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!

Cave tubing at Kalisuci, Gunung Kidul (8 June)

A great mix of small "rapids" and easy floating. So beautiful!

Playing around at Watu Gajah

Completing our trip with the special food from the area, red rice. So good!  And being typical tourists.

At PASTY (Pasar Aneka Satwa Tanaman Hias YK), a famous bird/small animal/fish/plant market (9 June)

Still fascinated by Indonesians' love and care for pet birds

Want a cute, painted seashell?

You have a new pet!

Blessings!

Lisi

We Are Many, We Are One. Indonesia.

Semeru 30 May - 2 June 2013

A week and a half ago, I had the amazing opportunity to hike Semeru, Java's tallest mountain, at 3676 m. It was an incredible and long journey! This is an account of the adventure. 

Like every experience I've had in Indonesia, there's a lesson to be learned - a new thing to take hold of and keep after I leave this beautiful place. "We are many, we are one". This TV show motto (Ring of Fire Adventures) aptly describes our trip, where I learned even more the value of community, friendship, and sharing. I am so blessed to be living in a place where I can experience this over and over again! These values are embodied in the Javanese culture. And, from my experience, often missed in Western cultures. Furthermore, I believe they should be embodied by the church. Sometimes I wonder, as believers, are we missing something foundational that the early church displayed so well...? (e.g. Acts 4:32-35). Anyway, I digress... I'm still recovering from a cold, so my thoughts are jumbled! Here's Semeru. 

Two friends from GKMI Jogja took me on this trip. I am so thankful for what they've done since I've been in Jogja, I've had a lot of great experiences! It's not easy to find motivated hikers at church, so off the three of us went! After a 7 hour train ride to Malang (East Java), we stopped at the "base camp" home of Pak R. His family daily takes in hikers before and after their visit to Semeru/Bromo, offering food, tea, bathing, and room to rest. He took us up to the trail-head in one of his trucks. This is still one of my favourite modes of transportation in the villages here.  Ayo! 

We passed Mt. Bromo on the way, a famous active volcano. Also passed the first of many "plains" in the area, which reminded me so much of BC! 

At the trail-head, 1:00 pm Friday afternoon. As we say in Austria (and subsequently in Indonesia, after I taught my friends): Berg heil! After filling out administration forms and experiencing a bit of the bureaucracy that increasingly surrounds environmental tourism, we were ready to hike from Ranu Pane! Love the welcome signs. 

We made it to Ranu Kumbolo, at 2400 m, after trekking through the misty forest. Caught a bit of rain on the way up, but this was the only time all weekend! This lake is beautiful and one of the coldest spots on the mountain. We stopped for a quick break and then trekked on to Kalimati, our first camping spot at 2700 m.

After a meal  of noodles and ketupat, prepared rice wrapped in dried leaves in which we had TONS, time or a quick nap before the summit attack at midnight! This was perhaps the hardest section of hiking I've ever done. It was mostly sand and rocks and the summit was elusive; every time we looked up in the dark and thought the summit was there, another hour was added to our struggle. We passed many groups of hikers, all in the same condition. Every time I sat down and closed my eyes, I almost fell asleep!

But, the end result was worth it! Made it to the summit Mahameru right in time for sunrise and wow what a view!! We could see the south sea, some islands, mountains in the distance, the city of Malang, Mt. Bromo, and just stretches of land every direction. So. Cool.

As fellow hikers and victors in the struggle, we posed with new friends at the summit. What a great feeling! Especially to pose with that red and white. 

Of course, Semeru is still a very active volcano. Spurting smoke every couple of minutes, there's always a big one. This was it! Before 9:00 am, the winds are blowing to the south, taking the smoke away from the summit. But after that, north winds come and blow the smoke from the crater to the summit. This dangerous smoke has killed numerous hikers, so everyone is *strongly* advised to descend beforehand. 

After a chocolate break on top, time to leave. Below is what we struggled up to the summit. Can you imagine? But on the way down, it was all sand-surfing! Woohoo! A five hour ascent turned into a 1.5 hour descent.

Rest-time at Kalimati. It is here that we found and picked edelweiss too, so now I have proof that it does grow outside the Alps!  

On the way down from Kalimati to Ranu Kumbolo, our second camping spot, we stopped to let a group of 40 Malaysian/Thai hikers pass. They had 30 hired porters - something that I saw for the first time and was amazed! These men carry significant weights up on their shoulders - props to them all! 

It was here, Cemoro Kandang, that we met a great group of hikers from Semarang, Surabaya, Banyuwangi and Jakarta. After initial conversation and figuring out who the foreigner was, decided to stick together. I had a great time listening to the conversation around me, trying to follow, learning Javanese, and speaking up when I could! 

Passed through a beautiful field of unidentifiable purple flowers, called Oro Oro Ombo.

Reflecting...

Made it to Ranu Kumbolo on Saturday afternoon, and set up camp and dinner. Time to take it easy for a bit after the strenuous hiking! We were camped beside one of the guys' friends that they had met at Sumbing mountain a few months ago. We ran into him on the first day here. He joined us for conversation (by us I mean the guys... I was tired and could't really follow) and we shared food. He also borrowed our little stove. Everything belongs to everyone - isn't it great? Another group beside us borrowed the cookstove, thus offering us their leftover macaroni. 

After a great sleep (I had a down sleeping bag - best idea ever!!), got up to watch the sunrise over the lake. In the middle of the dry season (July-August), the sun rises directly in the middle of the two hills and also, there are ice crystals in the morning! We missed these two things, but it was still beautiful. 

And as soon as the sun comes up, it's hot! The guys took a swim before we headed down, and it felt so much like a summer day on the shores of a lake in Canada. 

On the way down, we took a different route through Jalur Ayek Ayek, a unique grassy plain. So cool! we were traveling with our friends from the day before, so there were a lot of laughs and new Javanese words to learn. Also ran into a business student from Libya, studying in Malang! 

There was another surprise ascent... 

With one of our friends from Banyuwangi. The joke is that there are two foreigners here; most people think my friend (L) is from Korea. How surprised they are when he responds in fluent Javanese! 

The last part of the trek is usually through the mountain villages and fields. I love it here! With a friendly "monggo", every villager sends us on our way. 

At the end. I am quite satisfied and spent, blessed and amazed! What a great adventure exploring a beautiful part of God's creation, as well as a wonderful community. I have felt so at home when I've been in the mountains here, and have enjoyed every conversation and interaction. While they are always initially difficult, I learn to laugh at my mistakes and lack of understanding and just play along with whatever's going on around me. The comradeship is amazing. We descended from Ranu Pane by Pak R.'s big truck again, this time cramming 15 of us weary hikers in the back. Took a rest (and much-appreciated mandi) at his house and then departed to the bus station. It was a strange feeling to say Goodbye to the other group of guys as they headed to Bromo for further adventures, and we went to Surabaya. It was like departing from friends, although we had only just met the day before! But we promised to visit each others' cities, visit Pak G's nasgor warung in Semarang, and add each other on Facebook. Good times!

We took a bus to Surabaya on Sunday night, had delicious soto lamongan there, and then took a loooooooooong bus ride to Jogja. What an adventure! Came home with stronger friendships, new friends, a new blister, pictures that left me speechless, and a new appreciation for the God-given gift of community. This was my last mountain in Indonesia (5 total) and it was perfect. Terima kasih pada teman-teman semuanya, yang membuat pengalaman ini LUAR BIASA! Sangat bersyukur :)
We are many, we are one. Indonesia.
How I'll miss it...
Lisi :)

An Update

Shalom!
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 :)

 

Pictures 12-27 April

Third post of the day because I forgot to add the link to more pictures!

Click: Online Photo Album!

:)

Mt. Merapi 26-27 April

This excursion gets its own post because I'm so excited about it! Last weekend, I had the opportunity to hike my 4th mountain here, the active volcano next to the city of Jogja. Ever since I saw Merapi from the summit of  Merbabu, I couldn't wait to "befriend" it too!
Because I like to tell stories, here goes the account:

Our route, approximately

After a 2 hour motorcycle ride from our church, 3 guys and I arrived at the base in the village of Selo. Starting at 6:30 pm, we started to naik (climb). The moon was beautiful and full; the stars, clouds and Merbabu to the rear were bright and awesome! Kudos to our fourth group member, who was embarking on his first hiking trip ever. After a bout of feeling sick, he kept going and eventually made it down the mountain the next day too. :) As we exited the "tree line" and entered the rocky part of the volcano, the mist started rolling in. We couldn't find the camping area, a plain called Pasar Bubrah or "devil's market". After quite some time, we found the rocky plain and pitched a tent. Our 12:00 am supper was short and sweet (literally. I've never seen anyone spread so much Nutella on one piece of bread...) and then we had a rest. It rained while we were pitching the tent, so we went to bed slightly wet...Not a good idea. It was also chilly so I didn't sleep much. It still amazes me how cold it gets up there!

Sunrise

At 5:20 am, "woke up" and looked out the tent to see the lightening sky and the summit of Merapi right there! After the sun came up, three of us headed to the summit. This was the most difficult part as it's mostly sand and then rocks. Good thing it only took less than an hour! We reached the top and WOW looked down into the volcano!! It's a crater, with a flat bottom and few rises. There were small spots where smoke was coming out. There was a lingering sulfur smell and a constant sound of rushing wind throughout the hole. There was one spot down there, probably a few metres across, where lava could be seen! The outer wall is complete except for one large gap, that can be seen from Jogja. The original summit, called Puncak Garuda, was reduced to a stack of large boulders by the eruption in 2010.

The top!

Puncak Garuda

Good friends, good fun! Merbabu in the background

We hung out at the top for a while, taking tons of pictures and basking in the sun and complete awesomeness of Creation. Merbabu to the South was perfectly clear and the sea of clouds, beautiful. I didn't want to leave!

Tea time

We descended after some time and this was the easiest part: awesome sand-surfing! At the camp, we ate a hearty breakfast of boiled potatoes with bolognese sauce, leftover snacks and good tea. More pictures, and then we set out to descend the mountain. It's always so cool while going down to see in daylight what we missed coming up the night before. This was slow going but we had some great conversations about culture and personal opinions. Made it down around 3:00 pm - SUKSES! Posed with the lovely Hollywood-esque sign at the trail head. Made the journey home, in the rain, and arrived safely in Jogja! Sunburnt and sore, natually, but man it was AWESOME! Every time I see Merapi -which is everyday - I can't believe I was there. It's also reflective thing because the eruption in 2010 was devastating and a nightmare for many people in the area. The power that nature holds is amazing and terrifying! I praise God for the livelihoods and  environment that have been regrowing since then; also for the strength of the people here to rebuild their lives when such disasters happen.
Another amazing thing about hiking here is the community. As evident in many other places (e.g. Austria), the mountains are a place where everyone is family. My friends struck up conversation with everyone we passed and shared a good many laughs. It was mostly in the Javanese language and in those cases, I just had to wait until the conversation turned to "who's the foreigner?" It was great meeting people from all over, including many other foreigners that day!

Camp at Pasar Bubrah

In conclusion, I'm not sure when my next hike will be. I have desires (and people to take me) to hike more mountains in Java but time is short. There's Lewu, Semeru, Slamet, Gede... Aduh! So many! I also figure I should get to the white sand beaches because we do not have those in Canada!
Thanks to my hiking group who took me to Merapi!! Trima kasih, saudara-saudara, untuk mengajak aku ke gunung! Pengalaman LUAR biasa dan juga keren "beudh" haha.

The trail head at "New" Selo. Climbing those metal bars was sketchy!

A happy and satisfied little Austrian hiker,
Lisi :)