18 January 2008 – Friday

 Normal morning at the apartment with time to read 2 pages from the Kitab Mormon before heading to the chapel and IEC.  The class went well but I am worried about the students who are going to speak on Sunday. They are still struggling with coming up with an experience that brings the spirit. Hopefully by Sunday that will change.

 Mary took the first part of the class and I took the last half so she could work on some more lesson material. With the IEC, the High School English, and her teaching the office staff, a lot of her – and my – time is put into lesson perparation. Especially for the HS class.

After the morning class, Sam and the students dropped us off at the mall and they went on to be with the Walkers for the afternoon and Joel Guttormsen in the evneing. Thus we had an actual afternoon and evening off. This would have been great if not for two things – first my stomach is back to being unhappy with me and second when we got home I discovered I did not have the office keys. At first I thought they must have fallen out of my pocket when I got out my wallet to pay for the taxi home. After trying to contact the taxi, I worried for a while and then prayed. After praying I felt a lot less worried. It was like a burden was lifted. I was not sure what that meant at the time, but I assumed that things would work out. This allowed me to enjoy the rest of the day and sleep. I knew the Lord had answered my prayer by comforting me and that things would work out tomorrow when we went to the chapel.

 Mary worked on some English games and we read twice from the Kitab Mormon. Also Daisy came over to clean the apartment. She still has no job and does not seem to be applying for any. I am beginning to worry about her.

The opportunity to teach the young people is always uplifting. To see how hard they are working to speak English, to do their homework, and to participate in the class makes the work easier.  It is amazing to be here in Indonesia on our mission. It feels like home and if we knew the language I think we could serve here for years. We of course miss our family – especially the grandchildren – but we are able to keep up with what and how they are doing.  The Lord continues to bless us with health and the energy to do what we need to do.