Ok, this one is gonna be short, but sweet :)
And actually a few days delayed. It is now Monday and we finally were afforded access to the internet. I wrote the following post on Saturday!
All is well here in Calang. We spent the morning (Saturday morning) crafting some fishing poles out of some bamboo we had growing behind the posko and trying our hand at fishing at the beach just down the road...no luck.
Saturdays are pretty slow here. Everyone is tired from the week and typically just lounge around until everything cools down a bit. Then the badminton rackets come out and the fun begins! So I have that to look forward to this evening.
We also have some sort of 'cross cultural ministry' meeting tonight at 8 (which was actually moved to next week...) From the sound of things some other area Christian NGOs will be meeting to discuss ministering in a culture that is different than your own. Should be good :)
Yesterday we spent alllllll day (9-12 and then 3:30-7) planting one of our bigger rice fields. Friday is sort of a sabbath for Muslism. So we had to take a long lunch from 12:30-2 to honor their prayer time. Planting was a blast though. It's neat to see the community rally together around FH staff who are here to love and help them. I am admittedly a little sore today ;)
So I spent my day making a powerpoint for all of you. I've been frustrated at not being able to share pictures because of horrible upload speeds. So I pieced together some powerpoint slides with pictures and commentary. I will email them to mom and dad (hughes3@insightbb.com) So that I only have to upload once I will ask that you email them if you'd like to see my pictures. I'll have them forward the files around! *I'm actually not sure this is going to work but I will try. So email mom and dad anyways if you'd like a copy and if they have it, they'll send it...if not I will do my best to get it to them!!!
Assuming it works out alright this time I will continue to update you with pictures this way.
Ok, it took me 2 hours to put those pictures together. I'm going to get going for some R&R with the rest of the gang!
Prayer requests before I go:
David and I chatted the other night. I expressed some curiosity about the spiritual condition of some of our staff. After the discussion I committed to involving myself in some discussions geared specifically towards 'spiritual things'. I'm not sure what exactly that looks like...I just want to go deeper with some of the staff and be more vulnerable myself with them. Pray that those conversations go well and are fruitful!
Also pray about this co-op thing. It looks like things are slowly coming together for the better. Miscommunications between Calang and Medan have been a bit frustrating I think but we're pushing through. It's difficult not having consistent internet...
Oh and speaking of internet. We're working on talking with our NGO neighbors, the Canadian Red Cross about sharing their wireless connection. If they would allow us that would be a HUGE blessing! So pray that we would be welcomed!!!
Alright, keep the comments/emails coming. I love hearing how things are going back home!
Sampai nanti!
June 30, 2008
June 26, 2008
That Spiritual Healin'!
Selamat Sore Friends!
This post is going to look quite intimidating at first glance. But please don't let that scare you! The bulk of it is a 'devotional' style blog post that I read today that really rocked my world.
Today was such an awesome day! To those of you who may not know me well enough...sometimes I get in the moods (attributed entirely to the overwhelming movement of the Spirit) where I cannot contain my smile. I just sit in amazement as a goofy grin stretches across my face. Often times I laugh out loud at inappropriate times because I just can't suppress the spirit of worship moving inside me.
To those of you who know this part of me I experienced that twice today! AWESOME :)
Jimi and I took the motorbike out the village where he oversees livelihood programs in which they teach women to sew and embroider. It was neat. We were invited to the house of a boy who was celebrating the Islamic tradition of circumcision. Jimi and I joked about bailing before the 'ceremonies' started, drank some sweeeeeet Acehnese coffee (for my coffee lover friends I'm doing my best to bring some home for you!) and enjoyed the company of some wonderful hosts. It was encouraging for me to see the impact Jimi has made on that community.
Afterwards I came back and made some helpful additions to our analysis of the co-op situation. Then I read the attached blog post.
A few days ago Mom emailed me a link to the website of an Indianapolis church that she read about and thought I might be interested in. While I was doing the email thing I stumbled onto their blog and found this entry.
Trust me, it's worth the read!
...
My friends at Vineyard Central have been reflecting on Isaiah 58, during the season of Lent, so I took their cue and have been doing likewise and these thoughts that have been kicking ’round my head spilled out in words today.
For me, the striking thing about Isaiah 58 (and a similar passage, Micah 6) is that they are written to a specific people in a specific time and place. I point out the specificity of these passages not to dismiss their message as irrelevant to the Church today, but rather as a key to understanding how they apply to us. My tendency in reading these passages (and I know this applies to others as well) is to read the call to action (Is. 58:6-7) as an inspiration for getting engaged in the struggle against the largest global injustices of our age (hunger, poverty, AIDS, slavery, etc.). While I do believe that such struggles are important, I don’t believe that they are primarily what the prophets are addressing in these passages. I am particularly wary of this sort of large-scale interpretation of these passages in an election year, when the political parties co-opt the Church into believing that a vote for their candidate is a valuable expression of one’s desire for justice.
In contrast, the message of these passages seems to be a call for a just people, a community that embodies justice in its daily life in the place and time that it finds itself. It is important to note that the audience is a community, not an individual. It is, I believe, our good-ol’-American individualism that leads us to jump to interpretations like the one I have described above. Given the assumption that I am an isolated individual, what can I do to stand for justice? Well, I could vote for this candidate or that one, or give money (or even time) to this service group or that one. This tendency to interpret these passages individually stands in contrast to the warning in the text itself to “[desist] from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure and speaking your own word” (Is. 58:13). Perhaps we jump too quickly into the “doing justice” parts of these passages and miss the prophet’s point that the sabbath fast to which we are called begins with self-denial, a setting aside of our own agendas, desires and even our own convenience. We cannot ultimately live justly with our brothers and sisters if we cannot prefer them and their needs over ourselves. And, of course, the words of Isaiah serve as preparation for the way of Jesus, which also began in self-denial. If, however, the primary audience of these passages is a specific community and not individuals, what is the meaning of the prophets’ message for that community. First and foremost, I believe that the call is to be a community shaped and characterized by just living. Are there hungry people in our church communities? Are there homeless ones? Are there people enslaved by drugs or debt or workaholism, etc.? As we struggle to be a people marked by justice, we inevitably will come into conflict with the injustices of our local environment. Although it is perhaps easiest to see the injustices of an urban neighborhood, injustices abound in any locale. The planned environment of suburbia that inhibits community, isolates people and requires frequent gasoline consumption is the origin of a host of injustices. In rural places, the rape of the land by big businesses (coal mining in
Appalachia, agribusiness in farming areas) reaps both poverty and a host of environmental injustices.
The German theologian Gerhard Lohfink often refers to the Church as a “contrast society,” and I think this language is useful for understanding the prophets’ call to justice in these passages. As we strive to live justly together, we demonstrate that another way is possible, a way that stands in stark contrast to the pattern of the world (Rom. 12:2). The tendency of individualistic interpretations of these calls to justice is that we often are trapped into pursuing good and just ends through the world’s channels. What then typically happens if we are persistent enough to follow these paths for some significant amount of time, is that we begin to make compromises and our ends get more and more watered down until they are swallowed up by our pursuit of the means. Let me be clear, I am not advocating isolation for the church, but rather that church communities engage the powers of the world as communities and not individuals. Furthermore, our engagement can and should be formed by the shared life of the community in which we are seeking to live justly together. I see more hope of discernment and resistance in this way than in that of individualism. It is interesting that the language of bearing witness that Paul uses throughout Ephesians 3-4 is that of the church bearing witness to the powers, not individuals.
Frankly, being a community of justice is hard; it demands that we know our brothers and sisters and daily give of ourselves to make sure that they are taken care of; the closeness of life together brings out the worst of our brokenness, which we would much rather keep hidden away (Thanks be to God that “where sin abounds, grace abounds even more”!). But despite the difficulties, this is the way in which we have been called to follow: to live justly with each other, with our neighbors and to watch the justice of Christ flow outward from our communities into our states, our nations and the uttermost parts of the earth.
Lord, have mercy upon us, may we heed your call to live justly together and may your justice flow through us and heal our fallen and rebellious world!
...
I love you all and hope to hear from you soon!!!
PRAISE HIM!
This post is going to look quite intimidating at first glance. But please don't let that scare you! The bulk of it is a 'devotional' style blog post that I read today that really rocked my world.
Today was such an awesome day! To those of you who may not know me well enough...sometimes I get in the moods (attributed entirely to the overwhelming movement of the Spirit) where I cannot contain my smile. I just sit in amazement as a goofy grin stretches across my face. Often times I laugh out loud at inappropriate times because I just can't suppress the spirit of worship moving inside me.
To those of you who know this part of me I experienced that twice today! AWESOME :)
Jimi and I took the motorbike out the village where he oversees livelihood programs in which they teach women to sew and embroider. It was neat. We were invited to the house of a boy who was celebrating the Islamic tradition of circumcision. Jimi and I joked about bailing before the 'ceremonies' started, drank some sweeeeeet Acehnese coffee (for my coffee lover friends I'm doing my best to bring some home for you!) and enjoyed the company of some wonderful hosts. It was encouraging for me to see the impact Jimi has made on that community.
Afterwards I came back and made some helpful additions to our analysis of the co-op situation. Then I read the attached blog post.
A few days ago Mom emailed me a link to the website of an Indianapolis church that she read about and thought I might be interested in. While I was doing the email thing I stumbled onto their blog and found this entry.
Trust me, it's worth the read!
...
My friends at Vineyard Central have been reflecting on Isaiah 58, during the season of Lent, so I took their cue and have been doing likewise and these thoughts that have been kicking ’round my head spilled out in words today.
For me, the striking thing about Isaiah 58 (and a similar passage, Micah 6) is that they are written to a specific people in a specific time and place. I point out the specificity of these passages not to dismiss their message as irrelevant to the Church today, but rather as a key to understanding how they apply to us. My tendency in reading these passages (and I know this applies to others as well) is to read the call to action (Is. 58:6-7) as an inspiration for getting engaged in the struggle against the largest global injustices of our age (hunger, poverty, AIDS, slavery, etc.). While I do believe that such struggles are important, I don’t believe that they are primarily what the prophets are addressing in these passages. I am particularly wary of this sort of large-scale interpretation of these passages in an election year, when the political parties co-opt the Church into believing that a vote for their candidate is a valuable expression of one’s desire for justice.
In contrast, the message of these passages seems to be a call for a just people, a community that embodies justice in its daily life in the place and time that it finds itself. It is important to note that the audience is a community, not an individual. It is, I believe, our good-ol’-American individualism that leads us to jump to interpretations like the one I have described above. Given the assumption that I am an isolated individual, what can I do to stand for justice? Well, I could vote for this candidate or that one, or give money (or even time) to this service group or that one. This tendency to interpret these passages individually stands in contrast to the warning in the text itself to “[desist] from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure and speaking your own word” (Is. 58:13). Perhaps we jump too quickly into the “doing justice” parts of these passages and miss the prophet’s point that the sabbath fast to which we are called begins with self-denial, a setting aside of our own agendas, desires and even our own convenience. We cannot ultimately live justly with our brothers and sisters if we cannot prefer them and their needs over ourselves. And, of course, the words of Isaiah serve as preparation for the way of Jesus, which also began in self-denial. If, however, the primary audience of these passages is a specific community and not individuals, what is the meaning of the prophets’ message for that community. First and foremost, I believe that the call is to be a community shaped and characterized by just living. Are there hungry people in our church communities? Are there homeless ones? Are there people enslaved by drugs or debt or workaholism, etc.? As we struggle to be a people marked by justice, we inevitably will come into conflict with the injustices of our local environment. Although it is perhaps easiest to see the injustices of an urban neighborhood, injustices abound in any locale. The planned environment of suburbia that inhibits community, isolates people and requires frequent gasoline consumption is the origin of a host of injustices. In rural places, the rape of the land by big businesses (coal mining in
Appalachia, agribusiness in farming areas) reaps both poverty and a host of environmental injustices.
The German theologian Gerhard Lohfink often refers to the Church as a “contrast society,” and I think this language is useful for understanding the prophets’ call to justice in these passages. As we strive to live justly together, we demonstrate that another way is possible, a way that stands in stark contrast to the pattern of the world (Rom. 12:2). The tendency of individualistic interpretations of these calls to justice is that we often are trapped into pursuing good and just ends through the world’s channels. What then typically happens if we are persistent enough to follow these paths for some significant amount of time, is that we begin to make compromises and our ends get more and more watered down until they are swallowed up by our pursuit of the means. Let me be clear, I am not advocating isolation for the church, but rather that church communities engage the powers of the world as communities and not individuals. Furthermore, our engagement can and should be formed by the shared life of the community in which we are seeking to live justly together. I see more hope of discernment and resistance in this way than in that of individualism. It is interesting that the language of bearing witness that Paul uses throughout Ephesians 3-4 is that of the church bearing witness to the powers, not individuals.
Frankly, being a community of justice is hard; it demands that we know our brothers and sisters and daily give of ourselves to make sure that they are taken care of; the closeness of life together brings out the worst of our brokenness, which we would much rather keep hidden away (Thanks be to God that “where sin abounds, grace abounds even more”!). But despite the difficulties, this is the way in which we have been called to follow: to live justly with each other, with our neighbors and to watch the justice of Christ flow outward from our communities into our states, our nations and the uttermost parts of the earth.
Lord, have mercy upon us, may we heed your call to live justly together and may your justice flow through us and heal our fallen and rebellious world!
...
I love you all and hope to hear from you soon!!!
PRAISE HIM!
June 25, 2008
Hari Lagi (Another Day)
Another day has passed here in Calang, Indonesia. But this day was different than the others.
Until today we have been in a state of cultural acclimation. From the weather, to the language, even the food...everything is foreign here. Thankfully we've had a bit of time to adjust. During this process our 'work load' has been relatively light. As I've mentioned in previous posts I've spent the bulk of my time traveling around with the staff and learning the lay of the land.
But today David and I began work on our first 'real' (real is a very relative term...you think there's nothing real about leaving everything familiar for an extended period of time like I used to think, you've got another thing comin'!) assignment.
To be brief and a little bit confidential (cool, huh?!) fh is brainstorming options for future operations here in Calang. I may have mentioned this in a previous post as well so I'll keep it light. They've narrowed it down to two choices; wrap up operations along with all the other NGOs who are packing up and heading home, or develop a way to be financially self-sustaining.
In 2009 the government organization responsible for tsunami relief will be disbanding. The bad news for fh and other NGOs is that they will be taking grant money etc. with them. FH is considering establishing a co-op. The co-op would help farmers that we have been working with (training, consulting with, assisting etc.) market and sell the excess rice they have been growing. The hope is that through a profit sharing system (built in reinvestment) would return some of the profits to the community through FH programs (education, agriculture and livelihood trainings).
David and I are working with the Calang staff and country director to better understand the inner-workings of such a project.
It's been fun! I really enjoy this type of problem solving. However before we dove in to the spreadsheet making, document writing, email sending 'go mode' of such a project...we spent some time walking around the posko and praying about the project.
As we were warned before getting to the field, it is easy to lose focus of our purpose here (as individual interns and even as an organization). The last thing we want to do is engineer a program supporting machine and lose all contact with the reality of the hope that we are here to share; the everlasting hope of Jesus Christ.
Please pray that we (David and I) wouldn't be blinded by the excitement of development work. Pray that our hearts would remained focus on God and His truth. Also, it seems like it will take a miracle for things to work out so that FH can continue operations in Indonesia after exhausting its funds in 2009. Pray for that miracle. The staff here really have a heart for the people of Aceh (and I'm sure of Nias and Medan as well). They are doing great things in great ways and reaching people for His cause. Pray that they would be able to continue that work into the future.
And thanks Sim, for that reminder :) It's tough not getting you "Daily Bible verse" text messages!
I love you all! Put in an order for me next time your at Applebee's! Man I would kill for a BBQ Burger............*sigh*
Peace for now!
Until today we have been in a state of cultural acclimation. From the weather, to the language, even the food...everything is foreign here. Thankfully we've had a bit of time to adjust. During this process our 'work load' has been relatively light. As I've mentioned in previous posts I've spent the bulk of my time traveling around with the staff and learning the lay of the land.
But today David and I began work on our first 'real' (real is a very relative term...you think there's nothing real about leaving everything familiar for an extended period of time like I used to think, you've got another thing comin'!) assignment.
To be brief and a little bit confidential (cool, huh?!) fh is brainstorming options for future operations here in Calang. I may have mentioned this in a previous post as well so I'll keep it light. They've narrowed it down to two choices; wrap up operations along with all the other NGOs who are packing up and heading home, or develop a way to be financially self-sustaining.
In 2009 the government organization responsible for tsunami relief will be disbanding. The bad news for fh and other NGOs is that they will be taking grant money etc. with them. FH is considering establishing a co-op. The co-op would help farmers that we have been working with (training, consulting with, assisting etc.) market and sell the excess rice they have been growing. The hope is that through a profit sharing system (built in reinvestment) would return some of the profits to the community through FH programs (education, agriculture and livelihood trainings).
David and I are working with the Calang staff and country director to better understand the inner-workings of such a project.
It's been fun! I really enjoy this type of problem solving. However before we dove in to the spreadsheet making, document writing, email sending 'go mode' of such a project...we spent some time walking around the posko and praying about the project.
As we were warned before getting to the field, it is easy to lose focus of our purpose here (as individual interns and even as an organization). The last thing we want to do is engineer a program supporting machine and lose all contact with the reality of the hope that we are here to share; the everlasting hope of Jesus Christ.
Please pray that we (David and I) wouldn't be blinded by the excitement of development work. Pray that our hearts would remained focus on God and His truth. Also, it seems like it will take a miracle for things to work out so that FH can continue operations in Indonesia after exhausting its funds in 2009. Pray for that miracle. The staff here really have a heart for the people of Aceh (and I'm sure of Nias and Medan as well). They are doing great things in great ways and reaching people for His cause. Pray that they would be able to continue that work into the future.
And thanks Sim, for that reminder :) It's tough not getting you "Daily Bible verse" text messages!
I love you all! Put in an order for me next time your at Applebee's! Man I would kill for a BBQ Burger............*sigh*
Peace for now!
June 23, 2008
Hari Ini (Today)
Quick update...it wasn't 'too much time in the sun.' I definitely had some sort of 24 hour bug. After a terrible night spent huddled under a thick blanket (one degree north of the Equator) and a looong morning, I perked right up! I have no idea what it was but I'm feeling 100% again. I wanted to thank you Aunt Julie for your suggestion. My physical sickness didn't help my emotional state at all and I was feeling down in the dumps. So I asked Jimi to teach me a few songs on the guitar and the next thing I know Ronal is playing Bataknese flute while Jimi accompanies him! It was a blast and the music lifted my spirits.
I also wanted to invite you all to send specific questions my way. Every time I sit down to write these I sigh at all the AMAZING experiences I leave out. But if you send specific questions I would love to share more!
For now I want to walk you through a day in the life of an FH Indo intern :)
It's Monday. The night before, I slipped into the safety of my hot pink mosquito net (yes Dad, they had one ready for me!) around 10pm. After 8 hours of sound sleep I begin to stir on my own accord around 6am. Ban Jimi (Brother Jimi) gets up around 6:30 two doors down and turns on his favorite mix of English worship music. What a great way to start the day.
Breakfast is served around 7:00 as we all gather around the open air kitchen table. Maknyak and Juli, our housekeepers extraordinaire (it's a cultural thing to have help around to do the cooking/cleaning) have served up some wonderful nasi (rice) and inak (fish) and usually some vegetable or fruit to accompany.
After breakfast we file into the "living room" for worship and devotions. We're supposed to start around 7:15 but that time is subject to flex :)
After a round of worship songs (in English and Indonesian) we pray, read scripture, have a short devotional and then get down to business. Each staff member rattles off his or her progress from the day before and what it is he/she has planned for the day ahead. I seem to have found myself in the position of tag-along, leaving base camp with Esran (in charge of our Agricultural programs), Udin (Calang base coordinator) or some other staff member to visit our satellite poskos and assist with various activities.
You can plan on at least 30 min. of driving once you leave the posko. But you can also bank on an adventure! Today we floated a four door Ford Ranger down the river (pictures to come...) on a makeshift ferry. It has been a great way to see the sites and get to know FH and the work they are doing here in Indonesia on an intimate level.
After 'work' the group rendezvous as base camp for dinner, badmitton, beach, guitar, laughing, and bedtime...or some combination of the above. The people here are so much fun. Rarely is there a dull moment. I suppose last night when some of the guys spent an hour or so tweaking the satellite dish so we could pick up the Spain/Italy Eurocup game things were a little slow...but for the most part it's a fun bunch :)
Well, I hope this helps you while your sitting around during the week wondering, "what is Andrew up to over there in Indonesia?" And if you just happen to be wondering "what does Andrew need prayer for now over there in Indonesia..." I will tell you!
This weekend was AWESOME for me. I was sick and felt terrible and went through this "What am I doing here...why do we even do 'short term missions'...what is my purpose here..." whoa-is-me phase. Winni went out and bought me some bread and what would equate to 'Nutella' thinking I didn't like the food. And Ban Jimi, Ria, Lilis, Esran, Ronal and Monica were all constant sources of encouragement..."Where is Andrew? I miss his smile." Oh, and Julie...your suggestion really helped. After feeling terrible all day Friday, Jimi sat down with me and played guitar and sang "How Deep the Father's Love". Since then we've (me, David, and the rest of the staff) have spent hours playing, singing...we even exchanged dance lessons! Indeed, if music be the fruit of life...play on!
And since this weekend I've been more confident than ever in my time here. So pray a prayer of praise for my friends here in Calang. Also pray that God would continue to humble me and teach me. And, if He could...let me know next time before He breaks me down :)
I love you all and look forward to your comments!!!
Oh, and as anxious as I was to post some of my pictures...my internet connection is just TOO slow. I will do my best to get some up soon!
I also wanted to invite you all to send specific questions my way. Every time I sit down to write these I sigh at all the AMAZING experiences I leave out. But if you send specific questions I would love to share more!
For now I want to walk you through a day in the life of an FH Indo intern :)
It's Monday. The night before, I slipped into the safety of my hot pink mosquito net (yes Dad, they had one ready for me!) around 10pm. After 8 hours of sound sleep I begin to stir on my own accord around 6am. Ban Jimi (Brother Jimi) gets up around 6:30 two doors down and turns on his favorite mix of English worship music. What a great way to start the day.
Breakfast is served around 7:00 as we all gather around the open air kitchen table. Maknyak and Juli, our housekeepers extraordinaire (it's a cultural thing to have help around to do the cooking/cleaning) have served up some wonderful nasi (rice) and inak (fish) and usually some vegetable or fruit to accompany.
After breakfast we file into the "living room" for worship and devotions. We're supposed to start around 7:15 but that time is subject to flex :)
After a round of worship songs (in English and Indonesian) we pray, read scripture, have a short devotional and then get down to business. Each staff member rattles off his or her progress from the day before and what it is he/she has planned for the day ahead. I seem to have found myself in the position of tag-along, leaving base camp with Esran (in charge of our Agricultural programs), Udin (Calang base coordinator) or some other staff member to visit our satellite poskos and assist with various activities.
You can plan on at least 30 min. of driving once you leave the posko. But you can also bank on an adventure! Today we floated a four door Ford Ranger down the river (pictures to come...) on a makeshift ferry. It has been a great way to see the sites and get to know FH and the work they are doing here in Indonesia on an intimate level.
After 'work' the group rendezvous as base camp for dinner, badmitton, beach, guitar, laughing, and bedtime...or some combination of the above. The people here are so much fun. Rarely is there a dull moment. I suppose last night when some of the guys spent an hour or so tweaking the satellite dish so we could pick up the Spain/Italy Eurocup game things were a little slow...but for the most part it's a fun bunch :)
Well, I hope this helps you while your sitting around during the week wondering, "what is Andrew up to over there in Indonesia?" And if you just happen to be wondering "what does Andrew need prayer for now over there in Indonesia..." I will tell you!
This weekend was AWESOME for me. I was sick and felt terrible and went through this "What am I doing here...why do we even do 'short term missions'...what is my purpose here..." whoa-is-me phase. Winni went out and bought me some bread and what would equate to 'Nutella' thinking I didn't like the food. And Ban Jimi, Ria, Lilis, Esran, Ronal and Monica were all constant sources of encouragement..."Where is Andrew? I miss his smile." Oh, and Julie...your suggestion really helped. After feeling terrible all day Friday, Jimi sat down with me and played guitar and sang "How Deep the Father's Love". Since then we've (me, David, and the rest of the staff) have spent hours playing, singing...we even exchanged dance lessons! Indeed, if music be the fruit of life...play on!
And since this weekend I've been more confident than ever in my time here. So pray a prayer of praise for my friends here in Calang. Also pray that God would continue to humble me and teach me. And, if He could...let me know next time before He breaks me down :)
I love you all and look forward to your comments!!!
Oh, and as anxious as I was to post some of my pictures...my internet connection is just TOO slow. I will do my best to get some up soon!
June 20, 2008
Dari Calang...
Hello Again All,
This post is coming straight from Calang! My apologies for the delay...our connection is quite inconsistent.
I wanted to first thank you all so much for your comments. They have been an AWESOME encouragement.
Ok...now for the good stuff.
Publishing blogs when your heart is bursting with emotion, experience, love, joy, hurt, struggles, and all in an environment that is nothing less than 'foreign'...can be difficult.
There is an overwhelming amount of blog worthy news but I have to be choosey are you all may stop reading ;)
So I will dish it out in doses. Today I'll share a bit about what I've done and what I'll be doing. Once I've had some time to chew on things I'll post my thoughts/feelings thus far :)
This place is incredible. I've seen the jungle (in tact and deforested...), a beach that would blow your mind (think National Geographic), community (real, small, intimate, involved), and the FH staff here I'm convinced are God's answer to a mother's prayers. So know that I am in loving hands :)
The past few days have been a hodge-podge of hands on orientation. It might help if I lay out the basics of Calang operations. Calang is used as a home base for FH operations in and around the area. From there they operate in a handful of nearby villages running various programs from basic literacy and numeracy training for children, sewing and embroidery skills for young girls, and an increasingly popular agriculture program aimed at walking alongside of local farmers and sharing with them a new method of rice farming.
Yesterday we ventured over some treacherous terrain (I have a newfound respect for Ford Rangers) and into the heart of the jungle. There is a village on the outskirts of the jungle that has no jobs to offer its already impoverished (poverty is also working a new definition in my mind) members. So the Indonesian government flattened a few hectare in the jungle, built a sort-of-road to it and are hoping to develop it as farmable land for some of the villagers. Right now there is just one man and his family living out there trying to get things going. FH supplies the man with cocoa plants...we delivered them.
And today we spent time a little closer to home base celebrating with a village as we helped plant in one of their rice fields. I spent a little too much time in the sun *blush* and got a little sick...but your encouragement and an unexpected dose of really good American music here in the internet building is helping me recover :)
Even though I have soooo much more to share, I am going to leave you with this for now. I will get back on here as soon as I can!
Things are going really well. I love the people and the place that is Calang Indonesia. And honestly (and unexpectedly) I'm missing home :)
I love you all and will post again soon!
Until then...
Please pray for the padi (think rice paddy) that we planted today. Successful implementation of the SRI method (check out www.indelibleindo.blogspot.com for David's blurb about SRI farming) is of utmost importance for FH's stay here. It is central to their...our ministry :)
Also pray for David and me. David got a cold (seriously, one degree from the equator??) the first day and is still a little under the weather. And I'd like to shake this dehydration or whatever it is before our first weekend here. We're clicking really well with the staff and I'd love to be an encouragement to them. I can't do that with a raging headache though!
In devotionals Esran shared how he begins and ends each day and it's slowly working it's way into my daily routine. In the morning, write down what your responsibilities are wherever your are. For me my responsibilities include BEING here as best as I can, learning about FH Indonesia, and loving the staff and community. And then write God's responsibilities...in my case I need to rely on Him to help me stay focused while I'm here, give me patience and sharpness of mind to learn about FH within the language barrier (which is breaking down quickly!), and grow a heart in me for the staff and community here.
And then in the evening you can gauge where you fell short and where you took on too much. I've been feeling a bit of the 'white man's' burden. Feeling guilty for every 'luxury' I enjoy back home and feeling bad for being inclined to do things the way I'm used to. This has been getting in the way of me being here. As backwards as it sounds I'm trying too hard to BE me...here :)
Ok ok ok...I promise there is more to come. Thanks again so much for all your support. And PLEASE keep posting comments. It helps a ton.
Peace for now!
This post is coming straight from Calang! My apologies for the delay...our connection is quite inconsistent.
I wanted to first thank you all so much for your comments. They have been an AWESOME encouragement.
Ok...now for the good stuff.
Publishing blogs when your heart is bursting with emotion, experience, love, joy, hurt, struggles, and all in an environment that is nothing less than 'foreign'...can be difficult.
There is an overwhelming amount of blog worthy news but I have to be choosey are you all may stop reading ;)
So I will dish it out in doses. Today I'll share a bit about what I've done and what I'll be doing. Once I've had some time to chew on things I'll post my thoughts/feelings thus far :)
This place is incredible. I've seen the jungle (in tact and deforested...), a beach that would blow your mind (think National Geographic), community (real, small, intimate, involved), and the FH staff here I'm convinced are God's answer to a mother's prayers. So know that I am in loving hands :)
The past few days have been a hodge-podge of hands on orientation. It might help if I lay out the basics of Calang operations. Calang is used as a home base for FH operations in and around the area. From there they operate in a handful of nearby villages running various programs from basic literacy and numeracy training for children, sewing and embroidery skills for young girls, and an increasingly popular agriculture program aimed at walking alongside of local farmers and sharing with them a new method of rice farming.
Yesterday we ventured over some treacherous terrain (I have a newfound respect for Ford Rangers) and into the heart of the jungle. There is a village on the outskirts of the jungle that has no jobs to offer its already impoverished (poverty is also working a new definition in my mind) members. So the Indonesian government flattened a few hectare in the jungle, built a sort-of-road to it and are hoping to develop it as farmable land for some of the villagers. Right now there is just one man and his family living out there trying to get things going. FH supplies the man with cocoa plants...we delivered them.
And today we spent time a little closer to home base celebrating with a village as we helped plant in one of their rice fields. I spent a little too much time in the sun *blush* and got a little sick...but your encouragement and an unexpected dose of really good American music here in the internet building is helping me recover :)
Even though I have soooo much more to share, I am going to leave you with this for now. I will get back on here as soon as I can!
Things are going really well. I love the people and the place that is Calang Indonesia. And honestly (and unexpectedly) I'm missing home :)
I love you all and will post again soon!
Until then...
Please pray for the padi (think rice paddy) that we planted today. Successful implementation of the SRI method (check out www.indelibleindo.blogspot.com for David's blurb about SRI farming) is of utmost importance for FH's stay here. It is central to their...our ministry :)
Also pray for David and me. David got a cold (seriously, one degree from the equator??) the first day and is still a little under the weather. And I'd like to shake this dehydration or whatever it is before our first weekend here. We're clicking really well with the staff and I'd love to be an encouragement to them. I can't do that with a raging headache though!
In devotionals Esran shared how he begins and ends each day and it's slowly working it's way into my daily routine. In the morning, write down what your responsibilities are wherever your are. For me my responsibilities include BEING here as best as I can, learning about FH Indonesia, and loving the staff and community. And then write God's responsibilities...in my case I need to rely on Him to help me stay focused while I'm here, give me patience and sharpness of mind to learn about FH within the language barrier (which is breaking down quickly!), and grow a heart in me for the staff and community here.
And then in the evening you can gauge where you fell short and where you took on too much. I've been feeling a bit of the 'white man's' burden. Feeling guilty for every 'luxury' I enjoy back home and feeling bad for being inclined to do things the way I'm used to. This has been getting in the way of me being here. As backwards as it sounds I'm trying too hard to BE me...here :)
Ok ok ok...I promise there is more to come. Thanks again so much for all your support. And PLEASE keep posting comments. It helps a ton.
Peace for now!
June 16, 2008
Call to Prayer
Five times a day like clockwork the loud speakers mounted outside of area mosques send out an ethereal call to Muslim devout. You would think that with such a pesky reminder I would be quicker to bow down myself. But honestly, prayer has been a struggle for me recently.
This wouldn't come as such a surprise if I was finding myself distracted from prayer by the outrageously stimulating environment I am in. New sites, smells, sounds (I think we went through this two blog posts ago...), thoughts...a new language (which I am happy to report I have been picking up quite naturally), a new culture, a new perspective, new ideas about 'relief and development'...and MOST distracting, NEW PEOPLE. And lots of them!
Last night my brothers in arms (Craig and David) and I eagerly accepted the humble invitation of our two-doors-down neighbor Das to "drink kopi (coffee) at his house." Two and a half hours and countless cups of glorious tea later we added three unique (one Indian Indonesian, a Chinese Indonesian, and a Malay Indonesian...a motley crew to say the least) gentle men to our list of Indonesian acquaintances.
But I cannot with a clear conscience blame this fascinating place for my lackluster prayer life.
I think about praying...often in fact. I LONG for REAL, GENUINE, HUMBLING communion with God. But for some reason I can't find my way through the crimson curtain engulfing the Holy of Holies.
Please pray. Pray that the Father would come to the end of the yard and welcome home his prodigal son. And, more importantly, that this prodigal son would rest assured that God is there 'with arms wide open' if I would just turn to Him.
This internship has been such an incredible blessing...and the work hasn't even started yet! Day 3 and the spiritual growth (starting with a bit of a valley) is in full swing : ) I love it here. Here physically. Here spiritually. Here professionally. Here casually. Here.
And I'm doing well. I just gotta lanjut terus!
This wouldn't come as such a surprise if I was finding myself distracted from prayer by the outrageously stimulating environment I am in. New sites, smells, sounds (I think we went through this two blog posts ago...), thoughts...a new language (which I am happy to report I have been picking up quite naturally), a new culture, a new perspective, new ideas about 'relief and development'...and MOST distracting, NEW PEOPLE. And lots of them!
Last night my brothers in arms (Craig and David) and I eagerly accepted the humble invitation of our two-doors-down neighbor Das to "drink kopi (coffee) at his house." Two and a half hours and countless cups of glorious tea later we added three unique (one Indian Indonesian, a Chinese Indonesian, and a Malay Indonesian...a motley crew to say the least) gentle men to our list of Indonesian acquaintances.
But I cannot with a clear conscience blame this fascinating place for my lackluster prayer life.
I think about praying...often in fact. I LONG for REAL, GENUINE, HUMBLING communion with God. But for some reason I can't find my way through the crimson curtain engulfing the Holy of Holies.
Please pray. Pray that the Father would come to the end of the yard and welcome home his prodigal son. And, more importantly, that this prodigal son would rest assured that God is there 'with arms wide open' if I would just turn to Him.
This internship has been such an incredible blessing...and the work hasn't even started yet! Day 3 and the spiritual growth (starting with a bit of a valley) is in full swing : ) I love it here. Here physically. Here spiritually. Here professionally. Here casually. Here.
And I'm doing well. I just gotta lanjut terus!
June 14, 2008
Saya Di Sini (I am here)
We have arrived! It's 7pm here which puts all those in Phoenix around 5am and Indiana close to 8am and we've just finished up our first full day in the Indonesian Archipelago. What a sweet place! I'll get some pics/video up here as soon as we can take them. Until then I wanted to let you in on a more personal side of Medan. (Scroll to bottom if you want the basics)
There are so many things here that I'm experiencing and would love to describe to you; the sites, the smells (and trust me...open sewage has a unique odor), the food...but I know none of you want to read 86 (give or take) pages of blogging ;)
So instead, I will leave you with this short journal entry:
"...It's penas (hot) here...and muggy. Sweating is as natural as breathing. There isn't a dry spot on my body and everything I sit on, I stick to. But the intense humidity and uncomfortable stickiness make bucket showers unbelievably refreshing. Unlike showers back home you don't wait until the water is JUUUUST right...dip your toe in to make certain...step back in preparation and then EEEEEASE your way in one leg at a time.
As evening wears on and bed time (jam delapan tigapulu) draws near, I climb the glossy stairs to the bathroom. I can feel a lustful grin stretch across my face. Pulling the tin door behind me I can almost hear the cool water splashing all around. My arm glistens as I reach for the handle of the bucket. With a steady head, care not to lose a drop of that sweet refreshment, I raise the bucket to my head. And then it hits me...like a rushing avalanche that bucket full of NOT-QUITE-RIGHT-YET water consumes me. From my forehead it spills around my face and down my back, taking with it layers of sweat and dirt...and all the tensions that come from being a simple sojourner in a foreign land."
As I wrote I couldn't help but hear A.W. Tozer singing "As the deer panteth for the water..." and applying this feeling to my approach to the Gospel. As they say, you must experience the depths of the valleys to appreciate the vistas of the peaks. I hope that while I'm here drudging through the heat and rejoicing in the bucket showers I can by His grace understand a little better what it means to thirst after Him, His word, His truth, His Gospel.
THE BASICS:
We're in Medan, Indonesia where FH Indonesia is headquartered. The three of us will be here until Tuesday when David and I fly out to Calang and Craig heads for Nias.
I love it here so far. It's hot but the food is enak (delicious). I will have consistent Internet until I make it to Calang. I'll have to update you from there about our connection.
God is good and His truth is refreshing.
Salam!
There are so many things here that I'm experiencing and would love to describe to you; the sites, the smells (and trust me...open sewage has a unique odor), the food...but I know none of you want to read 86 (give or take) pages of blogging ;)
So instead, I will leave you with this short journal entry:
"...It's penas (hot) here...and muggy. Sweating is as natural as breathing. There isn't a dry spot on my body and everything I sit on, I stick to. But the intense humidity and uncomfortable stickiness make bucket showers unbelievably refreshing. Unlike showers back home you don't wait until the water is JUUUUST right...dip your toe in to make certain...step back in preparation and then EEEEEASE your way in one leg at a time.
As evening wears on and bed time (jam delapan tigapulu) draws near, I climb the glossy stairs to the bathroom. I can feel a lustful grin stretch across my face. Pulling the tin door behind me I can almost hear the cool water splashing all around. My arm glistens as I reach for the handle of the bucket. With a steady head, care not to lose a drop of that sweet refreshment, I raise the bucket to my head. And then it hits me...like a rushing avalanche that bucket full of NOT-QUITE-RIGHT-YET water consumes me. From my forehead it spills around my face and down my back, taking with it layers of sweat and dirt...and all the tensions that come from being a simple sojourner in a foreign land."
As I wrote I couldn't help but hear A.W. Tozer singing "As the deer panteth for the water..." and applying this feeling to my approach to the Gospel. As they say, you must experience the depths of the valleys to appreciate the vistas of the peaks. I hope that while I'm here drudging through the heat and rejoicing in the bucket showers I can by His grace understand a little better what it means to thirst after Him, His word, His truth, His Gospel.
THE BASICS:
We're in Medan, Indonesia where FH Indonesia is headquartered. The three of us will be here until Tuesday when David and I fly out to Calang and Craig heads for Nias.
I love it here so far. It's hot but the food is enak (delicious). I will have consistent Internet until I make it to Calang. I'll have to update you from there about our connection.
God is good and His truth is refreshing.
Salam!
June 9, 2008
This is It!
Today was my first (of 3) day of training with FH. AWWWWWWESOME! I don't think I can put in words my excitement for this summer, this adventure, this organization...this family.
Training was fairly typical 'first day of training' stuff. We did a little meet and greet with the rest of the interns. Rest assured that I am in some pretty incredible company. Then we went through a breakdown of the vision and mission statements of FH. After lunch we crossed over a bit of red tape 'sexual harassment seminar' etc and then had a Q&A with last year's Indo intern, David Curtis.
Throughout the day I couldn't help but smile. Imagine, going to work in the morning (ok, so maybe I'm a little ahead of myself...imagine going to intern training) and praying over lunch, discussing with your colleagues Biblical conflict resolution, and reading Micah 6:8 on an arched entry way as you head out of the building.
I love FH...and today solidified the confidence I have in the way I fit with this organization.
It is my hope that this bit of gushing over FH and the experience that I've had thus far will comfort those who worry about me (*ehem*, mom :) ) and encourage my other supporters.
Tomorrow is another day of training and then dinner at the house of FH's vice president. And then Wednesday, more training during the day, dinner with our wonderful support team...then off to Indo Wednesday evening.
I'm not sure that I will have a chance to post again before I leave. So this will be goodbye for now. As soon as I get a chance I will send you a hello from Indo!
The other international interns will be heading out within the next few days as well. And the domestic interns start officially on Wednesday. Please pray for safe travels for those who are leaving and a good start for those who are staying. Also pray for the hearts of all of us interns. A consistent theme today was that we are going to be challenged and changed. Pray that God would soften our hearts to His people, open our eyes to His world, and lift our teachable spirits for His glory.
Thank you all so much for your support. It's been such a blessing sharing this experience with so many different people who have played such varying roles in my life. I love you all and can't wait to update you from Calang!
Until then, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Oh, and for some bathroom reading...check out this publication printed by FH in 2006. The cover story is on Meulaboh, Indonesia, a place I am likely to visit. It's kind of tricky to navigate but if you head to pages 10-14 you'll find the story I'm talking about :) Enjoy!
Training was fairly typical 'first day of training' stuff. We did a little meet and greet with the rest of the interns. Rest assured that I am in some pretty incredible company. Then we went through a breakdown of the vision and mission statements of FH. After lunch we crossed over a bit of red tape 'sexual harassment seminar' etc and then had a Q&A with last year's Indo intern, David Curtis.
Throughout the day I couldn't help but smile. Imagine, going to work in the morning (ok, so maybe I'm a little ahead of myself...imagine going to intern training) and praying over lunch, discussing with your colleagues Biblical conflict resolution, and reading Micah 6:8 on an arched entry way as you head out of the building.
I love FH...and today solidified the confidence I have in the way I fit with this organization.
It is my hope that this bit of gushing over FH and the experience that I've had thus far will comfort those who worry about me (*ehem*, mom :) ) and encourage my other supporters.
Tomorrow is another day of training and then dinner at the house of FH's vice president. And then Wednesday, more training during the day, dinner with our wonderful support team...then off to Indo Wednesday evening.
I'm not sure that I will have a chance to post again before I leave. So this will be goodbye for now. As soon as I get a chance I will send you a hello from Indo!
The other international interns will be heading out within the next few days as well. And the domestic interns start officially on Wednesday. Please pray for safe travels for those who are leaving and a good start for those who are staying. Also pray for the hearts of all of us interns. A consistent theme today was that we are going to be challenged and changed. Pray that God would soften our hearts to His people, open our eyes to His world, and lift our teachable spirits for His glory.
Thank you all so much for your support. It's been such a blessing sharing this experience with so many different people who have played such varying roles in my life. I love you all and can't wait to update you from Calang!
Until then, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Oh, and for some bathroom reading...check out this publication printed by FH in 2006. The cover story is on Meulaboh, Indonesia, a place I am likely to visit. It's kind of tricky to navigate but if you head to pages 10-14 you'll find the story I'm talking about :) Enjoy!
June 7, 2008
Quick Update
Selamat Siam!
I just wanted to throw up a quick post letting everyone know that I made it to Phoenix ok. Also, there has been a bit of a scramble to get our visas in on time. Long story short there was some miscommunication and lots of overnight shipping between Phoenix and Washington D.C. :)
But God is faithful! And it looks like my visa will be arriving here in Phoenix JUST in time. Keeps things interesting, right?
Your support has been a huge encouragement. Being only three hours behind my normal biological clock (Phoenix is 3 hours behind Indiana) I am already feeling out of my comfort zone. It's nice to sort of 'ease' into things though. And everyday I am reminded of the wonderful family I have supporting me on both sides of the ocean (Indo and here).
Well, I'm off to run some errands with Ashley now. But stay tuned. I start training on Monday and will certainly have LOADS to share!!!!
Until Then!
Oh, and check out the FH website. They updated the format a bit and it's pretty cool :)
I just wanted to throw up a quick post letting everyone know that I made it to Phoenix ok. Also, there has been a bit of a scramble to get our visas in on time. Long story short there was some miscommunication and lots of overnight shipping between Phoenix and Washington D.C. :)
But God is faithful! And it looks like my visa will be arriving here in Phoenix JUST in time. Keeps things interesting, right?
Your support has been a huge encouragement. Being only three hours behind my normal biological clock (Phoenix is 3 hours behind Indiana) I am already feeling out of my comfort zone. It's nice to sort of 'ease' into things though. And everyday I am reminded of the wonderful family I have supporting me on both sides of the ocean (Indo and here).
Well, I'm off to run some errands with Ashley now. But stay tuned. I start training on Monday and will certainly have LOADS to share!!!!
Until Then!
Oh, and check out the FH website. They updated the format a bit and it's pretty cool :)
June 3, 2008
Parting Thoughts
Well, this is it. The first leg of my journey begins tomorrow. Mom and Dad took the day off so they can drive me to the Indianapolis airport. My flight leaves at 7pm for Phoenix.
I'm starting to feel the physical effects of anxiety about the trip. While the unknowns are exceedingly exciting...they're still unknowns. I'm ready to get settled in at my posko (base camp). Until then I'm doing all I can to keep my spirits up.
Last night my home church had a prayer meeting to send off a group of kids/parents to New York City for a missions trip. I went to show my support for the missions-mindedness of the church. Those brothers and sisters at Central Christian have been a huge encouragement recently. It was so nice to come together with them in prayer and really FEEL a part of the Body. As the past few weeks have been spent home alone during the day I have felt a bit drained. I'm realizing just how EXTROverted I am.
Just so you have an idea of my agenda I will be spending the next week in Phoenix. I'm going to spend some time getting to know some of the FH people as well as the other two guys who are going to Indo on Thursday. And then some miscellaneous moving stuff with Ashley and Santi...Church somewhere on Sunday...and then three days of training at FH headquarters and flying out on the 12th.
David, last year's Indo intern has reaffirmed me countless times that this is going to be an amazing experience. I'm confident that I will not return unchanged. And it is an honor and a pleasure to be sent in such good company.
I'll be updating the blog as often as I can. Keep praying! (1 Thess 5:16-18,25) I can't wait to post my first entry from Calang.
Sampai nanti (until later), grace and peace to you all from god our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh, and I'd really appreciate any encouragement/prayers/thoughts/jokes/correspondence of any positive nature...just pass it along to andrewinindo@gmail.com
Terima kasih! (Thanks!)
John 17:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
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