Sights of Indonesia – I took this picture this morning on the way to the mission home. There must be a couple of hundred pounds of ice on that bike and the man was really panting as he was going up a hill. I kidded with Sam that some one ordered two ice-cubes and this is how they delivered them. The colorful picture of the salesman was just one of those great accidents – I did not notice the long orange wall, the red pillar and all the graffiti that all came together to make a good picture. The last picture is from the Kanes – it is one I should have taken on the trip through the Puncuk – there can be 10 to 20 of these stalls lined up along the road selling fresh fruits and veggies.
21 September 2007 – Friday
I did not set the alarm so I slept in until 6:00 this morning and did not exercise. I must make sure I do not do that very often but it felt good today. One great thing happened this morning – we had a short Skype conversation with Tom’s family and got to hear William say hello and that he loved us – also Kelli was able to tell us about Oktoberfest. It is at times like this that we realize how much we miss our children and grandchildren and how important their letters and pictures are to us.
We read from the Kitab Mormon for something over an hour. I realized that I am enjoying this time through much more than the first time. Especially in the morning when I am rested and what we read is not too complex. We are going through many verses without any hesitation – others we of course still struggle with the actual meaning. Today we have Alma talking to Corianthan about the problems he caused among the Zoromites because of his inequities. I find the comment that Alma makes to the effect that he does not bring this up to ‘harrow up’ his son’s soul but so that he can learn from it. That he repents, does not do it again and then goes out and fulfils his calling. The section also contains the warning about sinning against the Holy Ghost. While he leaves an opening for those that spill innocent blood, he does not hold out any hope to those who commits the unpardonable sin.
We went to district meeting and it was great. The Walkers came for I think the first time and it was held mainly in English. After a report of how the work was going in the district – there is some hopes for baptisms but none are really strong – Sister Sadimin led a discussion of what are some of the simple things that each of has found works for teaching the gospel. President Marchant joined us just in time to give his thoughts. It was interesting and uplifting to hear each missionary – including the couples – give some thought. It was a great lesson because not only was it a good subject but she got everyone involved. Elder Roper’s comment was that he found that smiling was really good and it was alright to look happy. I pointed out that it was ‘good news’ that we were teaching.
After the meeting sisters Pier, Davis, Walker and Marchant went off to do some shopping. Mary was the leader because she has been here the longest and knows the good places to look for material. While I was waiting for Sam to bring me some food from BYU, I talked to Sister Sadimin about this and that – she said when she had completed her mission she wanted to become successful so she could help out among the poor. I found out that after she had joined the church she decided to go on a mission. To do this she had to give up a great job and career – one that she can not go back to because her bosses were very angry at her for quitting to do something for her church. But she felt that she needed to serve and so she gave it all up. It will be very, very hard for her to find a new job when she has served her mission but I think the Lord will bless her and she will find even a better vocation that will lead to her being able to help people.
In the evening we read from the Kitab Mormon – Alma continues to clarify about the resurrection. I have always appreciated the part where he says that he does not know for sure that something he says is true – that is the Lord has not fully testified to him of it’s truth – and then goes on to give what he calls his opinion. It clearly points out that even a prophet as great as Alma does not know for sure about some things, but of course an opinion from him is based on lots of study and prayer and therefore should be considered as the way things are until you have a testimony one way or another.
We all must make decisions about what is right and wrong so that we can live a certain way. Sometimes these are conscious decisions and sometimes we do not even think why we do something one way instead of another. Sometimes we do things based on a firm knowledge and sometimes we do something based on our desires – good or bad. If we have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost and are worthy to draw on it, we can always know what we should do. But until we have that close relationship we pretty much just muddle along on our own.
The spiritual blessings of our mission continue to flow to us. It does not feel like we are sacrificing at all – but that we have been given a great opportunity to grow closer to each other – I have really come to appreciate Mary more and more – and to the Lord as we serve his children.