Week 4: Humble...In Every Way

Sister Miller and I switched roles this week, I will update all of you, and she will write the report to our mission President. 

      Even though we have only been in Indonesia for a few weeks, the people and culture has already changed us in profound ways.  Most of the people we are getting to know are so very humble...in every way.  They love each other and even though they have little of their own they organize their “gongs”, or neighborhoods, so that they can know each other’s needs and offer support. 

Relief Society (women's organization) in the Lingkungan Jebres or Jebres ward

     This week we went to the 40day ceremony for the family of a man that was killed in a car accident early in December.  The small home was filled with people all sitting on the floor and again the streets were lined with friends and neighbors, all offering their support.  

     Sister Miller is organizing to teach beginning piano lessons to many of the children and adults that want to learn. A US foundation will give a keyboard to those who complete the requirements.  The young  missionaries are teaching English classes and we will try to help them by getting some well organized material for them and teaching them how to use it.   The older people speak Javanese and the younger ones that are able to go to good schools are exposed to some English. Many parents want their children to learn to speak English. 

     As much as we can we are visiting the homes of church members that for many reasons have stopped coming.  We are trying to remind them of what they felt when they first joined the church and reacquaint them with the wonderful members. It is so interesting how open and friendly other young Christian men and women are to us and us to them. It is almost like we are drawn to each other in this mostly Muslim country, although we also love the beautiful Muslim people.  

All of our love to each of you, our dear friends and family. 

Elder and Sister Miller

I'm not sure where the bodies went but we have a wide selection of heads and feet