The Journey Through the Kingdom (2012-2014): Bittersweet.

This is the "one-month-left-in-Indonesia" blog post. I'm writing it mostly because I want to update you, my friends and family, on where I'm at mentally. Of course, I'm adding some pictures from the past few weeks too. But this is a difficult post to write!
Before I embarked on my SALT journey, 11 months seemed like a very long time. Ideally, the Intercultural Studies internship should be around eight months. With this idea already developed in my head since the previous year, I had to get used to the fact that I'd be gone for 3 extra months. Saying goodbye to my family and closest friends was the most difficult thing, as I thought about not hearing their voices, feeling their hugs or being physically present in their lives. These sentiments carried on throughout the year. But I can say, with a grateful heart, a happy dance and a face lifted to the sky, that I never felt like I could not do it and had to go home instantly. I do praise my God for that blessing! It was just difficult at points, like when Christmas came and went, when sisters struggled with stuff and when good friends got married. However, I knew I'd be going back to see them eventually.
Thus, the more difficult part comes now. I have to say farewell to people that I have come to love and appreciate over the past 10 months. Disregarding my initial feelings about the length of the SALT term, it is really short! In a large scheme of things, 10 months is just a moment in time, perhaps not worth very much.
BUT, this feels different when you spend every day investing in the lives of family and friends. When you give up a good portion of your independence and are forced to rely on those around you. When you actually spend time learning the language and FINALLY feel fluent enough to get around comfortably. When you observe new cultures and fall in love with them. When you see the Spirit move in unique ways and you want to experience more. When it takes you around seven months to feel comfortable in a community and feel part of a group. When you and your host mom can poke fun at each other and understand each other's stories.

When you just don't want to leave. Because you don't know when you'll be back.

This is where I'm at! I love my communities and the people I know here. We've mutually given up things to serve each other and we've also mutually learned from the other. I know I sound like I'm leaving tomorrow, and this is not true. There are still 23 days left in Jogja and 6 in Salatiga. I'm just trying to prepare myself for what's to come! That's a lot of fun in the activities, service, and time I have planned in the next few weeks; it also means a lot of tears...
And with that ending, I'll sign off for a while! My parents are taking me to Bali tomorrow!

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;

with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known

through all generations.

I will declare that your love stands firm forever,

that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

I have sworn to David my servant,

‘I will establish your line forever

and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,

your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?

Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;

he is more awesome than all who surround him.

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?

You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Psalm 89:1-8

***

Spending time with two of my favourite girls before they move from Jogja (6 June)

I've enjoyed all the fun we had together! Plus, they're absolutely adorable :)

I am so thankful for this family and the part they've played in my experience here: as GSL volunteers with MCC, as friends, and as fellow travel lovers. God bless!