Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: MERDEKA AND IDUL FITRI

I think in previous postings we have noted the congested Jakarta traffic and challenge of commuting to and from the office. The 3.4 mile distance in a cab usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Our shortest and longest commutes were 10 minutes on a holiday when there was no traffic, and over two hours and 15 minutes ( I have no idea why). Yes, it would have been faster to walk but more about that later. After four months we decided something had to change as too much time was wasted sitting in traffic. And those who know us well know just how patient both of us are.

Last week we started working three days a week from our apartment. This necessitated my buying a computer and printer. Eileen loves her Apple Mac and iPad but I needed a real computer to be able to work quickly after decades of prior experience with a PC. On Wednesday I bought both and took the new laptop into the office to transfer files onto it. I was late leaving the office and was not able to catch a cab. Fortunately Eileen was not with me as I walked home. It really was not that far and only took 50 minutes However, I was soaked by the time I arrived and it was not raining! I think to effectively commute here you really do need a motorcycle, in our case one with a sidecar.

The two biggest holidays of the year occurred this week. On Friday (August 17th), the country celebrated 67 years of Independence/Freedom (Merdeka). On Thursday there was a party in the office and on Friday a commemoration/celebration at the church. See pictures below.

Today marks the end of the Muslim month-long fast known as Ramadan. During Ramadan food and drink are not consumed by fasting Muslims during daylight hours. The end of Ramadan is known as Idul Fitri or Lebaran. On a comparative level it is like Christmas and New Years rolled into one. Last night there were fireworks and "singing the Takbir" or prayers from the mosques all through the night. Muslims celebrate the day by making amends and asking forgiveness from those they may have offended. Many return to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday. It is estimated 16 million people will have returned home in Indonesia, 8 million leaving the greater Jakarta area.

At church today Sister Steffi Subandriyo attended sacrament meeting. This was just 12 days after receiving a kidney transplant. We thank God for her recovery and her brother Chris for his donated kidney. This is an answer to the prayers of many on her behalf from all over the world.