greetings and hallucinations--

those are not my words, but the words of pak ken, a career "M" who, on one of our first nights here, fed us dinner and charmed us with a very informative powerpoint presentation on life here in indonesia. everyone on the team--all the "M"s--are gracious and helpful. i'm so glad for this chance to see and experience life here so that i can lift them up, join with them, even after going home.

my first time in asia has been eye-opening and i think will even prove to be shaping of who i am from here on out. i underestimated what kind of effect it would have on me, honestly. i am now seeing and understanding what jessica's life has been for the past year and a half--i'm excited for it. and i am also now beginning to understand the weight of what it is to be a light to "cousins" all over the world.

okay so today we spent time at an orphanage in the city. the kids were older than i expected! in fact most were in the 10 to 17 range and only a few younger than that. we sang songs, played games, shared pictures, and they taught us a few of their songs as well. they are beautiful, so kind, and shy, for the most part. it's a frustrating thing to not be able to go any deeper than just a few short phrases in conversation with them, but what a neat thing that through songs and games we are able to fellowship with them regardless of the language barrier. i will say, again, their english is better than my indonesian. it's the trend it seems.

we are trying new foods every day. we are experiencing the full joy of squatty potties and spicy chicken feet. today in our spare time the girls got a cream bath = a $3 version of an upper back and scalp massage (whoop). we are learning to press through the remains of jet-lag and throw ourselves fully into the day at hand. we are loving indonesia and PROMISE to actually truly really post pictures soon soon soon.

stephanie