Memorials , Munchies and Meetings

We received a call one evening telling us the grandmother of our friend, Bayu (shown here with Sister Jeffery), had died that day.  The next morning we dropped by to pay our respects to the family of Sukini and stayed for the funeral.  The area was set up with a tarp from Sukini's house to the back of the neighbors, thus the alleyway became the funeral hall.  Sukini was resting in the living room behind us and was brought out for the speeches.  The Moslem prayers and speeches were in Arabic and Javanese so we didn't understand anything.  A gathering of family and friends in the tradition of funerals much like anywhere in the world.  Although the costumes were different, as loved ones die we all feel the need to pull together and contemplate the relationships we treasure and the God in whom we trust.

We appreciate Indonesian hospitality, so even though we'd had sweetened drinks and tasty snacks before our Temple Preparation lesson with the Hendros, they brought out a rice pudding afterwards to fill us up for the trip home.  Elder Jeffery found it quite tasty and finished what Sister wasn't able to.

Elder Jeffery went out teaching with new missionaries, Elders Martineau and Siahaan in Jogyakarta.  At this home they taught a 20 year old young man and his mother.  Elder Jeffery enjoyed testifying that God still loves his children and wants to communicate in this day and age through prophets.  Listening to the prophet and following Christ's counsel has helped our family through the trials of modern life.

Elder Jeffery developed a questionnaire to use for visiting members who haven't made it to church for a while.  So Juhardi here was the first to try it out on.  He told us he's 87, but his records say he's 72.  His younger wife answered most of the questions about their family of one daughter and  four sons.  But the questions about life experiences of this old member and his conversion she wasn't able to answer.  So our first trial wasn't exactly a resounding success, but we will keep trying.

During our trip to Jogyakarta we picked up a new missionary from Idaho, Elder Tubbs.  He has the selfie thing down as we asked him to take the picture for this weeks Institute class role.  Sister Jeffery taught 3 lessons in catch up mode, and Elder Jeffery made sure that she was understood.  It may not have been the smoothest delivery, but no one in the room doubts the love Sister Jeffery has for the Savior and we all know more about His love for us too.

Sunday in Jogyakarta took us to Primary for a few minutes.  The children are enthusiastic sweet singers and invite the Spirit too.  We are hoping to share this with Magelang's primary program soon.  The little girl, top right, is 4 years old.  Born to her mother, Suwanti, in the green hat below, when her mother was 46 years old.  Suwanti waited over 15 years for that gift from Heaven.   

Ward Council in Jogyakarta had more than just the senior couple missionaries this week.  Bishop Yusuf, above, had Elder Chan (back of the room in the picture below), an area authority Seventy, request to join too.  When invited to share, Elder Chan helped us learn that discussing the needs of members is great, but writing down the names of those assigned to help fill those needs then following up in subsequent meetings actually makes things happen.  

This good sister is the Ward Family History consultant approached Sister Jeffery to ask a procedural question.  Sister Jeffery promised further research and referral, then as you see below she followed up with an email.  Brother Suwito below poses with his daughter, grandchildren, mother-in-law and wife.  Yes, this is a four generation photo.  

We went backpack shopping so we can take groceries home while riding bikes.  Sister's choice wasn't actually purchased and we are still wondering why we bought a backpacking style one for Elder Jeffery. We can buy a lot at the pasar now.

Sister Jeffery with her friend Elen.

We finally met our neighborhood RT, Pak Galing.  Indonesia has a system of officials who keep track of who lives in the neighborhood and watches out for everyone.  They have records of things happening and organize community events.  We met him to make a donation for the Independence day festivities next week.  His daughter in law and grandson are visiting from Jakarta area.  She's familiar with LDS missionaries as she studied with an Elder Brown in Bekasi some 4 years ago.