08 December 2007 – Saturday  

We were out of the house early so we could be at the Tangerang chapel early for Joshua Samad’s funeral. I wish I had known him when he was alive for as he lay in the casket, he appeared as a sweet young man. I am also glad I could see him unwrapped from the tubes, bandages, and blankets that hid him in the hospital bed on Tuesday. 

When the pianist could not attend, Mary was asked to play. It is a role she is used to having whenever there is a need. An Indonesian funeral is short on talking and long on music – I think I want one like that. Of course they then hold a memorial a week later, then 100 days after the funeral and finally on the anniversary of the funeral. It is their way of mourning the loss of their loved one.  

After the funeral we followed the ambulance – they do not use hearses – to the cemetery which was about 45 minutes from the chapel. 90% of those who attended the funeral came along. Riders on motorcycles carrying yellow flags – their color proclaiming a recent death –  escort the funeral procession. At the graveyard a brief ceremony is held including singing, the dedication of the grave, and the sprinkling of flowers on the casket and then the grave mound. Looky gave a wonderful feeling dedicatory prayer. It is one of the many times I wish we could understand the language.  

One thing that I should say about the last part of the drive into the cemetery. For about a mile there are gardens of small purple orchids that must be grown just for the blooms to be sold to florists. I was not thinking so I did not get a picture going in or coming out. But it adds a touch of beauty to the experience. Mary pointed out that this cemetery was much neater and well kept than then others we have seen.  

After the grave side ceremony, we took the elders to a bus stop and then took a couple from Manado – he has been branch president there for many years – back to the chapel. We went home to rest up for the party at Annie’s house tonight.  

To make a wonderful evening short, we had a great time at the Limbongs. They own a very nice high school – university building with their home on the top floor. The university is much better kept up than the one where we used to teach English. The Limbongs home is gorgeous and they had a beautiful tree and Christmas decorations that were all done by the Muslim staff.  

There were a number of couples from the English branch there and a few of the Limbongs other friends. There was a lot of talking – mine mostly with Joel Guttormsen about lots of different subjects. We had lots of good food and a short program where Joel Guttormsen sang a really funny song about the 12 days after Christmas. Just before we left, I had an interesting talk with brother Ventura about building the road in Sumatra.  

So it was an interesting and spiritual day for us. We were able to share the grief and spirit of the funeral and the joy and spirit of the Christmas party.