How Did I End Up in Indonesia?

Some of you have asked to know the story of how I ended up on this marvelous adventure.  So here you go!

Last fall, when my time of otium sanctum (holy leisure) began, I said to God: "Here I am Lord, send me".  In other words, I am a blank canvas.  Use me as you will for your purposes.

My pastor, Fr. Paul Kahan, SVD, is from Indonesia.  On his trip home last fall, he and a fellow SVD were talking about the seminary he attended and the need they have to help Indonesians become more fluent in speaking English.  They discussed having a native English speaker come to Indonesia for this purpose, maybe sometime in the next year or two.

Fast forward to early January.  I cantored at a memorial Mass for a Ugandan at St. Rita.  Although most of the music was in English  I was moved by the native 2 songs they sang.  I was also touched by the love of the Africans now living in the Dallas/FTW area, and by the life story of the man who died.

For several years now. Since learning there are now more Catholics in the southern hemisphere than in the northern, I have wanted to travel to Africa to experience the Church in the southern hemisphere, and where there are many conversions taking place.  After the Ugandan memorial Mass, I was discussing my desire with Fr. Paul rather animatedly and he started telling me where there are SVDs working in Africa.  Then he said the words that were to change my life: "Why don't you go to Indonesia?".

I impulsively said "okay".  Then I spent about a week praying, researching & talking to trusted advisors.  All the pieces fell into place and I said my fiat to God:  Yes, Lord, be it done unto me according to your will.   I felt peace about going and began my preparations.  Once I said my "yes", my friends, family and I practically stood back and watched in amazement as God orchestrated the many details.  They seemed to all just fall into place! 1 month later I headed to the airport bound for Indonesia! 

Blessed be God.