Years ago, when Russell was a young missionary in Indonesia, he needed surgery. Sister Meyer, a member of our church treated him very kindly. She brought groceries to Russell while in the hospital, and had him to her home on several occasions. Russell remembers that at the time Sister Meyer had a teenage daughter named Aischa. Fast forward many years to when we received our mission call. I (Eileen), spent some time in the MTC (missionary training center) in Provo to learn Bahasa Indonesia. Imagine my delight when Aischa's oldest daughter Bianca came in to teach me! Bianca spoke English fluently and was great fun to be with. When we arrived in Indonesia we were asked to make some presentations to the youth. Russell gave his anti-pornography presentation in Bahasa Indonesia. I gave a First Aid presentation to the youth, and requested a translator. Sister Aischa showed up as my translator. She can think and talk in English as fast as I can talk, which is pretty fast. Recently we were involved in a neonatal resuscitation project in Indonesia, Vanessa, the Tandimans second oldest daughter did an excellent job of translating for us. Brother Tandiman, the stake patriarch, works with the students in Indonesia with the Institute program. We see him several times a week as his office is in the same building as we work. The Tandimans 3rd daughter will soon be serving in the Cebu mission which is where Russell served part of his mission. We have joked that Patricia the 4th daughter, will somehow serve our family as it seems like our paths have crossed in so many ways. We even found that Sister Aisha is only 2 days older than I!
It is amazing how despite growing up in different cultures, thousands of miles away from each other, we have found so much in common. We are all children of our Father in Heaven. We admire the Tandimans greatly and appreciate their kindness to us. Their love and support has spanned several decades.
On Sunday we celebrated Easter. There was a special program at church, along with wonderful musical numbers. I was asked to accompany the choir on Sunday. I played the piano and organ quite a bit as a teenager and young mother, but haven't played for many years. In Indonesia, there has been more of a need for a pianist. Sometimes when a need arises, it is necessary to step up to the plate, whether you feel qualified or not.
I had some difficult health issues during this past week especially on Saturday. On Sunday prior to the choir singing I wondered if I would be able to play. I said a silent prayer begging for the strength to play appropriately so that I would not ruin the beautiful spirit that had been present during the meeting. God answered my prayers and I was able to play, and then enjoy the rest of the services that day.
Easter has such great meaning for me. I believe that through Jesus Christ I am capable of repenting of my sins and receiving forgiveness of them. I also believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ my burdens can be lifted. When life seems unfair and it seems like there is no hope, there is one that can give me peace. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows my needs. I am grateful for an older brother, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life. I love him. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of the resurrection. Please take time to look at the links below. One is on the atonement of Jesus Christ, the other on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Happy Easter!
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| THE TANDIMAN FAMILY |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXrOG02NMB0&feature=share&list=PLAD2B4B644506DFDB
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