church day

let me try to start this blog with something a bit more positive than the last. this morning, we went to church at the only church in the whole town. we found out about hill of shalom last sunday around 2pm on our drive to a potluck pool party. our friend mentioned that her mom goes there for the indonesian service. there is an english service before it at 9am. we were trying to keep open minds about it the whole week and really just looking forward to meeting people regardless of the actual "service" part. we began the walk to the church hoping to be offered "transport" and someone did stop to pick us up. he said, "no charge." before we got in the vehicle. well, ironically, he is the husband of one of the birth center staff! we had heard lots about him and his wife but only just met her last night. they have a one month old babe (and four other children) so were lying low recently. it was quite a walk so we were super thankful for the drive.

upon arriving, we were greeted by an indo man named daniel. it was a bit difficult to understand but we gathered that the pastor is out of town in the usa on holiday. the church was started in 1983 by some missionary man who is also on holiday in the usa. after some old school hymns accompanied by a keyboard, we got to meet people and wish them peace. another person shared the shortest sermon i have ever heard in my life with the gist being "don't lie". there was some liturgy, which andy is very fond of doing. we got to meet everyone afterwards at the tea, coffee and oreo cookie (which are vegan!) gathering next door. we met a man from holland who had never eaten or even heard of oreos. impressive.

we then walked home to eat spaghetti lunch. so, we are trying to be optimistic about the church since we don't really have many options here about joining a group of followers of christ. we're certainly longing for that kind of community.

the rest of my family is napping now and i am waiting to be called in for a birth. on our way home, we stopped by the clinic to hear that a woman was in very early labor. it's been a few days since i attended a birth, so i look forward to being at one later today or tonight. i did pre-natal visits last night, mostly checking people's blood pressure. i even was unsure and had someone else re-check after me but my findings were correct. that gave me some confidence that i am learning.