Week 2 : The Cultural Center of Indonesia

"We have been in Indonesia since Dec 20.  The cultural center of Indonesia here we are living  in the Central Java the city of Solo.  We have a driver who drives us where we must go because the traffic is bumper to bumper at all times with literally hundreds of skooters in and out and between each car.  Our apartment is considered high standards for the country.  We are very blessed.  The weather is very warm and humid and each day there has been a torrential downpour for just a few moments.  Our service in this country is to reach out to those members of our faith who are here and assist them in any way that is appropriate and especially to invite  those who for some reason are not attending worship meetings.  We especially are focused on the rising generation.  

We have not seen one other American in Solo since our move in date of Dec 22.  The families around us in this central location are beautiful.  Beautiful women you can imagine clothed in hijab.  Even many of the tiniest baby girls wear these beautiful head pieces with jewels and sparkles and the most beautiful faces.  We each smile at each other and the spirit of love prevails amongst each of us and this people.  There are Muslim families everywhere and many children.  We see many pregnant women with their families and they dress in batik cloth which are gorgeous.  There is also outside the place where we live much poverty.  We will begin to visit different areas in the coming weeks.  We hope to share the spirit of love with Christian families and the invitation to come unto Christ with those who have found happiness within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  There are many young children members of our faith and we hope to increase the desire for them to serve missions, friends come to church and assist the young missionaries serving in this area to teach those people who are investigating our faith.

There are many fried noodles, ramen type noodles, rice with spices and sauces.  Fried  tofu is abundant and other soy products.  There is much chicken (Ayam) The open market is unbelievable to see the produce and beans and fruit. There are banana trees everywhere.

We are intense about studying the Bahasa Indonesia language. We must be able to communicate with the wonderful people and speak their language. We are trying very hard. Elder Miller and I are learning by situations…we study and write out what we think we will need to communicate in situations we are determined to speak the language!!

Bean strips with corn and bags of brown sugar. 

Traditional Batik fabric

A family in our church

Brown sugar and soy/corn patties found in an open market

Notice the traditional makeup for this beautiful  bride we met in Solo. 

 Margo singing Christmas carols in a church women's choir.

We invite each of you to find faith in our Savior Jesus Christ.  We have shared in many holiday parties at the four wards here in Solo.  The children teenagers and adults sing and dance and love each other.  Everyone in the congregation participates  and there is an outpouring of love in the celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ.  All sing hymns  with enthusiasm.   We love each of you and look forward to sharing the mission experience in Indonesia.  Love, Elder and Sister Miller