Since we received Sari's passport from Senopati, the first thing this morning was to pick Sari up at 7:30 and take her to her Dr. Appointment, she had an 8:30 appointment, and we were the first ones there so we got in quickly, while we were waiting another 6 patients showed up for their appointments. We were able to finish up and get Sari back home by about 10:30. We then went to the church and waited for the Elders until 11:30 and then took them on a drive so they could see some of the country side outside of the city, as they had not been out in the mountains before. Went to the Buddhist temple in Berastagi but they were closed because of their proximity to Sinabung (the volcano). When you looked out over the jungle, everything had a white layer of ash on it. Got the elders home and went home for the night also.
View going up the mountain, it is usually very green. Lots of ash
More ash over everything
If you look at the plastic on the left you can see all the ash that has fallen.
On Tuesday we had DDM and then lunch from Nias. Since Bro Manalu was not feeling well we had him take us home and sent him home to rest, so he could come get us at 4:30 am tomorrow to take Mei to the airport. This afternoon we had to do some checking to make sure no members were hurt or effected by the crash of a hercules transport plane here in Medan. It came down about 5 kilometers from where we live, and there are 2 member family who live about a kilometer each away from where it came down, but fortunately the only impact on them was traffic jams in their neighborhoods.
On Wednesday morning we picked up Mei and family and took them to the airport, many of the young adults rented a angkot to take them to the airport to see her off, and a few rode their motorbikes there. Everyone took lots of photos, visited and got her sent on her way to Jakarta, and then she leaves at 12:30 am tomorrow for Manila with 8 other Indonesian missionaries. We took Bro & Sister Nainggolan home, and then had Bro Manalu take us home, at about 10 because he still wasn't feeling well. So we spent the day doing laundry, and a little preparation for packing, since we didn't do any laundry on Monday.
The group sending Mei off to her mission
Mei's family with her cousin Sari, who should leave next week for her mission and another family member
Mei and her siblings, Rio, Elisebeth and Gordon Niko
Us with Mei, she calls me Mine Grandma
Us with Novita who we have helped some to get her job by giving her confidence to do it
We spent Thursday at the church, visited with those young adults who spent the afternoon at the building. We finished our day with hopefully our last shopping trip. At DDM Elder offerred to feed the missionaries for July 4th. He even went so far as to promise them that we would have fireworks. Since as part of their Ramadan it seems like someone is setting off some type of fireworks each evening, he felt pretty sure in his promise.
On Friday we got new batteries for my alpha-link, so I can give it to Sari, in anticipation of her needing it for English. The Elders also started filling the font for Sunday's baptisms. Pres Yosep was at the building much of the day, because he is traveling to Riau by bus this evening and wanted to take care of some things and visit with anyone there.
On Saturday we had our weekly BML correlation meeting. Elder took his orchid and Bamboo Palm over to Brother Pardede's to give them to him as a gift, he figured as he has a nice fenced yard with a well kept lawn, trees and a number of potted plants growing on his covered front porch he would take good care of them. There were about 12 or 15 people in English today, we have completely transitioned to having the elders teach the class, and toady the discussion was on U.S. history and the 4th of July. Elder Wills is very good at drawing so he likes to use lots of drawings and visuals. We headed for home to get dinner finished for the missionaries, who were coming over at 7 tonight to eat. We had grilled bratwurst and half a small steak each, with potato salad, and corn on the cob. And as promised there were fireworks, that they were able to watch by stepping out on our patio.
At the apartment after our 4th of July BBQ
Today was a very special day. It is our last Sunday in Medan. We both bore our testimonies in Indonesian. After church we had a baptism for 4 girls who have been investigators since before we ever arrived in Medan. We have spent time with all of them and are so happy that they have made this choice finally. The two YA girls have families that are not at all supportive and it was a hard decision for them. The two younger sisters have their families support and their whole family was there to show it. We have been praying for them for two years and it finally happened. All in Heavenly Fathers time. We love the members here in Medan. Really a bitter, sweet time. Elder was privileged to Baptize Maria and Sari, the two older girls.
Elder Tucker with Maria Sinaga and Sari Panjaitan whom he baptized
Missionaries with Winda and Linda who were baptized and their family who are not members but came to support them.
The four girls who were baptized by Elder Tucker and Elder Wills. Maria, Winda, Linda and Sari along with the missionaries. What a glorious day.
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