Selamat Datang JAKARTA

Welcome to JEC. Jakarta English Congregation

2011-11-07T16:50:00.010+07:00

Nearly 5 years to the week in Batam, the journey of life has taken us to a new assignment in Jakarta, Indonesia.

April 2004 is where we started the first Sign Language Group in Jakarta. Some 7 years later and I thought that would be the last ever time i would live in this megapolis. The traffic, pollution, overcrowdness', floods, riots, protests, terrorist bombings, earthquakes, and largest % of brothers in the country; I thought would be good enough reasons to never live here again.

I opened my mouth too soon...

I now dedicate a minimum of 130 hours a month searching, preaching, and teaching in the English speaking field. There are 28,019,545 million people in our territory. Statistics show that our territory {population wise} is larger then Australia, Malaysia, Greece, Holland, Chilie, or -Dominican Republic, Belize and Ecuador combined! it is larger then in fact around 181 countries! It is the second largest urban area in the world.

We established the first Sign Language Group in Indonesia in 2004. Ironically we used the English Congregation as an example to the branch back to prove that a foreign language congregation was feasible to have and operate in Indonesia. In a sense; the English congregation helped us to break down a wall.

The Congregation was formed around 1995 during the construction of Bethel. There were so many foreign brothers here helping the project they needed to provide English meetings. Like a busy door between the kitchen and a restaurant is the way publishers have come and gone through the years. There have been foreign workers and many local brothers who have come to 'learn english.'

At one time there was a application to join. Another time there was a reshuffle sending most of the local friends back to the Indonesian congregation except a small few. For the last 6 years they met in a home where a sister's husband built a KH in their home.

And then...?

In May 2011 a letter is sent out by the Branch explaining the huge need in the English and Chinese fields. The 2-page letter explains the do's, don'ts and what they want to happen in Jakarta. WE NEED YOU (Indonesian Brothers willing to step out into Macedonia.) The letter explains how preaching via the English Language may open the door to many non-chrisitians to be sparked into the truth via the English language.
The letter also explained a native-speaker would be assigned as a special pioneer to help develop this territory.

Uh-oh... This native speaker is in Sign Language... For nearly 10 years!?!... Isaiah 6:8 "Here I am send...'the guy who doesn't sign.'...Oh boy... It's me... Deep Breath...Yes Sir...

We have gone from 25 at the meetings to 75. We have gone to meeting in a home, to a KH. We have gone from 1 service group to 5. We have gone from a family of 3 out in service to 15 or more. We have gone from 2 pioneers to around 12 including myself, another special pioneer from BSSB, and a husband and wife from Gilead.

The changes above... in 2 months... Ya... That fast...

You want to help? The branch want's 5 congregations in Jakarta. Were only 1 right now. WE NEED YOU... Would you like an overview? Can you send this information to a friend praying for direction on where to serve?

Here are some stats for you for our territory:

Jakarta (negatives)
1. Largest City in The World without a Public Beach
2. Only 4% of Jakarta has sewage.
3. Largest City in The World without a mass-transist system. (Subway)
4. Called the "Big Durien." -It's a smelly fruit with sharp thorns that has natrual fermentation inside.
5. So many shopping malls there is no more allowed to built for the present time.
6. By 2014 or 2020 will be complete traffic gridlock.
7.One of the most corrupt cities in the world. Trillions of $$ flow through Jakarta

Do these stat's scare you? It's a reality, good for you to know.

Jakarta (positives)

1. Can get food from all over the world.
2. The new Bethel will be here shortly, as well as the SAD.CA.DC are here.
3. Living is above western standards in some places.
4. People are friendly and love practicing English with foreigners.
5. Transportation via motorbike and public transportation is CHEAP.
6. We have Mountains, Waterfalls, Beaches, Villages, Hot Springs, Sky-Scrapers, Museums, Parks in our territory.
7. It's the hub for Indonesia. Can get anywhere in SE Asia from here easy and fair priced.

Let's now give an overview in 3 categories.
1. Where do we find English Speaking People?
2. Who are supporting the English Preaching?
3. What are some of the things you see in the territory?

1. Where do we find people?

JABODETABEK is vast. People are everywhere. We have service groups in strategic places around the city, that in time will grow to even more places, and a wider area.

Do we skip the areas that are dirt poor? Well, our preaching work is not as thorough in these areas, but you still get people.

(Some worked in large ships, or down on their luck, or it's their families land)

Like most places in the world, Jakarta has a huge mall population. I counted 75. This is due to, well,,, -materialism. Everyone wants the latest and greatest, newest and truest of products. We have started many conversations, and r.v.'s in malls.

Clearly someone who is not Indonesian is a dead giveaway, but most of the success is coming with the Indonesian population.

(Malls, Malls, Malls, take advantage of um)

(If there african they most likely speak english or french)

In this video, it shows people hanging out at a starbucks. The two people sitting down on my right are locals who speak English quite well. We are discussing Bible Teach book while listening to some Goo Goo Dolls.

In other areas it is clear where you will find a English speaker. RICH areas. Why? While a large percent are owned by foreigners, the greater amount are owned by Indonesians. Many Indonesians have made millions due to Indonesian's rich natural resources, cheap labor force, large export and trade with the West and China, and it's 240 million persons domestic market.

The hard thing is talking to the homeowner. A security guard or a maid normally answers the door. It takes some skill, persistence, and good discernment to be able to get the home owner.

(It's like it's own castle)

There are a MINIMUM OF 321 Universities and higher education schools in the Greater Jakarta area. Many of these youths seem to have a basic knowledge of English. The more expensive the school, the more they seem to know English. The city of Karawachi was solely developed on the concept like a college town in USA.

We have not had time yet to develop strategy's, booths, or exhibits, to deal with all these universities.

(California Dreaming)

(You may get a show while walking through a University)

Jakarta is also to home to embassy's from all over the world. You name the country, most likely there is a embassy. Since English is the Global Business Language these building's are also fine places to witness.

We have not even had time yet to develop strategy's, booths, or exhibits, to deal with all these Embassy's.

(Visiting the Dutch Embassy opens up an opportunity to preach and listen to a world class pianist for free!)

Jakarta always has some type of festival, special event, or other annual meeting. The ASEAN SEA Games start in just a few days. The Monas monument is one of Jakarta's most famous landmarks. The top of the building is coated in pure gold.

We have not had time yet to develop strategy's, booths, or exhibits, to deal with all these festivals.

(Monas Festival opens a way to preach to people)

Jakarta is trying to establish itself as one of Asia's top fashion spots. There are numerous local designers who are hitting mainstream Asian markets. Most of these people can speak English, as it is fashionable to speak English with marketers, agents, actors and actress'.

We have not even had time yet to develop strategy's, booths, or exhibits, to deal with all these industry people.

(Gave some magazines at some of these places but also enjoyed the nice finger foods)

No matter what though, our main method is good ol' fashion door to door. The time trusted method has worked wonders.

We have a 5 different areas where we go to for now. We knock seeing if anyone speaks English. Many times there is, but they are working. We find out by just asking.

(Excuse me Mr. Grasshopper, does anyone speak English here?)

Whether formal or informal, night or day, high class or no class, rich or poor, we have thousands X thousands who speak English. We just don't have enough people to get it done.

2. Who are the people supporting the English preaching?

Part of the letter back in May 2011 was sending out an invitation for all who would like to attend the district convention in English. What would the results be? The branch didn't know... There wasn't an English full 3-day district in... ever? I don't know. Some said ever. I think they did some interpreting. It was small whatever they did. They had sessions. Anyways, we had around 650 on Sunday. That is for one congregation of 25 publishers... Potential for growth?

(The Drama Team tireless learned the lines in English as they were Indonesians not fluent in English and asked to do it twice)

We have had brothers in sisters from all over the world in this congregation. At present we have publishers from America, Australia, Britain, India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Mexico, and Indonesia. We had a going away party for a Korean couple who was only here a short time but left a deep foot-print. They have served in China, Philippines, Egypt, and a whole lot of other places.

(Goodbye for 2, hello for many)

As mentioned we had the meetings in a home for years. We have a congregation located in Gunung Sahari Jakarta. As of right now Sunday is the full meeting with all the program in one shot. Why? Traffic during the week is horrendous.

(After 6 Years the English Congregation has it's own hall!)

We have had service groups in brothers homes, and many have shown hospitality with meals. In this particular case; our sister is married to someone not yet a brother. He works as a fisherman and served up some FRESH fish for us. The fish-head curry stew was warm and yummy.

I think our dear friend has the wrong idea of the application of Isaiah 11:6!

(I don't think were going to go deer hunting in paradise. Look above the picture)

It seems Reiner came to Indonesia when it was still under the Dutch! A long time. I believe he went to Gilead from Germany in the early 60's as a single brother. He left Indonesia during the ban to serve in Taiwan and has since come back.

He's served as D.O., in various missionary assignments, branch work, and now taking the lead in the Chinese as well as our C.O.

(LONG TIME serving Jehovah)

One of the unexpected blessings was to have a couple from Gilead assigned to the congregation. Cris and Andrea are like me.. Overwhelmed yet Ecstatic. Were getting so much interest. They served in the circuit work in English in Mexico so they are aware of how this works and they're experience will undoubtably pay off.

It's also been nice to have visitors. These visitors are almost like a big brother and sister. James, Monique, and Edward. They had the privilege of doing some door to door in Jakarta. Something they are not to accustomed to in Singapore.

(Old Friends/New Amigos)

3. What do you see in the territory?

If your a foreigner, you do stick out. You may get some winks from some ladies, or some beggars asking for money, or some guys trying to get a job, or some kids, well being giggly kids.

(No matter where you go, kids like the white buffalo)

It's nice to still become the 'white buffalo' admist all the people here. While talking to a retired Gov't worker who was standing on reflexology rocks, the little kids came out smiling.

(Mr. Bule 'what is your name?')

We have enjoyed a large variety of food so far. One sister in her hall seems to be challenging her creative juices cooking every tuesday. One meal took us to the famous shangri-lah buffet. Unbelievable. You name it, they had it. Others have shared kim-chi, satay, fermented mushroom drinks, and everything in between.

(The makan has been amazingly varied and oh so good)

There is one thing you will see if you come to Jakarta. A traffic jam. It's bad. You gotta plan your life around traffic times. A 8 minute ride in one direction may take 1 hour on the way back. One service group is 9 miles away. It takes over an hour in a car. The rainy season won't make it any better. Knowing this I went exactly opposite by purchasing a 100cc automatic scooter. It's the only way to keep moving when it's traffic all around you. You squeak through cars like a mouse running from a hungry cat.

(The traffic james are just that... JAMMED UP)

One pleasant surprise you may be able to find a kampung. Being outside the hustle and bustle is a relief. It allows an opportunity to see some green and more traditional life.

(Paddling his way to prayer)

As mentioned our territory does have some mountains in it. Just a hour or two outside downtown are cool green tea fields as far as they eye can see. Many Jakartans head there for their villas and places to relax. It provides a more relaxing way to preach on the side of a hill

(That is some fresh Tea)

The other extreme is of course what happens in the city. These guys are preparing for the oncoming rainy season by cleaning out the junk in the canals. This is insane.

(Whatever they are getting paid; it's not enough)

In our door to door work you come across some unbelievable homes. Not to be overlooked is the traditional Indonesian design work.

(Someone's outside Patio at there home)

While driving the road in Bogor it looks as if there is a trash all along the university grounds. It seems the kids just throw there trash wherever they want too. Although this is common in Indonesia it's best not to judge before you see closer.

(The cotton and snow tree)

(Manna? What is it?)

In our territory is also a famous Botanical Garden. It's nice when you can preach, teach, eat, and enjoy association with friends.

(Yes, I did go in the Labyrinth and get lost)

Where will you live if you come to Jakarta? That's a big question. There are so many places to chose from. I was blessed with a place that a brother owns in the heart of Jakarta. Out our kitchen window will be the new home for the branch. Until that point they are in 3 places. If you do want to come and write a letter to the branch, please be patient with correspondence.

Wherever you go there will be some positives and some negatives.
Whatever choice you make there will be something to sacrifice.
Whatever choice you make there will be something to gain.

The pollution in Jakarta only allows sunsets to happen once in awhile. When it does happen, one must take advantage of it. Here is that once in a big while opportunity that makes you smile...

(Sunset towards new Bethel)

I hope you have enjoyed the overview of this extensive assignment. I also hope you enjoy the new format of this blog. If you have further questions, comments, etc. please feel free to email me at tommmyk@yahoo.com

It would be great to have you!

Viet-lao-land-asia-pore-do

2011-09-01T21:44:00.013+07:00

I really didn't know what, how, where, or when life's course would take it's usual twist, but I knew one thing... Why!!!!

It never comes easy, so my motto? - make the best of it.

To be truly honest:....... whoa, what just happened???
There is a song that says "Reality used to be a friend of mine." If he's my friend, he is bi-polar.

Let's get to it- No word on the VISA except it would be a possible 2 months to be finished. So? Find a job in Singapore like you may have read in the last post. That job, though, was temporary, so when I finished-I thought, why not spend the time in a country that I was invited to- years ago to come and stay for a long time to help get the sign language moving- Vietnam. As only South East Asia can do, you can find a $60.00 USD flight from Singapore to get there.

After meeting Moises at a random pickup basketball game in Singapore, he turned out to be a great host for a first spot. To be picked up by a brother in a country under restrictions is a gift in itself. To get back to his place and have a 5 course meal after working 10 hour days for 3 weeks straight is even nicer!

(The first meal in Vietnam was a testament of undeserved kindness, the brotherhood, and patience).

I didn't at first have the field service preaching cap on. I was more interested in being a back-packer again for the first time outside of Indonesia in about 4 years; and in theory, the last time maybe ever ???. The excitement flows, the new people, the stories, the adventure, the relationships, the foods, the everything that comes from living out of a backpack. It took me to the end of the Mekong River Delta which flows 2,600 miles through 6 countries.

The funny thing about doing this $7 per day- trip is that all of the events, -boat trip, trying coconut candy, homemade rice wine, villages, etc, are all things that I have encountered normally in my territory in Indonesia. While others are oohing and ahing, nervous, and picture taking, I'm wishing I knew the language to give a presentation!! It felt like home...

(I did enjoy the contrast of a shack home on the river with a modern-day engineering splendor in the back)

Another day trip took us to the Vietnam War Museum and the tunnels that the Vietnamese dug out during the French and American occupations. Intriguing. What people did to survive is amazing! What people can survive on, live in, and do when the going gets tough is something else. What wicked people did to other people is just... Satanic.

It's a learning experience...

So was the way the way they drive in Vietnam. Nothing in Indonesia compares. Vietnam has Indo by the ropes in how they drive, cross the street, and how tight the streets are with 4 story high buildings. Literally there is no break in traffic, you walk out in the street- slowly in front of 100 motor bikes and cars, and they just make their way around you. It's a dumbfounding system.

But as much as I wanted to fight it, I couldn't not go fishing for the deaf. We ended up meeting this mom and her son at a class for deaf artists. SO MANY deaf and only 1 sister knew sign where I was. She has taught some classes, but WOW. What a workload in front of them.

(The mother and son had the most beautiful blue eyes).

I think one of those random experiences you never forget is playing outside soccer in a thunderstorm at 9 pm with a bunch of brothers who don't speak English in a country under the hush hush... You don't forget going out to eat with a bunch of people and some happen to be on a translation team. You don't forget getting invited to eat at one's home who attended a certain schooling for 5 months who you randomly met 5 years earlier interpreting the meeting into sign language in another country -who remember the particular conversation you had to every last word! You don't forget sleeping across from a certain place of work with a biblical name meaning 'house of.' Hope you follow my thread here.

Those experiences are the cherished ones.

I made a 6 hour road trip and had 3 American deaf people from Gallaudet University happen to be on the same bus who never knew what JW's were, and knew too much about the Bible and that's another experience in itself!

Eating fresh fish and shrimp on the sand in a beach restaurant, watching wind-surfers twist and spin while drinking 50 cent liter beer wasn't so bad as well.

Lovingly, my parents sponsored a 4 star resort hotel on the beach for one night on the coast. A lot of Vietnam has areas with beautiful white-sand beaches where the morning sands and tides are sparkling with some of the most astounding colored shells. What do the workers do with this beauty?

(Shoveling over Millions of memories for a 4 year old or a 30 year old)

After another long 12 hour or so, night bus ride {during which they lost my reservation so I laid on the bus floor the whole time} we arrived in Nha Chang where I saw something I have never seen before. Literally thousands of people up, swimming, playing football, badminton, singing, playing, stretching all at 5-6:30 am. They fled to the beach like hungry people at a buffet. Then suddenly at around 7 am ------- GONE------- 10,000 people just vanished.... It was astonishing. All of the Vietnamese tourists go home when the sun gets out so they don't get a tan. Later in the day, you get the foreigners out there burning their skin hoping to get a tan! 5:30 pm -all the Vietnamese come back!

(It was like I was on the Truman Show where all were programmed to do it)

(BTW the domestic tourism and industry growth is phenomenal. They are not in a recession, they're booming)

If you're planning a trip, I do recommend Vietnam. The food is cheap, fresh, and good. You can rent a motorbike for $4 a day. Here are some of the things you can do!

(Listening to a mp3 player; driving through beaches, mountains, and small towns is a cheery day)

(Lunch Break. I swam, goofed around with some kids, Moises preached)

(I show you my big Vietnamese muscles and my peace sign... araararh)

(It is nice... Really nice...)

After our trips together, Moises headed back down south. I honestly got the last seat on a 8 car train and that took me up to the north of Vietnam. Nothing like being on a seat over-night for 16 hours with a 2 women and 4 kids with three seats... HUH? When I got on- the woman complained to the conductor something to the effect that I thought this seat was supposed to be empty, and she was in a bad mood as well. The woman had her son's feet in my seat area and the kid's leg kicking mine from time to time.

What to do?

One of the nice things about growing up and maturing is realizing what you would have done when you were younger is now different then what the 'mind of Christ' teaches you to do. Instead of constantly fighting/pushing them off, I thought to myself, she must be moving or something and is quite poor since she's not in a sleeper car, doesn't have enough seats for her kids, you have a 5 year old on your lap, so does her friend, etc, etc, etc. When she needed her bag I was able to reach and get it, share some food, etc, etc. It's just ironic and I mention it, because for years and still now- I do sometimes like to insist on 'my rights', space, freedoms.' Yielding, though, seems to change everything. By the end -smiles and bye- bye to the kids and sharing of cookies during our 16 hour journey replaced "the rights".

(It's hard to get so bitter if you stare at the good that is all around you out the train window)

Then it's time to get to work. North Vietnam- where the target invite was. It was 8 hour days with the deaf. It was training on how to do picture WT lessons, or making talks with the deaf in mind. It was accompanying the lone deaf male pub on his motorbike whipping through the streets like a horse's tail swatting flies. He knew hundreds of deaf. He used me like show-and-tell. It was BUSY... It was... having an oyster, duck, egg, fish sauce, fresh mint & vegetable meal, and then 20 minutes later to be at a motorcycle garage at 8 pm for a deaf study and getting uh oh......... uh oh............. something didn't agree with me at dinner. (You know what THAT means! Rough spot.

But on the second floor of a garage is the home for 4 of the mechanics (one of whom is deaf).

(They sleep on mats, they are brothers, they have a lot of work)

The deaf have been extremely appreciative. Many have come for years even without interpreting. There was this deaf guy on the street who had his own shoe repair business going on, who rode his bike around 1 hour each way to attend the meeting.

Service is great. Besides the numerous deaf couples in the cities you may go out to the countryside through the rice paddies and fresh markets. One day we did this which took us to a father and son. The son is deaf and really knowledgeable. Again, the Vietnamese tea is bitter and strong. I liked it,,,, but wow, strong stuff, uh oh.... uh oh.... Rough spot! (oh no, not again) in the country-side about 1 and a half feet wide outside and the dog opening the door with his nose.

(I took this picture for you to see the back-ground. Try and zoom in. The dead relatives get cookies, cake, wine, biscuits, chocolate, etc. for their offerings in the after- life. Not too different from ancient Egypt is it?)

When you're out in service you see the most random things that others may not like those that stay on the tourist trail... As in most places in the world, there is a contrast between rich and poor.

In these two cases you will see such.

(Rich people pay to have their dog's walked quite speedily).

(Poor people sell their dogs for a few dollars a kilo -BBQ or fried)

On the spiritual side, it was uplifting... Pics are private as you can imagine, but the stories are real.

Wisdom dictates the work, but so does the spirit. In one area a 'friend' was in Europe where he was contacted, studied, came in and brought it back to a area that never had any Jw's. In fact he was very early. Post war period, it was really dormant until recently. Now you have even 11 year old boys coming in and a crew of need-greaters and sent-in ones.

At my last Sunday gathering about 4 minutes before the meeting started I get approved and asked to give the Public Talk in Vietnamese Sign Language. It was packed with 23 deaf and only 6 hearing in a room 6m by 8m. There wasn't even standing room. I busted out a sweat- to be sure and I don't even know if it was VSL northern, or VSL southern, Indo SL, or ASL, or most likely all 4 sign languages. The deaf got it though and certain points they really got- they started clapping during the talk. I believe it was only the 3rd time in history they had a PT in Sign. At the end, the lone deaf pub fanning me down for about 10 minutes as I was pure sweat but couldn't walk to the bathroom as chairs blocked the door and I would have distracted the whole hall.

Here's some Vietnamese Sign.

(Enjoy life brochure, who's the boss...)

That night...
Brother Thomas Joseph Kittrick... your visa is ready to be processed in Singapore.

Ironic... After a day like that, an experience like that, it's now time for the next chapter in life... but...

I'm a last-minute flight away back to Singapore, or I can go over land back-packing version... What would you do? Fly right back? Or take the scenic route? Have in mind it has been 3 months living "on the edge" not knowing what would happen, visa, country, immigration, America, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, - just go back, it's been tiring, stressful at times, but now I can just move on...??? Reasonable?

(To be in Vietnam and pass up one of the world heritage spots at Halang Bay would be a tragedy)

I was the lone foreigner on the boat and that made me the guy to take pictures with. I did the package solo to save money, and had to make it work, like jumping off the boat's roof some 20+ feet up.

(Pass up the caves???? Hardly)

As great as preaching is, you still need to take some times to do the tourist stuff that you may have passed by normally. There is a library in Northern Vietnam that was to bring in the best of the best from around the countryside to serve the emperor. This little side-trip will be beneficial as I will explain down below.

(You may also get some time in a library to see some instruments that you have never heard before)

One funny thing about Vietnam is if the people were under 30 and you said you were from America you were a celebrity they wanted to take photos with... Older Vietnamese basically would spit at if you if they were allowed to.

(This is the we like Hollywood, MTV, and your other entertainment trash you send our way- group)

Since it's time to move on to this new chapter in Indonesia and in life... I wanted to see some mountains to process it all. Being in Batam doesn't allow this.
Well, if you thought 12 hours on a bus floor was bad, or 16 hours in a seat with a kicking kid, I would take that any day over 12 hour overnight on a hard wooden bench... That was rough.

What did it lead to? This was what I woke up to in the morning...

(Mountains are nature's never-changing landmarks, boasting Jehovah's strength)

Here it is only a short distance from the border with China and 15 hours from the nearest group of brothers. Nothing to do besides preach to the ex-pat backpackers, eat some roasted pork on the street and ride motorbikes through the mountains.

This little village town all full of the Hmong tribe had a place called the "Silver Falls." Somehow it changes colors depending on time of day, rain, etc.

(In reality it was more like the Chocolate Falls from Willie Wonka)

Now I am in the middle of nowhere on my way back to Singapore. Online stories tell of a 'road to hell' that passes from Sapa in Vietnam down to Laos.

Why? Landslides, drunk bus-drivers, pot holes, unfinished roads, flat tires, steep mountain cliffs, hairpin curves, accidents, and of course the road being blocked off.

Yup- That's the road I took.

Probably the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life on one steady stretch of road.

(This is only 1 picture of hundreds of breathtaking shots that photos don't do justice to-)

You had the natives selling these red fruits (Leche) I believe that tasted like a sweet fine wine.

(Shy, Shy, Shy, Big surprise)

OH YES, the road. NUTS. Absolutely nuts. The best thing was some retired American in his 50's cracking jokes the whole time that made the time pass. We even made a song, had some live chickens on the bus, a woman with a 50 pound bag of peanuts, a guy in his 20's vomiting, the road blocked off due to landslides, broken a.c. and about 4 people too many on the bus... -This is on the Vietnam side!
That was another 11 hour bus ride.

That night, it was nice to sit back and eat stir fried water buffalo with 25 cent draft beer!

Crossing the Lao border the next day was easy as I prepaid for my VISA which bought me some extra time in the middle of the border between Laos and Vietnam. Seeing a local shack that looked like an Indonesian restaurant I walked over to see if any food was available... And oh boy it was! Fried crickets, or June bugs, or something like that.

Fortunately the locals laughed seeing I was bald like their immigration friend. Being bald in this case proved to get me some free crickets! What a deal!

(They called us 'brothers.' It was the first 'brother' I had seen in a while. Look in the pan to see the bugs)

Well, Well, Well, they were impressed to see a white man eat the local food, so they gave me some local rice wine that makes whisky look like a wine cooler.

Well, Well, Well, now he eats crickets and can have a shot of the local moonshine?!? Might as well be part of the family. Unfortunately I noticed that my driver was having a little more then a shot or two. How about a bottle... Uh oh.... Uh oh.....

Sure enough about 15 minutes down the road we get stuck in a washed- away part of the road that he got stuck in... Why? He didn't go through the pothole fast enough. Now a landslide and rocks were coming down hitting our bus. So who does our driver get to help dig him out? Well of course his cricket, rice wine drinking buddy. Our driver's hand was all cut up so he couldn't dig us out. So now I'm in my shorts with no shirt on, nor sandals digging out a bus with an iron rod out of the mud in a torrential downpour trying to avoid rocks falling in the middle of the mountains of Laos............
Honestly glad I ate a bunch of crickets; as they had a bunch of protein and energy.

Anyways we get out, and about 1 hour down the road,- the bridge is washed out anyways- and were stranded in a town in the middle of who knows where.

(Make the best of it. Eat some local cuisine, walk around, appreciate what you have, watch Shrek with the locals)

In a twist of fate, one of the cars that was stuck behind us on the mountain had a young man named Jai. They just came from a tourist training meeting in Vietnam. He had an umbrella and was nice enough to hold it over me a bit as I was digging out the bus. Something about him impressed me, so when we got to the next town I wanted to talk to him.

-"Jai, have you ever heard of the Bible?"
"Yes, I used to study it?"
"Really! Where?"
"In Vientene with some Canadians named _ and _ .
"Have you heard of Jehovah's Witnesses?"
"Yes, I know Jehovah, he is God. I studied with the witnesses for a few years then I was moved up here."
"WOW! Do you remember _ from Australia?"
"Yes, he has the curly hair!"
"Jai! You need to study again!"
"I know, I love Jehovah, but very hard family opposition."

Go figure - lost in the middle of nowhere- in the mountains of Lao getting stuck in a landslide and a town with one hotel and having someone who speaks English fluently help you out. It is amazing what the angels can do. It's also brilliant to be able to get this lone interested person back on track and in touch with the sole cong in the country some 20 hours- by bus- away.

After sleeping in some random guys' home who were building the new bridge that is 2 years late- I hitchhiked with Jai and his company to the next town; again bridge washed out. Some kids were mesmerized to see a white man, so we had fun playing sign language games, and they, in turn, tossed fruit into my mouth that I would catch. Hey, you have to make the best out of sitting in the back of a truck for hours on a bumpy road.

(YUP -Make the best of it: Road washed out? take some bamboo, rope, and sticks and get your motorbike across)

The next town: River too strong, can't get past. So, we took a boat across and the journey continued on mini motorcycles, buses packed with 30+ plus people, eating soup on the side of the road and enjoying the breath-taking landscape.

(That's the first big city I've seen in a long... time)

At one bus station after having been sort of "together" with a Czech and British kid through the 'road to hell' I had one of the best meals of the trip. Maybe due to hunger, thirst, or just to be off a bumpy bus... An entire Mekong fish about the size from your elbow to fingers. It was BBQ with lemongrass, and scallions on the inside with a sweet/salty bbq sauce coated on the sides. BBQ on the street with an assortment of other rodents you could choose from; the girl wanted to keep cooking it Asian style {Soooo dry and crisp} Knowing it was fresh- I stopped her- which made a big commotion and shock. It was so soft and juicy and a slice of fish heaven. With a cold native Lao drink and some fried banana with coconut flakes for dessert, I was ready for my next 10 hour bus ride!

(On the sides of roads you see pigs with piglets, double rainbows, people in native garb, fresh fruit and corn stands, 4 year olds leading two year olds to water holes, and of course; the sweet shy mountain girls seeing a white man) TEE HEE

(This same road that started 3 days earlier and only about 150 miles all the way in Sapa Vietnam has now led me into the heart of Laos. Like I mentioned before the road had extraordinary, eye-catching shots that didn't allow you to take naps)

Lubang Prabang is a world-heritage city, a big spot for backpackers, river tours, arts and crafts, nightclubs, and food. There was this unique place called Eutopia that I had to see. The lighting, the setup, the atmosphere, the river, and a beach volleyball court built into this bar/restaurant. Little did I know that the couple I was playing volleyball with had just been contacted by JW's in Thailand and were seriously thinking about a home bible study when returning to Texas to get married. A fine discussion ensued, and well...like informal preaching always goes when you travel; you never know what happens with the seeds that are planted.

That night I slept in a dorm room with Muhammed Hussain from the largest nomadic tribe on earth without a country. Was he impressed with what Jehovah's Witnesses believed! He has read the Quran and the Bible, and the things we believed were things he came to grips with on his own.

Besides informal preaching there are of course temples, museums, and kingdoms to discover. Including the former King's home. The walls were decorated with mosaic stained glass detailing the history of the Lubang Kingdom. It is hard to look past all the wars and fighting that man has done in every kingdom in it's history.

(PURE GOLD: What would it be like to have approached Solomon in "all his glory?")

Laos is also famous for these sets of waterfalls that are turquoise see-through blue. Due to flooding it wasn't as clear this day, but there were people from every corner of the globe! A rope swing, diving off off rocks into the waterfall, fish nibbling your toes, natural jacuzzi whirlpools, everyone becomes little kids while exploring.

(Hopping on a random bus with random people with random conversations always makes best of memories)

The next stop on down on our long bus trip brings us to ...huh...? Tubing down the Mekong river. Some business savy Laotians came up with this great idea:
Let's take a section of the river, put up a bunch of wooden shacks, bring in tons of beer and alcohol, put in rope swings, mud volley ball courts, spray paint, hip hop music, 20 foot slides in to river, zip lines, water guns, and give them a tube to connect from bar to bar going down a fast-moving river... "Ya, great idea! That will make tons of money, and never have any problems!"

As you can imagine, young people, alcohol, away from home, and a river are not the wisest mix.

The nice part of this town are the limestone cliffs that has the most magnificent blue lagoon I have ever scene. You honestly thought there was a neon blue light under the water. It was like being on another planet. Another thing to do is go for a morning jog and watch the sunrise from the mountains and rice paddies. The sad thing was seeing all the dead fish in the water of the rice paddies.

(You can tell some big int'l company gave the local farmers pesticide to keep the bugs away, but of course it killed all of the fish. Meaning, that rice is now contaminated as well... Aaah the west)

As we continue on another local bus ride {one that the tour companies of course said didn't exist so they could get customers} we enjoy 4 to 5 hour busride we have a nice chat with a dutch indian who is an his exploration of the world, it's peoples, and search for answers. As great as the ride was, you can always tell when you get close to a big city. The beautiful mountains disappear, the green trees, water holes, and rice paddies are gone. What you are left with though is after 1 week of bus rides, confusion, sleeping who knows where, you get the best thing you ever can receive while traveling...

(A meal with brothers, good friends, and Rhode Islanders)

Seeing Dave, Tanya, Joel, Ally, Hyesun, all of whom I know, have befriended, and spent time with was a reason for joy. Seeing other friends whom I met in Thailand nearly 4 years earlier in October 2007 at the English District Convention was shocking to them that I remembered. I think they felt the same seeing someone who hasn't shaved in a week!

(Actually, if it wasn't for helping translate into sign some baptism questions back in Vietnam a few hours before leaving I could have been a drama character with a full beard)

Vientiane is busy, hopping, and has changed so much in the last 5 years since being there but the tasty sandwiches remain the same. Side-point- Fresh mint inside sandwiches gives a a whole new twist on a sandwich.
After being cleaned up it was back to well, you know, deaf preaching. We met a incredible girl who studies the DVD in Thai Sign, knows ASL, and of course signs Lao sign.
On my last day in Laos, i was thrown into conducting a Sign Language Workshop with some of the youth. They had been paitently waiting for me, and I for them! Something lost in translation, but acting out Bible Stories in Sign, playing classifier games, discussing goals of sign, and general laughs were squeezed into a quickly bashed class.

(If you read the August KM about moving to another area, Laos would definitely qualify as a place that needs HUGE support)

Now, decision time. In Vientiane there is a flight to KL, and from KL it's close to Singapore by bus, train, or sometimes an even cheaper flight. Or... take a train to Indonesia. Huh? What? Something said that's the way to go. I think it stems from being a youth and dad working on the railroad. My dad had the opportunity to take me as a 5 or 6 year old all over the USA for free on Amtrak. We would have went down south, out west and gone wherever the tracks were laid. My mom being a bit more rational didn't think this was a wise move for Train Jockey Joe and a 5 year old.

When I was older I always wanted to do a big train trip, so if there was ever a time, it would be now. Arriving at the train station as the only train per-day was departing Laos was not the way to start. Running and screaming and Hyesun translating seemed to stop them. Somewhere though the ticket was never exchanged for me, so now I'm on a train departing for Bangkok with a receipt and no ticket... Nice... At least I stacked up on yummy sandwiches.

Out of the goodness of his heart the ticket man on the Thai sign called the travel agent and he confirmed my purchase. So now we're on another 13 hour train ride to Bangkok Thailand on, yes, yes, a sleeper bunk on the second level! Might as well been Club Med from what I was used too!

Arriving in Thailand I saw one of the most beautiful things I had scene since I left USA on May 24th. What was that?

(Advertise, Advertise, Advertise to attend an assembly!)

After having been in countries under restriction: Sing, Viet, Laos, for over 2 months it was sigh's and smiles seeing a convention sign. Have in mind I arrived in Bangkok Thailand at 7 am, and I was on the 2:40 afternoon train down to Hat Yai and hopefully Malaysia. It just happens to be a special assembly day in English very close to the train station on that day!

It was also super to meet people in the assembly that I know, have met before, or have connections too somehow. One brother and his wife knew of me from the Philippines as he attended the sign language training class with good friends of mine at Bethel. We had also met in October 2007 at the English District. He is now overseeing sign in Thailand. The C.O. of the assembly went to Gilead with my Gilead compadres who are now at Bethel in Indonesia and was the very brother emailing coordinating my VISA. Br. Vladimir I remember as his story is in an older magazine how he won Olympic medals for Russia, but then got the truth. We went on a boat tour around Thailand with a bunch of Cambodian need-greaters back in 2006. I saw his wife only a few months ago at the Johor Baru Malaysia 2 day assembly! Not forgetting the Need-greating Aussie couple who we met in Laos in Dec 2006 up in Chang Mi who we chatted deeply about the timing of GT, and how I have ate humble pie every time seeing them since! Then of course Br. George who I met back in 2003 at Thailand Bethel. He has been serving around 50 years as a missionary in Thailand. Then lastly another brother who I remember from October 07 who remembered me too! Excuse me! I know you, your from US right? "Oh ya, your in Indonesia with the sign, ya, I remember you could tell I was from Neeew Yooorrrk. You teased my accent." He then proceeded to say one of the most unexpected and encouraging words that touched my soul.

(With all of the above, and after mudslides, bumpy roads, no brothers, and being in countries under-ban it was such a delight to hear the following)

I cried hearing the Kingdom songs in English and being around so many who have been serving Jah for decades. But, it was now time to go down the home stretch back to Indonesia. An extremely hospitable and random witness couple offered me some sandwiches and it was time to get back to the train. Pad Thai wrapped to go would be dinner. It would be another tragedy to be in Thailand and not get some good Pad Thai and yogurt!

There were more back-packers to preach too on our train down south. This train would be around 23 hours long if I can somehow find a ticket on a reported sold out train from Hat Yai to Penang. Hoping off the train and no Thai Baht I was able to use my Indonesian ATM card to get the ticket. As soon as I got back on the train, boom were off. Another close call!

Arriving in Malaysia/Thai border was a sign that I need to mention. --People who are unshaved, unkept, long haired men, wearing shorts, flip flops, don't have at least $500 cash, smell, aren't wearing underwear, or are dressed in a way that characterize a hippy are not welcome to come into Thailand.-- That was a good laugh as the Australian guy I was chatting with fit the description. In fact he said: I never have $500 cash on me, and I haven't worn underwear since I was 10 years old!

Nice... Somehow he and I made it into Thailand and Malaysia

Penang Malaysia felt like being back in Indo since they speak Melayu (Indonesian's main base for a language). Martha in our hall in Batam used to serve there so it was great to have connections to meet the local friends here. On arriving and after sleeping on a train the last 2 nights made it a perfect time to go out in service with the local sign langauge group! We did search territory until the evening and had a nice tour around the island. Ironically a missionary in Indonesia I know well had just stayed with the Japanese couple and left just a day prior to my arrival!

(Thanks for the great Indian Food!)

After showering, telling stories, drinking Japanese tea, and watching the city light up it was time to head back to the train station for another train ride down to KL. Yup, night 3 on the train. In the morning I was picked up by Jen's mother-in-law. Jen came and visited Indonesia twice including a great foreigner weekend where 4 of us went off to islands off the coast of Batam, cooked hamburgers, tacos, read books, and boosted each other up spiritually at my home.

Now Jen's mother-in-law has developed a unique territory for herself. Morning Park preaching at Kuala Lumpur's Botanical Gardens. After getting picked up at 7 am it was time to go out in service again, this time with a sister with the energy level of an competing athlete. The nice thing is I didn't need a button up shirt since we were walking all over.

It just happened that the former Sultan of Malaysia takes his walks in the park, and it was a great opportunity to meet him!

(You never know who your going to meet in the park, so... make the best of it)

The following weekend was the Sign Language Assembly in Malaysia so it was campaign time for them. We headed down to Klang and passed out the invitation for the deaf. Interestingly a brother and his wife said: "You stayed with us before in 2004 correct?" I replied: "I never stayed in KL when coming here before." They were convinced, and after a little remembering lesson sure enough...! I did! I had stayed with them at their home in 2004 and now we were preaching together some 7 years later. It was a brief night stay, and he was thinking about sign then, and sure enough he's the coordinator of Malaysia's only Sign Congregation.

We went out to eat together with other friends and ironically I met up with Natasha an Kendra who are American need greater's serving in Malaysia whom we happened to be staying at the same home with when arriving in Singapore back in May 24-June 1st for the first ever Singapore Sign Language CO visit?!?

(The connections of the truth are amazing. If you travel it seems the 6 degrees of witnesses becomes like 1 or 2)

After this it was time to help build the sign language stage for the convention. A loving provision that this brother from NZ did was design, buy, and follow the organizational standards for a stage for the deaf. It was nice to help him with the finishing touches. After this it was back to KL to some deaf studies. This month is Ramadan so millions of people break the fast at the same time. What that means is outdoor markets that sell all kinds of food and paraphernalia.

(She didn't like the smell of BBQ chicken; I was drooling)

After our study In the evening I was asked by a brother: "How was your day?"
I replied: "It's not over yet." Thinking to myself that I still have a few hours before another overnight train ride, the unexpected, or should I say unsurprising happens... See deaf people signing.

(A pioneer is always alert, even in one of the most famous plaza buildings in the world)

We of course still had our invitations with us. Where were we?

(Bald Samson can't do much without hair to push down the Petronas Towers the former tallest buildings in the world)

On a side note: Those buildings were designed with Islamic patterns, architecture, theory, and design behind them. Question... False Religion is destroyed at GT, or in a case like this at Armageddon?
Back on a train for the 4th night in a row. It's time to head back to Singapore... Time to rush to process the VISA for Wed so it's done by Friday...

Process. Pray. Wait.

What to do? Go preaching in Sign of course. Our dear old pal Isias has made his way back to serve in Singapore. Great to see a familiar face as well with Angeline who we bump into all-over-the-world in random spots. Including her bumping into my mom in Massachusetts. Being back in Singapore felt comfortable, like home, and like I knew what was going on. I don't know how that happened. Anyways... Taking advantage of seeing Singapore's museums, history, science, art, and poetry places before being sent to some village in eastern Indonesia... But, of course see good friends as well.

(Love you Too)

It just happened that I bumped into a Indonesian brother who went to BSSB (MTS) in Indonesia who use to be in Sign Language in Jakarta who happen to be visiting Singapore. He had some nice tips for me on being a Special Pioneer and how to balance things. Now it's starting to feel close to the new beginning.

For years I got haircuts from wherever and however I could. This time the role was reversed. Isias needed a hand.

(Advice while shaving: No laughing or swift movements)

Then suddenly, VISA is done. I pick it up. No questions, no interviews, finished. Really? Step 1 done. Goodbye Singapore, now it's time to see if the same thing will happen entering Indonesia.
OK. Yup. Pass Go. Enter back into Batam. OK. Good. I'm home? I am, but it's not the same, something is different. But, hey, I do remember 1 thing about being home...

(The view out my bedroom window, and the sunsets on the balcony will be one to be missed)

The sunset is short-lived as now I have only 4 days to get to Jakarta to process the VISA. Flying to Jakarta and getting picked up by the Branch rep who was the same brother who I was told to give greetings too back in Thailand, was just wow. It's funny what the small things do. Have in mind, that being a need-greater your expected to do-it-on-your own. Then to get excepted to BSSB (MTS) you are taking care of. Even though I attended and graduated, for a year I was in limbo to see what the GB/Branch would do. It all started at graduation back on 28 of September 2010. Then it really hit steam the first week of April with Immigration and now in August I am still living out of my back-pack. To get picked up and be a Bethel Guest and told that the GB personally accepted you and approved you for a miss VISA was overwhelming. How did it go from KY to GT? (Grand Tropic Hotel Suites)

(Random meetingness at the Penthouse sweet of Missionaries, Branch Comittee members, Bethelites, and whoever I am)

VISA.- We take the pictures, we take the fingerprints, it seems like it's going good. Now we'll see if accepted. Later that day, randomly in the hallways of Bethel, I run into my pal Vincent on the BC. He gives me these encouraging words: "Tom I was so happy when I read the letter from the GB that you were approved. Thank You for your patience. Congratulations."

So where would my assignment be? English congregation in Jakarta. After 10 years in Sign Language, it's now time to open up a new field: Indonesians who are educated or have a background in English in the greater Jakarta area... WOW. 28,000,000 people in our territory are potential targets. More on that in the next blog...

I digress to the emperor's library in Northern Vietnam mentioned above. Throughout the centuries the emperor searched for the brightest and most gifted in his kingdom. By a series of tests they chose the best from the village, town, province, and then brought them to the Palace Library to be trained. From there they were giving periodic tests and then the best of that group met the emperor himself. After an interview the emperor placed him where he knew was the best place for this man to serve him the best in his kingdom.

-Point being- Jesus is the head of this organization; who am I to say what about the assignment. It's his kingdom he places all of us where he sees fit. Only 1 thing to do...

(Signing away the vow of poverty and modesty for the spirit of "Here I am Send Me." Yes Sir!)

Visiting one of my best buddies in Bethel- Daniel P- who is so busy with all his sign work. We venture to my former MTS classroom which in I believe the biggest irony of all is now the Sign Language Translation video room! For years we have struggled and endured to help the deaf get the needed attention. Well, kicking out the MTS students from Bethel and making a studio is one way to do it. It's amazing how times have moved forward.

(Bible School is now Sign Language Translation Room!)

With the VISA doing it's last process', the new assignment now known, the dotted line signed, it is now time to finish up, pack up, and ship out for the last time in Batam.

What does that mean? I have about 9 days to sell my car, my bike, my sofa, t.v. set, kitchen ware, photos, clothes, and sell or rent my home... By the way I have been trying to sell my car and bike for about- a year and a half or more...

There is also the last things I need to do with friends, food, congregation, say goodbye's, and so on.

(I couldn't leave Batam with playing soccer one last time with the "Boyz of Ball in Batam")

I went around looking for ex-pats or anyone who would want to sell the bike. One place I went too I had the unfortunate experience of seeing a mother giving her 2 year old some beer. I could have taken a video, but next thing you know it's all over YOUTUBE like the Indonesian Smoking Baby. You would then have the Indonesian Drinking Baby.

(Photo of Kid drinking the beer, the edited version)

The possessions in the house went first. Load it up, send it out. It's so amazing as once it's gone, you really don't care. The house looks cleaner and more presentable. The bike went second to a bunch of random big muslim guys smoking cigarettes at midnight. They tried the bike, pulled out a bunch of cash, I handed them the papers and walked away at 1 a.m.

The car went a few days later to a first time car buyer. He was happy, I was happy and that left me 2 days to get my last packing done and find a renter.

(Stuff is gone, and I would recommend to anyone out there with a house to get a truck load it up, clean up everything you think you need but you don't... Changes your day to day psyche and gives a clean feeling on the inside as you gained control over stuff not stuff controlling you)

Somewhere mixed in those last 9 days of all the things listed above was as Wonder said: "Your last talk." Nothing like having 3 days to make up a public talk for that Sunday. Saturday night the friends took me out for one last time and we played freeze tag and made people pyramids until we couldn't move anymore.

It was a wise choice to have chosen Batam back there in late July early August 2006; now exactly 5 years later. Although we had so many people come and go from the sign group due to financial or other reasons, we have seen fruitage from our territory. We have been a congregation for a few years, have deaf publishers, and always have new ones attend.

(Last Talk, Last Meeting in Batam... I feel I really grew up a lot with these friends as well as encouraged their sp growth)

So, with all these parting emotions and things needed to close up and move on, I receive a phone call from Bethel. Br. Kittrick we need to have you give a substitute talk for the sign district on Friday. Well it's only Wednesday, that gives me two days to prepare in addition to my scheduled part, so, why not... Again... Yes Sir. I signed the line; undoubtably holy spirit will provide the rest.

One thing that holy spirit did was provide a renter literally as I was locking the door to my apt. Cash in hand, and keys turned over it was a miracle to close up 5 years of life in a little over a week. The best bit was that the renter is having her employee; Martha Thompson move in. Nice to have a sister who is a fellow need greater enjoy what I have enjoyed these years.

(Last sunrise in Batam for.... no end in sight)

In Jakarta, holy spirit also motivated a brother to rent out a bunch of rooms at a hotel for friends coming in from out of town. Since I was focusing on closing up Batam, I needed a place in Jakarta. A few days at a hotel will do. Who would my roommate be? No less then my haircut receiving buddy Isias in Singapore.

During one of my talks I used Isias old photo when he was in the world and likened it how the 'leaven' can change people's heart with a before and after picture of Isias. He was a drug using Rastafarian, and now he is a solid deaf elder serving as a need greater. It turns out his experience was used by the BC member on the hearing side of the assembly during the concluding talk of the program.

(Isias and friends front in center in downtown Jakarta for a bite to eat)

You know what- with all the stuff going on:
emotions being choked up,
trying to focus on the program,
trying to not be nervous about my talks,
trying to let go of sign,
trying to say good-bye to deaf friends in sign,
trying to find a place to live in Jakarta,
trying to find a motorbike,
trying to take it all in,
trying to realize what country i'm in,
and then...
Br. Kittrick, here's your completed VISA and card. Your all set.

Undeserved Kindness. Nothing more, nothing less.

(We used all deaf brothers or men, and let me tell you some of their signs and expressions gave us goosebumps and oohs and aahs)

Back in March the CO told me that one of his recommend places that could use my help for sign was Kupang, Indonesia. That is the island that is connected to East Timor. NTT is not that developed as a province. That's one of the reasons I visited all the art gallery's, museums, and poetry readings I could while back in Singapore. Since the CO is the eyes of the branch on the outside, I did think there was a big chance I would be assigned here. They are very young and really pumped about Sign Language.

(It would have been fun... Here's the Kupang kids with their hats)

Since our job is to get the good news out there and make disciples, this picture means a lot to me. This is just a handful of the deaf brothers who have come into the truth since we help get this going back in 2003/4. In this group only Herman was baptized at that time.

Herman and I have shared a lot together over the years. He was a big influence to me in presenting the info to the branch about the correct sign in Indonesia. When he heard I was being reassigned he found me and gave me his parting words and assured me of Jehovah's blessings. Were both grown men and he's married now, but we both cried and gave each other a deep deep hug.

(Some of the frutiage of our work with deaf men here in Indonesia. I think were at 50 deaf now, up from 3 in 2004)

Another good friend is Tumpal the sign CO. When he was reassigned out of sign to be a CO in hearing he called me right away to tell me how he was bummed. My words were, "don't worry sign will come back around. Your experience won't be forgotten." He pulled me aside at the end of the assembly and said "what do I do without you my teacher?!" "You now will have to take the same advice that you gave me many years ago."

(A big hug, more tears, and 'make the best of it.' 7 new people being baptized always makes us all smile. )

To be honest, I didn't catch the high count for the convention. 543 or so? 198 deaf? Something like that. What I got was the overwhelming feeling that the work is steamrolling ahead. Seeing the long timers now, and many new ones who have joined the ranks and their abilities beginning to show in the language is very satisfying. To see so many men involved is another bright spot and highlight.

For me, als I can do is try to make the material clear and come alive. KISS---- Keep- It- Simple- Stupid-

(Last expressive face for a while, this was my KISS moment)

I think it really started in my mid-teen years where I wanted to go to a country to serve. Reading the yearbooks were a big influence as well as my father's broad perspective training. I remember being in pioneer school and one of the only chapters we skipped was the chapter that discussed opening up a new territory. That was the one chapter that I really wanted to learn from and discuss! Our conductor had mentioned since it's most likely that most will never do this; we'll pass over this chapter due to field service activities and arrangements.

The trip around the world at 22 was to find a country where I wanted to set up my home in to help with sign language in 3 ways.
1. Congregations and a full district in sign
2. A Circuit Overseer in the language / Branch help
3. A DVD. Get a tool in the language.

When the following 3 goals were accomplished; well, I was free. Free to well,,, guess. Besides that, I also figured I could help move on to another country or another language, or start over somewhere else...

Then as the program is ending on Sunday, the following is announced and posted on the screens around the building-

(What a feeling, relief, happiness, and a new chapter to start)
[In the process of being made and released]

The chariot is on the move, we just have to keep going with it. The Vietnamese Bible has since been released the NWT of the Christian Greek Scriptures. The deaf man I worked with every day in North Vietnam has got baptized just a short time after I left. Thailand has released DVD's in sign. Lao has a satelitte group far away from the capital. Indonesia will be soon forming another 1 if not 2 sign congregations. So much going on...

It has been 5 years now being back in Indonesia, and 5 years of operating this blog.
Now as I conclude this nearly 10 year journey with sign language I have nothing but happy memories with the brothers and sisters and of course with the deaf themselves. The benefits we receive from coming into their world can only be superseded by the benefits we an give them by coming to grow and love Jehovah better.

It's a beautiful time to serve the Great and Living God Jehovah...
"By Jehovah the very steps of an able-bodied man have been made ready. And in his way He takes delight." Job 37:23

EIGHT MONTHS means a LONG BLOG

2011-06-28T11:50:00.000+07:00

From November 1st to June 1st is a blink of the eye... It's like a blink where you have 100,000 images run through your mind and at the same time and you need to go back and make a realistic understanding of what just happened.

It was during this beautiful time that I had prayed for to break down MTS school (BSSB) as well as life to this point. The idea was really nailed home during two of our final graduation talks. Paul went up to Arabia to break down mentally his new choosing as a apostle, what it meant, what he did prior too, and what it meant to go forward. (Galatians 1:17)

What better time to do this on a personal level after 2 months of being separated from this system while filing yourself with spiritual vitamins, vegetables, treats, and nougats! How did 'Arabia' work out for Paul? It prepared him for a whole lot of 'stuff' and 'business.'

My 'stuff' and 'business' starting by getting back to life after 3+ months of being away for the school and 1 month in America.
Arriving in Jakarta it was great to see all the sign people who have been so determined over these years. It's always good when someone in sign, marries someone in sign. Too many marry outside sign and the workload get's heavier.

(It was nice to eat some good ole shrimp, squid, goat and loaded chocolate balls)

Another thing about 'stuff' in Indonesia is being back to the contrast. It was nice to stay in Jakarta with a buddy from BSSB. What wasn't so nice was sleeping 20 feet away from a mosque that woke me up at 4:30 am.

(Contrast of life is always a trip. That's trash in the front)

Back in Batam it was sweet to go swimming. One small reason years ago why picking Batam was it's an island. Island's are surrounded by water. Rice paddies in Java; although beautiful are far from the ocean. It's amazing how much I did miss the water. We'll see if I get assigned to the interior jungles of some place of Indonesia.

(From time to time the water really seems bluer then the sky it's reflecting)

There is something no matter where you travel in the world it can bring a sweet spot to your soul- Sunsets. Sunsets. Sunsets. This is from my cell-phone. Not the best picture, but it was part of the breakdown of life. A whole lot of skype calls helped on that too.

(Something smells sweet)

In the meanwhile waiting for the Bethel's answer I was asked by my neighbor to assist her spa as her manager went out with a last minute surgery. So what do you do to help? Quality Assurance for the employees. Quality not Quantity many times is the way to go. Take care of the office, and help the staff to improve their skill. Kind of like what BSSB trains you to do.

(A facial, a body scrub, and a Balinese Massage is a tough day in the office.)

Somewhere mixed in the stuff of life -meditation, swimming, massages, skype, was a circuit assembly in Medan. It was tough for most of us since the scheduling put the assembly right during Christmas week. Many of the Batak tribe all go back to there village for celebrating Christmas with there family. It was combined 2 days into 1. It was also interesting to me too attend the BSSB meeting as a graduate for the first time, not as a hopeful.

(Assembly in Medan from the outside. Always fun hearing a mosque and some Christmas songs during the program. I wonder if sometimes the churches and mosques think that God is sooo far away they must blast the music?)

Now as time trickled into January things got were busy supporting the congregation, bible studies, and of course meditation, swimming, massages, skype. Somewhere around that time I did have 2 deaf students move in with me. Hendra first and then Rahmad. It takes a lot to help make a disciple. Both were pretty much left homeless for the truth. Both come from non-chris backgrounds. It is interesting to see to completely different approaches to life, viewpoints, and ways to express themselves as both these boys have.

(The boys. Totally different personalities. but loving Jehovah just the same)

After a long absence I needed to make a quick trip to Singapore. It was great to meet up with some 60+ 'friends' from Singapore who were doing their annual 3 day picnicking on an island. They cook, sleep in dorms, WT, everything together. Although it's so close to Indonesia (45 min) it is a different world away. Any-time you come between Batam and Singapore it reminds you in a spiritual way for 2 things. Singapore-orderliness, materialism, stress. Batam- anything goes, corruption, survival. It is interesting how Satan set up this system as a feast or famine for so many. The best with everything and not happy, or the poorest with so little but a smile on their face hoping one day to be one of the best.

(Traditional way to get to Singapore. He's almost looking saying, I hope I can get there one day and be rich)

When we play soccer in Batam with the brothers the field we usually play in has a sink-hole about 35 feet in front of the goal that if your not careful your sink into up-to your thigh in mud. In Singapore you geta giant rabbit made out of mum's. Yes that rabbit is made by real flowers. If you look you'll see people walking. It was about 25 feet high.

(When the air smells like flowers wherever you go it does bring the psyche to a blissful tune)

(Wildflower's in Singapore)

Towards the end of January early February is when guests started to come. It just happened kind of all at once. There were half Japanese in Penang, to half Koreans in Kentucky, to full Japanese in Malaysia to deaf Americans in Borneo, to Hokkien Singaporese to French Guatemalans in Namibia, to Norwegian. All seemed to enjoy the meditation of life by getting some spa treatments. But, you have to show them the other side as well!

(Taking guests to the jungle. Watch out for snakes!)

When we have a public talk by a deaf brother we always get more deaf then normal, which means there will be a picture taken. This picture was something else. My camera was set-up to take a 10sec auto picture. Another sister put her camera on the bag mine was which caused it to go out of balance and as my camera is falling to the ground another sister is taking a picture. The expressions on everyone's face is from the 3rd camera.

(I hate to say it but one of the best pictures ever. The randomness of the emotions is priceless. My face is exactly as it was, I knew what was about to happen- Camera is still broken)

Over these nearly 5 years in Batam has always been such a privilege to give back by having the brothers and sisters over my home for games, meals and experience the brotherhood. That will always be remembered wherever you go is knowing you were able to bring something that others could not have had until Paradise. Our Korean Kentuckian Sara showed that for the friends by cooking for and giving facials to the sisters!

(It was good, really good, Korean food is in a tough battle with Thai food as Asia's best)

Were not that big on cakes here, but there are other desserts. Whatever foreigners come and visit there is a Indonesian treat that must be discovered. Guacamole with milk in a blender? Huh?

(Avacodo, chocolate sauce, milk, ice)

One of the days out in the ministry it was time to visit an old study who lost interest to see if there was anything there. Aming is his name, and his song, well it touched our heart.

(What scriptures would you show Biblically the importance of music? It can lead to a live song...)

One of our deaf students Giok is in an area of Batam that is quite a marvel. When a local sister wears a handkerchief around her face because of the smell, you know it's rough. It's about a 1000 wooden huts built about the water. It's quite amazing the strength of the wood that supports all of it. Don't get me wrong it's dangerous though- not the fall, but the stuff in the water below it.

(Going to Giok's home)

After a long day of service, you need to take care of your health. It's imperative. One of the things is cleaning out the toxin's in the cranium. For $1.80 you can get a head, neck, and upper back massage while getting your hair treated like a queen. Well, the Indonesian workers thought we were from Egypt and so I just went with it that we were part of the royal family.

(Getting cream bathes. Hey, even without hair it's a brain massage that's needed)

There is not many places to go listen and dance to Salsa music, although a few times we heard some Filipina's singing Beyonce, and Batak guitarists singing 'lady in red...' But on a normal evening we can keep occupied by looking at all the t-shirts made in Indonesia that somehow didn't sell well at the GAP.

(The funny rejected t-shirts that didn't make the cut in Western countries becomes a Friday night of laughs)

Over the years you get used to seeing things that well, sudah biasa. {That's the way it is}. If it wasn't for the guests coming, I do believe I would start to forget and oversee it. In one way I do view that as a positive, in other ways not. By everything becoming sudah biasa you become less stressed, less huh, less well; that needs to be fixed. The negative is you can forget how funny somethings really are.

(Positive- Keeps the rain out of his eyes, he will drive safely, bugs won't fly in his eyes. Negative- picking glass out of your face for 8 hours in a hospital room in Indonesia)

BIG NEWS- We had our first ever C.O. visit in Batam Sign Language from a C.O. who can sign. Tumpal is a great friend who goes back to the beginning in 2003/2004 in Jakarta. Him and Aping have been through thick in thin. I'll never forget the phone call he gave me a few years back where he was saddened by the news that he was being appointed as a C.O. He reasoned that it was his ticket out of Sign Language. At that time, many zealous friends in the sign were being pulled out of sign to help in other areas. I told Tumpal that it will come around. Eventually we will need a Sign CO. Don't worry, we'll have you again supporting sign maybe not today, tommorow, but someday.

Sure enough Tumpal and Aping. BI-1 -The whole country of Indo-

(This is what we do during CO visits. Martha rocked it by getting crab, squid, shrimp, veggies, the whole-9. What a meal )

From the C.O.'s visit which consisted of good times, great smiles, a lot of service, points to work on was also a rush rush flight right to Medan for our Special Assembly day. If your going to Sumatra you need to visit some missionaries, eat some local delicious and see the scenery that Batam Island doesn't have.

(Home in Medan with farm)

Our dear sister Medi worked it out where we were able to borrow an old Isuzu Panther and trek it through Lake Toba. It's one thing driving on the other side of the road, it's another when it's a 5-speed using your left hand alternating between a pot-hole, a dump trunk filled with palm oil plants, kids on motorbikes, and goats on the side of the road. Sometimes though you get a break in the action for a picturesque view.

(When you hit clean spots in Indonesia there is nothing like it)

(Some rice paddies on a mountain in a volcanic lake)

Having guests while driving around always allows for good conversation, laughs, and spiritual thoughts. It was my first real road-trip in a long time. I think finding this random BBQ pork hut 4 hours down the road where one of the workers is a son of a witness and a bible study and to eat arguably the best meat I've had, is nice. It was good. It was great. They cut him up that morning.

We left to beat the thunder-storm coming and literally the waterfall pictured below became a flash food where I was scared to drive through as debris was all over the road, I couldn't see anything as we drove through the waterfall and we got soaked through the car!!!

(Rahmad getting his first Toba experience- The Waterfall was later covering the whole picture 4 hours later)

Now back to the Assembly. I'm not sure what to say about this guy. I didn't get too much time to talk to him, for some reason every assembly all the deaf muslim men find me and want to talk about 'deeper' things. It's usually that and some nice deaf women who are single and abit older then me since I look old to them. Sometimes 40, 45, some thought my dad was my younger brother I believe... Anyways, this guy is deaf, with no hands. So he signs stuff with his feet, and can even somehow send text messages with his toes!!!

********************************

(An amazing interested person. We should probably take some more video of him and send it CNN or something)

After the program all those who served as Elders, Servants, Spec Pioneers, or Reg Pioneers were called for a special meeting. The Bethel speaker helping with sign pulled us all in and told us to PLEASE use natural sign and explained the benefits. There was also a question and answer session including the C.O. Somehow I was pulled up and he wanted to show how natural sign (BISINDo) uses a lot of expression. He had me act out the story of the Three Hebrews and the fire furnace only with my eyes and my hands behind my back. No pressure there on the spot...

It is amazing to see how Sign Language here in Indonesia is like riding a horse when you grab the reins how much the horse can really sprint!

(Outside some of the crowd reacts to the news with flowers and dancing)

Now it was back to Batam. Back here after an amazing trip to the top of a volcano and some hot springs post the assembly, and like before {see here for pics-}

Father and Son got to catch up, and we had quite a bit to talk about. It's a shame so many children and parents ruin what can be such a beautiful friendship.

(Father and son doing your together moments watching the sunset and swimming to nowhere)

Soon after this, all the troubles started. VISA lost, problems, money, etc..etc..etc.. It just happened that the zone overseers visit was the exact same weekend. So off to Jakarta. Somehow my father has been to the last 3 zone overseers visits. His timing is impeccable. He get's a zone visit in Indo but has never had one in the U.S.

We have stayed in some pretty dodgy areas before, but this time Simon and Melissa were beautiful hosts letting us stay with them and really enjoying a few days. There building was in the heart of the city and enjoyed a mall inside there apt building. We also went to some museums, listened to some live Jazz with some missionaries who ironically we talked at Patterson when I was there in October.

(I was happy for Dad to get to finally see a nicer side of Jakarta)

I got to see some fellow BSSB classmates who are all over Indonesia now. Some as far away in a city in Papua that you can see the lights of Australia. Old friends met up, and every zone visit it's a theocratic rush of blood to the mind and heart. Not just seeing missionaries, bethelites, it's the deaf, the reminder that it's a big army trying to do what is right for Jehovah here in Indonesia

(Over 11,000 attended)

One thing about Jakarta and any big international city, is the people try to copy the West in their own way. I remember my dad teaching me once that people who try to stick and and be unique, original, and different are really following just part of a group like anyone else.

(Where's Waldo in this picture?)

In the midst of this, I have a nice conversation with brothers on the branch to get, and give an update. As Indonesia can do, things changed fast. I ended up leaving the country going to Singapore and coming back in as a tourist. Strange... Not working, being a 'tourist' after 5 years is something. Due to law that means I can't help out with teaching in the cong, and have to take a back seat going door to door and the like.

At this interesting time, where I need to make some big changes and fast, my sister Jordan arrives. I will say my dad was smart, the first thing we did was get a family 1 hour reflexology treatment with 2 hour massages.

Unfortunately dad had to leave, and Jordan and I did what we had to do... Campaign. Memorial Campaign that is. We hit it, and hit it hard. Jordan was a trooper to hang and go for so far and long service days. We did some serious preaching for a week straight.

(It was supposed to be a nice brother/sister pic- But, Medi wanted to say I'm ugly)

Jordan and Dad both came out to help Batam build the Kingdom Hall where Sign Language is supposed to go, but like so many things in life, patience normally wins over what we expect to happen. I wonder how many times Paul had to say, you know what, I sat on a rock in the hot sun in Arabia for a while, I can wait a little longer with the Corinthinans, decision by the older men and Jerusalem, and these superfine brothers too.

(So- no visa, gotta leave the country, don't know where and when I will end up anywhere, and... hmm...)

Something about life on the ocean. Nothing really to write here. Just amazing. Great times with Jordan and feel good bringing the good news somewhere else.

(Preaching in Bintan)

When we got back to the mainland it was fast and furious trying to get things ready for the memorial. We took my car down a dirt road into the farm lands of Ubie. When we got there it started to rain, and rain, and rain. It's nice as if it rains people understand and just let you hang out around their house.

(HUJUAN DERAS! I mean it was crazy, instant flooding)

Finally on the memorial after making the bread (more like roti cakes) getting the wine this that and other things the memorial started. Some hick-ups of course. One family was not too happy and started talking louldy after they fully understood it was about Jesus. They left, but allowed their deaf daughter to continue. Another deaf guy tried to eat the bread. One deaf/mentally challanged boy, pretty much attacked my sister. 2 deaf girls had a scuffle outside, it was all in a day's work.

(I believe it was 35 deaf and 30 hearing. Jordan and I had 11 people come we invited during those last few days of preaching)

After the memorial was done it was time to enjoy a little bit. We got a whole bunch of people together to go bowling, play pool, ride stuffed animals, and of course, Karaoke. I will say the pillow fight that was launched when Martha, Jordan, and I started singing Whitney Houston's "I wanna Dance with Somebody" was out of control. I think the Indonesians were fed up after No Doubt's "I'm just a Girl" and "What's my age Again." They probably had a right to beat us with pillows.

(Karaoke in Batam with Norwegians, Filipinos, Indo's, Japanese, French, Americans)

I believe this was in the Karaoke place. By the way the rooms have themes, digital touch screens, you have your own personal waiter, can order food, sing in about 6 languages, and you are expected to blast your lungs.

(Just in case it's your first time to a toilet)

It finally happened. After all these years of meeting at someone's house we were moving. We were at someones house because during the ban there were no KH's. Also in typical fashion it takes a long time to get a permit. The home where we had our meetings finally got too out of control for us to meet there. We contacted the CO, bethel, and the like and we finally got to move to another place. The reason why we where so long is it was the best location for the deaf. Safety, and well, you take a look for yourself.

(End of an Era in Batam- Thanks, but seriously, you were )

As suddenly as time passed by flying in light years; life went through a twist. 'Get back to America or anywhere outside of Batam to avoid any possible conflagrations with the immigration authority's.' It is quite something to be within a time-span of 6 months of years worth of training only to be told 'you need to leave.'

Where to go? What to experience? Who to see? What to do? In the mind of a world traveller, this is like a mouse at a cheese tasting. So, many possibilities of places yet to explore, and yet so many old friends in whom you can visit. So the decision is... Kentucky.

Why?

To experience a tornado.

(Litteraly I didn't know they had the color pink to identify severity of storms.)

Within 24 hours of landing in Kentucky it was hanging out in the hallway of a house as the siren's were going off at 11 p.m. because we could have been swept away.

(A Maum family tornado involves playing on a IPhone, eating snickers, and drinking a mint julep)

The decision to go to Kentucky was quick-on-the-spot but a great one nonetheless. The hospitality of those in the congs in Ft. Knox and Louisville Sign was amazing. It was kind of interesting when so many brothers and sisters are all there because of the military. Many of them received the truth while being there. Since my father as well came in the truth while being in the military it helped making me feel right at home. Their hospitality, their meals, their everything, was above and beyond what you normally feel on first impressions.

While being in Kentucky I was reminded that it is the home of Bourbon. Literally Bourbon County KY is where it all started. And while all Bourbons are whisky's not all whisky's are bourbon's. I also learned that in the South before Civil War bourbon was used as part of the currency. In fact teachers, and other professionals were paid in part by alcohol. In fact one of the reasons that led to the Civil War for KY and Tenn was due to the Federal Gov't taxing the distilleries who did not have the liquid cash as many times they received payments in goods, foods, property, etc.

(The best bit was a story of true love without the blinders of bourbon)

When your not drinking bourbon in KY your most likely doing a spiritual activity. It was nice to go preaching in English, although it was hard to get use to going in groups of 4, being in a car, driving in driveway's, and fast food restaurant's. Indonesian 2 by 2 motorbike no break system does a number on you. Of course the beauty in this is getting to know the friends on a personal level. It is amazing the things we chit chat about while in the door-to-door ministry. I especially appreciated the depth and years of so many foot soilders that we have in the country's where the good news has been established for some time now. KY is right up there!

(Thanks to Micheal and Soon Me who somehow have a rotating door at their home for 24 hours 365 days! EGG ROLLS, KIMCHI, DANDELIONS)

In the ministry there were of course were stories involving going into a trailer and a guy saying the 'Jesus people are here.' Also of course breaking out and saying a prayer, or speaking in tongues. How about cats, cats, cats. Or having a person say, ya I need to get back to the KH. Pure 'folk' down in KY.

(At an assembly, it was nice to be in a assembly hall. I will say though, cough, cough, there are 'big' folk in KY too)

So you have preached all day, or gone to an assembly, and you have the bottle of bourbon ready to sip on at night... What's for dinner? MEAT. A whole lotta of it. I have learned the beauty of vegetables and fish, but it's tough not to go for some good meat lover's anything. We went to a buffet in KY that was $9.99 with all you can eat-whatever you can imagine! Even the strawberry's seemed to be injected with some type of hormones. Back in RI if you can find a $9.99 plate of Baby Back Ribs you found a good deal. Never mind all you can eat. Never mind with dessert, steak, mexican, pizza, salad bar, asian bar, soul food bar, all mixed in for the same price!!!

(I'm sorry to devote so much time to food, but the term 'tornado' can be 'vortex of violently rotating winds.' My stomach was like that)

One other tornado experienced in KY was getting back to the work force in the U.S. temporarily. It was a mult-billion dollar time of the year in KY due to 2 minutes of 20 horses running around a circle. So? Back to waiting tables at a restaurant. Yup. Over 10 years ago I worked at a waiter to support my early years as pioneering and now it was now back to where we started. The restaurant industry is a different beast all together. You gotta lift, work and sweat like construction, sell like your a real estate agent, deal with pressure like a stock-market trader, but stay as smiley and positive as a school teacher all while deal with the complaints like your H.R. rep in a big company!

Now looking back; It took a day or two, but getting back in the flow was great! It was interesting to have all these people wear these funny hats, flashy ties, drink the expensive wine, like there is nothing going on in the world. What a contrast to what our eyes see out here in S E Asia. Oh well. The global economic crisis hasn't effect all.

(2 family's two kids. Both have supported their kids pioneering. Serving surf & turf has helped to keep pioneering going)

One of the nicest things that happened while in USA was a gathering for the young in Ft. Knox. There were about 15 or more youths from the ages of 13-24. Sara and I set up a sort of 'back yard theocratic shoots and ladders.' The concept was based of the "Young People What Will You do with Your Life Brochure," which amazingly is already 9 years old! We set up 1 table as the D3 table dealing with decisions, drawing close, dedication. Once you graduated from there you moved on to Baptism Pond. (A bunch of Coy fish live there) Then we moved up to Pioneer Patio, Bethel and BSSB table, Construction Corner. Then we moved up to the Language Level. What's it like to learn a foreign language? We practiced one of the new songs from the ASL DVD. The kids had it down! From there, we moved into the living room and showed pictures and videos from living in another country like Cambodia and Indonesia. The bathroom scenes and fried animals always get's the crowd going! All the while we asked questions, got everyone involved, and since Sara and I have been blessed to experience everyone of those theocratic things that young people can do, we did well feeding off each and could speak from the heart.

(The D3 table where Sara is wearing the hat graduation. I wish more can get this when they are young)

We also played the 'imagine this' game {Take some chopsticks or another object and come up with as many different ideas as you can with it}
We also played Bible charades which I got to say there are some actors out there! One young brother started sticking out his tongue, playing basketball, acting like Michael Jordan then was abel to cross over the room and they were able to guess "The Isrealites crossing the Jordan River." Huh?
We also had a little guitar section, and played some other brief traveling movies.
Then in their hospitality extradardinare the Maum's cooked up a big turkey with the fix-ins. I would have to say, the best part of the day was hearing the youths as they left talking to each other saying how much of a good time they had. It's so encouraging for me to think that if they realize that spiritual things can be fun or even better then going to the movies, or playing video games, that it may in fact help them in the future to make wise choices in their service to Jehovah.

Two of the young brothers at this gathering also took me down to a remodel at a KH in Bowling Green. You know, I never get tired of the brotherhood especially on the construction aspect. There are so many skilled brothers in the trades. One of the masons on the project had lost 4 of his fingers in a accident, but he was the fastest brick-layer around! The KH serves a Bosnian group, and low and behold I bumped into my good ole friends the Russels. Also there was a former missionary couple who served in Papua New Guniea who helped a Indonesian in the truth that was at University in KY. We plan to meet in Jakarta when I'm there next.

It is amazing how in different areas there is a different standard for what is locally 'appropriate.' You can scroll up to the picture above and see what our meetings were like in Batam, and go to this hall which seemed to be a BEAUTIFUL KH, but locally they felt it was already 25+ years and needed to be remolded. It would be one of the nicest KH here in Indo, but there it needed improvement. I bring this out only to mention how amazing the insight is of those in the GB or depts which know of all the needs going on, and use funds wisely. Really something.

(RBC, Construction Teams, IV, IBC, all being trained for a lot of future building work!)

Around the KH, and just in KY in general is green grass. I mean blue grass. I guess they say when you fly in a plane above at a certain reflection it actually does look like a blueish hue. It was pretty, and it was everywhere. I think of the brothers back in Indo where we don't have 1 open green grass field on the whole island in which we can play soccer at. It was nice to breathe in fresh air, see orderliness, and a whole lot of space between homes.

(Everywhere has it's own pretty landscape view)

Now it wouldn't be a trip somewhere if there was not some Sign Language story. Brian a brother supported sign was able to help me find a interpreting job at a school and even introduce me to the friends in the ASL group. They have a large territory, and you drive everywhere like most Sign Language. The friends were sweet as they kept on trying to recruit me to move there and join them. They are oh so close to being a congregation, but need that all important -brothers.- I should have a future story of how a certain donation in this congregation made a huge impact on us here in Batam, but we'll see how it works out first. It was nice to go preaching by using a video phone set-up in the KH to call contacts. That was a nice new experience for me.

(ASL meeting in US is oh so sweet)

Time, pictures, and stories would fail me to tell all about how Ron, Robert, Lee, Don, Norman, Eric, Crystal, Malachi, Tight Cutz, Moonshine, Egg-rolls, Aloha, Knitted Sweaters, NBA, Munsons, Stones, and everyone and everything else touched me and were all part of the wonderful time that was in KY.

Then, somehow it ended. It ended by a road trip through the back roads of KY and Tenn lead me to visit some family members I hadn't seen in over 6 years! They are all married now and doing fine. What an enjoyable time to have some family stories of how Aunty Esther came in the truth, overcame adversities, and her father was a Bible Student back in the early 1900's!

(At the Bass's the crowd rejoices)

Then as fast as it all happened was as fast as I was back to a place that's a little familiar. -Singapore- After arriving at my destination at 2 a.m. the mind was examining 1000 possibilities on life. None of these helped to sleep, so in the morning it just happened there was a deaf American sister and a need-great both here on a visa chop and likewise informed me of the C.O. visiting that a.m!
Sometimes with your mind racing and searching a billion plus connections and your body a little zapped from 3 days worth of travel, it's probably better to just go out in service.

Somehow I ended up being assigned the interpreter, and when asked who wanted to work with the C.O. no-one raised their hand, so I got to work with him. Some long-time paitent sisters were like 'hey,' hit up about the needs of the deaf.' If I can stay awake I'll be doing something. Ironically I know him and his wife as we use to occasionally play badminton together on Sunday's. As it turned out that we would be riding his motorcycle out in service, he doesn't know any sign, and we would be doing 10 story apartment buildings.

Randomly, besides all the deep theocratic talk, and discussing specific needs of sign to help the deaf, we saw some nature while about. About 10 of them.

(You never know what your going to see while looking for deaf)

A few nights later we had one of the largest sign parties they have enjoyed in a long time here in Singapore. Many deaf flowed in for the first-ever C.O. visit and he did his best to communicate with them as well as be a source of encouragement. The rooms were tight, the seats packed, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

(Well, grab a shoehorn, make it fit)

Maybe some of you have met, or even know some people who have a hobby that gets a little, well, overboard; in whatever it is. My friend's house that I stayed with you could say is a bit-overboard with books. Not a bad thing though! Very interesting. There was a lot to learn. I dived into many books and documentaries. He literally has 1000's of books on every topic you can imagine, mixed in with toys, animals, and even tin-tin characters. Out of everything he has in his HDB flat which is packed wall-to-wall there was one tid-bit of information that struck me...

(Every breathe you take, every move you make, i'll be watching you...)

Not soon after this was a bunch of Singapore folk having a get-together in Malaysia. I missed my ride, so low and behold I took a public bus that somehow took me to Malaysia to the exact place where the party was located in Malaysia for $3 USD. It was my first time attending an assembly here although some 4 years earlier I stayed in the assembly hall as a guest. It was quite something to have a party where people are on different floors. It was also encouraging to see some ingenuity. To obey Singapore Law the friends have come up with an idea in which to still have the proper books without causing a stir.

(What would you do to obey the law but still stay fed?)

Here in Singapore there is a big controversy over the 'symbol' of Singapore. Merlon the Lion - which is a statue that shoots out water and is most commonly consumed as chocolate macadamia nuts. The other choice is the new IR {Intergrated Resort} cough cough the Casino. Funny, they charge locals $100.00 to go in where foreigners get in free to discourage the locals from gambling. The Casino seems to be winning. It is quite a buildings with a mall, hotel, and everything built into it.

(This is one of Singapores newest attractions)

Would you like to see the view from the top where it's a boat with bar's restaurants and a pool?

(It seems almost fake from the top, like your in a movie backdrop)

It's always good to get a little lost wherever you travel or wherever you go. Why? You never know what you normally would not have seen. One day going home the cab brought me the wrong way, and I ended up on the other side of the apt building I was staying at. What it turned out to be was a great place to write some of this blog!

(Chinese Gardens, one of Singapore's little unknown gems)

Now while out 'fishing' one day we saw something that made me stop. Singapore is dominated by Apt buildings. In the common areas they put tables, places to play chess, gynamsium type equipment to stretch and do some exercise. Well this particular apt buidling provided the locals with a place to do reflexology! Yup, take off your shoes and socks and walk on rocks. That's what I did.

(I had been stressing abit, so a brief 5 minute reflexology break while out was a good thing)

On the same day we saw new advertising slogan that may come to a country near you!

(Tells you how deep we are in the last days)

Back in my teenage years I thought I had a lot of energy to do sports or activities non-stop. While there was some of that non-stop never-soar energy it sees life catches up with you. I don't ever remembering at any point being able to play basketball for 3 hours straight and at the same time and all the while not wearing flip-flops. That's what these Singaporean friends did. 3 hours straight of basketball with no sign of energy loss.

(I'm impressed)

All the while awaiting a VISA a complete chance fell upon me. Get dirty, sweaty, nasty, smelly, on a tanker ship converted into a oil rig.

(Pioneering helps teach you to accept whatever job comes your way to stay in the full-time service)

Where will the next post be from? What will be the details? Your guess is as good as mine. I want to do this every 1st of the month from now on. 8 months is too many memories and stories to many stories to put together at one time.
Until the VISA comes through it's keep going, and keep smiling. It was a beautiful time to humble myself looking back at points from the training, and see new perspectives in life. It was even more amazing to feel the love of the brothers & sisters like only you can do.

Summer of Schooling

2011-05-19T16:54:00.000+07:00

Well, I'm late writing about this blog... Around 7 months to be exact.

From July 28-September 28, 2010 I had the privilege of attending the 6th class of MTS school in Indonesia. In a sense, this was a school I had been waiting for since I knew what MTS was all about when I was 18. So this post represents a 11-year-waiting-program.

Was it all worth the wait?
{My mouth, face, and eyes are twitching in mental confusion.}
It would be similar to a child in a growth spurt. He wants to be tall, fast, and strong, but as he grows his muscles strengthen, stretch, and cause him pain along the way. When he looks back it is now what it is.

I had to grow as a person ALOT to reach the point of being accepted in the school. A lot of strengthening resolve, stretching patience, and painful realizations of life along the way. As I look back, it is what it was and I hope I learn and grow for the next goal like I did for this one.

(We represented 14 different tribes & languages in our class)

The background of this class is incredibly varied. Some came from Witness backgrounds, others Buddhist, Christian, Muslim. Some had been in the truth for around 4 years, others a long time. Some went hunting for their food, others were herbalists.
Educational backgrounds were of course varied as well. One thing was for sure, mental exhaustion was the norm. So during break times you may see a wide variety of sleeping positions.

(9:45pm or 10:00pm I was out like a light)

A nice benefit of the school in Indonesia is that it's held at the Indonesian Bethel. We received assignments around Bethel and were able to intertwine with the Bethel family, morning worship, meals, association during off times.

(Bethel should be moving by January, but memories shall stick forever)

The memories are long-lasting, the studying intense, the growth is noticeable. I appreciated everyones different road that led them to the school. We all have a different story that gets us to where we are, and different stories that we enjoy while in it. It's interesting how everyone takes different points away from the same material.

(Everyone's road is abit curvy)

Indonesians love to eat rice. At Bethel there was always rice, but for the schooling there was tons of bread. Well, although it was homemade I decided due to the studying and sitting around I would need to 'cut off the carbs.' -Another reason was I was busted for playing badminton and ping-pong after class. So we were told to stop playing to study. - It turns out that most of my classmates added on about 10-15 pounds during the school. It was amazing how much bread they could pound down. Breakfast, break, lunch, evening, whenever. The theocratic memory juices were flowing and they were just taking in the energy to feed the minds. I lost 10-15 pounds by cutting off the carbs, but have since gained it back in America.-Another story-

(Fruit is fresh in Indo, Smiles are abundant!)

It is a loving provision as the Bethel family throws a special dinner for all the graduates. Many dress up in Batik, they cooked a really nice meal under a particular theme. It was really nice as we used my grandmother's/uncle's eggplant parmesan recipe on that night. When I helped in the kitchen 2 weeks before I did an experiment cooking and the kitchen staff loved it, so it made our 'special dinner.' We also had salmon, enjoyed some speeches, and just felt the brotherhood in live action.

(No complaints for 3 all you can eat buffets 3 times a day for 2 months)

All but three of us stayed at some villas about 10-15 min from the branch. The boys \had chit-chat sessions and good-times every night. In particular was when we wrote a song dealing with 'thanks' to our instructors, bethel, and others involved. We didn't make the cut to sing in front of the entire graduation program, but we had a good time being boys.

(Alanus looks forward to mosquitos who sing kingdom songs in the new system)

The 3 of us who did stay at Bethel because we were because we were A. American. B Timor Lestean. C. Oldest guy in class.

What stories I could say about these guys. One grew up in Timor Leste (East Timor and island that was under Portugese domination until the 1970's and then was taken over by Indonesia now is independent under the Australian branch.) He is only the 2nd ever MTS student in the history of the country. He spoke Indonesian and since there is no Tetum MTS school yet he came to Indo. Great heart, great endurance in the ministry.

The other grew up in the island of Sumba. His story how he got to MTS school was incredible. In our rooms it was study, study, study so when his full story came out at graduation it was amazing.

Yani is 40 years old, lives on a farm with no electrictiy, and goes hunting for Wombats, snakes, crocodiles, wild boar, dogs, and monkeys. Him and another brother had to combine their whole life savings of about 140 USD to get to the school. The arrived after 6 days on a ferry, and 1 day on a train to get to MTS with about $ 25 USD left to there name. They had NO IDEA how they were going to get home. They didn't have enough money to get home! They stayed quiet the whole school and then Yani gave his story at graduation how he had to sell his piglets and left over wood to afford the trip to MTS. WELL, him and another brother were appointed as special pioneers so now the world-wide-brotherhood has helped them. BTW, Yani and the other brother were 2 of the 3 who had never seen a toilet nor a shower before coming to school.

(You know what... That's the truth when you can take 3 guys from 3 different countries and just gel)

At graduation I had a story about Pinky. Although in school 6 days a week you still don't stop preaching. Pinky is a young man about 26 who was an inspiration to me. He is Muslim, his His parents died suddenly and a few years later his aunt and uncle died leaving him the lone family survivor of his niece and nephew. He took them in at 21 years old while they were only about 5 and 7. He worked constantly as Mr. Mom and the breadwinner to help them out. He doesn't have a social life, his own things, he has no time or money as he takes care of teh kids. When we arrived we were actually searching for a young deaf girl. He knew the girl but invited us in when we started describing who JW's were.
Eventually when we described the resurrection hope, he started to cry. I then moved over gave him a hug and started to cry with him. We read numerous scriptures and just comforted him about what he was doing was being noticed. A bible teach book was placed and we followed up on a study the following week.

(1 thread for all 3 interviews. Talking to Muslims and appealing qualities to draw people in)

We had 13 from the class who were sent out as special pioneers including 6 to Papua.

Me? I just found out last week II will be number 14 assigned as a special pioneer. Where? I don't know yet. One thing is for sure: "He will make you firm, he will make you strong." 1 Peter 5:10

(The crowd rejoices.)

What was the highlight of the school for me?

Jehovah's perspective... In everything...

Back to America after 3+ years

2010-12-30T10:24:00.006+07:00

Back to where I started putting footprints in the sand...

There are over 300 pictures for those 30 days, so we'll just mention some of the highlights.

Just the view out the planes window was enough to send some shivers down the old spine... With no burning fires, illegal shacks in the woods, or mosques blaring their tunes it was back to NYC.
Just being on the LIR and the Subway in NYC was strange. People were speaking English. But it was a different english. People were big. I mean big. I felt like an immigrant. Seeing gang members, lesbians kissing on the stairs, people 6'6 and above, girls wearing next to nothing, guys wearing who knows what, asians, africans, latinos, models, and everything mixed in between.

I was not the bule (white buffalo) who stuck out in Indonesia anymore. I was just another color of paint in variety that only NYC offers. It was time to put back on the perennial NY game face. I had to dig down deep to find out, but that person had not been around in a while. The bow your head when you walk, the stick out your hand softly if you cut in front of someone, the smile to acknowledge that someone older then you is in your presence, the head nod to show you notice another soul is in your general area which dominates Indonesian life was what was coming out of me. That only means easy prey in NYC.

The fact I had flown for 23 hours and crossed 12 time zones and hadn't slept since taking a nap over the North Pole, and being bitten by a white tiger the day before, it was quite an experience trying to get my barring s again after a 3 year absence. It was only fitting I get lost in lower Manhattan and end up a government housing building for deaf people. The person's phone I borrowed to find my friend turned out to be a women who studied for 2 years and attended meetings who now stopped.

Now only some 18 hours earlier a LOT of prayers were answered by receiving a ticket to the 2010 Annual Meeting. It was funny showing up in the 25 lobby with my bags, all sweaty, no suit jacket, and so incredibly tired. When I sat down in a section, a brother asked me who I was and respectfully kicked me out of the section. It turns out I was in the delegate seating section.

Ironically I was an official delegate which enabled me for the special branch tour, snacks, cookies, and to sit down in that 'special section' and all of that. By this time I was just trying to stand. I was quite -breathless- by this point after only some 24 hours after landing. I didn't have much of a spirit left in me. I think I was running on pure adrenaline, shock, awe, and a new smile starting to form.

To make up for the lack of cookies and lemonade from the branch tour I could have drank, I met Dave.

(Dave, Dave, Dave, Still as sharp and fast as when I first met him!)

Just like a typical trip to NYC and the whole 7 degrees of Witnesses, in Dave's office were people who had heard of me in Indonesia since they were in ASL in California. My boy Marion who was my tour guide had actually met them before at a party somewhere. Then Dave just busted on me to say how much I grew up from a wild crazy backpacker traveling the world to the first ex-pat at MTS in Indo. Good times.

During the clean-up for the annual meeting I went up in Stanley Theater and sat on the balcony where I use to sleep, took it all in again. A lot to think about since those 4 years had passed since passing zzzz's in that location. The other blessing was having some young guys who really really wanted to have their horizons opened by life in another country. Sharing
is healing, and it can be some of the best growth possible. By looking back it helps to look forward.

(I take a deep breathe every time I look at pics from Stanley. The building and spirit there is something)

Well, although no cookies and lemonade it was nice to chat with 4 members of the GB. That provides a good shot in the arm when your isolated on a island. Never mind their talks at the annual meeting.

Shot in the Arm. Funny how that works. Seeing other friends like Abraham and Mary, the old Stanley crew, meeting random people like long-time missionaries, Bethelites, Elders school instructors, people that know the same people, and the list goes on. I think these are the things that when going back re-charge all the batteries and give you some extra energy that you didn't have before.

Somewhere in there I received a hot and spicy rabbit in a wild mushroom sauce with fresh Italian bread, merlot, broschuto, cheeses, pepperoni, and some good old french brandy. Not only that but to wash it down with my own personal sauna in my bathroom... I'm sorry, off topic. Mmmm. I can still remember the tastes, aromas, although its 2 months later.

The day after the annual meeting it was back to work. I had to interpret the talk from a Spanish brother giving the talk in English and then I translate it into Bahasa Indonesia at the Queens Indonesian group who meets in the same building with the Filipino congregation.

By this time, I'm running on, I don't know what. But there's enough in me to make a video!

(Mosque and KH. Quite a contrast, wouldn't see that in Indo)

As we get back to the kampong (look in the dictionary it's an actual english word!) it was about seeing family, friends, and re-connecting.

They were building a KH back home so it was nice to go and work for a few days. It again though was about the connections, looking back in order to look forward. One person was Mr. Tom Helmer. The Chicken Man as he is affectionally called due to his love of chickens and ability to sound like one.

He gave me advice about me growing up and balancing me out when I was 18. I still remembered the conversation, and apparently he did too! That was really special to continue the conversation where we left off. A conversation that took 11 years to finish.

(Baaaack, The Chicken Man is still alive and going)

Another good man is Mark O. Both Tom and Mark were elders in the hall when I was a kid. With Mark we just jumped into it. He wanted to hear about the annual meeting, we talked about the deeper things of Revelation, the anointed, prophecy, the American culture, the simplicity of the friends lives in Indonesia, organizational procedures, all the while eating a juicy roast beef sandwich with some coconut frosted cakes and donuts and moving tree stumps. Oh boy, the quick-build culture!

(Mark at the KH build... Go Red Sox!)

Another connection was with Spencer. We grew up in the same town. I grew up on 24 Spencer Drive, Spencer on 24 Thomas Road. We were in the same hall at birth and both had our heads tuned the same direction for deep spiritual things. Spence ended up serving on IC work in Nicaragua, serving in Brooklyn, Walkill, and now has been moved to the Printery in Canada Bethel.

We have a lot of good last minute trips together and so it was so fitting he was down from Canada and me back from Indonesia. So we both borrowed motor bikes and drove around like boyz do.

(Spence and I next to a tractor, on a bike, in the rain, next to a bridge shut down, being stupid kids on vaca from our full-time service assignments)

Here are some of the things we saw. Of course this view is from a local cemetery. The dead always seem to have the best views. Again here we are on motorbikes cruising around a cemetery to check out the scenery. Boys will be Boys.

(Mystic at it's best. On the left is the restaurant I use to work- Seamen's Inne)

In typical fashion I was at my parents home like the old days- A gas station. Check in, fill up, chit chat, then off. I knew the trip would be a crazy month, and so many good friends to see. I had apologized 10 months in advance that I wouldn't be with my family but for maybe 1 week out of the month. I served in 7 places congregations over the years in the states so there were a lot of close people to visit. The conversations with John Lafountain were deep. Beer & Wings with Matt, Dave Trom, Jordan, Jeff and Moe and others from time to time were something.

There is also the fact that I believe the mind needs to make connections of choices. What does that mean? To make a choice to leave family, friends, food, language, culture, normality to move to Indonesia is not an everyday choice a New-Englander makes. So to see what others have done with their choices will help me to appreciate more the advantages that the Indonesian door presents while it is still open for business. Tomorrow though can lead to another door.

(Some small town in New England)

It was soothing to the soul to see cleanliness, orderliness, and history that New England brings. Not to mention the way people think, act, and go about things was a wake up call for what I'm use too. Being on the motorcycle going through the back-country roads with nothing but a backpack and a mp3 player is a feast for the eyes, the ears, and a remberance of how everything has moved forward since last living full-time in New England in 2005.

(Motor bike trip through Massachusetts)

(New England Mountains and aahh)

I made it back to some of the people who changed my life. Definitely the Springfield boyz. Chris, Charles, Potvin. All are married now, Charles and Chris with kids. They as family have moved to where the need is great in Portugese. Going to that Kingdom Hall was like being in a Palace in Indonesia. A Kingdom hall with a carpet! Wow! I crashed on the floor and took a nap...

Chris and the kids thought they was smart. They stole my camera. This is what they get.

(Chris this is was you get for taking pics on my camera without me knowing!)

Then it was on the bike again. Through the fields the rivers lakes and everything else it was time to catch up to Dave. I still remember his first week at Bethel back in 2000, (Or was it 99?) Off the record, it was always nice to have a floor to crash on Columbia Heights after a long weekend at the assembly, or driving through NYC. So many awesome memories crashing in the dorm building of Brooklyn. Also I remember surfing September 11 with Dave at Breakers in Newport. Great break that day!

So, I show up. What's up? Catch up... Anything going on? No? Let's drive last minute to Boston go the season opening of Celtics, see Shaq play, go to a baaah, eat some clam chowder, then get some canollis at Modern Pastry.

Last minute trips, always the most memorable.

(Let's go green and G detti)

There is random places you see and experience while traveling. I love the cushion of a pine tree forest. Your legs seem to just float.

(A long walk of serentitiy)

I was cold even though it was only October. My little toes were cold for a few weeks straight. Not having a winter for 4 years thins out the blood. So at a random meeting with an old friend name Chad that I haven't seen since 1999 when graduating high school who left the truth but now was back serving Jehovah was a pleasant surprise. At his congregation there was a nice reminder of how cute kids can be when they are winterized.

(Man, just too cute)

Again it's all about the good mates who influence who you are as a person. Dan Daly...
Loon Mountain ski-boarding when I was 20 years old on Christmas Day. Typical Tommy story. I just did a road trip from Vermont on Christmas Eve at Okemo Mt. at a home on a lake with some random single brother Vandy that I had never met. There were 6 others there and we stayed up until 2 am or 3 talking about Bible prophecy and riddles. On that same night many compadres from I grew up with had a big party where unfortunately many succumbed to temptations of youth.

So I showed up the next day at Loon with no place to stay after a solid 9 hours of riding snowflakes. Dan was as many of 100 hundred other JW's there that day..
Dan-Hey bro! Oh, your from RI? You don't have a place to stay?
Tom-'Ya man." I thought I might, but I don't know what's going on. I heard some stories.
Dan-If you want, take a left out of the parking lot go 8 miles or so down to 93 south. Take the exit for Danbury. Right off the exit, road will split follow to left. 10 miles down a sign on left ragged mt road, follow turns to dirt, first dirt road on right take a right 2nd house down it's brown cabin.
Sorry no cell-phone reception. The house is in the middle of nowhere.
Tom- "Ok. Maybe I'll show up."

Nearly 10 years later and after Dan help hook me into Sign Language, were still good mates. I think Danny Boy is still shocked I showed up that night! Probably regrets it!?!?!?!?

(Yooooo, Daaaiiily. Where's the bah?)

Dan has a nice home on the bay, which enables him to mingle with people who like to go out on boats. We spent a few hours on Narragansett Bay and just took in the smell of salt water while drinking some blueberry bubblies.

(Throughout all things, there's always a glimpse in the clouds)

Something about the alcove's of New England. They are around in many many places. You just need to be aware of where they are.

(Flowers by the bay)

On to Patterson where Sarah Mel was my hero for letting me borrow her car during a torrential rainstorm. It wouldn't have been a fun trip to Walkill at 9 pm on the motorbike on the highway going to someones home I had never been before. Sarah and I caught up and had a 'special' photo session with A.R.T. department. Xavier and Andera Clairbush who were only dating in 2003 when I stayed with Xavier at the Intl. in Hungary. Now, after many years of patience, he made his goal. Gilead.

But the highlight from Patterson, look where sign language has come too!

(Sign Languages around the World)

Speaking of old friends and acloves, Lisa Marie is one of those people that only New England can handle, and it fails. I met Lisa when I was 16 or 17, at Ryan Flemings farm, and I remember saying out loud in the group of people and in front of Lisa; "is this girl for real, or is she acting?" Lisa and I have had so many great conversations over the years. We went to Pioneer School together, served where the need is great in Mt. Pleasant then on too the Sign Language hall. Talk about seeing things outside of the box,- Lisa sees a square and a circles and says the box is for grandma's shoes.

So too bump into her in the hallway at Walkill with her husband and the same beautiful intricate ways about her after she slapped cancer in the face and kept smiling was, was, was such a...

(An unexpected surprise)

I did do some preaching, but I was actually nervous about going door to door. I just did the direct approach. Why? Here in Indonesia you get invited in and drink tea and eat some snacks at most peoples home, before you even get into it. You have about 10 seconds in New England to get your point across.

Being out in a group of 4 persons in a comfortable car is a nice blessing as well. When your normally by yourself or one other person on a moped it's a different feel.

(Preaching in New England. Nothing like it)

One of my goals before I left was to sit down some young guys and lay it out there... I mean lay it out... I had 10 years worth of good choices and bad that others had laid out to me beforehand. Not only that, but to explain how it's a bigger world then what you see in Westerly, RI.

I don't know why I wanted to do it, but I guess I still remember small conversations from people who told me stories when I was 18-21ish. "I always regret I didn't pioneer and go to Bethel." "Living on my own for 3 months before I was married was one of the smartest things I ever did." "Stay single and see the world, because after your married you can't." Those stories help affect my decisions of where I wanted to go, and what I wanted to do.

I will say it was nice to eat some chewy chocolate chip cookies, doritios, and candy bars and drink Hawaiian Punch. If there was some scotch there I would have talked all night with the boys!

(I wish this happened to me)

There were some other unexpected blessings that happened while going back home. One was to give the last ever public talk at the Exeter Kingdom Hall. The Stonington congregation had me give the Public Talk at the hall so most of my family could come down to see it. It was such a privilege since this was the hall that I mainly grew up in. The talk was mainly experiences from Indo with a worldwide twist.

After the talk we had the good ole Kenyon family turkey, lasagna, salad, italian bread, and carrot cake buffet. It had been 5 years since we had gotten all together so it was long overdue.

That Sunday was a Sunday to remember. It was so nice. I will cherish that day for a long time. To see how all have grown. To see the congregation. To see family. To have the meal where your so stuffed you can't move. It was great to be with everyone.

(Yo, Mama's Italian side of the family)

(Heeeey, Daddy's Irish side of the family)

It wouldn't be a trip back to the US, if there wasn't a picture of a sunrise or sunset. This was a necessity. Amazingly how I even know the positions of rocks and sand at this beach...

Sunrise at WHill

What can I say... I made my goal. Over 3 years without going back to where I grew up. Your immediate family and those close friends always warm your heart in a new way. I don't know how long it will be before the next time, but this time was priceless...

A world away... A world changes...

2010-10-26T11:15:00.006+07:00

It's nearly November 2010, but I need to go back to Feb 2010. Why? That's how much stuff to catch up on.

First off- Credit to Dad and Mom for trying to do the Macedonian switch to Indonesia in they're late 50's. It's hard enough to get healthy young people with no overhead to do it in they're 20's. They came, they tried, but, just a little too much for them. It was my father's fourth time, my mom's third time out visiting. In fact most Americans don't even own a passport and they're trekking to Indowonderland.

Well after it was decided they were not going to be able to permanently serve in Indonesia and the transition of moving became a 5 week trip, it was more about making mom happy. SO??? Search for Batik in Bali. We had gone to the home of Batik in Solo Joygja trip back in 2008, but it was not successful- to find the mysterious cotton print batik that is famous amongst the elite quilters of the USA, Europe and Australia. http://indotom.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html
.

Of course there are other things to see and do in Bali. Like eating, arguably some of the best suckling pig this side of Tonga and Vanuatu.

(This is the view from the restaurant with little piggy platter)

After years of searching, my mom found her paradise. We met the woman who with her husband invented this batik style on heavy cotton which Indonesians have no use for. But she wouldn't part with any of those samples!!! No worries...we found a shop downtown that sold some!

Indonesia always has music playing somewhere. This is a traditional instrument made from Bamboo. She was trying to get us to buy the instrument to take home. Sounded lovely!

(No quarters necessary. Just 1000 or 10000 Rupiah!)

While doing the market research for sign language last year I spent nearly a week helping out on the Kingdom Hall project here in Bali. Interestingly they are not officially registered as a Kingdom Hall (religious building). The reason is the Hindu religion dominates the masses as well in the political scene. We are registered as a educational center for the Bible. Monthly or quarterly they have to send in a report to the government dealing with the progress of the 'meetings.'

(Finished project, beautiful tempat pendidikian Alkitab)

Mom leaves, Dad stays... Uh Oh? Well, considering it's like 2 C degrees in the US and dad is a pioneer, loves to swim, and the Indonesians always smile and chuckle at him because he's heavy, gray hair, and has a big nose. -For some reasons a lot of Asian women like the big nose-

So dad stayed an extra month to pioneer with me. We went down to the zone overseer's visit in Jakarta. It turned out to be a national convention for all who could attend on the archipelago. It was great to see a lot of old friends that in some cases I hadn't seen since 2004.

I get the news that I will be one of the interpreters for the convention. For whom? A brother on the Governing Body. Of course 2 minutes before the program starts I finally get to meet him to find out what talk he will be giving. When he tells me about Jonah, I say, oh, ya I heard that one before, you talk about Jonah he didn't obey, 40 days more before Ninivah will be destroyed and so on... He say's how do you know that? Oh I have it on my computer. I was given that talk by someone. He cracks up laughing, and after a few minutes of talking he asks again, how did you hear this talk? I repeat my answer and he laughs.

Sure enough the KM shortly after for April talks about sharing recorded talks. But, knowing the talk prior to interpreting helped so much to make the points clear.

(It was in the 90's in the shade and the talk was over 1.25 hours. pheww)

A few highlights of the zone's visit besides having a GB member in Indonesia for the first time in 10 years was a special announcement. BROTHERS- "There is no rule that those in your congregation must wear jackets. Let your reasonableness be known to all men. Colored shirts are also not a problem. To join the Theocratic Ministry School it is not required you own a jacket! It's a personal preference if you want to wear a jacket." It was great! Our sign language congregation didn't wear one anyways, but it was nice to have a national announcement. To make the point clear Br. Lett, the members of the Indonesian Branch Committee, and a helper from US Branch Committee didn't wear jackets. In fact some had on short sleeves.

(Probably a safety announcement would have helped as well)

Back in Batam we always have guests. I met Hyesun in a particular country under ban and then again at the Int Convention in Korea in September 2009. She wanted to get away for the annual Buddhist New Year as it is incredibly chaotic, loud, and well it's vacation time off from work.

We gave her the full-Indo experience including staying with the local sisters a few nights to experience the Indonesian bathroom situation, going preaching in the boondocks, ferry boat rides, and of course exotic fruit. In the picture below this fruit has the effect of Novocain. You eat it and your lips squeeze together and you can't feel anything and you sound like your a little slow in the brain.

(Melly- remember us in Papua, Hyesun- keep laughing wherever you go)

The nice thing when you have guests is you always try to look for the small things in life to bring back to your mind the beauty and happiness that is around all the time.

(Peace of Mind, but where's the fish?)

Well it became time for dad to head back to America. It was a great extra month pioneering with dad, chatting, and just overall everything.
Instead of people inviting him over, we invited over others. He was in a different congregation then me, so we invited some from his congregation. My dad confirmed 18 or 20 people were coming. Which in Indonesia doesn't include, kids, cousins, bible studies, or maid's. So in the end it was right at 49 or 50 people.

So how do you buy food for 20 people and then handle 50?
1. ALWAYS ALWAYS have tons of rice.
2. Willing sisters who take care of cleaning, cutting, slicing vegetables.
3. BBQ grill for fish and chicken, train a brother how to flip over the meat.
4. Watermelon cut really small for dessert.
5. People eat with there hands and use dishes, bowls, tupperware, anything possible for lack of plates.
6. People sit on the floor, balcony, sofas, anywhere.
7. Pray
8. Fill them up beer and get them giddy so there not concentrating on the lack of food.

So we taught them the Insight Book Game. Two teams split in half, strange word no one has ever heard of, everybody gives a different answer, the opposite team must pick which one is correct.

(Liar! Liar! Blushing! Laughing! He's the one!)

After departure from Batam it was nice to take dad over to Singapore and visit some friends and get some of the famous oysters with eggs and pork noodles.

(2 dolla, 2 dolla)

Then it was over to Malaysia to visit the branch and see the Harper's who I hadn't seen in a few years. Amazing couple who were Gilead grads years ago and still going strong. If I'm not mistaken they have served in over 10 different countries. They took dad and I around the town.

(Nothing like the streets of Asia)

(Melacca at Night)

The Harper's skill is translation training. That's what they were trained to do back in 2002 with around 20 other couples who traveled the world helping branches how to more accurately translate.

Their big project was helping to start the Malaysian translation team. A language with some 40 million speakers only started translation a few years ago. Now as you look at this picture how many actual Malay from the Malay tribe do you see?

(Malay is what they learn in school but around the home this team spoke Tamil, Mandarin, English, but there not Malay's. Quite similar to SL translation teams that have non-deaf or no c.o.d.a on the team.)

Now, here's where I can type for hours or just sum up 7 years in two words. -Undeserved Kindness-

2003-First Interpreted Meeting (3 deaf baptized, 0 groups, 0 congs)
2004-First Sign Group
2005-15th Sign Class is taught
2006-10 deaf baptized
2007-7 different cities interpret District Convention. Drama is pre-filmed and sent out to those cities.
2008-4 official Sign Congregations
2009-Circuit Assembly and Special day presented in full sign are held in 3 cities.
2010-June 18-20 First Full Sign District for entire country. 539 attend from 29 different cities/islands. Over 200 deaf attend. 6 deaf baptized brining total to 40 total throughout country. Now 6 congregations and 9 groups. Isaiah 60:17

(I'm sorry, really bad picture. I was too busy trying to pay attention, backstage for things, talking to deaf, old students, friends, crying, assignments, overall shock and awe.)

How did we get there? Our congregation took a 25 hour ferry ride over the Java Sea to get to Jakarta. 3 of the friends flew down. But for the deaf it was too expensive. So to save 40 dollars a person and make it 28 hours longer we had a congregation trip. All together it was about 30 hours from house to house where we stayed.

(Congregations that can sleep on a ferry boat together can stay together)

I have so many more amazing stories for how the deaf got there, the persecution they faced to attend, the sacrifice of the friends, but, I guess, you can get the idea. Time and repetition it seems takes some of the amazing when you start traveling and seeing the outside of the box, and over time that same amazing now becomes a head nod, a good job, and may Jehovah bless you.

One of those amazin's is Rahmad. It was his first time to Jakarta and he saved up all his money to attend. The affect of seeing other deaf Muslims and what they did to attend lead him to immediately join the theocratic ministry school the week after coming back home.

(He put himself out there and Jehovah took care of the rest)

Now if you have seen the blog for a while you know I usually don't end without a good sunset. This time though I want to leave it with the big blue sea.

(Something about being on the open water that just makes the soul smile)

One1 Day Two2 Days Three3 Days Four4

2010-05-10T19:19:00.004+07:00

What a special year in Indonesia. We have enjoyed many firsts for sign language, and they seem to keep coming.

Let's start with our days though...

One1 Day = Memorial

The effort of the brother's and sisters payed off as we had a new peak for attendance. We enjoyed 46 at our memorial, although we only have 11 baptized publishers here in Batam.

I don't know how, but I kept pushing as well. I was really happy to see 15 invitees (including studies) come. Of course 4 of them walked in during the program late and in typical deaf fashion waving there hands saying hello and sorry we were late because it was raining. It's something else to keep eye contact with them as your also keeping eye contact with the audience as your giving the talk at the same time. You kind of just hope they don't try and walk up to the podium and shake your hand.

There were many deaf who attended throughout the archipelago. The report is over 400 hundred deaf around Indonesia. That includes places that I cannot even pronounce and even some spots in eastern Indonesia.

Two2 Days = Special Day and Assembly combined in a package combo.

The branch also gave 'first's' being the Circuit Assembly being able to be held in three locations in Indonesia. Jakarta/Bandung area for those 2 congs and groups that are close. Surabaya/Malang area for those 2 congs and groups that are close. Medan/Batam area for those 2 congs and groups that are close.

The program was cut from 2 days into 1. In our case in Medan we had the Circuit on Saturday and the Special Assembly day on Sunday. Welllll, it's all good. Funny, Medan got to interpret once back in November and then they held it in full sign. We in Batam were somehow scheduled to be attending our one day and our two day in two different cities on the same day Valentines Day (Feb 14). Anyways, it's all good. The branch is looking after us, and now for next year -if we have time- we can hopefully attend at buildings that are better seated for the needs of the deaf in mind. The brotherhood though was tight.

Three3 Days = "Keep on the Watch" District Conventions

I almost don't even remember anymore these three days. Probably because I attended the district 4 times. Once in Batam, once in Jakarta, once in Bali, and once in Korea. I do remember the anticipation for attending because of the theme and what the talks were all about. I would sum the convention up as we have no excuses. The slave has given us all that we need to be ready. Here in a islamic country the name badge gave a witness wherever we wore it. Qayamat sudah dekat. "Judgement day is near."

Part of the reason for traveling was tied into previous blogs. You can revert to the blog titled 'Goodbye June, See You July, Here Goes August.' A lot of good stories and pictures in that blog. One thing mentioned was the fact that we have gone toooo much ASL. One of the reasons for traveling was to do Market Research on what the deaf are really using throughout the country - outside of us as JW's- Ever since then my eyes have been really opened to this language which is a far cry from what we have been using. I'm sure the branch will resolve this when the time is right. Since then our Batam congregation has starting getting away from ASL, and using what we find in the ministry. It's a ton more enjoyable. It probably helps that almost no-one watches the ASL DVD's.

Four4 Days= International Convention in Korea.

Again,,, jeez. Where to start.

1. Holy Spirit: I prayed hard about attending and it all came through about 3 weeks to a month before the date. That includes branch approval, using up my airline miles for a free trip {the last week before they expired}, gathering every last penny I own, finding a contact to stay with, borrowing ethnic Melayu tribe Indonesian clothes from a gov't employee, getting a job at a school post assembly, being on the same flight from Japan with Bethelites, (and one knew me and just recently went to a party with my sister) -the bethelites were the last ones on the plane for some reason, and held it up} meeting a Korean Bible Study in the airport who somehow I knew the person studying with him, finding rides for the bethelites to the hotel, using Indonesian to communicate with the Koreans I was staying with as they didn't speak good English.

2. The Korean's work ethic: Unbelievable. The put time, money, and amazing planning to get that convention up and going. They had people at the airports, people staying with families spread out over every-which way. Interpreters for who knows how many languages. Guided tours, gifts for everyone, history packages of the city and the organization, Places to take pictures around the assembly site, special seating for the delegates so we sat out of the sun, and it goes on.

3. Going to Prison: That was tight. Going to Prison to meet a brother. And again, speaking Indonesian to him as he was in the Indo group before jail and doesn't speak English.

(Am I allowed to post this pic?)

4. The food and spas: Man oh Man, Koreans don't play with their BBQ, veggies, and alcohol. I at spicy Kimchi like a champ. Their pork is amazing. The plum wines are oh oh oh so nice. Korean pizza is a trip. Now the spas- My body felt as pure as it had ever been. The heat rooms and cold rooms and sulphur water pools are nice. {{{once you can get over getting nude with a bunch of your brothers it's the best place ever}}} I am proud to say I received a clap from the boys for holding my head the longest under the boiling hot water.

(Ok, So it was bad, but I guess not that bad)

5.The smiles: Koreans can smile and it was contagious. The foreign sections for the assembly were loaded with smiles and gifts being passed around. The deaf section was loaded with people. They loved meeting bros and sisters from other areas. This was first time for me wearing ethnic clothes and it payed off as I left with 3 boxes of souvenirs and a lot of smiles.

6th and final. The conclusion:
I can't put this into words. For 7 minutes we enjoyed a slice of paradise. The announcement was made that the new songs would be played over the speaker system post the prayer. BUT, after that please exit the building as soon as possible. WHY? That Sunday evening the Seoul FC (football club) had a match at around 7 p.m. So we had all 60,000 people had to get out within 45 minutes. In fact Gerrit Losch announced that he had to cut his final talk shor about the destruction of Babylon the Great as we had to get out. During that 45 minutes you should have seen the ants go to work. I mean it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in such a fast time. They broke down an assembly that had been planned years in advance in a less then 45 minutes. IT WAS AWESOME!
-Those 7 minutes were honestly something. There was no negative thoughts, no gossip, no cursing, no worrying about taxes, no pressures, just pure love in the air. Honestly, it was like you could taste the love on your lips like a delightful appetizer from all the tears, clapping, banners and all that went with it. Then you turned around and it was locked up and empty and everyone and everything was gone. The next thing you see is Football fans in their jersey's, trumpets, and you literally felt the holy spirit leave the building and the spirit of the world just zoom right in, and you said, JEHOVAH, BRING US HOME TO PARADISE.

-I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT HOUR FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE-

KOREAN HIGHLIGHTS ( THIS IS WORTH WATCHING )

(First 8 minutes)

(Second 8 minutes)

-Some other pics from these random days-

Batam Keep on the Watch District = Interpreting for the last time!

(Yipee buku baru)

Jakarta

In line with the new ways to preach, they did a demo using webcams. Probably should do a 3G Video Phone one as well.

(For the more modern deaf who actually have a computer)

Bali

They got a new publisher. Oh man, so many deaf in Bali and now three activities in three different spots.

(Which guy is it?)

Medan

Our congregation saved up, saved up and saved up some more money again. It was awesome to travel as a whole congregation as one.

(Back to the kampung/village)

Home

(Always time for a sunset no matter how busy you are)

I may post one more video from the Indonesian Assembly's but I can't do too much better than that video from Korea. That was emotionally touching.

See you post 1st ever Indonesian District Convention for all of Indonesia on June 18-20th. History in the making.

Seven S's Since Simplicity

2010-02-25T09:21:00.007+07:00

I think it was 6 months ago I wrote I would let you know how the 'Keep On The Watch' district went here in Indo. Well, I hope you can wait a wee bit longer.

Since our ultimate simplicity trip of earthquake relief in Padang, here's some happenings: (S7). Service-Sleepovers-Sign Language-Socializing-Simon-Singapore-Sunsets-

(S1) Service
"
November was all over the place for service. Sorry- not too many pictures on that. I really should take more. The once "thrill of photography" in the ministry has become the basic reality. But one of the nice things about being engulfed in the ministry is that you bring that "zeal to witness" even to places you're not prepared for.

One day, on my way to a RV in the big mall in town, I saw a bunch of Chinese tourists. I asked the tour guide in Indonesian if they were from China. He said no; but I offered them the WT and Awake in Mandarin anyways as I heard them speaking Mandarin.

He asked me in English if I was a JW. I replied: 'yes I am.' He said: 'so are we.' I was shocked, but they were Singaporean on vacation for two days in Batam. So the next day I had them come by for a visit.

(They ran on the golf course with no shoes on; it was hilarious- as in Singapore you could get arrested)

On another night in November, we went to a Muslim school at about 6:30 - till 9:30 pm with a small break in between for sholat (prayer time) Our discussion was with 2 Islamic guru's as well as 2 Muslims who are also English teachers. They KNEW the Bible. In fact one of them was quite proficient in Biblical Hebrew and asked why I don't read the bible in the original language that it was written in. Bear in mind that he's a 24 year old Indonesian muslim. He was all prepared to prove why Christianity has gone it's way from the word and could prove it scripturally as well as according to the original writings in Hebrew and Greek and use such as John 1:1, Isaiah, Psalms and other scriptures. He was pleasantly surprised to see how Jw's are not hypocritical but follow the word. He took a bunch of literature and will be contacted again.

I also went back over to Tanjung Uban to help the deaf who previously studied with Maria our Special pioneer. On that day (Christmas Day) the friends were cleaning the KH. Below you can see how they cut the grass. For what would take about 30 minutes in the U.S. took him from 8 a.m. til 5 p.m. You can see why.

(Cutting the grass with big scissors)

(Small beauty, Big Impression)

Other times when you have been informal witnessing you may get invited to "random" events. Case in point-

(An Australian Indonesia wedding at a community center)

(Stop and smell the roses along the way)

(S2) Sleep overs

Lukasz, a deaf brother from Poland, made his way through Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Linguistically he is gifted. He knew parts or whole of 7 or 8 Sign Languages. He could read and write english, and of course polish, and started to learn Indonesian. Very nice brother who hopped from house to house after 3 days. His sign name was just like John Travolta's infamous p-fiction dance move.

(All the deaf at the meeting. He's the only one without dark hair.)

(S3) Sign Language

We're down to the last 11. Well, technically 13, but 2 publishers are away for an indefinite amount of time. We're having fun, but a bit tired. We had the c.o. last week who was a substitute. He encouraged us to start doing search and rescue outside of our island of Batam. (That's another 2000 islands to cover if anyone wants to help.) He's a young MTS grad full of fire and does it like the book says. A really nice thing here where the ban was lifted less then 10 years ago so brothers like that are needed.

(We play games to keep our sanity)

(BOO!)

(S4) Socializing

Socializing comes in many forms. The Ng family, who have really been like a rock in Batam for over 10 years decided to part ways with Batam and go on to Bali where there's a need. Lardi and Febi were on the branch construction team in 1995 when they ended up marrying and being assigned as special pioneers until...oh girl...oh girl again...

Here are some of the funny and cute highlights from the 4 congregation bash. When this video is done, you will enjoy the simplicity and sweetness of the Indonesian friends.

(Batam Picnic Indonesian Style)

Since this was a 'hearing' aimed social event, we had a social event at my home too so the deaf could participate. Lardi and Febi did a real lot for the advancement of Sign Language in Batam. It's so nice having a bbq grill. You can bbq anything and the Indonesian's will eat it as long as there's rice with it.

One of my rv's has a farm and I bought some FRESH corn on the cob. Febi- (sister moving to Bali) said it was the best corn she ever had in her life. It was good. FYI- take the butter and melt it down first, then put in the salt, pepper, and sugar in the melted butter, mix it together and use a new paint brush to spread it on the corn. OH WOW- it's good!

( The deaf and our cong. 81 or BI. It's supposed to be BI or Bahasa Isyarat meaning sign language)

(S5) Simon

Simon and his family took me under their wings all the way back in 2004 when I first came to Indonesia. It was so great to see Simon advance as a spiritual man despite the easy way out that there is for the upper-class Jakarta kids. With the- higher the income, the higher the education, it seems, comes- the harder the temptation. Simon went to school in Australia to become a doctor, but was going to MD school while pioneering and serving with Sign Language.

As a MD trainee in Indonesia, they send you to the hospital where everyone gets sent that has no hope of recovery. THAT'S BEING THROWN IN THE FIRE! In the morning Simon would watch people die in the hospital, in the late afternoons he would help deaf people to life!

His wedding was a few weeks ago, and I had to make it down. It was posh as posh could be, and the food,- well the food was amazing!!! Simon, congrats to you and Melissa.

(Daniel and Dr. Death)

(Simon's mom all decked out. Mon, wah, cantik bangggget deh!!! Bisa jadi aktris sinetron kan?)

(S6) Singapore

I'm working. 35 days straight. It's gotta be done. What am I doing? Something like what's involved in the picture below.

(A whole different world in the offshore industry)

Fortunately I still have some time to meet up with the deaf. And you still can bump into old friends in random places; like bumping into Rick and Michelle at a Chinese hawker stand in Singapore, selling Australian lamb chops to American tourists -next to a Malaysian stand- selling Indonesian fried rice and Indian curry.

(SO MUCH POTENTIAL AND INTEREST, BUT, no men to take the lead ... aaarrrgggh)

(S7) Sunsets

It wouldn't be "Indotom's blogspot" without a little reflection on the creative beauty (s) that Jah has around us all the time. To quote my childhood example of what I wanted to be but knew I shouldn't {Ferris Bueller} "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

(Don't miss it, the real life is on the horizon)

Batamese, Rasta man, Earthquake, Ecuadorians

2009-11-10T14:39:00.009+07:00

I promised in September to show some highlights of the district assembly's. Sorry, a little behind schedule.

Before that blog comes about we need to show the Mini olympics in Batam. It's a friend of mine's wedding so I threw a bachelor's party for him. Weddings here are a flip flop from American style weddings. Instead around 150 of your best friends and family it's 400-500 of your neighbors and relatives you never see and your best friends and family don't have enough money to fly out to see it.

The brother here on the right in the 67 shirt has been in Batam for about 7 years but got married in a different city where he grew up. No one has money to get out there nor the time off. So we drank seaweed beer in his honor.

(Ball throw, egg toss, bike with no hands, bow and arrow, coin push, bocce, and blind poker)

Not too long after this the pioneer school came over for the Saturday goodbye meal. I cooked up for 30 people so that was fun. They never had pasta before so it was nice to see all of them diving into something new. This marks the 2nd time the pioneer school has been on our island of Batam so it was nice to have a small part. On Sunday post-school we (almost all the brothers with cars) took them down to the beach, saw a refugee camp, fed wild monkeys, went to 'da bridge' and the crowds rejoiced. I think I should have been part of this class as a second-timer but i'm hoping we will get a sign language pioneer school next year... We'll see.

(Pioneers senang sekali)

On to rastaman. Isias was great. His story of how he came in the truth is funny. He was totally chillin, illin, dillin, and livin the rasta life. But, eventually the truth won out.

After serving in Malaysia and Singapore he wanted to see Indo. He did a fine tour of Batam, Medan, Jkt, Bandung and back to Sing. I gotta say, he gave the craziest public talk I have ever seen. He used the stage like a literal stage. He was using two lap-tops, using the t.v., using a white board, and even walking of the stage to the audience to see pictures on his small laptop. He even had to ask the audience a few times on how to spell words in Indonesian. I even cringed a few times as it was just something. BUT<<<<<< absolutely clear and the deaf loved it. He mixed in Indo signs and a lot of natural signs.
My man Isias!!
This guy was all deaf, nothing but the deaf, and all energy for deaf. We had quite a few 10 hour days. THANKS BRO!!!

(The sizes of hearts can't be judged)

Not long after Isias left was a huge earthquake on the island of Sumatra. You may know that thousands died from the earthquake on September 30, 2009. Padang is located in my circuit. A group of 4 of us went out to see what we could do.

I was there to help with the evaluation of homes, bringing relief supplies, repairing damaged homes and as well emotional support. There were a little over 30 witness homes that had some kind of damage. Two homes were unlivable, but most of the damage to the friends home was minor in scope. Amazingly only two sisters were injured. Both of these injuries was due to falling debris on their legs.

Here are a few points I learned from this tragedy that you may enjoy.

1. Build on rock not on sand.
- Buildings that were built cheaply or with sand as their base literally sank into the ground sometimes two stories. Some of these were impressive Gov't buildings or banks. Houses that were built on rock and with better quality suffered only minor cracks or nothing at all. So Jesus words at Matthew 7:24-27 rang true. Only under pressure will the true foundation be revealed.

(Honestly: It was something to see a mosque just destroyed and people driving right past it. Foregleam?)

2. A lot of work post-Armageddon
- In my estimation the re-building work in general will be going on for 5 years to get everything back to normal again in the city. With all the money and int'l help it still takes time for controlled demolishing of buildings; loading up all the material; bringing it to new places, and on and on. I always thought the Paradise would come like 6 months post-armageddon. Padang has 2 congregations and some 160 publishers in that city. It would take them 100 years or more to try and clean up all that mess. We will have to wait and see how Jehovah helps us via natural forces at Armageddon, but we still have a lot of clean-up to do. A lot more than I thought.

(Have fun dude)

3. Simple is best
- The Indonesians are so simple. No water or electricity and yet for some life continued just like normal. They didn't sweat it at all. Even in these circumstances they just keep on trekking. A simple eye and content with the present things is the way to go.

(This sister is only one of 2 native Padang people who are JW's. A very very hard tribe to come into the truth)

4. Importance of meetings.
- Even though the earthquake happened on Wednesday, Thursday meetings were still held. The one KH for the south congregation was destroyed. They moved to a office like garage building on the first floor. No electricity, no bathroom, no a.c. nothing. In fact around 25% sat outside next to the motorbikes as it wasn't big enough. The following thursday I was there and it was probably the most unique meeting in my life. As stated: no electricity, bathroom, a.c., add to the fact that I had to interpret the whole meeting for a deaf girl that came. It was 95 degrees in their, very hard to pick up words as cars and motorbikes were driving by in the front, and this is the best part.......................... all you could smell was dead bodies from a building that collapsed in front of us that had people crushed under the concrete below. Most people were wearing masks because of the smell. After the meeting though??? All the kids wanted to come and take pictures with the 'bule'. (Means white buffalo).

(I had a gut feeling it was going to be a special meeting and it was)

(To the kids the only thing special was the guy with the funny nose)

5. Fame and wealth are temporary.
-So many people lost everything in a manner of a minute. It's soooooooooooooooo temporary in this system. One day here, one day no more. A proof of this is one day while we were walking along I happen to see a bunch of trophy's and a expensive vase on the side of the road for the trash man to pick up. Why? They broke and had no use anymore. So true, so true.

(Am I focusing on a crown of thorns or a crown of life?)

6. Imitate Nathaniel
- The best story from the earthquake was 2 year old Nathaniel. His mom a JW; picked up her two boys (aged 2 and 3) in her arms while the earth was shaking. His mother frantically trying to figure out what was going on and was quivering and shaking. 2 year old Nathianel replied: "Mama, Jehovah is our friend, Jehovah will help us. Don't be afraid." After hearing this his mother started to cry. She thought; here my son is only 2 years old and his faith in Jehovah is stronger than mine although i'm an adult and already baptized.

I asked our sister while repairing her home, how did he get such trust in Jehovah? She replied: 'When he takes a nap he only will fall asleep if I sing to him song number 47 'Jehovah our Strength and our Might', only after that will he sleep.'

(mama, Nathaniel, and the 3 year old)

There are many other stories and principles from the earthquake but it would take too long.
-Follow the 2005 KM on disaster preparedness.
-Be ready to obey the direction of the elders at the last minute.
-No water, electricity, and jacked up prices will happen.
-Post disasters people need personal visits not text messages 'are you o.k.?
-Acting like a witness is sometimes the greatest witness.
-One grandmother grabbed her grandchild and cuddled her into her arms right before a wall collapsed on-top of her. Another man did the same with his money. In both cases (grandmother, man) died. Only difference the grandmother saved the baby, the money didn't save the man.

Now after the work was just about done, I tried to go back to Batam but all the flights were full. It seems there has been a mass exodus from Padang due the trauma experienced by the quake. So, what to do?

Go to Medan and work on a KH project. In typical Indonesian fashion; there is always a surprise in store.
Please keep in mind all of the follow happen because there was no flights left to Batam. I ended up getting home cheaper.

(Hey can you make some concrete? Sure, as soon as I kill the deadly cobra in the sand)

Seriously, funny. Just a random cobra in the concrete mix. The friends were like, ya that's normal here. There are farms all around so that happens. It was nice though to see some of the crew I worked with in Bangka. The lunch on saturday was a bredded-shrimp dish that was so incredible. Thankfully all the friends take two or three helpings of rice and only one or two shrimp, so that left PLENTY for the hungry American.

It seems anywhere I go I can't travel without meeting the deaf. Medan was no exemption. They have the highest concentration of deaf attending meetings in Indonesia. The picture speaks for itself. They are all deaf.

(At 9:00 I had the public talk in Indonesian on one theme, 16:00 was the talk in Indo sign on another: HSpirit)

Now to add to this trip is the fact I'm supposed to be entertaining Melissa and Linda who are American-Ecuadorian guests in Singapore, bringing them to Malaysia and back to Batam. Again, always a surprise in store.

I love traveling in Indo, because you never know what your going to expect. I don't know if it's better to know the language or not. The friends in Medan tried to help us with contacts in Berstagi (which they did) but we didn't exactly meet that particular brother. We got off a random bus on a random road called Brother Street. (Jalan Saudara) The reason is this one sister had been a JW forever and all neighbors know who and where JW's are.

We asked where is the witnesses and they brought us to her house. They took us in, fed us, showed us around, and we even slept there. The main entrée of the night was fried snake and snake soup with coconut liqueur a local delicacy renowned for it's health benefits.

That evening we rented a bus and packed 15 of us into it to go to the natural hot springs. Somehow the Indonesian friends are more happy screaming, jumping, and pushing each other into the 100 F water then just sitting back and relaxing in the water.

(Source of the Hot Springs comes from these geysers/active volcanoes)

The next day was a day to remember for sure. For some reason most of the locals have never been to this spot before. (Typical) The persons that live by the ocean who don't swim. The ones who live next to a mountain but don't ski, the ones in NYC who have never been to the MET, Bethel, or the museums, and so on...
I have never seen anything like it my-life. You go through a tropical rain forest; end up in a mountain range; cross by unique limestone cliffs; pass a sulphur stream; skip by the geysers; and end up at volcanic crater. If you want to keep walking you can go to the peak and see up to Medan on a clear day.

We as the genius's that we are decided to make our names in rock formations, walk through sulphur water, collect rocks, clean up debris to make our own hot spring pool, and,,,,,,,, get caught in a straight up flood-like rain storm.

(It was awe inspiring, I swear you would be off limits for getting that close in the Western World)

Ya, so we got soaked. EVERYTHING soaked, and it was a good couple mile walk down the mountain again. BTW, we had all of our things as we were on to Lake Toba.

(If I hadn't just bought some brandy we would have definitely got the pig flu)

We made our wet way 6 hours later arriving at 12 am to a random hot spring hotel on Lake Toba. 3 different hot springs in 2 days was well worth it. In typical Indo fashion it was closed so I hopped over the fence and banged the door until Papa Batak woke up from his slumber.

Our timing was perfect as the next morning was the weekly market where people bring their goodies from ALL OVER Toba to sell in this weekly free-for-all. This old lady was absolutely hilarious. She kept on trying to sell me a pig and my answer was the same: 'There is no way I could take it back on the plane with me to Batam.' (Haram/Forbidden)
She was a GREAT saleswoman and said, well if you can't take the big one on my lap, just take the smaller one in this bag.

(Hey!!! Take a picture with me but give me $1.00)

For you new-bee's to Indonesian culture there are hundreds of tribes and languages. Batak Toba is one of these tribes who are predominantly Christian and they are known to be loud, pushy, and a very strong character. I loved it. Most of Indonesian JW's come from the Batak tribe. In fact 75% of my congregation is from there, so it was great to see how they grew up. It was also awesome to preach freely and identify myself as a witness as EVERYBODY knows JW's in this area.

Then on the lake itself, it's wow, something else. I don't know how big, but it's the largest in South East Asia. It was formed by a volcanic eruption that apparently changed the whole climate of the world. It could be explored for years.

(This pic doesn't do it justice as the lake is actually like a big eye with an island in the middle)

We stayed in Hotel Carolina which was owned by a witness family until mama passed away last January. It was $3.00 a day for a room in a traditional batak house which was fun in itself. On our way out of Toba we bumped into the most famous of all Indonesian tribes: Monyet

(Give me a peanut and I wont mess up your car - sama aja seorang parkir kan?)

After another 7 hour bus ride through the flooded city of Medan we arrived at a deaf brother's house and discussed deep spiritual conversations dealing with the organizational structure and sign language linguistic issues. This now bap brother was president two times for the Gerkatin deaf organization in the second largest city Medan.

The next day in the airport we were tricked into buying a all-you-can-eat buffet and drink in the airport lounge completely equipped with inet, free massages, cappuccino maker, cell phone charges, special boarding, and satellite T.V.

(Man, what a wasted $5.00! j/k)

Back in Batam on Friday afternoon, it was on the road again.

Arrive, pick up car, shower, laundry, dinner, sunset, sleep, wake up, breakfast, meeting, parts, service group, drive, ferry ride, informal witness, kh, motorbike, beach, preach, dinner, shower, sleep, wake-up, shower, breakfast, public talk me, wt, pictures, motorbike, ferry, pick up car, meet deaf persons, meeting, chairman me, public talk, wt reader me, pictures, mall, shopping, dinner, sunset, talk, shower, sleep.
AAAAAAAAAAHhhhh now it's Monday am.

(Somehow a white sand beach fit in the schedule)

Melissa and Linda were amazing. Melissa has been in Ecuador for 10 plus years so I was kinda of feeling she could handle a week like that, but Linda, oh my. Usually 18 years of marriage makes people take more of those relaxing 4 star vacations, but my dear sister Linda you go girl.

So the girls are off now, and I'm back to normal it seems. Literally since my parents arrived last November 2008 this is the first few weeks I have had off to just figure things out and take it all in. There is no better way off to do this then...

(Ya, you know a sunset picture was coming, but this is what happens in my home when it sets)

If you read this far, thank you. This was a really loaded blog. The next one will catch up about the Keep on the Watch assemblies here in Indo and Korea.

Goodbye June, See You July, Here goes August

2009-08-14T10:04:00.008+07:00

When it comes to traveling I’m not the plan it all out step by step guy. Day 1 here, sleep there, go here, so on and so forth. I personally love an open itenaray just having an idea, being flexible, and being with the friends. In this case I saw it all coming together and it looked like the summer was coming together quite fine.

This blog is one of the best in a while. Why? It’s raw. It’s reality. When you can take a step back or out for a length of time, it helps you to refresh the life that is what it is around you.

We start out with 3 American need-greaters in Malaysia on vay-ca in Indo. It wouldn’t be a story if it didn’t involve immigration, can’t enter the country, stuck in the airport, ATM not working, lost wallets in cabs, calling a random brother they just met saying there are locked up in immigration with no money, and the American brother (me) just lost his wallet and only has 15 bucks. In the end, it just provides a good laugh and more faith in Jehovah’s tlc.

Our time chit-chatting help me cement a few points;

1. I must say the longer I am away from the New England/American culture the more I see the negatives and positives of it. Which is the greater percent? Don’t know yet.

One nice thing though about our culture is how you can just go on and on about people you know, perception on things, and deep spiritual conversation. We discussed the July daily text on Genesis 3:15 and the seed and went on for over 1.5 hours on the topic of what had happened to the seed throughout the generations. Really enlightening and clear too on the issue of the number remaining and the new understanding on ‘this generation.’
So if you talk about deep spiritual things, you need to wash the day down with Batam Indonesian’s own seaweed beer. Yup! It’s good for your skin. Makes it smooth.

(Try some seeweed in a glass)

What was great is the 3 are all in Sign Language in Kuala Lumpur. We have had to go through the same similar struggles with getting things going. So many deaf, so few workers in the field. (Matthew 9:37,38)

Since they were here on vacation/visa chop they just wanted to just chill out. It was good for all of us, including me to refresh up the batteries. Realize how nice where I am is, and soak it all in. Sit in the hammock, swim in the pool, and listen to the ocean. We played scrabble, listened to Maxwell and Jack Johnson, cooked tacos, bbq’d and had wine and chocolate. – Another plus about the American culture. -Indulge and enjoy- On the spiritual note, they were a huge shot in the arm for the congregation to see 3 more white people who can sign.

It was their 2-year wedding anniversary so they wanted to go to a random deserted island. Sure, no problem. We kind of found one, as there happened to be about 4 families there. They happened to be Christian so they got a witness, magazines, and brochures for the first time by a bunch of random bule’s {white buffalo’s}.
In appreciation for the literature and witness the local leader Markus decided to give us some local delicacies.

(coconut’s for the coconut’s; can you see the man in the tree?)

Well, time is what it is. It goes bye-bye. To all of you back in your home cultures: Soak it in. Look at the positives. If you’re in a foreign assignment when you get a taste of your home culture, appreciate it, then back to learning from the new one!

(wanna get away?)

After the freshen up with the Americans it was on to good old Jakarta.
Here in lies the next month of my life due to District Assemblies and sign conventions. WE WILL WAIT to unveil the amazing stories from the convention. I have one more to attend the end of this month.
Non-convention experiences leads us to coffee shops overlooking the city of Jakarta with some deaf people eating random Chinese delicacies.

(Rainbow Skyscrapers? What's next?)

So why the meeting in Jakarta with the deaf? It turns out we have a major problem on our hands here in Indonesia. We have been invaded by Americans! Aduh! How? We have adapted too many of ASL everyday signs into our language that just have to throw out with the news.
I will write about this in another time when everything is cleared up. Right now it’s still a little shady.

(These deaf know their language; we just need to learn it too!)

Many of you did here about the bombings in Jakarta. No reports of any brothers being hurt by it. We did go past one of the nice Hotels that was later bombed about 4 or 5 days after the convention. It’s interesting as Manchester United (English Premeire League soccer) was scheduled to be in the opposite stadium the following week so due to the craziness that that would have been it was decided to combine all of Jakarta at one convention instead of two weekends. The same parking lot, and entrance to the assembly would have been shared by the MU crowd and the JW crowd. One of the hotel’s that was bombed was the one supposed to be for MU. They later cancelled their trip to Indonesia.

The next part of our journey takes us to Bali. Yes, the ‘island of the god’s.’ (see blog nov 2006) As much as I’m learning Bali, it still is entrancing, unique and such an intricate puzzle piece of Indonesian culture.
In Indonesia you honestly never know what is going to happen at any given time. That’s inside the organization and out. This trip and Bali quickly reminded me of that fact.

Case in point. Going to a KH which isn’t a KH, it’s a house where the friends sit in like 4 different rooms. You can actually go to a meeting hear someone comment and by the time you walk around to find them, they are at another end of the house or went home. You could go a few meetings without actually seeing people. Imagine if you didn’t comment.
So this particular meeting had something I had never seen. The rough draft of the story is that the couple in the video below had a child out of wed-lock but wanted to get married, but not in Christendom’s churches as they know it’s wrong. But since they had been in a situation with living together they couldn’t progress to become publishers or being baptized for this reason. In Indonesia you must be part of some type of religious organization to be officially married. The representative body from that religion will sign the legal documents. Where to go?

Legal department was contacted. And an answer was formulated. The couple wrote up a letter of intent that they want to get married and vow’s in front of Jehovah and the congregation in line with bible principles and take the subsequent partner. So basically it was like reading a public notice of vows in front of the KH. It was really unique to go to a random Thursday night meeting and have people practically get married during the service meeting.

(If you look in the video you can see one main room, the room outside where I am, then there is a hallway, and two other rooms along the side, which can’t be seen in the video)

Mr. Daniel is the head JW tour guide for Bali. His family’s home is special in itself. One night there was a biawak (monitor lizard) who somehow got herself trapped in the electrical cords. She seemed to have fallen through the roof. What to do? It’s a big 3 to 4 foot lizard! What about smash it over the head, wrap it in a towel, cut it’s throat while it’s still alive, then skin it, cook it, and eat it with a glass of red wine… Welcome to Indonesialah! I was the smash over the head guy, and then eat it with a glass of bubbly

(This is the skinning and the operation. It’s educational but gory)

(New wallet, belt, shoes, anyone?)

Bali has something Batam doesn’t have: surf. I will learn to surf standing up again in the future, but in the meantime I still love being the board myself instead of standing on it.

(I caught one wave at Incredibles that was about a 10 foot face that I felt like when you get to the peak of a roller-coaster)

The convention is now finished in Bali, (later blog) and it’s on to a 5-day sign language crash course in Lombok. I honestly can’t do this portion of the blog justice, as it was so amazing. If this was Tommy of 5 years ago I could give you every detail, story, breathe of fresh air and experience that this brain could come out with, but,,,, the Tommy of 2009 is like: that’s the way it is in foreign service.

Lombok itself has around 3.6 million people. In 2000 there was a religious cleansing that left many dead, displaced, and in fear even up to this point. The chinese christians took the blunt of the tyranny. The congregation here is doing well, but only 25 publishers. That clearly is a big assignment. That’s a ratio of 1 publisher for every 144,000 people.

Our team on arrival was a group of 5 zealous youth’s from the Malang sign congregation in Java. They were asked by the C.O. to teach a 5-day crash course in sign here in Lombok. Let’s think about logistics for a second. You have 1 elder, 2 m.s. a few pioneers for 3.6 million people. Why are you going to have a sign language class again? Can you form a congregation? Can you start a group?
I love Indonesia… Nothing is impossible. Semuanya bisa.
Just like the phrase “YOU CAN DO IT” in Indo they don’t think twice.

For example in Lombok; are you getting married? First, steal your wife, pay the brides price to her father, then get both families together on a random Monday afternoon. Get a whole bunch of trucks and kids from the village and block off the main highway blasting music noone understands. Get all dressed up, and just walk.

(You should watch this video, it’s so random, and so Indonesia) (P.S. I stopped next to the bride and made her blush via a big bule smile)

All of converged together in the coordinator’s house here in Lombok. He’s an American from LA with a Surinamese wife. They kind of just fit in in Lombok. Those days were stories in itself. You have 10 people from totally different backgrounds all staying together. I don’t know how we all ate (nasi bungkus) or how I survived 1 week sharing a bed with a 200lb Indonesian brother with a mustache, likes to snore and throw elbows in the night. BUT, tidak apa apa. [whatever]

Since the sign class was in the evening after the friends work that left us the day to travel. Little did I know we would somehow end up at Desert Point the 2nd or 3rd best surf break in the world when it’s on. While out on the surf I was chatting with a Peruvian man who spent some $3,000 US to get that surf break. He asked me where am I from and how did I get here? I just told him, aww, were JW’s, just driving around sightseeing. I have a 7 o’clock sign language class to teach so I’m just passing the time.

(Lombok also has a bunch of foreigners looking at some of Indo’s best waves, snorkeling and 2nd tallest mountain in Indo)

In between our time for the classes we got to hop on our little 90cc motorbikes and see parts of the island. Not disappointing at the least! The landscape differs greatly from Bali. I mentioned to our host; ‘the more I see in Indonesia the more it blows me away that there is no 2 places alike. The more I see here makes me realize how amazing the paradise is going to be.’ His reply; ‘Ya man.’

(Land for Sale, Tanah di jual all over the place)

On the side of the road you can sometimes find people selling for a $1.50 fresh bbq fish about a foot and a half long. Sometimes your just driving along and you get a random monkey in the road. Ya, that’s the way it goes.

(Traffic jam lombok style)

Back to the spiritual paradise. The cong here meets in a brother’s home, and due to safety reasons due to the possible upsetting of religious zealots it has been decided not to sing in his house. Recently a office type building was purchased by a brother outside of Lombok and allows the brothers to use it. Unfortunately the local permit man only allows them to use it on special occasions and not weekly. This definitely merited a special occasion so we were allowed to meet on the 2nd floor. It was a fun two meetings. The sound system was a laptop with some guitar speakers. The chairs were rented and brought up and down the stairs like a line delivering sand bags to damn a river. The attendance was some 47 people the highest ever at a meeting here. Some 8 deaf came to the meeting on Sunday, and even 2 commented. One more tidbit… Part of the curriculum for the sign class is to start interpreting right away. That means all students who have been learning for 4 previous days will sign on the 5th day (the final meeting) Can you imagine this? Four days learning a language and already having to interpret the public talk, and watchtower? Ya, that’s the way it goes.

(Largest meeting attendance ever in Lombok)

A very special announcement was made during this week. For any future meetings at the brother’s home all songs will be sung in sign language. Why? Since it’s unsafe to sing in a voice, singing in sign language will still give praise to Jehovah and not cause distraction. Not too many hearing congregations in the world like that!
After the meeting it was back to the coordinator’s home. Just as the class is about to start some deaf show up. Then more, then more. Some 15 deaf showed up! They needed to finish the class, so I had the privilege of doing a big group study with them all. Let’s go right to it then. Universal Soverignty. How did they react?

(Hooooo, AAArrrgg,, Baaaaaaa, Horaay! )

Actually the picture is just some of them, as that picture was post b-study at the beach. We had over 30 people go to the beach after the last class for an hour or two. It was a blast to finish off our week with association. I snorkeled out a few hundred meters and so an amazing coral reef. Just when I was about to head back in, I saw one of Lombok’s most famous resident’s. A sea turtle. SO amazing. He was big, about ¾ the size of me. I followed him around for a while, but he was too smart! Every time I would get close, he would just swim deeper. He was so smart, he had me chase him some 30 to 40 feet down where of course I run of out air and need to resurface. Pretty good way to end the trip in eh?

(oh wait, actually after chasing Mr. Turtle this was the conclusion of the day)

Back to Bali. The 3rd reason for this trip was back in Bali. Reason 1 was the conventions, reason 2 was the class in Lombok, and reason 3 was the KH build in Bali.

There are 3 construction teams around Indonesia right now doing their thing. It takes usually over 2 years to get a permit to start building. In Bali’s case they can’t register under Kingdom Hall, they have to register under Educational Building for Bible Studies. Why? Even though Indonesia has freedom for religion, go ahead and try to get a permit in an area that is not the majority religion. If you’re a Muslim or Christian in Bali it is extremely difficult to get a permit for anything other than Hindu. If your in Aceh or Madura or Padang have fun getting a permit for a church or Buddhist temple. If you’re in an all Christian area have fun blasting a mosque at 4 a.m. Only with a lot of money in tips do things go through. Ya, it’s like that.

(An ole fashioned KH build... 3 months)

One brief story was how they got the land location. The original property that was to be purchased was on a street name in Balinese that sounds like the 'river gina'. In Indonesian it is VERY close to the river zina which zina means adultery. The brothers were bummed about this as Christendom churches would use this as a means to ridicule Jehovah's Witnesses as they meet in a place that sounds like adultery street. Then the owner raised the price so the brothers backed out and the sale didn't go through. They next found land on a place called 'river Jehow' which sounds like the river Jehovah. The land was HALF THE PRICE as what the first owner wanted. So now they will meet on a place that can give praise to Jehovah not take it away.

(Happy Happy Joy Joy)

When they got the property it had a lot of mini demon offering statues. The construction team took great pleasure with taking sledgehammers and bashing the false religious idols to pieces. They were happy having their little share in the destruction of Babylon the Great!

When it was non-working hours you have to spend time on Bali’s beaches. Nothing like them. People from all over the world, the sunsets, never dull moments. I have to say when people are on vacation it can either bring out the best of them or the worst. In this case this family from France or another French speaking country had the best coming out of them. I’m just glad I happened to be at the right place at the right time!

(Dad and Son have the beginninng of a beautiful relationship)

Now there were some good waves that day, but a school of fish got right in my area. When that happens, get out! They were jumping out of the water a bit, which I figure can only mean one thing. A bigger fish. Sure enough about 3-5 minutes later I saw a nice white fin. Yup, a shark out there chasing the little fish. I could only picture my mom saying to me; ‘ you saw a shark and continue to swim after? You idiot.’

Due to this inner voice of my mom, I got out of the water and told some other tourists, get out. I ran down the beach to tell the Indonesian life guards, who were like, no sharks here, really? No.? Then I stopped a local Balinese surfer who said, ‘ oh ya, hue putih, sudah biasa’ {white shark, that’s normal to see} He laughed and said, oh yeah close to the reef, no problem, they don’t usually bite people. Thank’s buddy.
So, that experience brought me to a conclusion of another day in Bali.

(Well not yet; I preached, he played bongos, and the other guy brought the rice wine!)

Then for my next to last day in Bali after working at the KH project 27 hours straight (night watchman duty included) I decided to enjoy the last day. Why? I had just reached a mini milestone personally.

(Of course catch waves, do some snorkeling, and see creatures from the abyss)

What was the mini milestone? The previous week I had reached 15 years of baptism, and that previous day I had reached 10 years of full-time service completed. In reality 15 and 10 is still small in the big picture. It’s about the average of a Gilead student is like 14 and 11 or 14 and 12. That is when they really get into their career. I guess I’m really happy about 3 main points from that realization that a mini milestone was reached.

1. Kept my integrity. Yes of course some foolishness in the heart of a boy, some stubbornness that needed to be softened up, and a greater understanding of the issue of Universal Sovereignty, but integrity in tact.
2. In all 10 years I made my promise to Jehovah of 840 hours. I still need my certificate, I still need to be better at pre-organization before going out in service, but a promise is a promise.
3. I’m still living my favorite scripture. Philippians 1:12, 25 says ‘Now I desire you to know brothers, that all of my affairs are for the advancement of the good news rather then otherwise… So being confident of this I know I shall remain and abide with all of you for your advancement and the joy that belongs to your faith.’
So what do you to enjoy this moment?

(Just like it all started, watching the sky at the beach)

Just when I think the trip is over, pack it up, soak it in, you never know what your going to see from the airplane.

(Some random inactive volcano over Java)

(The modern world of Jakarta, the white are clouds the grey is just pure smog!!!)

I believe the last picture, although not a sunset is a good way to remind of us of this world. Smog, dirty, choking us out. We need a complete overhall of this system. As much as I enjoy relating positive stories from Indonesia amongst this time in which we live, we just can’t escape the filth around that still exists.

KEEP ON THE WATCH.

If possible the next blog sometime in mid-September will show pictures and videos that show a glimpse through the clouds.

Smiles, School, and Suprises

2009-07-23T15:18:00.015+07:00

It’s been a fast 2 ½ months but good times nonetheless. Our SL cong has made quite a few new contacts. Things have advanced.

(Pak kumis/mustache and Pak tambel ban/fix a flat)

For my work we have enjoyed having our seniors graduate. There were 3 graduation parties for our school. I think it would be a good cultural hodgepodge if you want to see what the Vocational graduates did. Keep in mind getting them to speak English is like pulling teeth.

(The traditional dancing and the modern dancing)

I think in the three years of this blog I have only mentioned my financial support work sparingly. In this case it was touching to see a lot of students move on in their steps in life. You feel something when the kids move on. You also learn that these kids are not so innocent. Well it was fun to have the best of the best in English conversation come over to have an award party for there skill. You never know where a certificate can take you. For many it was the first time ever seeing a sunset over the ocean.
I also did a good ole American bbq to say thanks for being you.

(If you haven’t’ it’s a sure win investment.)

(990 students, these are the top 20)

After our memorial things have kept moving. We enjoyed our first C.O. visit ever to our sign language congregation. Another big treat was David and Caroline from the U.S. coming to S E Asia. Both are deaf and served in translation services in Patterson NY. They’re input on deaf culture, workshops, and other things were so huge for Singapore/Malaysia/Indonesia.

(Don’t forget some time to relax)

His Sunday talk brought in the largest attendance of deaf that we have ever had at the meeting. It goes such a long way. So much to say about there influence here in Indonesia, but you get the idea: a deaf couple from bethel that are white, deaf, and on the DVD’s.

(BIG Group, half - way smiles)

In other stories, there is a special pioneer sister on the next island over who has all of these deaf calls and studies. So I went over to help her for the day. The day started at 5 and ended at 11. If this was a blog from a few years ago the story would be like a mini-novel completely equipped with drinking fresh coconuts, boat rides through remote villages, deaf people living off the land without running water or bathrooms, lunch in the vegetable gardens, riding motorbikes on twisty roads with palm trees on the right and tranquil turquoise water on the left, sunsets on the open water, fresh markets with live animals, hairy fruit, dragon boat races, 4ft long snakes, 10:00pm bible studies, and a random woman sleeping on me. Can that really be only one sentence? Can it really be one day? Here’s a few shots:
(Welcome! But please watch your step)

(Turtle soup for lunch? Shhhhh)

(Mama, I’m deaf, but I smell something funny?!?)

(I guess Maria was happy to have me visit?)

MOVIE (Unique to Tanjung Pinang, it’s a race of guts and skill!)

http://www.blogger.com/video-play.mp4?contentId=9cc1bcc1cfcd7e6c&type=video%2Fmp4

(Listen lady, just because your tired…)

(Long day, want to get home. WAIT a minute)

Ya, that’s a wrap for now. The next blog will be shots for the ‘Tetaplah Bejaga Jaga’ conventions. Good times as well and they seem to keep coming… No matter the weather, wherever you are, always bring your sunshine. :Tom

(Speechless can be a good thing)

It's Back to Bali, Batam, Britain and ...normal...

2009-05-03T10:49:00.000+07:00

HEY!

Happy to catch up with all of you. Still need to update the whirlwinds of times and change version 2 post, but anytime you have family and visitors it feels good and is worthy of an update.

The last time our family of four had a family trip is going on 12 years. Most likely when I was 14 or 15 we did conventions together and a few trips to the forest, NH and some places like that. Once you get the driver's license things change.

So why not a trip to the 'island of the god's...

(Off to Bali, it went well)

While Bali is amazing and is the inspiration of design, architecture, books and so on, I won't bore you with a family vacation trip.

There were 2 funny animal stories. (1) A good sized lizard falling off the ceiling in the middle of the night on my mom's chest.
(2) Is a monkey story. If you go to my post 'island of the god's' from 2007 you will see pictures from the monkey temple. Well you can give the monkeys banana's for a small fee.

My sister bought a bag of banana's and here come the monkey's. Well, one old {granpa} monkey blocked the path of my sister in the attempt to get the banana's. Jordan did not want to give Mr. Granpa a bunch of banana's. Next thing you know is 3 or 4 other monkey's are croaching in. Grandpa now bites Jordan in the leg. Other monkey's are still coming in!

One good thing though, is Papa Joe comes to the rescue and takes shoo's some monkey's away. One decides to hop on dad. This was the result!

(Daddy to the rescue; for about 7 minutes)

Dad and Bumps

Outside of the family trip I got to visit the Sign Language group in Bali. It was really special. There were 2 familiar faces since the first time, but all others were new. I had a contact of a deaf person and was able to meet him and his friend. He told his friends and next thing you know the largest deaf ever attended the meeting. [see the 'island of the god's' post]

(Waaah, so many deaf in Bali)

We also were able to go check out a village that has genetic deafness. Great trip for preaching. Why? You get to see all of the countryside in the process. In one village they have about 40 something deaf. They can track the genetic deafness to some 8 generations!

The other positive was working with the girls, and a new deaf publisher. He was really abused by his parents for the truth and is on his way to getting dipped this summer!

(Different perspective of the 5)

Great trip, good times. One more trip, but anytime I travel somehow sign language always gets thrown in the mix.

Back to Batam.

Were a new cong ,so we have a lot of time to get together and do things. So we sign so much, but they still like to sing.

(Batak's and Bules in Batam (video) )

All in the mix of Bali and Batam are the Brits! Richard I met back at the international in Geneva Switzerland back in 2003. We have played tag going to the U.K. and him to R.I. an N.J. This time it was his turn to come out here. He brought his brother Stuart with him. So they became part of the family for a few weeks and it was nice to have proper English speakers.

So they wanted to try an Indonesian delicacy, and the Batak's provided!

( A different main dish, that needs to be mixed with a brew and tuak)

While all of this is going on, we got a new student in the theocratic school. So so energetic, so so tiny. She is about 3 and a half feet tall but has the energy of a bull. She had her first talk and we expect much more.

(Murni = Pure)

Now, the other big story was the second ever full special assembly day. Their were 239 in attendance with 97 deaf. I mean it's all good stuff! That was representing 2 congregations and 4 groups. We ran out of seats, and it got hot, but we were joined by a new deaf sister getting dipped.

Some made the trip up to 15 hours on planes, trains, and automobiles. It was all good!

(I need to really write some stories about this, but no time)

Between 3G phones and cameras it was a show during break times. It was so tight as it was in a KH, with all of the signing going on.

(Part of the fun and the culture)

After the convention it's time to see some tourist attractions. Really, you never get tired of seeing the animals and creation.

(Leo the Lion in action)

Other things in Batam was the Circuit Overseer having a first ever Sunday night Youth Party. It was a good idea. He started off by giving some points on what to do to avoid being laid off because of the global crisis and if you are laid off what to do to get another job. He invited all the young people to play some games. Ya, group games at the KH with a bunch of fried noodles and cakes after.

(What a great idea!)

Other things that have happened was some good bye's. Some sisters went to go serve where the need is great, and some moved back to the villages due to being laid off.

Well, this one sister has been serving here in Batam for about 7 years and really advanced in the truth serving here. So she was a bit emotional. Unfortunately the other sister is to embassered to start crying with her, so she just does the exact opposite and breaks out laughing.

I'm still learning the culture, because if somebody is emotionally touched, you hug them and laugh in their face? Hmm.

(Cry and a laugh)

We had some Korean sisters come down to do a visa chop and it was really nice to have them. There was a wedding so they just came right along. No sweat in Indo.

The amazing thing about the couple is they cleaned the floor and washed the dishes after it was over at about 9:00. The next morning they were called a t 7:00 a.m. to arrange the chairs in the KH as they were moved around for the wedding. They of course did it, and were there for when the meeting started at 8:30 a.m. Wah..... I'm still learning the culture.

(Last minute guests and last minute work)

Then it's off to the memorial! We had 41 for our little cong of 18 pubs. But 1 pub has moved away, and another was interpreting the area assigned to us for 3 more deaf. So I guess really we were 45. We started late, but that enabled more deaf to come.

Amazingly Jakarta had 77 deaf for there's and Medan was in the 60's. All around Indonesia was close to 300 deaf.

( The BIG night)

I was really happy to have some studies of mine come.

(Me and the boyz)

So goodbye guests: Jordan's gone, Mom and dad left, Richard and Stuart are out of here. The Koreans have gone back preaching and the British Jamicans are serving in the Malaysian countryside. It' s just me, ...back to normal...

Oh wait, a Norwegian bro just showed up, and a deaf couple from U.S. in 2 weeks. You gotta do what you gotta do.

So, I am a bit tired and have a lot more that could be told, but as time goes on I have come to a realisation. When you are new to a country, language, area, or chapter in life all seems fresh-exciting-unbelievable. Now that new taste has become reality. The stories that were once extradinarory now just make you say, 'that's just the way it is.'

So thanks for the occasional email at indonesiatom@hotmail.com because it makes me realize to keep up with this blog and make the everyday reality become fresh-exciting-unbelievable once again!

Props to you...
.
ONE THING, that never becomes boring or normal to me.

(fresh-exciting-unbelievable = a sunset)

Whirlwinds of time and change (version A)

2009-02-05T10:01:00.000+07:00

(Somewhere, down by the sea, somewhere)

December already,

Those 2 words were as far as I got typing on this blog some two months ago.

I starting again in January this is what I wrote:

Wow, the first afternoon to relax in nearly 5 months.
I guess if: going to get the internet turned back on,
Teaching some 9th graders English,
Assisting a Brazilian and Swede basic Indonesian conversation,
A bible study at 3,
Getting $ credit for my phone
And finding lunch is considered ‘relaxing.’

Either way, let’s think back since September 1st.

Guests… , Koreans, Australians in Malaysia, Singaporians from Indonesia, Singaporians from China, Norwegians, Puerto Ricans in US and still in P.R., Bethelites, Bataks, Javanese, and of course Mom and Dad.
The beauty of just digging deep in the home territory is really the story line since the last blog. We split from the hearing Indonesian cong back on August 1st. In that time it served it’s purpose, the ones who couldn’t do the full sign were given the trial period to go back to hearing. That left us with just 1 eld, and 3 m.s. It also took away several regular pioneers.
That’s why it was recommended. FLC’s are new here in Indo so this was an opportunity for them to test things out!

The rest of us who were able have adapted and got are hands dirty for preaching and the cong.

(Fishers of men, Fishers of deaf)

We have gotten quite close nit as a group and have time to get together to chat, eat a meal, play football (soccer), and whatever else comes along. The guest from Norway mentioned that. "You guys see very close and like family." I think that's one of the best complements a new cong can recieve.

(What sign is that?)

What is the stats?
Total=18
Pubs=9
Pion=9
M.S.=3
Elds=1
B.S.=25
Avg cong hours = 49

Small and sweat. Only 1 married couple who are 27 and 25 and the rest of us young single dewdrops.

(Smiling for a guest)

One thing that unites a new cong is a foreigner from out of town. Especially if he/she knows sign language. In this case our buddy Lucas from P.R./Springfield was perfect. Lucas has always beeen a expressive signer with a lot of feeling and heart so when you couple that with being a single man well,,,,,,,, hey even the siblings of the deaf were wanting to get some pictures!

(I maybe 6 years old, but I know how to pose with a forienger!)

Lucas was great as he gave many pointers to the friends. Everybody learned a lot and for me is was nice to have him to get tips on signing naturaly, matchiing the signs of the deaf, and just to speak in Spanglish again!

So that's what I got typed in January I got a bunch typed up for this blog, but still not finished.

Here we go, it's February 3rd. Let's do this...

Here's some details I forgot:
In Batam: Interpreted Special day assembly in Indonesian. Interpreted Two day circuit assembly in Indonesian.

(A LOT different then the real thing, but we make it happen)

FIRST ever Sign Language special day. Kingdom Hall construction in Bangka. 2 new Sign Language congregations in Indonesia. Us in Batam and in Malang, East Java. Complete overhall and renovation of my home. Mom and Dad here, CHinese deaf and Japanese deaf on the streets of Indonesia.

(Oh yes, and the last pioneer dinner with the hearing (Dad got to join!))

My parents are troopers! They are trying to see if they can be need greater retiree's. They have been great hosts, good friends, and a good positive encouragement to all they meet here.

(Happy 32nd anniversary, seafood while looking at Singapore)

This was a nice little story thrown in the mix. Dad, Mom, and I took a ferry to Bintan to go preaching. HUGE waves going over, it was like a roller coaster ride gone bad.

A man Loki from Maurtius who studied 10 years ago in Bali was now back in Indonesia. He requested a study again. I haven't mentioned that there is a English group started here now. {that's a story in itself, only 1 in all Indonesia in English, and now this is the first group}

So, my parents are in the English group, so take a boat for fishing!

(Preaching in Bintan)

Somewhere in the past few months we got to meet the president of Indonesia. All's that happened was wasting time in the heat, and kids fighting and throwing trash.

(We got to wave, that was about it)

Those were some whirlwinds of stories from the last 6 months of service in Indonesia. Unfortunatly there is alot more that we have not had time to write aboutt. That's why this was (version A).

I will do my best to mention about the KH project with needs with limited resources, the FIRST EVER FULL ON ITS OWN sign assembly, and other tidbits that were forgotten.

Best way to end a blog... As tommorow their is another one...

(Always a sunset on archlipeago the of Indonesia)

.

It's been 3 and a half months! How are you?

2008-08-27T16:05:00.008+07:00

Blogs, great idea, but who has the time?

Well, were still smiling here in Indonesia.

Since the last blog we have experienced some earthquakes, jungle trips, guests from China, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, America, England, orangutans, perfect surf, beach volleyball, district conventions, rice paddies, waterfalls, poisonous insect bites, back to teaching, car accidents, and whatever else I forget to write down.

Back in April I went to Jakarta and so of course had to visit the SL. This meeting they were announced as a ‘official’ congregation. This photo is from when the groups were pre-recording the WT on disc.

(It was good training while it lasted)

What was great was a fellow need greater from U.S. who lives in Malaysia happened to be doing a visa-chop the same week. Funny enough about 3 months earlier through the witness grapevine she got my email. I then gave her the contacts in Jakarta and apologized that I can’t meet her but I will have Daniel meet her and help her out. Well, well, look who ended up meeting in the airport because I happened to be around…!

(You never know… (if you know ASL, Malaysia could use your help)

Back in May

This picture is kind of funny. This character is in the drama. He’s not a nice guy, so they recommended Tom to play his act. What wasn’t good was the friends said I look better with gray hair then I normally look. Thanks… I’ll make a note of that.

(The mustache is my favorite part. Maybe Skolios was of French decent?)

Guests…

In typical lost-in-translation fashion, I thought my overseas guest's were going to be 3 people, and so I invited 2 local friends. They showed up as far, and the locals came as 4. So we were packed 9 in a van doing a scenic tour of Batam.

The local single sisters felt bad so they climbed up some trees about 30 feet high and gave us all coconuts. Hmmm…. Don’t see that often in the states as a hospitable gesture.

We of course took the friends to the jungle. If you come to Indonesia, you need to meet the jungle dwellers. The funniest part though was the city dwellers. When we went to the famous 'Barelang Jembatan" the locals saw 4 white people get out of the car, and that started the chants.

HEELLLLLLLOOOO MISSSSTEEEEEEEEEEERR,,, FOTO FOTO MISTER, FOTO FOTO MISS, FOTO, YA YA YA

What would you do do???

(Would you get fined if you did this in the U.K.?)

Then we had some more visa-choppers come from Malaysia who are on standby from there resting place in China and new assignment. Interestingly enough that two of them were in the same hall as the Ives who did the same visa chop in Batam the year before.

(It was nice to speak in English for 3 days, and compare experiences from ‘other’ country service.)

-Summer’s big trip-

After the C.O. came the first week in June, he asked me to go and assist preaching in the islands of Mentawi. These islands have 6 special pioneers and 3 baptized local publishers spread out over the 4 main islands for some 70,000 people.
Christianity ironically enough is the main religion on the islands. The issue is that because there are so few JW’s and no KH, they don’t consider us a legit religion. The C.O. felt by having a white witness from America who speaks Indonesian may open up some opportunities and their eyes that we are a global brotherhood. {Good idea}

Before we discuss that I would like to mention that to go to Mentawi we had to take a 5 hour ferry ride, 6 hour bus ride, have a birthday, interpret at a 3 day convention, take another 6 hour car ride, preach in the mountains, another 2 hour car ride, cross the equator, take a 12 hour ferry ride, then a 30 minute motorbike ride. No sweat…

The only way to do this trip justice is to show you some of the footage. The trip to finish trips.

(Batam to Western Sumatra)

(Mentawai-Mentawai)

(Mentawai-Batam)

--------------MOVIE COMING SOON-------------------------
Hopefully before Sept 1st.

I hope that came out OK. I doesn’t show the amazing surf, snorkeling, or the experiences in the jungle or the poisonous bug bite that left me in the hospital. That was a good story.

I think it was a reminder from above. On the first morning after arriving, I wanted to get right out to the surf. Right when I was about to hop in the water I reached in to grab a glove and in my glove was a deadly millipede which proceeded to bite my finger. I had to be rushed back to land while sucking and spiting out the blood from my finger and stumble my way to a clinic where I dropped onto the bench, and they proceeded to inject me with antivirus before I would need to have my hand amputated or worse as the venom can go to the heart. Anyways in the clinic they asked me about my religion and in my half-baked nostalgic Indonesian I proceed to give a fine witness in my bathing suit while covered in seaweed and sand. The next day they accepted around 20 magazines. The point was, I could see my goal of a little preaching and a lot of surfing was wrong. In 2 ½ years of living in Indonesia I thought I was going to have my first surf trip. Nope.

It finally hit the heart that is all new system living. Here you are set with a choice. A. Hop on a board and experience a perfect left wave in tropical turquoise blue water with nothing between you the wave and Africa. B. Use some money to rent a little boat so you and the brothers can go on there first ever preaching tour together and open up an area that has never heard the good news. C. Try and do both.

I always try C. The thing is after this trip I realized you need to do B before A, because A will be there forever in the system to come. If we don’t do B now, we can’t do A in the future, or we hold back that gift of A to someone else.
It was hard though. This thing called conscience can be a downer.

Anyways, it was an amazing adventure and eye-opener. I will say it was great to get back to Batam and have a hot shower, sleep in my bed, and reflect.

Then the following weekend in July we had around 30 brothers from the congregation come over to my home to play beach volleyball, kill the man with the ball, chicken fights, and eat some rice and noodles.

(It’s great to have everybody smiling)

Recently I purchased a used car, which in the first week I was in a accident when a man backed into me. Police came, lies were told, and a bunch of magazines were placed and the cop admitted we are the true religion.

Just another day in Indonesia.

Lastly, we started full sign meetings in Batam. We are doing a one month trial and if all is well we will be the 5th congregation some time in September or October. We are 21 publishers in total.

(Come on out and visit!)

life keeps on tickin...

2008-05-07T22:00:00.002+07:00

It’s an amazing thing when hopes-dreams-prayers (HDP) become realities. That is what the following stories are results of.

Being raised in a environment that encouraged theocratic goals over worldly ones brings inner peace fulfillment to the one shooting the arrows. There are many who have the HDP of going to an area where ‘no witness’ has stood before. Or the locals have ‘never seen’ a person of your ethnic background. There are still many of those places left on the earth, but they are prophetically dwindling.

We have 17,508 islands in Indonesia with 242 million people scattered like lost sheep with just some 21,000 of us HDP’ers to reach. If we get 1 publisher on each island, that still wouldn’t be enough.

The following video then is just that. It’s the true meaning of pioneering. Being asked by the ones taking the lead if you are ready, healthy, and spiritually capable of bringing the good news to an area we don’t know if they will befriend you or kill you. We don’t know if they will feed you, or mock you, cry with you, or try to fight you.

While all of us HDP’ers desire white sand beaches sprinkled with bended coconut trees, and mirror-like crystal clear blue water while taking knaps in hammocks, the reality is rarely that scene.
The truth is withered homes, poverty aplenty, hygienic nightmares, decrepit transportation systems, malnourishment and sadness.

Ironic as it seems, the smile of a child and the human spirit seems to rise above all of these things. The good news of something better is the only antidote.

What you will see in the following video is only a fraction. The camera can not give you the tastes, smells, and feelings that go along.

The video will seem positive (which it was), but while we where there we were spied on, chased, interrogated, threatened, and had a good shake up. We had to meet the mayor, chief of police and district judge.

On a personal note; the week before I had prayed to ask for preparation for the fast-approaching Great Trib. While we can’t imagine what it truly will be like, being woken up from sleep and interrogated at 10:30 at night by 2 police officers, a district judge, and a Islamic imam was a good start.

With the following background you will understand our choice of clothes and neutral approach to the work.

Please Enjoy and we hope you too can have your HDP moments come true…

(Opening up a new area on the island of the birds)

When you have HDP as a young man and see it fulfilled as a older younger man it makes your trust, and your smile that much wider.

Truly it started in 2000 after serving in D.R. and seeing life in another country. That put the wheels in motion for wanting to go for good to Macedonia. Then in 2001 learning ASL put the wheels in motion for a vehicle I never planned on sitting in, or even imagined having a turn in helping to co-pilot.

2004 was when the HDP started for seeing a full congregation in Sign Language here in Indonesia. We couldn’t count if we tried how many requests went up through the skies to see this come to fruition.

It now is what it is. Life keeps on tickin…

Depending on the time left in this system, we can see more and more HDP happening in the imminent future for Sign Language in Indonesia.

Going into detail is for another time. Emotionally it is almost overwhelming.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for the deaf and those supporting them in Indonesia and Indonesian Sign Language.

Here is what the results of our’s and your’s HDP have resulted in.

(Sign Language Congregations)

One of the shortest blogs to date, but for me this is one of the best. It’s like a young child after he learns to walk. He nows sees the whole world as his playground and there’s no looking back but only looking forward.

Life keeps on tickin...

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

2008-03-13T21:36:00.022+07:00

It is almost as if last blog update in December was a different world ago. Such is life while serving in a third world country. For example, according to a recent survey it stated that Indonesia is which of the following:

a. One of the most religious countries in the world
b. One of the most corrupt countries in the world
c. One of the most vulnarable countries to disasters in the world.

If you answered d. all of the above you would be correct.

Since we still have the rest of the alphabet to catch up on, let's do this in sections.

PIONEER DAY

This was sometime back in December. Amazing. Really is. With the special pioneers and regulars we were about 45 or so. Thats 45 pio's for over 3000 islands, 1.5 million + people. Pioneers that are brothers are about 7 or 8 of us.

(How can you make 53 asians all smile at once?)

In a certain way, this is why need-greaters while not missionaries do bring benefits to where they are serving. It took 10 minutes to get people together for a picture. Then everyone is looking quite stone faced. So,,, I thought about how I could lighten up the picture?
I put the camera on the two-second auto flash. Then you here everyone yelling for me to 'RUN FAST it's BLINKING', but too late.
But, EVERYONE was smiling.
The second time was close enough. To be truthful, I knew it was probably impossible to get back to the place in time but the benefits are getting everyone smiling and laughing together. Foreigners seem to bring an extra slice of life to where you serve.

2 DAY ASSEMBLY

Good as. Quick story. Our D.O. was a sub. He is around 40, only been pioneering like 15 years, baptised in 1989. Quite young, but quite enthusiastic. Funny thing is that he is looking after the SL group in Jakarta. He was NOT a big SL fan. Well, the deaf in Jakarta worked him over.

Next thing you know, Bro Harris is signing. He went from hater- to - player. In his last talk he had at least 15 signs. Never mind his expressions.

(Honestly, almost didn't need an interpreter for him)

PIONEER DAY FOR THE CONG

Then we had the pioneer day with the local body of elders. They were going to do it at the KH which is OK, but it's nice having a homey atmosphere. It was a real privilege as the brothers and sisters agreed to have it at my home. It is far for most of them, but we all laughed, had a bottle of anggur, listened to the ocean, and ate babi which is pork and quite expensive here.

(Awww the pioneers)

ASSOCIATION

Public Holidays are a reason for the friends to get together and have a good time. On New Years Eve there was about 40 people who came over. Honestly, I don't know how they all ate, had plates, silverware, napkins, used the bathroom, but they did. Amazingly simple people.

(New Years party? Can, cant?)

Thing about that day is that 22 slept over. Again, how they all ate, had plates, silverware, napkins, used the bathroom, had a pillow, blanket is beyond me.

3 KITTRICK'S IN INDONESIA

Dad and Mom came out to purchase the house and visit the first born. I wrote this before, and will reemphasize it again. If you have a child, cousin, parent, good friend, who is serving overseas in any capacity such as miss, BIFF, construction, need-greater, etc, your visits mean A LOT!

It's nice for you to put faces behind the names, feelings behind the actions, and tastes behind the foods. Then for the local resident it helps them to see things fresh and new again. For the local friends who could most likely never afford to go to your country, they get a taste of the brotherhood.

Because we did so much, I won't even get into Batam stories with them but explain the trip. I will say my electricity bill quadrupled that month.

(Dad still can't smile after 50+ years, Mom is always beautiful for photos)

BATIK

Mom likes Batik. Indonesia makes Batik. Solo founded Batik. Mom visit's Solo. Batik no good.

I am actually still processing this one. THE FOUNDING CITIES of Batik (A Indonesian traditional clothing/fabric) did NOT have what my mom wanted. She buys it in the states, but here they didn't have it. Yes, Mom, i know Balinese Batik.

Anyways, it was quite interesting to go search for it. It was great watching my dad 'go with the flow.' I guess after 30+ years of marriage you have to 'go with the flow' or you 'go out at with the trash.' Dad, thanks for teaching me the 'gift' of singleness.

(Fields of Javanese Green Gold)

JAVA

We need to thank the amazing hospitality of the brothers and sisters who reached out. The photo above is from Central Java. We had brothers and sisters go so far out of there way to take us around, drive, eat, communicate, etc. Eko was a great tour guide. Thanks bro~

Eko and 2 sisters took us to go see Borobudur which is on the world heritage sites. It is quite a spectacle. We had an talkative tour guide who got as many questions as there are stones from my father. Then the Indonesians selling tourist goods on the outside is relentless. I mean, wow. They make the peanut selling man at a baseball game look like a child.

(Flying at Borobudur)

JOKE JAH = Yoyjakarta

I wanted to give mom and dad a true perspective of how everyday life is here in Indonesia.

(Well, if you can't afford a car how would you get to work?)

Bad son, or good son. Well, it is true that i wasn't actually the best a son could be. I didn't lie but, well... It's part of the cultural experience.
We ate porcupine, goat, eel, frog, and...

(Original _________ and 4 _________ of the apocalypse)

So after eating some barbeque snake, and horse stew its TIME TO DANCE!

I will give this sister Rifka some credit. She is Indonesian which means normally a bit shy. She said she has always wanted to dance, but here, Indo's don't do it. Now I have been craving to dance since going to Thailand back in October. There met a fellow American and we related good ole salsa stories.

So after our feast of mammals I took the laptop and started the Spanish dancing class. To my mom and dad's credit, they do like to get down a bit and have some fun. Honestly, my parents are so opposite in so many ways and really not matched for each other, but when it's time to have fun and do a little dancing they are not shy. Even though dad has like 37 hernias and bad knees he can still bust a move. Mom has rhythm. In fact she wanted to teach them the electric slide.

(I KNEW there was a reason I have saved the electric slide mp3 on my computer)

The next night after teaching a fourth sign language workshop in 4 days it was off to watch some traditional Javanese dancing. Really nice. I can't compare it to Hawaiian Hula but it has many principals of the body telling a story.

(Traditional Dancing)

BACK TO BANDUNG

Wow, skipped so much. Waterfall's, getting chased by wild monkeys, tea fields, the eye doctor medic, floods, fried duck on the street, losing passports, and SO many sign language stories.

This is the Information Overload blog, so we just got to keep moving.

Bandung was the a SL group formed way back in 2005. For some reason they have progressed faster than any other city. Would you like to know why????

(Brother Yoda will be talking to us about the Holy Spirit)

YES, BROTHER YODA. We were all wondering how Bandung has progressed so fast, and then it hit me when I visited. They have YODA, the force is with them.

I have not given this too much fanfare but Bandung has become Indonesians first Sign Language congregation. BUT< it's not really a congregation. It's a Sidang Kelompok Bahasa Isyarat. SKBI. That means Congregation Group Sign Language. Hmmm, were asking interpreters to help us.

IT IS A GOOD THING!!!, but a confusing one. They have all of there meetings now done in full sign. Meetings, field service, publisher cards, body, EVEN have started to pre-translate the WT on DVD. Truly remarkable.

I was so encouraged by visiting. A Sign Language congregation, or even just having full meetings in the language are really indescribable. It must be the force.

(Bandung the first SKBI in well, the world? Maybe.)

Oh yes mom and dad. They get apparently the best massages of there lives while in Bandung. At least the most powerful. Some little Indonesian brother for $5.00 US worked there aches and pains for 1 hr 30 min. My dad said that relieved injuries that he suffered nearly 25 years ago.

I as always enjoyed Bandung's natural hot springs whilst having a glass of bubbly.

JAKARTA

Joice, Simon, Daniel, thanks a lot. Was good to be reunited. Floods closed down the airport, what else is new in Jakarta.
They have a revolving rest that goes around the city of Jakarta. If your in town, it's worth the visit. Again, me and my mom got down and did a little dancing on the 40th floor.

(Jakarta's Night Lights)

After writing all of this, and realizing how much more that I have not written, well I'm quite happy. Why?

My parents for late 50's did really really good. We stayed with complete strangers, had floods, ate snake, traveld a ton, lost personal items, and on and on.

I told them thanks for experiencing the way a lot of my life has been over the last 5 years. You never know what today will bring. Tomorrow will bring something completely new again. It's enjoying the spiritual parasdise and doing Jah's will that brings that inner happiness.

JORDAN

My sister came. Wonderful time. Good to see we had both grown up. Everyone thought we were married. She got checked out more than baby polar bears at the zoo.

Jordan and I basically preached, and preached, and preached. She had random people coming up to her and asking to take her picture. We also had a party and played the 'Golden rule game' which everyone wanted Jordan to sing. Then we had an open aired acoustic gutiar and drum night which was fun.

(I think they thought she was Paris Hiltons sister)

The stories though were really about preaching. We just received new territories that were not being worked by another congregation. So I took my old man's van and packed in 12 people inside. Jordan placed a good amount of lit including a BTEACH book with a certain head covered woman.

(12 Indo's in a 7 pass van, NO PROBLEMO)

We also went a to the most southernly point that you could go to do some ministry. Really nice day. Had some great stories to catch up on about life and RI.

I think the best part though was eating our lunch here and being able to preach at the same time. (keeping the time going)
Jordan I think liked the bathroom which consisted of a hole in the wood over the ocean.

(Fried shrimp at Paradise)

Jordan loved fried noodles and avocado smoothies. Jordan thanks for coming. Nothing but love 4ya key... lay

(Jordan and me happy as ever)

On a personal note, the above mentioned pioneer day and 2 day convention basically has cost me my job. Not the only reason, but I declined semi-mandatory work which was the same time as the assembly and pioneer meeting.

I am in the same situation I was back on the blog on February 28th 2007 blog on VOLCANOES, DRAGONS, AND ORANG TUNA RUNGGU. It's funny I wrote that blog after losing my job that day. I lose this job tomorrow.

What does the future hold?

SIGN LANGUAGE

It would really be a shame to not mention the progress of SL in this Information Overload blog. It all started 4+ years ago in a small class of 7 students in Jakarta.

After scratching, crawling, hanging, sweating, pushing, fighting, submitting, and preserving we can look back and see Jehovah’s blessing. Jacob wrestled with an angel, and I think we have a few cherubs to get through.

January saw the first independent congregation/group as mentioned for Bandung. Jakarta and Surabaya have followed up with it as well. We are at the verge of getting stuff ready for translation, but that is still is a few adjectives ahead of us. Although seeing the young guys in Bandung pre-film the WT was a tear of joy.

Doing the old workshop that had been on the shelf for nearly a year was such a blessing. The central Javanese cities of Salitiga/Semarang, Solo, Yoyjakarta (2wice) all were happy to have it. Each has progressive deaf studying and attending the meetings.

Many were new, but some you could see just GET sign language. We have been playing a lot of email-tag here in Indonesia about SL. You can feel the excitement. With a video in the language we will just pop! Behind the scenes there is a lot of hard working brothers and sisters. There are numerous sacrifices of many of the brothers and sisters by leaving their family’s to go to a Foreign Language Congregation. That is not following the traditional norm. Others travel nearly 2 hours each way to attend the meeting. Some have been worried about the intake of spiritual food in a ALL SIGN congregation.

So, just like last year where I was left jobless, visaless, identificaitonless, we in sign language know that the answers all work themselves out in due time.

Thanks for the prayers for the deaf and their assistants in Indo.

(~This is Indonesian Sign for how all of you make us feel~)

The jungle, some weddings, and guests

2007-12-28T18:25:00.000+07:00

Anytime you have guests, it puts things in a fresh perspective...

For any that have traveled to a 'developing country' your photo taking most likely becomes like breathing. It seems every second is a new shot. Then it seems the longer you are in the country the lesser the breaths, the 'shocking, !look at that!, huh, life becomes. That being said, any time guests come it helps for you to see again what you were first in awe of.

Tom from Sign Language in the U.K. happen to come by. I had never met him, and that makes it even more enjoyable.

(Sorry Tom, it's one of those photos that makes people smile...)

Tom was told that Batam and Indonesia was a dangerous place. Just come for a day, and GET OUT! So, I did what a normal host would do in a situation like that. Bring him to the jungle, get muddy, dirty, sweaty, have 'bird-flu' infected chickens running around, red ants, and yes a big snake.

Yusuf and Andre who are studying, were amazing hosts. It's so sweet to see people who have so little, to give so much of what the little they have. Pretty standard in any poor country.

(Well, there's no safety if there's no electicity)

That is Andre climbing about 25-30 feet up to get some fresh coconuts. I don't know if you have ever had real coconuts fresh the tree, but it is a good time. When they cut it up on the ground, they cut a small piece of the coconut in the shape of spoon so you can scrape out the inner flesh.

Yusuf who is 72 years old, said that he can still climb small ones, but he has they young boys do it for him now.

During the study, Tom talked about the brotherhood and recent stories from preaching in the U.K. These stories seem to really touch Yusuf and Andre.

Now, the snake(s). It is bewildering to me that Batam which houses 1,000,000 people and is just 45 minutes from arguably the most advanced, clean, and organized country in the world from end to end would have a large 2 meter plus (7 foot+) pythons rolling around.

(only 7 feet long)

They caught the snake in the simplest of a little trap, and when they saw it, the bashed it around 10 times with a huge stick as shown in the picture. Even though it was a day later they still stood back 10 feet, as they were afraid it was still alive.

Any time locals are a little scared, you know its a serious snake. They said it could easily get in the village and kill a man. The other big 7 to 8 foot snakes which are non-python can provide for a good bbq dinner. "Law of the jungle." If it can't kill you, eat it.

Glad you enjoyed Batam Tom.

Well besides jungles, we preach small illegal housed villages. In this village while doing Saturday preaching we came across a Javanese woman who was losing her hearing. Although Javanese Indonesians are more reserved and shy by nature, this woman was absolutly hilarious. After telling her we want to help the deaf, she starting thinking, and well next thing you know theres like 10 deaf people in the village.

With some clarification from other locals, our dear Javanese friend is a little off. One person whom she thought was deaf, was not the case. Another woman said, "HE'S NOT DEAF, he's MALAS BANGUN!" -or- he's just lazy and sleeps alot.!

(Who has the bigger smile? Merry the monkey, or java mama?)

One thing that this woman did have though was a pet monkey called Merry. Why, How, Where, i don't know, but it just fit her character.

While preaching in these out of town areas you can really get to know the other brothers and sisters well. Edy and Ramses where with me this day with Java mama. Indonesians like posing for photos.

(Ramses, Edy, and Buah)

There has been about 4 weddings since the last blog I wrote. Indonesian weddings are quite simple. They get married, go to a rented hall/restaurant/or someone's house. They make a really fancy backdrop for pictures, everyone gets called up and takes some pictures with them, you eat, then leave.

Honeymoon? I have not heard any more than 2 days of vacation from work. Normally you will see them the next day at the meeting. Also the honeymoon night, many times there back to the house they were at before with the family there. Then 9 months or 10 months later there will be the first little one.

(Glazzy and Snazzy)

(Smile for the camera)

This wedding was in a village close to my home. A Kampung is a village or 'el campo.' This village is all muslim. As a neighbor to them it promotes a good witness by going and showing your respect. When there's a wedding in the village it's an open invitation. 500-1000 people is no problem. You shake a hand, smile, take a picture, eat (possible karaoke) and leave.

At this wedding though, they had live entertainment! This is about as traditional as it gets for this area. It's a pretty neat little song they have going on.

(Kampung Wedding)

Back to reality...
There is so much I could say about this picture. The jam is due to deforestation, rain with no drainage points, and corruption in gov't by never attending to it because there is no rich or important people living down this road. It led to the meeting starting late, and making some changes.

Three hours later In typical indonesian fashion, there were 2 guys shoveling to block the landslide and another guy taking donations for there work doing what the gov't should be doing.

(Typical... Traffic Jam... but i will take this any day over Jakarta or jammed on 95!)

Besides Tom from the UK I had Marlon and Carmen from Philippines Bethel pay a visit. Really super couple, so sweet. We interviewed them via translating during the part on young people a month or so back. It was really powerful what they had to say about the youth in the Philippines, and Carmen's own struggle to become spiritual in her youth. Our congregation is made up of 75% youths who mainly work full-time. What they had to say was all about the joys of spiritual goals over worldly ones.

Congo with Filipino guests (ummm, Filipinos look just like the Indonesians)

Well, it wouldn't be complete without a picture of Jah's creation. This is the view from the beach across the street. Nothing like it...

:Morning Sunrise:

So, that's that. Some good stuff from the pioneer day, assembly and the first Independant Sign Language groups I'll share by the end of January. TK

B + B + B = a story

2007-11-03T21:51:00.000+07:00

B is for Bangkok.
B is for Big Cities.
B is for Bahasa Isyarat.

Let's go right to the first B.

Bible in Bangkok. Friday October 26th was an historic day in Thailand. The New World's Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures was made available in the Thai language. Over 7 years of work to produce the addition.

The last few months had the Japan Bethel working overtime. The brothers in Japan worked 2 shifts, Saturday's, Sunday's, and many missed there congregation meetings to get the Bible delivered to the convention for the 26th-28th.

Thailand has had 9 consecutive peak months in publishers and had over 80 baptised in the country for the "Follow the Christ" district conventions.

This is a 5 minute movie from the convention. The location was in the heart of Bangkok at a hotel on the 11th and 12th floors. They had 3 different language sessions in Thai, Japanese, English, and interpreted into Thai Sign Language. (You can guess what most of this video will show...)

(Encouraging, Inspiring, Moving, and still much more work to do!)

I mentioned in the WoW wOw WOW help blog last February of the magnitude of work to do in South East Asia. In Thailand, Lao, Cambodia, and Burma, you still have the monks playing an influential role in the daily life. One sister serving in Cambodia mentioned how the young people are beginning to see through it! Meaning the people are already so poor, and these guys come around begging for food and money!

(I am a man of the true God, 15 silver sheckles not 30... 'Gehazi)

Nothing like a monk buying illegal DVD's on the street which are movies about spiritism, demonism, or violence. Why would people be fed up with religion? I don't understand...

To South East Asia's credit, they did use their wealth, slave labor, and control, to create the most ornate buildings.

(The Grand Palace)

That being said, the beauty is always people. South East Asia's people are as varied looking, linguistically divided, and religiously torn as nearly anywhere in the world.

The convention to me personally was a kind reminder of this. To see a friends from Thailand, Myanmarr, those under ban in China, Laos, Vietnam, Machau, and under restriction in Cambodia was a shot in the arm. It's really encouraging at this assembly. When someone asks where your from, and where you serve, they are always: "Wow, it must be hard dealing with a...b...c... Then you reply: "No, it must be so hard you dealing with a..b...c..."

It's almost like, we feel each others pain, and joy. They say they would have a hard time dealing with Muslims, and I say I would have a hard time dealing with people who don't believe in God.

Just to reemphasize the need here in this part of the world. (500 million people, and 290 at the English section.) Granted, some can't come, missionaries have a hard time using vacation, some needgreaters are Japanese and Korean, some are content with the local language. Point being, look at the publisher count for these 500 million people in South-East Asia and then realize that ones who have moved here to help you can probably know by name after a short period of time.

That's for the normal speaking/hearing people. We go to the needs of the deaf, and we just have entered into a whole NEW discussion. Because most of you are not in Sign Language, I will keep this short...

(I was touched, couldn't eat dinner that night)

The deaf can tell we are different. They can see, we have something they are yearning for. Unfortunatly we are always playing catch-up. Not enough DVD's, congregations, good interpreters, people that know Sign Langauge, people on board, effective teachers, and brothers.

After seeing this first hand globally you always feel you want to give some type of spiritual chocolate when you do get in a situation that opens in front of you. The above picture is during a lunch break on Sunday. They are all studying the Bible with the exception of the Japanese sister in the back. She is an EXCELLENT signer. She moved to serve where the need is great speciffically for the deaf in Thailand.

I was able to offer a meal prayer in a sort of natural sign and too give some encouragement about the Devil's fight against them and too keep at there study and progress. It's one of those small things in life that really go a long way. You feel there plight: no tools in there language, only 1 brother who knows Thai sign, family against them, untold abuse and headache in their early years, trying to learn about a God that they have been told made them deaf, and the list goes on.
You can see my smile. It was from the heart. I first came to Thailand in 2004 and things are moving forward, but still a lot to be done...
(The answer to help the deaf and the world???)

Case in point was the recent "Disaster Awareness" conference at the United Nations. I had a secular job for interpreting English into Indonesian Sign Language. Then from ASL to English for the audience when the deaf person presented. Most countries reported to us that they havn't even set up a Sign Language in there country yet. Some thought Sign Language was universal. Oh boy.

Without going into too much detail it turned out to be quite an experience. Delegates from 24 different countries or so, and with some help from the local Thai Bethel a nice witness to the nations was given via the Awake dealing with Natural Disasters.
(Thai deaf students, Banglore teacher, Iranian Sign teacher, an Indonesian deaf, and some ASL folk)

After 7 hours of interpreting it's always nice to meet deaf Thai, Malaysian and Chinese people in the street. Only on Khao San road in Bangkok can you run into deaf from 4 different countries. That's why I always bring my laptop. You never know when your going to run into a deaf chinese woman who wants to learn about Jesus, and you happen to have the "Delivernce at Hand" DVD as well as God's friend, pictures, and slideshows of deaf Jehovah's Witnesses.

(China, Malaysia, Indo, I don't know)

Again, without going into detail, communication is always fun. Somehow the Malaysian deaf kid knew chinese, and chinese Sign language, and I understand Thai Sign, and we had some ASL, Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai, Natural sign all getting mixed together at 10 p.m. at night. So you can imagine how it went explaing GOD! Just another day in the SL world.

I think the first B is covered.
B number 2 was about Big cities. Singapore in particular.

(Singapore... What to say)

The more I come to Singapore the more it blows me away that Indonesia and Singapore are only 45 minutes apart. It's seriously like going into the twilight zone. Gosh man's governments is so messed up.

(Singapore... The true beauty)

They have a bookstudy now in Sing. GM DVD. Big news. Lot to say, but can't. Keep up the prayers.

Heading down the Malacca straight we run into a place called Batam. Only 45 minutes from great Singapore we hit Batam. Where sights like these are normal.

(Indonesia... What to say)

Yaaaaaaaa, anyways, I'm sure Jakarta the capital is better... Right?

(Money and no Money)

Like all of the other parts of SE Asia, the true beauty is it's people. The gentelman on our left is the head of the Deaf Organization in Indonesia. He's our deaf president... He doesn't know what he's in for with us...

(The 3rd B= Bahasa Isyarat Gerkatin)

I honestly don't mean to do it. Travel extensively that is. I guess it's like trying to put reins on a wild horse. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

In the meanwhile, while I'm still running in the wild I want to make it count. Lot to do, little time, if we can chip away at it and get things done, so be it. I can catch up on sleep after the 1000 years.

Thanks for reading: TK

One year and counting...

2007-09-24T16:34:00.000+07:00

Kurang! Not enough.

Not too long ago was an article explainging how if you want to move to a foreign country you should
a. Try it out first.
b. Make plans to go long term if you indeed to choose so.
So true!

I passed the year mark here in Indonesian a few weeks ago, and although all together I have been in Indoneisa around a year and a quater, you really feel there is so much left to learn. I am just now getting some of the idiosyncyresies sunken into me. Starting to really get more out of the meetings, and getting the culture figuried out a bit.

I do feel like this is home. Which everyone says is key. But, it's really true. I loved the New England summers, friends, and activities, but it almost feels like a past story that once was...

So instead of recapping the last year, I am going to patch up the things I missed.

-------------------

Sign Language

Back to February. The zone overseers visit.
Yes it was great, seeing some friends who I havn't seen in 3 years. Amazing those missionaries that I learned Indonesian with will be coming up on 4 years this February! All are still faithfully serving here.

But for Sign Language it was a reunion of sorts. Many new ones that I have met doing the workshops, others since the start, others new to the game. But, it was touching. Here's the video.

(Well 7 months late, but still pretty)

What else about Sign Language?
Really too much. Were up to 16 deaf baptised now. This year that has gone past has helped 4 or 5 come in the truth.

The Jakarta group which was first formed in April of 2004 was given the approval to do a trial run of the whole district assembly program in full sign language. This was at the nationaly indoor stadium in Jakarta. At the same time there was the the English program as well as the Indonesian. Unfortunatly at this time I was at the wedding and not present, but I did recieve a nice picture of the deaf publishers that were able to attend. ALL of them said how much clearer the program was and easier to understand by doing a FULL SL talk and not interpreted.

(That's still without a publication)

Other SL news. We just updated our curriculum for teaching SL classes. What a great/busy week! Joice who is a special pioneer specifically for sign classes, came up as well as Herman our deaf brother and some other brothers who have the concept of SL down pat.

They helped interpret that week, and the local friends loved it. We not only had the c.o. but there was a new arrangement for SL , that was explained to us. Without going into details, the letter from the organization is a huge answer to our prayers with better organizaton for SL especially in a country like Indonesia where this is still a relatively new thing.

(48 at the meeting with 8 deaf... An improved difference then a year ago)

--------------------

Kingdom Hall Construction

I promised a while back to tell you about some of the things that happened with construction under the lands with limited resources project. A promise is a promise.

I lost my job February 28th. March 1st started the project. Go figure. The hall went into planning stages such as searching for land, all the way back to September 2004. The project took some 3 months to complete. Now 3 months may seem like a long time construction wise, but in this part of the world, that is extremely fast.

(The official video. (Sorry was made for a projector not for the internet. Some pics will be very small)

Many of the brothers and sisters (actually nearly all) have to work full-time. Besides the construction team from Bethel of 7, there were 6 others that were there everyday of the project in some form. A handful of brother's either quit their job, or took huge pay cuts so they could be at the project daily. (Sunday's were off for meetings and service)

The community definitly noticed. There is a church at the adjoining property that you can see in the second picture of the below movie. That has been under construction for years. The church goers would see are building go up and up every week. Some made positive comments. Others, including the school were really impressed. Many contracters who we bought supplies off were baffled by the fact there was no "boss."

Others were dumbfounded to see people of different Indonesian tribes working together. And of course, when they saw the foreigners, they all thought we were the bosses, and why would we be working with the locals. Lastly was the workmanship. The quality of the work was well reported on. That it was not a hack-job, but true quality.

What was really special though was the friends. The association, the brotherhood.

(The surroundings, the daily life, the people)

I had no idea that Indonesians loved volleyball so much. It became our pastime. Either chess, sleeping, or volleyball! It was one of 3.
This was after work one day. The project was moving along, we had lots of volunteers that day, and as usual someone had a guitar and a song book. This was spontaneous, and I'm glad I was able to capture it. I know you will enjoy it.

(After construction all day, this is what we do)

Time for the dedication. Nearly 4 years after starting to search for the land, two years to get the permit to build. Then months and months to get approval from the dept of religion, then to actual get the approval from the branch, start building, then you have the dedication. PHEW.

A member of the branch commitee came, (who happens to be overseeing SL) and gave a inspiring talk. He mentioned how the truth came to the island of Batam WAY back in 1988. That's actually a long time ago Indonesian standards. It was a special pioneer who came, and then others followed.

There are now 4 congregations on the island, with a SL group. He mentioned the growth still continues in Indoneisa as we had a new peak publishers of 20,508, and over 50,000 at our memorial this year. So another 5% growth in the country. He menioned the missionaries, construction, and how Jehovah is truly supporting the work through his power. The brother broke down the verses in 1 Samuel 12:21-24.

We had a gorgeous day, and 200+ at the dedication. Seating was inside, and outside, with a slideshow presention and some snacks after.
One nice comment from a visitor who is the boss of the Presiding Overseer and happens to be a foriegner told me the following. "What really suprises me is the quality of the work here. It is nearly impossible to get quality work here in Indoneisa. Also, Rino (P.O) came through on his promise. He said he wanted to work half days for 3 months. We worked out a deal, and low and behold at 3 months it was finished! I couldn't believe it! He stuck to his word."

(212, quite fitting isn't it)

---------------------

The People

I can't not reflect over things I have missed explaining on this blog without saying how unique the people are. It really is one of the best things about learning a language, is learning the life stories and experiences of a people from a different background and life then you had.

Take Daniel for example. He has been in full time service around 20 years, and serves at the Branch for accounting. He gave a brief experience about what happened with he was a special pioneer in an eastern province of Indonesia in the late 80's. Being a special pioneer in a country under-ban was not a walk in the park.
Someone called the police on him when he was in service. They arrested him, beat him, beat him, beat him, until he said he ate some of his own teeth.
He spent 13 months in prison. Every monday was beating day. They used to beat him, beat him, beat him, till they couldn't know more.
He was thrown in solitary confinement with no light, no windows, no nothing for over a week. He told me he just sang kingdom songs. He also mentioned the whole time they used to beat him, he felt no pain. He felt calm as he know Jehovah' spirit was helping him.

(Woaaah, thanks for the encouragement)

Most of the brothers and sisters do have some type of story. In my area, most are new in the truth, which means many don't have family in the the truth. So they have a story. The longer ones, have lived through the ban. So they have a story.

Your average Indonesian has something there up to too. Some, its just searching for how to get some rice. But no matter what happens, there's not a day that goes past that some random person will yell. "HELLO MISTER!"
If your white, and a male, your going to hear "Hello Mister," minimum 10 times a day if your out in public.

You never know what your going to see.
Floods, 5 people on a motor bike, guys climbing up telephone polls, people stealing underground cables, people washing there clothes in dirty water, or the following picutre.

(Um, ya, )

You just don't know when Mickey and Mr. Pooh happen to pop up when your eating fried rice and crab.

----------------------

Sum Up

So it's been a year. A fast year, but a year none the less. I look forward to seeing how Jah's spirit continues to work with us in this unique field of Indonesian Sign Langauge. Over 3 million deaf muslims, with 4 million deaf all together scattered of 17,000 islands. For 0 offical SL congregations.

We have some groups REAL close to becoming congs, and from there, well who knows...

Thanks for the emails and thoughts, all the best, stay busy, and enjoy the ride. Cause the coaster is picking up some steam!

Tom

Tired yet Happy of Trips

2007-09-10T22:16:00.000+07:00

"Life is like a canvas, you should throw as much paint on as it as you can."

Lot of buckets, lot of colors, but I'm happily tired.

(Preaching is very colorful. This was in the road while preaching in Ft. Lauderdale with the Portugese cong.)

Good friends and family are truly those 'bright spots in life.'
One of those good friends got married, and I didn't want to miss it. Good friends like Dave don't come around every day. And to prove it, he timed his wedding to be at the same time as the 'need greater/english assembly' in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

It was 3 calender days for me to get there from Indonesia. And after tons of airline food, inflight movies, and transfers, it was so nice on my last flight from Panama to Ecuador to have brothers on the plane! Not only that but one of them I knew from bethel.

(Sweet treat, Convention here we come!)

The convention itself. What to say. It was a big shot in the arm for me. It's funny, as normally the baptism talk here is changed to spefically encourage the missionaries, construction workers and need greaters to stay in their assignment. This year saw 4 young ones dedicate themselves to Jehovah. I believe all of whom were children of needgreaters who are growing up in a foreign field. The baptism talk was an actual baptism talk.

They have people from all over the world who have come to assist in preaching there. You feel part of a team, a special bond. Totally different then here in S E Asia. You can count all of us for these 10 countries. Theres more need greaters in Ecuador then all of S E Asia put together. But with the visa situation they have there, and a favorable people, and a extremely supportive branch its clear to see why many have chosen the ecuadorain macedonia.

"Need Greaters Welcome." (but don't forget us in Asia)

If you travel it doesn't mean you can't preach. Dave and I went to set up his apt for his incoming seniorita roomate. I got to do a day in service and take in the views and see the local delicacies.

(Makan babi nngak biasa di Indoneisa) For 5 bucks you can have a pigs head. Hungry?

A few days before the wedding I had some time solo to travel around. I took a $4.50 bus ride that was honestly comparable to going through the Swiss Alps. Breath taking views through the Andes mountains. Every so often you would see a cross on the side of the road indicating were a car or bus took the corner a little to wide and had a long trip down.

(Ya, swiss alps, your great, but this is 3/4 of the price)

The above picture is Mt. Chimbarazo. I ended up going 4,000 meters or so up there, and got motion sickness, fever, and run down. But, these Ecuadorian girls came to the rescue, got me down the mountain and looked after me. The next day on the way to the bus, I saw 2 brothers who were doing the campaign and invited them to the convention the next day and got them some books. Such is typical in travel. Funny enough, before going up the mountain I searched for 2 to 3 hours for the Kingom Hall, and everyone kept sending me to the mormon church.

The wedding...

(Congrats bro, I think we all lost the bet on who would get married first)

I could show a bunch of photos, but all of you have been to weddings. Here's the thing though. There both spending there 1st year of marriage in a mountain town that is an isolated group not a cong. They are both pioneering together there and no family is around for at least 6 hours. It's a real simple apt, and they will lead a simple life. Nothing but love for you Dave... See you in Asia, another wedding, or paradise.

United States
Brooklyn, Stanely, Patterson, Watch Hill, NY, NJ, CT, RI, NH, MA , in 6 days? Yes. Smart? Yes. Well, not all vacations are relaxing and leisure. It was so good to see family, friends, Bethel, my roots, to preach, and a sunrise.

I did forget how bad/strange/anything goes attitude in the U.S. The longer i'm away from the U.S. the more you realize how truly warped it is. Here's an example.

(TIMES SQUARE TATOOS in the street)

My cousin Alex has the privelge of serving now at Patterson bethel. He got us in for lunch, some fresh pastries out of the oven, and got to see some old friends who are still in there assignments, as well as the new missionaries coming to Indonesia soon.

(Best place to be if your a young hungry man, 3 all you can eat buffet's every day!)

Visitng my roots was nice. This is a note for family or those who have been to my grandmother's pool. I'm sorry. This is the last jump from the diving board at nonnies. The diving board has been there for 15 years, then this happened. I'm sorry, really am. We have a lot of good memories at the pool, and as a family together. I will admit that I am the guilty party who broke it.

(The board went out with a bang)

Watch Hill.

Got to give love to WH. If you have never watched a sunrise on the ocean, it's worth the investment. The stock never loses value if you take a digital picture or a picture in your heart.

(Personal Time)

Family

We have all gotten older. Hopefully that means wiser, more mature, spiritual. We definitly glued togehter well that week.
To families out there who has someone living far away, cherish the time BEFORE they leave. To others who soon will move away, cherish it NOW.

(Figures, we take the picture 2 minutes before needing to leave, on the last day. Somethings never change)

England/Wales

As mentioned, beautiful to see old friends. In the truth it seems sometimes that even if you don' see people for a long time, you can almost 'catch up' in a matter of minutes.

Rich and Steve did just that. A quick tour of the countryside of Wales, preaching at castles, a gathering with the local brothers, sunsets by David Beckhams summer home, and a pint or two.

(Steve, come out in visit, just don't bring the rain!)

It was interesting to hear of the growth of Foreign Languages groups/congregations in the U.K. Rich is supporitng Polish, and we got to do some preaching. But who did we find? Indonesians of course. Yes in Bournemouth England there are two houses full of Indonesians. Needless to say they took all the Indonesian literature we could come up with, and were blown away a white person knew there language.

(After preaching in a different language, this is the results)

So yes, tired yet happy. Lot of color, lot of buckets, but still so many colors I have not yet seen.

Catch up or Ketchup

2007-08-20T16:22:00.000+07:00

It goes on hot dogs, chips (french fries for americans), and sometimes steak and eggs. That's what we call "Ketchup."

(This could use some ketchup. It was live grubs from a tree stump! High on protein and energy they said. I ate 3. I was with the security guards, and it promotes a nice relationship)

I'm trying to play "catch up." That's when your working full-time, in full-time service, and fully involved in a whole bunch of things.

I promised the 1st week of July to have the slide show done for the Kingdom Hall project. Would you like some fries with that? I also still have the video clip from the zone overseers visit for our deaf section. Would you like mustard with your hot dog? I also have not updated this blog in 2 months. Would you like white or wheat toast with your steak and eggs?

So, to catch up now.

We had the conveniton. Deaf section amazingly got approved to sit up in the front of the auditorium after years of litigation and trial, but the verdict came up correct. If your with SL you understand.
I believe around 4 people I invited via the campaign came, which I didn't know until seeing them weeks later. We had around 600 (already forgot) at our convention.

(And the crowd went wild)

The big news was the media came. The local T.V. news as well as the newspaper. Now, granted the 7 p.m Saturday news and a local newspaper is not the biggest news story ever. It's the fact the Islamic majority media actually made time with us on a theme entiled "Follow the Christ."
You know why the came??? They heard about a deaf/sign language section! They were so impressed that we were reaching out to the deaf. GOOD thing we were sitting right down in the front.

Lastly on the convention...

The university that we rent from, (where I was going to actually work) discounted our rent 50% due to the fact we cleaned and took care of it so well! They were so impressed. The director of the school told me: "I have never seen a more dedicated people to a building that is not theres."

(My favourite song, with or without sign language)

Other conventions in Indonesia.
Medan had over 40 deaf at their interpreted convention with 3 new deaf baptised. 1 being a male from well,,, a member of a big religion before.
Jakarta had the first/trial run of a all sign language convention 1st week of august. The room packed out at 130. So others were turned away. Every talk was in sign. The deaf were thrilled. Some cried. 1 was baptised. Some of the deaf who had went to interpreted conventions in other cities said they got so much more out of this one. Sunday had ready,... 59 deaf. That's for 1 city. Actually, that's nearly half the attendees.

I as well have had some guests. This one was a real treat though. They were a newly married couple who were sent to be special pioneers on these islands that are literally in the middle of nowhere. They are close to Malaysia and Thailand. Appartently there are Vietnamese and Cambodians that have mingled down there over the years. They are the only two publishers on the islands of some 25+ They have been married for 3 months and are minimum 20 hours away via boat to the nearest congregation.

They needed a ride to the airport on Monday a.m. so they came and spend the night on sunday before. Really nice time. And what he did for us was really nice here as well... watch below.

(You really never know who your guests may be...)

Other guests.
Had the young guys from the congregation over. There was 9 of us, or 10. It was too confusing and too fast. Much love and respect to you parents out there. My house was so trashed, and getting food ready for 9 boys isn't easy.

(Well at least they found a lizard to cook up for dinner!)

Preaching of course is always good here. No complaints about that. I spent a day with these 2 special pioneer sisters who have only a estimate of 20,000 people to preach too on there island, not too mention the other ones scattered all over the place that have not been preached too yet.

But had a great day and evening as the power was out. So we all sat outside and watched the naturally electric stars!

(So 1 watchtower for 1 chilli. Sounds like a good deal)

I have a lot of nice nature pics, but it takes too long to upload and so I will just give you a little taste...

View from the front yard.
"Natures forever stress reliever"

September 1st will update again??? Maybe... Or it will be catch up again.
Cheers and enjoy your meal with ketchup, for who knows what bread or if we will have bread tommorow.