We finally arrived in Surabaya two days ago, and it has been whirlwind already! We apologize for not updating this sooner, but since we missed two days due to our unexpected stops along the way :)- we have been going full speed!
It has already been a remarkable journey. Despite the third world surroundings, we have all come to see how beautiful this city is. Each room in our hotel overlooks the city from high above, and every time we hear the "Call to prayer" 5 times a day, we are reminded that we are not in Kansas any more, Toto! Yesterday all of us made new friends at an English chat club, and exchanged numbers to meet with them later this week! It was incredible to see how closely they leaned on every word we said. Even though they were mostly excited to be around new "bule" (term for white person!), as conversations deepened, we could see the beginning of new friendships forming! It was hilarious, and a little embarassing as we taught them the "Cha Cha Slide", but they were eager to learn this "bule" dance.
The Food. This needs a whole paragraph! The first couple of meals were ok, and some were actually very tasty! We went to the local grocery store and bought a loaf of bread for breakfast, only to cut into it and discover CHOCOLATE goodness inside. What a treat!Our favorite sate (peanut sauce with rice) and chicken friend rice (which is served at EVERY meal, including breakfast!) We have not had any problems until today when we visited the local schools and were served typical indonesian food. This was a little bit of a struggle for some of us as we tried to force down jelly filled banana leaves, tuna floss, "mystery meat balls", gizzards...and Scott's favorite: Coconut everything!
The School. I think this day put a smile on everyone's heart and soul! It was amazing to see the faces of these little children- all decked out in their uniforms, ready to learn american songs like boom-chicka-boom and head shoulders knees and toes! (Please insert asian accents...so cute!) We had to be very flexible, as we did not know what to expect. They loved watching us make fools out of ourselves as we did our skit and showed funny pictures from our lives in America. It is amazing to see the power a smile can make! It breaks all language barriers! These children were so smart. By age 3, they could already speak small English phrases.
We definitely have a chicken living outside of our hotel in a cage. Seriously. We don't know why he is just hanging out? He's a lurker.
Word of the day: Terima Kasih (Thank You!) We have to say this alot. "As bules" we need all the help we can get here!
He is definitely here and at work. It is amazing to be able to join Him in this journey! What a great dad!
We love you all. We promise to post pictures soon, we have just been so busy!
Love, Hannah and Erin
6 comments:
Great to here from yall.Everything sounds great so far. We are praying for all of you and hope that you will be safe and we know you will do a great job of spreading Gods word and sharing many more smiles with these people.
Tell Scott hello for us and that we love him and see that he eats something. Hope to here more soon. Glen and Cheryl Readett
We feel your pain!!!
hah....well, atleast the bread had chocolate instead of meat like mine did one time. My mouth was on fire for a whole day. I am praying for yall and tell the Vita ladies I say hey!! Miss yall !! Cant wait to hear more!!
Griff
Hey team Indonesia,
We are so glad you have all made it safe and are starting your adventure. We have also had some delays and it took us about 36 hours to get here but are finally settling in. We will continue to pray for you daily!
Team Romania
Tell Scott his sister thinks of him daily and loved hearing of the coconut dishes! I will eat a PB&J in his honor later. Tell the chicken "hi".
Praying for you all,
Libba
Hello Team Indonesia! So sorry about all the delays. Glad you are finally settled in and able to get out and about. We know that God is doing great things through each one of you. He is so good and so awesome. Isn't it amazing how universal a smile is?!?!?!? God thought of everything, didn't He? Even when we can't speak the language, we can smile and share God's love. Be safe and have fun.
God bless you all. Give Scott a big hug from us!
Love and prayers,
Nancy and Wayne Summey
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