It's been a while since I posted last and there's been a lot of action during the month of May! I've mostly been busy with activities at church, starting some traveling, and some activities at the university too. The end of the semester at UKDW meant closing events but no class for almost a month now.
In my families here, I've enjoyed getting to know the young adults at church, and really value their acceptance and friendship! I've got to share with them too, formally and informally on several occasions. It's so. nice. to be able to share what's on my heart, being understood with enough Indonesian and English words still mixed in. Terima kasih semuanya pemuda GKMI Jogja, atas persahabatan!! Also got to attend part of my friend's graduation celebration (below, on the left). A small group of us met at UGM for pictures and joined her family for lunch afterwards. It was great to see a snapshot of what graduation looks like here! Furthermore, I have been drawn into the "narsis" culture of many Indonesian young people. That means taking tons of pictures ALL the time!
 |
| My friends and I after a Saturday wedding service |
In my love for culture study, I've had some awesome experiences! As I've mentioned, I joined the traditional instruments group and they accompanied me as I sang in the Javanese language! The second time I performed was a success and I enjoyed wearing the full outfit. Many people didn't know what to do with this Canadian "sinden" (Javanese singer) that showed up to church.
 |
| The "karawitan" team and I after we performed "Duh Pangeran", or "O Prince of Peace". |
I finally did my "official" MCC encouragement visit, in which YALTers travel to each other's placements to observe and take part in the community. I went to the northern coast of Central Java to my friend's village, Margorejo. It is a beautiful place - flat, forested, and full of fields. She lives right across from the elementary/high school so there was never a dull moment! I love the community aspect of rural areas and usually feel more at home in places like this. I enjoyed helping her teach English, visiting classes, taking TONS of pictures, spending time with her students and friends, and speaking to the church youth. We also took some time to go to the sea and to the fields, both wonderful excursions! The experience of a light-skinned, blonde-haired and long-nosed (you tell me if I'm patient! For all you Biblical studies people) person in the village is most interesting. And awkward. Especially if the majority language is Javanese and you cannot understand anything! However, the excessive stares and astonishment aside, I loved my time there. It was also good to see my friend and encourage her in her situation. Sharing stories and praying for each other is always a blessing when it comes to seeing YALTers.
 |
| Hanging out at the fishing pier near Margorejo |
 |
| Walking the paths through the fields |
 |
| Grade 8 class |
A few days ago, I had one of the busiest weekends that I can think of. And I loved it! In Salatiga, it was time to say "see you later" to another MCC family that is finishing their time in Indonesia. The former Indonesia country reps are moving on to a new and bigger role in Thailand, at the beginning of June. It was awesome to go to their open-house party, send them off (although sad), as well as meet all their children and other friends. I have been very blessed by D+J's leadership and friendship, and pasti have a great idea of what an MCC team should look like because of them!
 |
| The team back in September 2012 |
I also had a GREAT time with my host family in Salatiga- they continue to be AMAZING! - and my Indonesian language teachers too. Who are expecting a baby in the fall! Coming to Salatiga is always like coming home :)
 |
| My boys! |
Went straight back to Jogja for the English Club Final Barbeque. The evening was spent at a staff member's house and perfect backyard patio, where we ate a lot of food and played silly games! Here's the menu, just to show you how spoiled we are: BBQ'd pork, chicken, corn, bread (chocolate sandwiches), and sides of veggies, watermelon, ice cream, jello and crackers. Wow! Plus a bag of fried grasshoppers, and I DID eat one!
 |
| The faithful EC members and some staff |
 |
| Barbequing |
I had my first experience of teaching Sunday School the next morning, which was an interesting experience! I was glad the weekend ended after church and I could get some rest. Ready to jump back into it the next day!
That's a bit of a picture of what I've been up to lately. We're coming into the final stretch of SALT, which is unbelievable! The time went by so fast, yet it feels like I've been here for a very long time. Time is a funny thing... We've been encouraged to start thinking about ideas to wrap up our terms and how to say goodbye to our communities. I'll get there, when I have to! :) So for me, the next few months will involve lots of travel, wrapping up a wonderful experience that will soon turn into an amazing memory, and using this time to make any last impact on my community. May the God's will be done in my life and may everything I do - every action, word, thought - glorify his name!
Lisi :)
