Mary with sister Tandiman who is the matriarch of a faithful family. She and her husband were early members of the church here and their family are found in many branches. Unfortunately brother Tandiman has not been well but sister Tandiman faithfully comes and plays the piano for T2. Next is the Bautista family who are from the Philippines and are investigating the church. The last picture is a young lady who was born either just before we got here or right after. I have posted pictures of her father carrying her in one of the slings they use here. As you can see she is a doll and even let me take her picture.

Mary with Judi Guttormsen at the English Branch farewell. Judi said that she wanted a good picture because the last one I took at the graduation party was terrible. The bright temporary murals are on the fence around a building that we have watched being built for our whole mission. We next to it at least 3 times each week and it has been fun to see it develop. I like the last picture because it shows one of the carts they use and a part of the rock wall that bends around one of the corners.

25 May 2008 – Sunday

Our next-to-the-last Sunday in Indonesia. It does not seem possible and it really has not sunk in. We were up early to get ready to leave at 7:15 for the Tangerang chapel. I found myself re-writing my talk on the back of my nicely printed one. As I was writing last night I pretty well knew that I would change it before we spoke.

Since it was the 4th Sunday, Sudirman was closed off for the walkers and bike riders. Sam found another way to the toll road and we got there in plenty of time to say hello to the members.

Mary and I spoke at both branches and bore our testimonies in Indonesian. I got better with the second one and should have been able to do it all but through in something that had to be translated. President Gjarot translated for both of us. My talk felt good and I noticed that in T2 I had most people’s attention – I did not do as well in T1 but since President Paul and President Gjarot both mentioned some of the things I spoke about, I think it was the right subject.

It was good to see the Bautista family at T1 – they are the nice family from the Philippines who are investigating the Church. This is the third time they have come. After the meeting I mentioned to them that I knew what they were feeling because I had sat where they were 50 years ago. They would be a great addition to the Church here in Indonesia or in the Philippines.

As soon as the second sacrament meeting was over we headed for the English branch farewell party. It was a nice gathering of many of the families we have come to know over our mission. It provided a good lunch – Mary made brownies – and we got to say goodbye to many friends. Hopefully we will meet some of them again some day. At least one young man is going to the Y in the fall. It would be great if we could see him before we leave again.

We are reading in chapters 70-76 in the A&P. We just started 76 with it’s powerful testimony of Jesus on the right hand of His Father. ‘Of all the testimonies that have been given…He lives!’ That is the testimony all members of the Lord’s church must have. This knowledge leads to keeping His commandments and enjoying the blessings. Including the blessing of this mission.