "just a rock". But! Borobudur is acres and acres, and carved with intricate carvings. Central Java suffered a pretty severe earthquake a few years ago that did some damage to these sites. But UNESCO joined with others to preserve, repair, and maintain these treasures.
We are home now, and today (Sunday) I played for 2 different Young Women Sacrament Meeting Presentations. I just have to tell you that I did something today that I have never done before. To make the story short, I lined up the 4 pages of music to play the beginning song for the Banjasari YW, played page one with the girls singing, went on to page 2.... but it was page 4!!!!!!!!! Now you must understand that these girls are singing Janice Kapp Perry in Indonesian, so I can't just look to see where they are with the words. They sang without me (like troopers) for 3 full measures before I figured out that I had lined up the music - page 1, 4, 3, 2. So the rest of the song (which has repeats and codas) I was jumping all over the place!!!!!! I still am not sure how it got so mixed up, but the song now has HUGE numbers at the top of each page so I will never do that again! (Until the next time).
You can see it has been an eventful and instructional week, but now it is back to work. Today, having the vantage point of being at the piano in the front, I watched the members of the Jebres and Banjasari Wards, and again I felt my heart fill with love and adoration for these friends. Elder and I feel such a part of their lives. We tease, and cry, and work, and find joy together each week. We simply love them more and more every week. We now have some new ideas (thanks to couples conference) to work on, and much more we want to accomplish. We keep thinking... "no regrets". We don't want to get home and wish we had done more. So be patient with us, and with each other as we all try to be the best disciples we can be. We'll talk to you again in December! (which is next week) and remember just 30 more opportunity days until the Savior's birthday. What to give Him, what to give Him.....
We love you so much, and are so grateful for you,
Melanie and Ron,
Sister and Elder,
mom and dad.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Week 61
Good Evening From Glorious Indonesia!
What a beautiful day! We are now in the rainy season... which means just about every afternoon it clouds up and rains. Now sometimes it clouds up and rains a great gush!... and then pitter-patters to a stop. Sometimes it comes with flashes and booms, and then rains of and on 'til morning. However it is, it cools things down a bit and makes everything even more beautiful. I am sitting here typing this listening to the "call to prayer", the Islam song in Arabic, that reminds us 5 times a day that we are indeed in Indonesia. Yesterday as I walked in front of the Kapatihan building I thought, here I am, little ol' me, in Indonesia! It still takes us by surprise sometimes.
We were at the Kapatihan building to have a celebration with our Youth Choir that sang at Stake Conference. Right after the conference we asked for their attention and announced that we would have a movie and snacks to thank them for their dedication to the choir. We had 68 singers that day and we had about 50 to the party last night. We just brought snacks, but the Stake President thought we should also have food, and sent someone to get everyone a food box. We have shown you pictures of these boxes. This one was a dollar, (1000 rupia), and it had a piece of chicken and a cup of cooked rice, with a 'paket' of sambal, (the hot stuff they put on everything). They ALWAYS eat these with their fingers, even if there is a sauce, or something squishy. Interestingly the box was from Popeyes. We doubt if it is the same as the one in the U.S., but it was yummy. We watched "Enchanted", in English with English subtitles. They are very smart, and loved the movie. We had taken a taxi to the building because Bono's family was getting together for his mother's 80th birthday. After the party, Monique Catur would not allow us to taxi home, dispersed those she brought TO the party to others going home, and we rode home with this 16 year old through the havoc they call traffic. Kinda gets your heart a pumpin'.
We also had "loaned" the car to Bono earlier in the day to attend the reception of Moko and Yessika (pronounced Jessica). We have often talked of Moko and Sutarno. Sutarno is the father, and General Contractor of all the water projects. Moko is his son, and Civil Engineer for the projects. He is about 26 and finally found Yessika. They were married Tuesday morning at the Supomo building. I was asked to play the piano. Monday, Sisters Neis and Manalu, and Elders Miner (brand new from St. George), Hasibuan (the new District Leader), and Suryono received phone calls to be to the wedding. When they got there, they were told they were to sing!! That's about the same time I found out they were to sing. SURPRISE! They didn't even have time to go through it, and that's about how it sounded. Poor guys..... Anyway, Yessika's mother and father are not members. Her mother has a sister who is, and so she was fine with the marriage. BUT her father was not so happy. So he "tolerated" the marriage in the Chapel, but all of the missionaries were sort of uninvited for the reception held yesterday. It was held in Klaton, about an hour away. We told Bono to fill up the car with ward members and go. So he did! These wonderful young Indonesian couples get married in the Chapel, then again by in a "government" marriage, and then again in the Temple, when they can get there. They are really married when all is said and done.
Friday evening we were invited to the closing meeting of the recently held All Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference- - (remember Elder and I dancing). They always do this. The meeting, held at Sari Bundo Sumatran restaurante, is for the committee to bring all receipts for compensation, and to go over any issues that need to be reviewed. Every committee member talks about what they spent, and is reimbursed, this takes some time.... Then they discuss the issues. Well, it seems that they did alright by getting permission from the hotel, and from the city Chiefs to hold the conference. BUT... no one asked the police for their help and permission. They will forget the slight by paying a penalty of $20. Hmmmmmm...... We found that very interesting, but remained mute. This is their country, and their corrupt city police forces, we just live here. Anyway, then we were invited to eat with them. There is always Ayam (chicken), and many other 'things' (anyone's guess) that had a lot of red specks. THAT MEANS HOT!!!!!! Elder likes to burn his lips off, me... not so much. We will say to someone, "What is this"? (Apa ini?) And they respond. So when I asked and they said, "fish"...I was happy. But then they rethought, and decided it was eel. It looked more like eel, it was roundish with the backbone in the middle of the meat, not along the back, but it was very good. Tasted like chicken :). Across the table from me, Rudy was trying to decide whether to eat a large salmon eyeball or not. It was covered with some sort of sauce, but he didn't make it. Down the table Mugi was loving something large and fishy looking. Always interesting.....
Other items of interest... I now have 5 non-member piano students, having added a new boy this week. AND, Sister Sri Widodo played the piano for the entire Sacrament meeting today. She already played when she began lessons with her son (the one that looks like Nate when he smiles), but lacked confidence. Well, today she was Great! I was so excited for her. The goal is to have them all playing in Hymns Made Easy, or beyond by the time we leave!!!! Elder is working on some improvements for the Kapatihan building. It is the smaller of the two buildings, and has some definite needs. He is determined to have that building right up there with all of the others. There is a sort of "haves and have nots" feeling between the 4 congregations. It would be nice if that could go away. The mission just received 9 new missionaries from the Provo MTC. One is from Australia, and the rest from the U.S. Solo got Elder Miner, and our Zone also got Elder James from Virginia, and Elder Giolas from Draper, Utah. Hey Ty, there is and Elder Costner from Kirtland, New Mexico in Surabaya.
I think that about does it for now. We hope you have had some memories made this past week, and enjoyed the blessings we all have been given. We are very grateful for your friendship and love. If you have some time this week, drop us an email and let us know about your family. As we have said before, (many times), like all other missionaries we love getting mail!!!
Have a week full of gratitude, look out for others,
Elder dad and Sister mom
What a beautiful day! We are now in the rainy season... which means just about every afternoon it clouds up and rains. Now sometimes it clouds up and rains a great gush!... and then pitter-patters to a stop. Sometimes it comes with flashes and booms, and then rains of and on 'til morning. However it is, it cools things down a bit and makes everything even more beautiful. I am sitting here typing this listening to the "call to prayer", the Islam song in Arabic, that reminds us 5 times a day that we are indeed in Indonesia. Yesterday as I walked in front of the Kapatihan building I thought, here I am, little ol' me, in Indonesia! It still takes us by surprise sometimes.
We were at the Kapatihan building to have a celebration with our Youth Choir that sang at Stake Conference. Right after the conference we asked for their attention and announced that we would have a movie and snacks to thank them for their dedication to the choir. We had 68 singers that day and we had about 50 to the party last night. We just brought snacks, but the Stake President thought we should also have food, and sent someone to get everyone a food box. We have shown you pictures of these boxes. This one was a dollar, (1000 rupia), and it had a piece of chicken and a cup of cooked rice, with a 'paket' of sambal, (the hot stuff they put on everything). They ALWAYS eat these with their fingers, even if there is a sauce, or something squishy. Interestingly the box was from Popeyes. We doubt if it is the same as the one in the U.S., but it was yummy. We watched "Enchanted", in English with English subtitles. They are very smart, and loved the movie. We had taken a taxi to the building because Bono's family was getting together for his mother's 80th birthday. After the party, Monique Catur would not allow us to taxi home, dispersed those she brought TO the party to others going home, and we rode home with this 16 year old through the havoc they call traffic. Kinda gets your heart a pumpin'.
We also had "loaned" the car to Bono earlier in the day to attend the reception of Moko and Yessika (pronounced Jessica). We have often talked of Moko and Sutarno. Sutarno is the father, and General Contractor of all the water projects. Moko is his son, and Civil Engineer for the projects. He is about 26 and finally found Yessika. They were married Tuesday morning at the Supomo building. I was asked to play the piano. Monday, Sisters Neis and Manalu, and Elders Miner (brand new from St. George), Hasibuan (the new District Leader), and Suryono received phone calls to be to the wedding. When they got there, they were told they were to sing!! That's about the same time I found out they were to sing. SURPRISE! They didn't even have time to go through it, and that's about how it sounded. Poor guys..... Anyway, Yessika's mother and father are not members. Her mother has a sister who is, and so she was fine with the marriage. BUT her father was not so happy. So he "tolerated" the marriage in the Chapel, but all of the missionaries were sort of uninvited for the reception held yesterday. It was held in Klaton, about an hour away. We told Bono to fill up the car with ward members and go. So he did! These wonderful young Indonesian couples get married in the Chapel, then again by in a "government" marriage, and then again in the Temple, when they can get there. They are really married when all is said and done.
Friday evening we were invited to the closing meeting of the recently held All Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference- - (remember Elder and I dancing). They always do this. The meeting, held at Sari Bundo Sumatran restaurante, is for the committee to bring all receipts for compensation, and to go over any issues that need to be reviewed. Every committee member talks about what they spent, and is reimbursed, this takes some time.... Then they discuss the issues. Well, it seems that they did alright by getting permission from the hotel, and from the city Chiefs to hold the conference. BUT... no one asked the police for their help and permission. They will forget the slight by paying a penalty of $20. Hmmmmmm...... We found that very interesting, but remained mute. This is their country, and their corrupt city police forces, we just live here. Anyway, then we were invited to eat with them. There is always Ayam (chicken), and many other 'things' (anyone's guess) that had a lot of red specks. THAT MEANS HOT!!!!!! Elder likes to burn his lips off, me... not so much. We will say to someone, "What is this"? (Apa ini?) And they respond. So when I asked and they said, "fish"...I was happy. But then they rethought, and decided it was eel. It looked more like eel, it was roundish with the backbone in the middle of the meat, not along the back, but it was very good. Tasted like chicken :). Across the table from me, Rudy was trying to decide whether to eat a large salmon eyeball or not. It was covered with some sort of sauce, but he didn't make it. Down the table Mugi was loving something large and fishy looking. Always interesting.....
Other items of interest... I now have 5 non-member piano students, having added a new boy this week. AND, Sister Sri Widodo played the piano for the entire Sacrament meeting today. She already played when she began lessons with her son (the one that looks like Nate when he smiles), but lacked confidence. Well, today she was Great! I was so excited for her. The goal is to have them all playing in Hymns Made Easy, or beyond by the time we leave!!!! Elder is working on some improvements for the Kapatihan building. It is the smaller of the two buildings, and has some definite needs. He is determined to have that building right up there with all of the others. There is a sort of "haves and have nots" feeling between the 4 congregations. It would be nice if that could go away. The mission just received 9 new missionaries from the Provo MTC. One is from Australia, and the rest from the U.S. Solo got Elder Miner, and our Zone also got Elder James from Virginia, and Elder Giolas from Draper, Utah. Hey Ty, there is and Elder Costner from Kirtland, New Mexico in Surabaya.
I think that about does it for now. We hope you have had some memories made this past week, and enjoyed the blessings we all have been given. We are very grateful for your friendship and love. If you have some time this week, drop us an email and let us know about your family. As we have said before, (many times), like all other missionaries we love getting mail!!!
Have a week full of gratitude, look out for others,
Elder dad and Sister mom
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Week 60
Dear Family and Neighbors,
We are hoping you all fared well through the storm. Our home at 100 Sunset Dr. lost one tree. My dear beleaguered weeping willow, which barely survived an ice storm a couple of years ago, and had been "babied" and "cajoled" into looking like a tree and again, went over the gully way and lost the battle. I told Ty to have a funeral, but Joel just went out and laid it low. On a much brighter note, it was Gavin's 6th birthday this week. We spoke to him way out in Idaho, while they were at Lowes!, and he stayed right with us and answered all of our grandparent-ly questions. He has such a sweet heart. Also this week was the blessing, in Pennsylvania, of new Jane Anne. So Joel and Rebekah had a houseful. Gramma Smith was there along with Rebekah's brother Caleb, wife, and new baby. Matt and Tanya came with Madelynne, Jackson, and Luke. Sweet Lynn sent us pictures from the AHEC outside museum of William, Madelynne, Logan, Kathryn, and Jackson on-top of some piece of battle equipment. We were so grateful for supportive family. Thanks to all!
While they were having fun, we had some wonderful experiences of our own. Besides doing the "normal" things..... ie. Stake Choir practice, piano lessons, visits, and preparation work, we also had our first Stake Conference since we became a Stake. We found out a bit ago that we would be having Sister Linda Reeves, 2nd Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, coming all the way from Salt Lake City. We also had Elder Wilson, Counselor in our Asia Area Presidency, come with his wife from Hong Kong. What an amazing blessing to have both here! Add to that President Groberg, Mission President, and Sister Groberg and the Stake had a full roster. We were asked, along with our Stake Relief Society Pres., to meet this entire group of visitors at the airport on Friday evening. Sister Reeves and her husband left Utah on Wednesday night, flew into Taiwan, met the Wilsons and they all flew to Jakarta, met the Mission President, and flew here. So by Friday they were very tired. BUT, we all went to the hotel and had dinner together before they fell into bed. However, as we were meeting Elder Wilson, and he realized we were from Pennsylvania, he asked if there was a chance we knew "Denny Rehm". They had attended Harvard together, and Elder Wilson had helped teach Bro. Rehm the Gospel, then they graduated, and that was that. He had always wondered if he had remained faithful. Imagine his joy when we said Brother Rehm had been Bishop Rehm, and President Rehm, and was now a Counselor in our Mission Presidency. We gave him Bro. Rehm's email address. GREAT JOY!
On Saturday, Bono drove the visitors around to visit different members all morning and into the afternoon, then he came and got us and we attended an excellent Stake Leadership Meeting. Sister Reeves talked about many things,,, from the new Youth Curriculum to Handbook #2, from the Atonement to Family Love, and on and on. She was amazing!!!!! Elder Wilson also spoke about Church Service. WOW! The Stake had provided "food boxes" (I think we've sent pictures), but they had prepared and Indonesian Buffet for their guests with many delicious Indonesian Recipes. Then there was the Adult Conference Session. We all know that Saturday evening session of any Stake Conference is always the best. This was no different. It was extremely spiritual, and we were so grateful we were there to absorb the feelings and teachings. Most of the talks centered on family. Sister Reeves is an excellent speaker, and she loves to have your participation. She asked many questions, and the leadership participated well. Elder Wilson had a question and answer time. One Sister asked how the fathers of the 2000 Stripling Warriors had prepared their sons. Wow! I had forgotten one little sentence that tells the fathers took provisions to their sons. (Book of Mormon...Alma 56:27) Sister Wilson (Elder Wilson had her participating) pointed out how courageous that was. They would not have had weapons because of their covenant, but they went out and into the war to take care of their sons. Elder Wilson talked of their integrity, humility, and valiance. "When you have valiant fathers, most likely you will have valiant sons."
Today was the general session of the Stake Conference, held in a beautiful hotel ballroom. It also was performance time for the tremendous Youth Choir. Elder and I went very early to make sure things were right. The chairs were wrong, so with the help of the full time missionaries we moved them. There weren't enough chairs (we had over 60 youth and young single adult singers from just 4 Wards), so we added chairs. When I was asked to organize the Choir, they added that we would sing 3 songs. At the past 2 conferences they had us sing 2, one as a prelude and one at the beginning, after the "business" and before the speakers. So I assumed he wanted two prelude songs, and then the later song. So, about 7 minutes to 10 a.m. we sang "Because I Have Been Given Much" (with beautiful harmony on the 3rd verse and ending). Right after that we sang "Gethsemane" and as always with that song, when it was over you felt the reverence and the spirit. Today they called the first SURAKARTA STAKE PATRIARCH. He is a dear older gentleman from Semarang. He has daughters who live in the US, and had made reservation to visit them, so he wasn't there to be sustained. Then the Youth Choir sang the "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go/ Olive Tree" medley. I cannot even begin to tell you how well they sang! All the speakers were fabulous, but Sister Reeves had one of the families she had visited Saturday come up and it was our Luki and Lala's family!!!! She had them sing "I Love to See the Temple" and "I Am a Child of God", because they had sung for her at her visit. Luki and Lala's father is not a member, and their mom joined at about the half way point of raising 13 children. So the younger 6 are active, and the older children are not. But all are supportive, and loving. Can you imagine their surprise at singing at Stake Conference, but they were wonderful. Sister Wilson told how she was raised with zero religion in her home. Then they moved near an LDS Gramma, who blessed the life of her grand daughter with the Gospel. It was a sweet, sweet story. There was so much more, I wish I could give you a talk by talk, but the surprise came at the end!
After Elder Wilson spoke, President Budi stood and announced the closing song SUNG BY THE CHOIR! Well, that was the first I'd heard of that! So..... we stood and sang "Gethsemane" again, and you know.... it was a perfect ending. They sang it even better than the first time, if that was possible! Of course, by then, even Elder Wilson was crying!
We spoke to Uskup Catur and his wife, Irma, last night. We talked about the fact that we only can stay 9 more months. We all cried, and worried about how much we would miss each other. We are concerned that someone has invented a way to speed up time. We cannot tell you how much we love those young people who sang today, it just makes our hearts ache to think of leaving them. We learn so much each time we are with them. Yos shook my hand today and said "Sistah Grenway, you. look. so. beeuuuteeefulll. today." Yos played "Gethsemane"
for me. They have their youth play all the time, Stake Conference, Sacrament Meeting.... What joy, what joy!!!.... We can learn so much from these glorious, humble people.
We love you, too!
Elder and Sister Greenway
We are hoping you all fared well through the storm. Our home at 100 Sunset Dr. lost one tree. My dear beleaguered weeping willow, which barely survived an ice storm a couple of years ago, and had been "babied" and "cajoled" into looking like a tree and again, went over the gully way and lost the battle. I told Ty to have a funeral, but Joel just went out and laid it low. On a much brighter note, it was Gavin's 6th birthday this week. We spoke to him way out in Idaho, while they were at Lowes!, and he stayed right with us and answered all of our grandparent-ly questions. He has such a sweet heart. Also this week was the blessing, in Pennsylvania, of new Jane Anne. So Joel and Rebekah had a houseful. Gramma Smith was there along with Rebekah's brother Caleb, wife, and new baby. Matt and Tanya came with Madelynne, Jackson, and Luke. Sweet Lynn sent us pictures from the AHEC outside museum of William, Madelynne, Logan, Kathryn, and Jackson on-top of some piece of battle equipment. We were so grateful for supportive family. Thanks to all!
While they were having fun, we had some wonderful experiences of our own. Besides doing the "normal" things..... ie. Stake Choir practice, piano lessons, visits, and preparation work, we also had our first Stake Conference since we became a Stake. We found out a bit ago that we would be having Sister Linda Reeves, 2nd Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, coming all the way from Salt Lake City. We also had Elder Wilson, Counselor in our Asia Area Presidency, come with his wife from Hong Kong. What an amazing blessing to have both here! Add to that President Groberg, Mission President, and Sister Groberg and the Stake had a full roster. We were asked, along with our Stake Relief Society Pres., to meet this entire group of visitors at the airport on Friday evening. Sister Reeves and her husband left Utah on Wednesday night, flew into Taiwan, met the Wilsons and they all flew to Jakarta, met the Mission President, and flew here. So by Friday they were very tired. BUT, we all went to the hotel and had dinner together before they fell into bed. However, as we were meeting Elder Wilson, and he realized we were from Pennsylvania, he asked if there was a chance we knew "Denny Rehm". They had attended Harvard together, and Elder Wilson had helped teach Bro. Rehm the Gospel, then they graduated, and that was that. He had always wondered if he had remained faithful. Imagine his joy when we said Brother Rehm had been Bishop Rehm, and President Rehm, and was now a Counselor in our Mission Presidency. We gave him Bro. Rehm's email address. GREAT JOY!
On Saturday, Bono drove the visitors around to visit different members all morning and into the afternoon, then he came and got us and we attended an excellent Stake Leadership Meeting. Sister Reeves talked about many things,,, from the new Youth Curriculum to Handbook #2, from the Atonement to Family Love, and on and on. She was amazing!!!!! Elder Wilson also spoke about Church Service. WOW! The Stake had provided "food boxes" (I think we've sent pictures), but they had prepared and Indonesian Buffet for their guests with many delicious Indonesian Recipes. Then there was the Adult Conference Session. We all know that Saturday evening session of any Stake Conference is always the best. This was no different. It was extremely spiritual, and we were so grateful we were there to absorb the feelings and teachings. Most of the talks centered on family. Sister Reeves is an excellent speaker, and she loves to have your participation. She asked many questions, and the leadership participated well. Elder Wilson had a question and answer time. One Sister asked how the fathers of the 2000 Stripling Warriors had prepared their sons. Wow! I had forgotten one little sentence that tells the fathers took provisions to their sons. (Book of Mormon...Alma 56:27) Sister Wilson (Elder Wilson had her participating) pointed out how courageous that was. They would not have had weapons because of their covenant, but they went out and into the war to take care of their sons. Elder Wilson talked of their integrity, humility, and valiance. "When you have valiant fathers, most likely you will have valiant sons."
Today was the general session of the Stake Conference, held in a beautiful hotel ballroom. It also was performance time for the tremendous Youth Choir. Elder and I went very early to make sure things were right. The chairs were wrong, so with the help of the full time missionaries we moved them. There weren't enough chairs (we had over 60 youth and young single adult singers from just 4 Wards), so we added chairs. When I was asked to organize the Choir, they added that we would sing 3 songs. At the past 2 conferences they had us sing 2, one as a prelude and one at the beginning, after the "business" and before the speakers. So I assumed he wanted two prelude songs, and then the later song. So, about 7 minutes to 10 a.m. we sang "Because I Have Been Given Much" (with beautiful harmony on the 3rd verse and ending). Right after that we sang "Gethsemane" and as always with that song, when it was over you felt the reverence and the spirit. Today they called the first SURAKARTA STAKE PATRIARCH. He is a dear older gentleman from Semarang. He has daughters who live in the US, and had made reservation to visit them, so he wasn't there to be sustained. Then the Youth Choir sang the "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go/ Olive Tree" medley. I cannot even begin to tell you how well they sang! All the speakers were fabulous, but Sister Reeves had one of the families she had visited Saturday come up and it was our Luki and Lala's family!!!! She had them sing "I Love to See the Temple" and "I Am a Child of God", because they had sung for her at her visit. Luki and Lala's father is not a member, and their mom joined at about the half way point of raising 13 children. So the younger 6 are active, and the older children are not. But all are supportive, and loving. Can you imagine their surprise at singing at Stake Conference, but they were wonderful. Sister Wilson told how she was raised with zero religion in her home. Then they moved near an LDS Gramma, who blessed the life of her grand daughter with the Gospel. It was a sweet, sweet story. There was so much more, I wish I could give you a talk by talk, but the surprise came at the end!
After Elder Wilson spoke, President Budi stood and announced the closing song SUNG BY THE CHOIR! Well, that was the first I'd heard of that! So..... we stood and sang "Gethsemane" again, and you know.... it was a perfect ending. They sang it even better than the first time, if that was possible! Of course, by then, even Elder Wilson was crying!
We spoke to Uskup Catur and his wife, Irma, last night. We talked about the fact that we only can stay 9 more months. We all cried, and worried about how much we would miss each other. We are concerned that someone has invented a way to speed up time. We cannot tell you how much we love those young people who sang today, it just makes our hearts ache to think of leaving them. We learn so much each time we are with them. Yos shook my hand today and said "Sistah Grenway, you. look. so. beeuuuteeefulll. today." Yos played "Gethsemane"
for me. They have their youth play all the time, Stake Conference, Sacrament Meeting.... What joy, what joy!!!.... We can learn so much from these glorious, humble people.
We love you, too!
Elder and Sister Greenway
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Week 59
Dear Storm-ready Family and Friends, (and all others who do not live on the east coast),
Well I'll be darned! Here we sit 30 miles from a live volcano, living along the ring of fire, with supposed terrorists in our back yard (we have no evidence of this), and there you are fortifying for the "perfect storm"! I hope you will all be wise, and ready. Joel fill the big tub with water, (lock the doors so Logan can't get in), and buy some for drinking, then go check out our camping gear. We have A LOT of camping gear!!!! We will be fine here in paradise.
THIS was the week that was! On Monday Sister Knorpp and I made 45 loaves of mini-breads for Zone Conference. We can get zucchini here (sometimes) and so we made banana, zucchini, and pumpkin bread. We can't get canned pumpkin but there are tons of whole and pre-sliced small pumpkins. So you just buy a piece and microwave it, scoop it out and WALLAH! Yummy pumpkin. There are around 33 who attended Zone Conference. This conference was special because we had the Area President and his wife, Elder and Sister Watson. As a side for my family, he is from Cedar City (as a child) and once lived near our little red brick house. He remembers a bunch of people we remember, AND he is related to Dr. Rymal Williams, WHO delivered all of you but Emily and Joel. HE LOOKS LIKE RYMAL WILLIAMS, so we asked if he knew him, and there you go! We told him how dear Dr. Williams was to us. Anyway, they were at Zone Conference on Tuesday, and he led us in a study of the Book of Mormon and the importance of that book in the conversion process. (See Preach My Gospel chapter 5) It was an excellent conference, and the Spirit was very strong. That evening we got Elder Watson and a couple of the A.Ps to the airport to return to Jakarta. They'd had a crazy schedule.... Monday they were all (Elder and Sister Watson, President and Sister Groberg, and the A.Ps) in Surabaya, East Java. Monday evening they boarded a train and traveled to Solo, Central Java. Tuesday a Zone Conference with us, then a plane ride to Jakarta, West Java. Wednesday, Zone Conference in Jakarta, then Elder and Sister Watson flew back to Hong Kong!
I believe I mentioned last week that this week was the All Indonesia Young Single Adult Conference! Now, I need to explain two things right here. 1). Elder and I were part of the initial planning committee for the conference. At the first meeting we were reminded again that we are "not in Kansas anymore, Dorthy". They have a set of planning rules that are very different from, well, most of the world. However!, we did manage to get a DANCE on the agenda. This was not readily agreed upon, but Brother Barita who was over all the activities for the conference also wanted a dance. He attended BYU-Hawaii, so he knew! WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN or IF THEY HAVE EVER HAD A DANCE, however, after much persuasion the dance was IN!.... and we were in charge of it. 2). The Indonesians call "their" time, Indonesian Rubber Time. That means that NOTHING starts on time. (Well, maybe Sacrament Meeting...but that's all!) So the fact that they had a schedule for the events of the conference was kind of funny.
On Thursday we ran around getting the refreshments and the water for the dance. There are no chips and mints here, so we had to find some "snacks" in large quantities. Then we scooted on up to the conference. It was held in a resort town, kind of the Park City of Indonesia, about an hour east of Solo, way up in the hills. They booked an entire large motel for about 100 Young Single Adults. When we got there they were running late, about 2 hours, because the Jakarta bus had not arrived. They finally had the opening meeting and lunch, and sat around until the bus came, and then they had some "getting to know each other" activities the Knorpps had planned. These were great ideas, but they only got to play 2 of them and then the chairman said it was enough. Hmmm............ So we scooted back to Solo. That night they had a talent show, which is a large part of any youth activity they have.
Friday morning we went to the airport and fetched President and Sister Groberg, those good souls. They had Just left us 2 days before, but returned because the Conference committee asked him to take 15 minutes! It was so funny, that morning the President got a call from the Solo Stake President assuring the President that he was scheduled to speak about 11:00 a.m. That call ended as Sister Groberg received a call from Elder and Sister Seiters (Sr. couple there from Surabaya) who called to let the President know that his talk wasn't even on the agenda, and that all they knew was that their "Speed Dating" Activity at 11:00 a.m. We laughed all the way up the mountain. He did speak, and they did do the Speed Dating activity, we did eat lunch, and then the YSAs took a huge hike, all off schedule... but hey! FINALLY!!!!! at 7:00 p.m. the dance began. Please remember that these 18 - 35 year old were not familiar with dances or dancing. THEY WERE SOOO EXCITED! But...... it was like getting Deacons and Beehives to start moving. Oh my!!!!! You have these two 60 some-odd year old missionaries "rocking out" trying to get people moving. Brother Barita had agreed to get the music for the dance. Finally last Monday he just gave us some Back Street Boys, and N'Sync. So we went to Elder Greenway's "store" on his computer. We then spent a bunch of time recording music, and planning the night, and the music was older but great. (ABBA, Credence Clearwater Revival, Duran Duran, Frank Sinatra, etc) Sooooooooooooo finally, finally they started to move. We taught them to slow dance, (1 - 2 - 3 quick, quick); a western line dance (a simple Cowboy Boogie); and the Virginia Reel (amazing)! But the song that got them alllllll up, allllll moving, allllll singing was Y-M-C-A!!!!!! After about 30 minutes the dance began to resemble any of the about 144 Stake dances I've attended. We felt like new proud parents! What a night! The dance was to go to about 10 p.m., however after the Virginia Reel Marathon, (with their afternoon hike added on) they were bagged!!!!! So we called it a night about 9:30, with a very happy but exhausted group of youth and a VERY happy and exhausted Elder and Sister Greenway. We haven't moved that much since college!!!!!!!!!
Today in Church everyone was talking about it. Now they are even talking about a Christmas dance!!!! We feel like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. I'm sure that this week will pull us back down to earth, but we sure had a bunch of fun. We'll be watching the computer to see how the storm goes, and "looking" out for you. Back in '94, (doesn't that sound like and ol' timer to you) we had about 4 feet of snow in 12 hours. We had so much fun being stranded, but! we were safe. So we'll be praying for your safety, and that goes for our westerners, too. We love you all, and suggest you all get up a dance a bit. Wow! Good exercise.........good fun......good kids!
Your nimble, if not graceful,
Elder and Sister Greenway
Well I'll be darned! Here we sit 30 miles from a live volcano, living along the ring of fire, with supposed terrorists in our back yard (we have no evidence of this), and there you are fortifying for the "perfect storm"! I hope you will all be wise, and ready. Joel fill the big tub with water, (lock the doors so Logan can't get in), and buy some for drinking, then go check out our camping gear. We have A LOT of camping gear!!!! We will be fine here in paradise.
THIS was the week that was! On Monday Sister Knorpp and I made 45 loaves of mini-breads for Zone Conference. We can get zucchini here (sometimes) and so we made banana, zucchini, and pumpkin bread. We can't get canned pumpkin but there are tons of whole and pre-sliced small pumpkins. So you just buy a piece and microwave it, scoop it out and WALLAH! Yummy pumpkin. There are around 33 who attended Zone Conference. This conference was special because we had the Area President and his wife, Elder and Sister Watson. As a side for my family, he is from Cedar City (as a child) and once lived near our little red brick house. He remembers a bunch of people we remember, AND he is related to Dr. Rymal Williams, WHO delivered all of you but Emily and Joel. HE LOOKS LIKE RYMAL WILLIAMS, so we asked if he knew him, and there you go! We told him how dear Dr. Williams was to us. Anyway, they were at Zone Conference on Tuesday, and he led us in a study of the Book of Mormon and the importance of that book in the conversion process. (See Preach My Gospel chapter 5) It was an excellent conference, and the Spirit was very strong. That evening we got Elder Watson and a couple of the A.Ps to the airport to return to Jakarta. They'd had a crazy schedule.... Monday they were all (Elder and Sister Watson, President and Sister Groberg, and the A.Ps) in Surabaya, East Java. Monday evening they boarded a train and traveled to Solo, Central Java. Tuesday a Zone Conference with us, then a plane ride to Jakarta, West Java. Wednesday, Zone Conference in Jakarta, then Elder and Sister Watson flew back to Hong Kong!
I believe I mentioned last week that this week was the All Indonesia Young Single Adult Conference! Now, I need to explain two things right here. 1). Elder and I were part of the initial planning committee for the conference. At the first meeting we were reminded again that we are "not in Kansas anymore, Dorthy". They have a set of planning rules that are very different from, well, most of the world. However!, we did manage to get a DANCE on the agenda. This was not readily agreed upon, but Brother Barita who was over all the activities for the conference also wanted a dance. He attended BYU-Hawaii, so he knew! WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN or IF THEY HAVE EVER HAD A DANCE, however, after much persuasion the dance was IN!.... and we were in charge of it. 2). The Indonesians call "their" time, Indonesian Rubber Time. That means that NOTHING starts on time. (Well, maybe Sacrament Meeting...but that's all!) So the fact that they had a schedule for the events of the conference was kind of funny.
On Thursday we ran around getting the refreshments and the water for the dance. There are no chips and mints here, so we had to find some "snacks" in large quantities. Then we scooted on up to the conference. It was held in a resort town, kind of the Park City of Indonesia, about an hour east of Solo, way up in the hills. They booked an entire large motel for about 100 Young Single Adults. When we got there they were running late, about 2 hours, because the Jakarta bus had not arrived. They finally had the opening meeting and lunch, and sat around until the bus came, and then they had some "getting to know each other" activities the Knorpps had planned. These were great ideas, but they only got to play 2 of them and then the chairman said it was enough. Hmmm............ So we scooted back to Solo. That night they had a talent show, which is a large part of any youth activity they have.
Friday morning we went to the airport and fetched President and Sister Groberg, those good souls. They had Just left us 2 days before, but returned because the Conference committee asked him to take 15 minutes! It was so funny, that morning the President got a call from the Solo Stake President assuring the President that he was scheduled to speak about 11:00 a.m. That call ended as Sister Groberg received a call from Elder and Sister Seiters (Sr. couple there from Surabaya) who called to let the President know that his talk wasn't even on the agenda, and that all they knew was that their "Speed Dating" Activity at 11:00 a.m. We laughed all the way up the mountain. He did speak, and they did do the Speed Dating activity, we did eat lunch, and then the YSAs took a huge hike, all off schedule... but hey! FINALLY!!!!! at 7:00 p.m. the dance began. Please remember that these 18 - 35 year old were not familiar with dances or dancing. THEY WERE SOOO EXCITED! But...... it was like getting Deacons and Beehives to start moving. Oh my!!!!! You have these two 60 some-odd year old missionaries "rocking out" trying to get people moving. Brother Barita had agreed to get the music for the dance. Finally last Monday he just gave us some Back Street Boys, and N'Sync. So we went to Elder Greenway's "store" on his computer. We then spent a bunch of time recording music, and planning the night, and the music was older but great. (ABBA, Credence Clearwater Revival, Duran Duran, Frank Sinatra, etc) Sooooooooooooo finally, finally they started to move. We taught them to slow dance, (1 - 2 - 3 quick, quick); a western line dance (a simple Cowboy Boogie); and the Virginia Reel (amazing)! But the song that got them alllllll up, allllll moving, allllll singing was Y-M-C-A!!!!!! After about 30 minutes the dance began to resemble any of the about 144 Stake dances I've attended. We felt like new proud parents! What a night! The dance was to go to about 10 p.m., however after the Virginia Reel Marathon, (with their afternoon hike added on) they were bagged!!!!! So we called it a night about 9:30, with a very happy but exhausted group of youth and a VERY happy and exhausted Elder and Sister Greenway. We haven't moved that much since college!!!!!!!!!
Today in Church everyone was talking about it. Now they are even talking about a Christmas dance!!!! We feel like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. I'm sure that this week will pull us back down to earth, but we sure had a bunch of fun. We'll be watching the computer to see how the storm goes, and "looking" out for you. Back in '94, (doesn't that sound like and ol' timer to you) we had about 4 feet of snow in 12 hours. We had so much fun being stranded, but! we were safe. So we'll be praying for your safety, and that goes for our westerners, too. We love you all, and suggest you all get up a dance a bit. Wow! Good exercise.........good fun......good kids!
Your nimble, if not graceful,
Elder and Sister Greenway
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Week 58
Dear, Dearest Family and Friends,
First of all, What kind of mother forgets to announce the Birthday of her third (I know, I know, the middle child thing), and by his own admission, most perfect child! Last Sunday was Matt's birthday, and we did talk to him, but I did not announce it to the whole world. We won't talk about how old he is because it makes me feel old. Now, this Sunday is Emily's birthday, she is NOT a middle child, but she is also quite perfect!!! And since she is the eldest of our children, we would never admit to her age. It is very nice that 4 of our children decided to have birthdays just a week apart (the other 2 are in December)because their old mama's brain can use all the help it can get! Happy Birthday to you two perfectly wonderful children!!!! I also received a birthday present this week. Now, my birthday is the first of August, and before that Widap asked Elder to confiscate one of my blouses because she and the Catur family wanted to have a Batik blouse made for me that matches a Batik shirt they had made for Elders birthday. (Tailored clothing is very inexpensive here). So, I gave him one I don't wear to often, which was wise.... because this week they presented me with my gift. I wore it to church today and Widap, Monique, and Yvonne were sooooo excited. They had me model it for their mom and family. They are soooooooooooooo fun!!!!!
Second, we would like to thank all those who have been praying for Boyalali! Kini and Markini are still doing wonderfully, and now Elders Yim and Mendrofa have an investigator who was introduced to the church a while ago, in fact she used to ride a neighbor's bicycle an hour to come to Solo to church. Then the neighbor moved, so she became lost. But the Elders happened on to her while looking for someone else. She came running down the street after them!!! THEN, last week an investigator from Solo told Elders Fisher and Suryono that he had shown some friends his Book of Mormon and they were very interested, 8 of them ALL from Boyalali. We are looking into how to manage all this, because they would all have to ride a bus to get to church here in Solo. But it seems as if the Lord is very interested in that beautiful little community. We had to change our day for taking the missionaries there because Preparation Day was changed from Wednesday to Monday. So now we have Thursday as our Boyalali Day. It may be that the Elders will have to take a bus there, or have just one set have a Boyalali Day. We can't fit 3 sets in our car! Anyway, we will have some heavenly help solving these problems, we are sure. Thank you again, there has been a lot of prayers and fasting for these people. We love them!
Months ago, we began a project to clean up the Young Single Adult Roles for the 4 Wards in Solo. All four wards ended up with a list of 15 or so people each that we gave to the Wards for rescue because they were married. We have been working with the Young Missionaries to find these young marrieds and see what is going on. Some have been gone since they were children, and are attending other churches. Some are tentative, but a few have opened their doors. We have also been working with members "who know", to find out locations and histories on some of these names. It has been an interesting week in that regard. We are so grateful for our glorious Solo missionaries. We have been hearing about how the Missionary Age Announcement at General Conference has changed the lives of prospective missionaries here in Solo, and in the families of the missionaries serving here. It has not affected the Young Men in Indonesia, Indonesian Elders were already serving at 18. But it will affect the Sisters.
This week Elder Greenway was part of a teleconference from SLC concerning PEF. It was held at 7:00 a.m. our time on Thursday. He learned there will be some major changes in the PEF Program in the coming year. Afterward, he and I talked about Pres. Hinckley's vision of this amazing program. These new changes will definitely build on that vision. One of the announcements made was to strongly encourage the Native Missionaries in foreign countries to diligently learn English, before, during, and after their missions. PEF workers have found that in foreign countries those who know English are more likely to be hired to most positions, than those who do not know English. In our mission, the English Elders are paired with the Indonesian Elders. It is mutually beneficial. I imagine it is like that all over the world. We are so grateful for PEF. It is working well in Solo. We have many new students attending University. We are so blessed to have Prophets and Apostles to show us the way to better lives. We will be attending an All Indonesian Young Single Adult Conference this next Thursday - Saturday, and Zone Conference with the Area President on Tuesday. We are all so blessed to have the gift of the Gospel in our lives. We'll be anxious to report in our next letter.
Finally, we just returned from the YM-YW/YSA Choir Practice tonight. That is the reason the letter is late getting out. I think I told you we are Singing three songs: "Because I Have Been Given Much", "Gethsemane", and "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go"/"The Olive Tree" medley. We cannot find words to describe the feelings that come as we work with and enjoy the Spirit of these fine young Indonesians. All the songs are powerful, and they sing them with such thought, and take instruction so well. We just bask in their amazing "fine-ness" We have often wished you could be here to listen to their music. In the "Olive Tree" there is a moment when they sing "It's our time to serve and bring new life, to a waiting, waiting world in need." When they sing those words, "It's our time..." I just fill up with their glory, because it is their time. We talked about it, and they understand, and are doing their best to be ready. We are so blessed, we are so blessed!
Well, have a wonderful week!!!! We pray for you each day. We hope you will continue to remember Boyalali, and missionaries all over the world. Goodness sake October is almost gone.... time is flying by... toooooo fast! Take all the time you need to love one another.
Happy Birthday Golden Girl,
Elder dan Sister Greenway
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Weeek 57
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
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
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~!
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