It is hard to really organize my thoughts and feelings about our first
month in Indonesia. We have moved to a
city of 2 million+ people and have moved into a home in a type of housing
addition. We have started a new job,
met new co-workers and students, and have started driving and learning our way
around town. We have found new yummy
food and new places to swim and play.
We have set up new schedules and basically a new way of life.
However, the old way of life here and old relationships have also called
us back. Some of the reunions have been
sweeter than I could ever express. I
remember with heart-felt emotion how one of Casey’s guards in Salatiga grasped
his hands in a warm shake and then touched his chest with his other hand and
said, “I don’t have words (I’m speechless).”
When I met one of my best friends in the world, we just wept and several
times she said, “I just can’t believe this.
It’s like I’m dreaming.” We have
also strongly felt the loss of Casey’s close friend, Gono. We have not been able to see his wife and
daughter yet, but feel his loss now so tangibly. Even now I can hear the sound of his voice
and laughter in my head. He would have
been one of the most excited people to have us back in the area.
There are two other families in Salatiga I have been praying for and
was so thankful to see. The first was a
woman named Nina who used to be a guard for Casey. She was so excited to see our family. When we hugged each other both of us just
wept. I have regrets that we have not
had the opportunity for deeper discussions about life, family and faith and I
hope and pray that we can at some point.
On the day that we left Salatiga two years ago, a special couple came to
our house to see us off. It was our old
neighborhood leader and his wife. We
lived in a house in their neighborhood when Ryan was a newborn and Niko was
born in that house. They have two
daughters. One is married now and has a
daughter of her own. The other just
graduated from college and is looking for a job. Casey went to the door and surprised
them. We didn’t have their phone number,
so just had to stop by. J They were so surprised to see us. The wife gave me a warm handshake and kissed
each cheek as you do here---but then, she really
hugged me. We don’t have the same
religious beliefs or follow the same traditions, but the love they have for our
family was really evident and was such a blessing to our hearts.
When I was telling my friend about how tired I was from visiting
friends (we haven’t even made it to see everyone yet, even after two visits!),
she said she felt sorry for me. Then she
said that she was also not sorry—because it demonstrates how much we are loved
and how many people care about us.
Although we don’t have a ministry at the same place anymore, those
people have been a big part of our lives.
We have a new ministry now and new people to get to know. I am sure that as we work here longer, we
will get to know them better and develop deeper relationships. Right now we still feel a little torn,
feeling like we are a part of two worlds.
At this moment, we do give thanks for all the amazing opportunities He
has given us and for all the people He has brought into our lives ALL around the world. We are certainly blessed!
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