Update and travels around eastern Indonesia (N.T.T.)

Greetings all.  I wrote this in an email to some folks recently and thought I would post it on my lovely blog.  I hope you enjoy! 

My work in Indonesia continues to be life-giving and meaningful.  Now I am preparing to begin graduate school in theology here at the world's largest Catholic seminary where I am volunteering.  Classes begin in mid-August, as long as my request for a student visa gets approved.  

 

In the meantime, during the holiday months of June and July, I have enjoyed a couple of trips to remote villages where sometimes people do not have electricity.  But their spirits are high and their lives full of more joy than I could have imagined before coming here and experiencing it for myself. 

In one village, the population is 100% Catholic but they have no resident priest or catechist.  They are hungry to learn more about their faith and about Jesus.  We brought prayer books for them but one lady said she can't see well enough to read because she has no glasses!!!!! I had 2 extra pairs with me and offered them to Anyone who could use them.  Much excitement ensured as many people tried on the glasses to see if they could help them to see better.  Oh, the things I used to take for granted... A friend from the US, upon hearing this story, transferred $50 to my bank account and I promptly purchased 20 pairs of reading glasses and sent them to the village with the next person who was going there.

 

On the #stand4life front, here in Indonesia, abortion remains illegal and the family is strong; not without problems, of course, but strong.  One family, when dealing with a problem, called all family members together to dialog and brainstorm/problem-solve with the troubled individual.  I was impressed and touched by that story.  Everywhere there are parents and children and large extended families...it is the norm.  I must say I am enjoying being in a largely pro-life culture among the Muslims, Catholics, and Protestants alike.

I am so grateful to God for this season of my life here in Indonesia.

Please say a quick prayer for the people of Indonesia, that their faith in Christ may be strengthened (or begun).  Be assured of my continued prayers for you. 

Joan