Intro to Teaching in Indonesia

Greetings from Seoul, Korea. This is Darwin and I am hijacking this blog for journey to Surabaya, Indonesia. Unfortunately Janet is not with me; she is sipping a latte on Kailua Beach instead.

I am off to Indonesia to lead a Pastors Retreat on the Spiritual Formation of Young People and then teach a Foundations of Youth Ministry class at Alethia Theological Seminary.

The journey across the Pacific was uneventful. The accommodations provided by Korean Airlines were excellent. (Though I was jealous of the 1st class section.) I did loose thirteen hours of my life which I trust I'll gain back on the return trip.

dg

A few moments before leaving

I must include this picture because through the car window we see a window into the life of these little boys. The begging children are always about with round soft eyes and open fingers. Because we do not want money going to the local Imam, instead of money, Marilyn will often give the children fun animal shaped vitamins. This was met with mixed reactions.

There was much for us to see in Senegal, challenging conversations, eye-opening encounters, and the privilege of being readily welcomed into stranger's homes and lives.

Thank you to family and friends for following us on this journey across the ocean and thank you to family and friends who welcomed us across the ocean.

And may you have Joy in your Journey.

Last Day in Senegal

Darwin managed, even in a faraway land, to find a missionary buddy, Geoff, who was willing to ride 100 miles of Senegal beach and Dakar streets. He left happy and excited, and returned filthy and exhausted, but alive.


Marilyn and I had a different adventure. She took me to the shanty town (my first ever) to visit her little 'adopted nephew', Assan. Although I had seen pictures of such a place in the news and movies, it is different to walk into the such a place without confidence and leaving having learned a little bit about community -- and possibly gratitude.

The home was large enough to hold only a few items, and we sat on the largest, a bed, which I believe was made out of crates and covered with a blanket. (there was also room for a little tv...)

We shared the joy in the announcement that Assan is doing very well in his school work - eighth in the class. And I received the warm hospitality of their acceptance of me in their space.

Malika Monkey moments

We watched these fellows put the final touches on the drum we eventually purchased, then they enjoyed a little jam session - enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Darwin examines a teak fountain which he eventually purchases.



We enjoyed a short respite from the afternoon sun beside the pool and then visited Chaco - a real monkey.

Malika Monkeys

We are at the home base of the Malika Monkeys. http://www.malikamonkeys.com/ They are not actually monkeys, but they do have a monkey which likes to eat dried cranberries -- don't try to trick it by mixing them with raisins.

Darwin and I have spent the day here in the home of Herrema, a brethren missionary, who opens her home to street kids once a week - for a shower, food, games and Bible story. She also has young men and boys who daily come to her shop to learn trades with mechanics, wood working, drum making, tailoring and other high quality crafts....that will be us walking off the plane with our own handcrafted Jambe - and Darwin's new handcrafted fountain pen. The men call themselves the monkeys.

This is a restful oasis, a place Marilyn comes to relax when she is doing checking of translations with her assistant. We had a colorful, flavor filled meal served in a common bowl. We sat on the floor and shared the dish with our spoon. You can't really eat with people if you are made at them, it encourages conversation around the table (or floor).

Dakar tomorrow - errands, shopping and lunch for Marilyn and me. Crazy long motorbike rider for Acrabaobab Man - uh, Darwin.

Janet and the Camel

Watch Janet's first experience with a camel, it is delightful.

Views of the desert

The desert is a very peaceful, pleasant place in the evening and morning - it is even cool. But the days are hard and harsh. We developed a more acute understanding of the Old Testament stories of the Patriarchs, their travels, lives, camel smells and some of the imagery. It was powerful.