Br. Hila

Some of you have heard me talk about one of my favorite people in Ledalero, Bruder (Brother) Hila (pron. Hee-la).  He is spirited, gifted, and loves to tell very funny stories.  He has many friends whom he visits often, and has spiritual gifts of finding underground water sources and praying over people for healing. 

When I arrived, he did not speak a word of English.  He asked me to teach him, and so we began meeting together and exchanging vocabulary words.  He has been making stay progress and has begun putting some if his funny stories into English.

Recently, Br. Hila asked me to help him learn common Catholic prayers in English.  Now we are praying the rosary together almost every day, in English!  His progress has been nothing short of astonishing.  Oh, and did I mention he is losing his sight?  Yeah.

Last night after dinner, Br. Hila and I stood chatting outside while enjoying a cool, lovely evening on the Hill.  He told me, in English, that he often prays for me and sincerely thanked me for coming to Indonesia and for helping so many people here with their English.    He said something like, "Thank you for helping so many people pray to the God".  I smiled and was touched by his expression.  Then he said something about "upah" and I asked what that Indonesian word means.  He said, as he often does, "Please, you look up in dictionary", so I took out my smartphone and looked it up.  "Fees... It says fees." He smiled and said yes, your "upah di surga" -- "reward in heaven" will be great and that I will get a good discount!  We laughed and laughed and I enjoyed another meaningful moment in Indonesia.

How sweet!  The SVDs here tease me about saying "manis/sweet" so often, and they object when I use such a feminine term in reference to them.  But it's true...they are sweet.  :-)  #blessedbeGod

Photos: My view as I write this, Br. Hila praying his rosary, & a beautiful Euphorium flower.

Blessings to you and yours.

Joan and the Volcano