Us with Elder Cheney and Elder Suseno. This is the street that the elders live on. Notice all the plants – they are usually outside even the humblest homes. Looking the other way you get Jakarta’s answer to Doug’s Auto Shop. No shop only a wide spot in the otherwise narrow street. Their tools are their hands, their inventive minds and a few tools in a couple of bags that can be seen by the tire.

Another feature of the street that the Elders live on is the carts that bring fresh fruits, vegetables, household goods, and just about everything else you might need. Also there are merry-go-rounds, performing monkeys, and other entertainment. I included one more picture of the auto repair shop that shows more clearly their tool box.
19 May 2008 – Monday

It was a errands day. We picked up printing – hopefully for the last time before heading for the Jakarta Raya elder’s house to give it a final examination. We have not been there for many months so we were happy to see that Elders Cheney and Suseno are keeping it up. One thing I always look at is how they keep their closets and both of the elders had neat ones. This is one of the few and maybe the only missionary houses that have air conditioning in the bedroom. Some Indonesian elders do not like sleeping in an air conditioned room but Elder Suseno seems to enjoy it. I know that Elder Cheney does.

Next we went to the bank so I could deposit some US dollars to make sure we have enough to get us through the last couple of weeks. It was much easier than I expected and it turns out we can use our BCA card at some ATMs in Hong Kong. What ever money is left over here, we will probably give to the scholarship fund.

Now that we had enough money, we went to pick up my new hearing aid. I am not sure it do any good, but I certainly need something because there are many things I just do not hear or at least not well. The hardest thing about the aid is getting it in. For a while I was not sure I would ever do it right but I finally got it right. I am sure Pak Anton was relieved.

Our final errand was to go to Sogo to get orange juice, the makings for meatloaf, and of course BreadTalk. I am going to miss both the fresh orange juice and the great BreadTalk treats. But we have to sacrifice something to go home.

We spend out afternoon going through things and recovering from our trip. I am afraid we are starting to think of leaving more often. It is natural since we spend part of most days doing something related to heading home. Hopefully the Lord understands.