Home and M&M's

We arrived in Flagstaff about 30 minutes before we left Japan. What a wacky trip. Because Laurie and I normally have Friday off, we actually had two Fridays this week. Not bad. When we got home, we quickly realized the temperature change from where we've spent the past two weeks. It is so good to be home. We are definitely going through some of the normal jet-lag stuff, but I'm pretty sure we'll be fine.

It was so nice to be at Grace this morning. Whenever we're out, we certainly enjoy ministering in other places, but nothing is quite like home. Grace is a great place to be! This morning I taught on the importance of praying for others, specifically missionaries. I used the opportunity to show a few pictures and tell some of the experiences on the trip. Because in Indo they refer to the missionaries as "M's" I was able to use that along with praying for our own ministry (M) and used M&M's to remind our crowd to pray for both missionaries and our own ministry.

I'll probably keep this blog open for a little bit to pass on any post-trip reflections. Thanks to those who have followed along and prayed for us on this wonderful journey. Now that we're home we re-enter our responsibilities here and continue pressing forward with the mission God has given right here in Flagstaff.

I'm not particularly sure who has followed us, if you'd like feel free to send a note or make a comment. Now that I've done my first blog, there's a pretty good chance I'll have something similar in the near future. Any ideas might be helpful. Bless each of you and thanks again for following along.

Almost Home

Bottom line: planes just were not made for sleeping. Though we have nothing to complain about, the sleep thing just doesn't happen as one would hope. We may have slept a couple of hours. We arrived at LAX the same time as about 4 million other people did from various parts of the world. The funny part was coming down the escalator and finding the line was backed up at the bottom. Laurie says out loud, "this isn't going to be good". And it wasn't. We finally got through the maze known as immigration and rechecked our luggage. After our burger and coffee, we kind of fell asleep on the airport floor. It wasn't comfortable, nor was it a pretty sight, but couldn't really help it. In just a few minutes we'll board the last leg of this journey. I'm too tired to give a meaningful summary of our trip, so that will wait a day or two. We're both very thankful to almost be home.

Narita Japan

We left Bandung Wednesday afternoon, and are just now with Internet connection at the airport in Japan. Pete, the director took us on a fast tour of Jakarta before we boarded our 10pm flight to Japan. Seriously people, I know I've mentioned the traffic more than a few times, but as my mother would say, "I never..." Well, she never really finished the statement, maybe that's the idea. We've had an exceptional driver to take care of us.

Pete said that a trip into Jakarta was usually rewarded with a meal at the local Chili's. I ordered my favorite little nacho appetizer which is ONLY good because of the jalapenos, that didn't make it to Indo. It was great to spend some time with Pete and have good discussion.

Didn't sleep to well on the all-night flight. So as not to mess up the sleep thing too much (like that's going to matter real soon) upon arrival in Japan Thurs a.m., we did the 90 minute train ride into Tokyo and jumped on a silly tour bus. Nothing like trying to blend in. Let's just wear t-shirts that say, "Hey, we're stupid tourists and proud of it." I kept telling Laurie to just blend in. Every male in Japan is about 5 feet tall and wears a suit. What's that about? The train station in Tokyo is a culture all it's own. After the obnoxious 'stare at the tourists in the big bus' experience, we found Starbucks and a place to have some Japanese soup for lunch. We saw a few of the sights and were back at the hotel in time for our overpriced, but tasty supper.

Now we're approaching this odd time thing. We're spending the afternoon in the airport, not bad here though. Then we fly out at 5:30pm today, Friday and arrive in LA Friday at 10am. After our few hours there, we finally arrive in Flag at about 5:30pm Friday, that's today, that's when we leave here. Is this where they got the idea of the Twilight Zone? I know people do this all the time and it's just normal. But not for us. I think I'll be fine for Sunday at Grace. If not, I may have to remind everyone of our somewhat abused slogan, "it's all about grace".

Looking forward to the trip home. And looking forward to being home. I may post again from LAX. Blessings...

Tourists

Monday morning we were able to meet two more ministry partners doing wonderful things for the people in this region. They each have very unique opportunities, some we'll be able to share with you later.

We have become official tourists the past day and a half. Yesterday we shopped at a couple of places on our own then today Charity and Molly took us to a couple of great places. There are more than a few favorite spots. You guys know I love coffee, and I really love good coffee. So today we went to a place where they roast it. I learned a lot. They have what they call robust coffee. That is they 'cure' for like 5 years. The Aribika coffee is smoother, with less acid. Well, that's because it cures for 8 years. What? You gotta be kidding. I had no idea. The owner is 2nd or 3rd generation, operating in the same place with the same old equipment. He was a hoot. I asked about different roasts, like strong, medium, etc. "No, we have one roast, regular." I see. From what I can tell, it's maybe a medium roast. I'll add a photo of the beans that are curing. I'm not sure that's what they call it, but it's in bags for years, so I'm going with 'curing'.

We went to a volcano, and looked in on the crater. Sulphur was a little strong, but hey, it's a volcano. There was of coarse a jillion shops right there to buy anything you might ever need. It was fun to watch these girls do a little old fashioned bartering. I was the spectator and holder of the cash.

Lunch was at a fabulous place. All these open air bungalows where you sit on a mat and eat great food. Awesome atmosphere with waterfalls and tropical surroundings. Both cameras got locked in the car, with the driver no where to be found. So, we'll let the beauty of that place stay within our minds.

It's been a great day and a good ending to a wonderful time in Indonesia. Tomorrow we pack and say goodbye to our new friends. We leave Jakarta at 10 pm so there's a chance I'll check in during the day tomorrow before we start the long journey home.

Sunday Church

Today we concluded the retreat with a Sunday morning church service. I was blessed to teach from Colossians 1 on the supremacy of Christ. We've really enjoyed our time with the staff here. There are many great families that make up this unique community. Because of what they are doing, God is working through many other ministries throughout this area.

Most Sunday mornings I don't eat anything. It's kind of a routine I have whenever I am preaching. Today, however, I not only ate, but I ventured out and had squid curry for breakfast. Next Sunday, I'll probably go back to not eating breakfast.

We've enjoyed some special individual time with Charity and Molly. They are both doing great, and it's easy to come alongside and encourage them. They both have been a real encouragement to me and Laurie.

Tomorrow we visit a few more ministries and meet more of God's servants. In a few minutes we're going to do a test run on skype for our church, which starts in an hour or so. This should be fun.

Sunday a.m.

I'm excited to be teaching from Col 1 in just a few minutes. We've had a great time with this group, the retreat has been successful. Pray for us, and for this last session. Thanks so much for standing with us, a really long way from home. We hope to check in with Grace on Sunday morning via Skype. Gotta run for now. Will post an update and some photos a little later.

Bible in a Sauna

After Laurie taught in the upper elementary chapel, we both went to the Bible classroom. Laurie talked with the seniors about transitioning to another country after high school. It was a good discussion that I was able to sit in on and contribute just a bit. Then we were invited to teach the Bible classes for a couple of hours. After the first hour, I went to the back of the class where my darling said I looked like I'd been through a car wash. The school is new and has only limited A/C. Basically they need a lot more cash to buy what they need. I will vouch for the need. Seriously, I don't know how they do it. I was told later that this is actually a cooler part of the year, with the rains and all.

Tonight we were guests at Miss Molly's place. It was great to visit with her roommates and another teacher, Aaron. They fed us some of their favorite Indonesian dishes. We ate it all! Enjoyed most of it. No, I'm kidding, I think we actually liked it all. This was good stuff! They were very generous to share with us.

Once again, the day comes to an abrupt end as we are zonked. Sleep is welcomed. Tomorrow we'll jump in again, with the retreat beginning in the evening. Thanks for praying for the retreat and for me to be ready to be used of God so the staff will hear what they need from the Lord.