Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: LONG WEEKEND AWAY

Central Java is so different from Jakarta in many ways. When we landed at the airport in Surakarta, (aka Solo) the sun was setting. As we left the airport despite being "rush hour" there was no "rush" of cars and motorcycles. As we drove past the field where the planes were landing we saw a row of parked motorcycles. There were families watching the planes land for entertainment at the end of the day. It reminded me of a holiday in our small city back home. There were vendors selling corn on the cob, balloons, hot bakso, and drinks. Parents were holding up their children pointing to each plane that was landing. It was really a delightful way to start our trip.

We went to Central Java for several purposes. The first was to make a presentation on a new type of project to a group of church leaders known as the Coordinating Council. This meeting (CCM) consisted of 2 stake presidents, a district president, our mission president and our area seventy. Much of the humanitarian work we do is generated by us for members that are not of our faith. Now there is a new kind of project available, that if led by the priesthood leaders is available for members of our church. ,

After CCM I took our new PR couple from Malaysia, Elder and Sister Weichert, shopping for batik. I think it was unlike anything they had ever experienced. The place we went to is a huge shopping outlet with loads of vendors trying to get your attention. There is no air conditioning. There is so much to choose from that it can be mind-boggling. Fabric, clothes, handbags, wallets, Ipad covers, just about anything you would like in Batik fabric can be bought in Central Java. Batik is a special kind of fabric that Indonesian fabric makers specialize in. In can be done by machine, by chop or by hand. In America we have casual Friday where businessmen don't dress up quite as much on Fridays. In Indonesia they have Batik Friday. Most Indonesians wear Batik on Fridays. Russell has a few Batik ties that he wears.

Along with making a presentation, the second reason we came to Central Java was to attend the Surakarta stake conference meetings. A stake consists of many small congregations. We met together to get instruction from our church leaders. President Budi Susanto gave an excellent talk on marriage relationships. He talked about how some young people let the things of the world get in front of them when making the decision to get married. When he married his wife he explained that he was only making the equivalent of $60/month. He knew he could make his wife happy. They are a lovely couple. He talked about the importance of seeing the best in your spouse. He told a story of a lady that went to a friend and wanted to buy some poison to kill her in-laws. She was able to buy some "poison" but was told that it would take 3 months, and would only be able to work if she would be extra kind to them for the 3 month period of time. During the 3 months she worked extra hard to meet their needs. She found that she came to love them and did not want them to die. She found out that the "poison" she had given them was in reality vitamins. The moral of his story was ""as we serve those around us we can come to love them."

Sister Imma (the stake Relief Society President) talked on how we can perfect ourselves. She said to look for our weaknesses. Go to God and ask him for a plan to overcome your weaknesses. You don't necessarily need to tell others. This can be between you and God. Check in with Heavenly Father every morning asking for the strength to make the changes you need to do. At night, report in again through prayer. We have a loving Heavenly Father that will understand our weaknesses. She testified that as an ordinary woman she has many weaknesses, but that through the gospel of Jesus Christ she can overcome them and become better.

The music at the conference was beautiful. On Saturday it was led by Sister Peny and performed by the Jogja ward. On Sunday it was the young adults and led by Sister Greenway. The Indonesians love to sing and it was wonderful to hear them.

Sunday afternoon 6 senior couples met in Greenway's apt and had lunch together. We discussed the needs of the mission, a future couple's conference, and enjoyed each other’s company. Then it was off to Jogjakarta for us.

On Monday Russell and Elder Barnard went to look at the progress on the water project. This was the third reason we went to Central Java. It is too hot outside and there are too many thorns on the salek plants for me (Eileen) to want to go, so I stayed at the hotel and got some work done.

After a very harrowing cab ride home (which reminded us that yes we are back in Jakarta) we are now safe in our apartment. I guess we should say HOME SWEET HOME.