Batak Wedding Reception

We recently attended a Batak (one of the many cultures in Indonesia) wedding reception.  As you can tell from the pictures, it was a big affair.  The estimate was around 1000 guests at a cost of $75,000+ for the wedding and reception.  These are very affluent families.  As you will see in the pictures, the ladies wear very colorful, fancy dresses and accessories.

At least 20 of these signs were around the outside of the building.  You will see these at weddings, special events, the opening of a new store, etc.

The greeter at the entrance to the reception.

The bride and groom and the family gathering at the front of the reception hall.

One of the traditions is the families of the bride and groom do a dance.

A view of a portion of the reception hall.

The former mission president was "adopted" as a part of the bride's family, so we were invited and treated as special guests!  As a result, we were seated in a special room limited to about 15 people with two waiters and enough food for 50 people.  We also got a visit from the new couple, pictures, and polite hello and handshake.

Pictures of the Ladies!

This is a Water Bufflo.  It is tranditional for a water bufflo to be prepared and served at a Batak wedding reception.  Your rank in the family determines which part you will be served.

Bali-yeah!!

All the senior couples met in Bali for a conference May 7-9 with an extended day on the 10th. We enjoyed getting together to discuss things that could make our missions more productive, and ways to help and support the young missionaries who are dedicating 18-24 months to help build the church in Indonesia.

We stayed at the Suly Resort, an older, rustic, currently being renovated resort hotel with lots of early Balinese character.

Our room was through the pathway, then turn to the left of the statue.

This was our bedroom, the ceiling was magnificent. All the woodwork was probably really neat in its day.

We visited the monkey forrest in Ubud. Monkeys and swinging vines everywhere! The guy with a basket in his hand is making an offering. He laid his offering on the walk area, and immediately some monkeys came to check it out (to see if it was anything they could eat). He lit a thing that let off a bunch of smoke as well.       
This is a Hindu custom.






We drove through several villages. The people on Bali are mainly Hindu, and they have 3 major temples in each village. There they make daily (or more freqent) offerings. There is usually a mini-temple at each house (about the size of a large mailbox) where the homeowner offers flowers, food, etc. several times a day.                                                                Temple on Lake Bratan

Then we drove to the UNESCO rice terraces.

After sight seeing in central Bali, we went to Nusa Dua (southern Bali) and spent the night in a luxury hotel--the Aston--right on the beach, beautifully landscaped, every amenity, even a breakfast feast. Wonderful.







                               Lobby/Patio at the Aston
                          

Beach at the Aston

Our last evening meal was at the beach at a little restaurant where you picked out the seafood you wanted the cooks to prepare.

Stake Conference

Today we attended the Jakarta Stake Conference. There were 750 in attendance.

 The speakers spoke of missionary work and the importance of sharing the message of the Savior Jesus Christ with friends and family.  In Indonesia it is against the law to share your religion with others unless they ask. 

Last year there were 79 baptisms in Indonesia with 40 so far this year.

Recently we attended the organization of the second stake in Indonesia—this one is in Solo, in Central Java (the main island where Jakarta is also located).

The Church started missionary work in Indonesia around 1970.  Today there are about 6500 members.  Many of the members are second and third generation, have served missions and become the strong foundation of the Church.  The members are very faithful and spiritual.

Cemeteries (including the goats!)

We have three large cemeteries around our apartment complex with thousands of graves.  We are told some people won’t even live here for that reason.  However, so far we have not seen any ghosts, only goats!  Each cemetery has a Christian Section and a Muslim Section.  As you will see from the pictures below, cemeteries are a little different in Indonesia—at least in the city of Jakarta. Various vendors, people live there, etc.

Located just inside the main entrance to the cemetery.  For the inguiring mind, I have bought flowers three different times--which makes this lady and Gail very happy!

You can buy snacks, drinks, or a complete meal of rice, soup, etc.

Chickens attempting to find something to eat!

There are many goats roming the cemetery.  There is plently for them to eat!

Another vendor.  One stop shopping--get you tire fixed, buy gasoline (note the bottles on the shelf-they have gasoline in them!), buy a grave marker.

Someone's house.

Laundry Day!

Cloths hanging out to dry, the sides are plastic tarps that are unrolled at night.  I am told that local people come and teach the children because the parents can not afford to send them to school.

Taman Mini Indonesia

Located in Jakarta is a place called Taman Mini Indonesia.  it is a park filled with famous buildings from all parts of Indonesia and authentic examples of the various cultures through Indonesia. The park includes a sky-car tour, IMAX theatre, dances, and cultural events. The name translates as Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park.  Following are some pictures from our visit to the park.  Following are a few of the buildings.

The Reptile area of the zoo

This is a real Komodo Dragon.  The tongue is poisonous.  Gail wouldn't come into the pit for a picture, so I had to!

Since I don't care for snakes, this is the first and last time I plan to hold one!

One of the features of the park is this lake with man made islands that represent the country of Indonesia.

Kawah Ratu Crater

On a recent trip we went to Mt. Tangkuban Perahu and the Kawah Ratu crater.  We also went to Kawah Upas where you stand between two big craters and Kawah Domas where you can walk on the volcanic rock.  This is a big tourist attraction.  The craters are active with steam coming out and the smell of sulfur in the air.  The elevaton is about 6800 ft. above sea level.  It was very windy and cool.  It felt great!

Standing at the edge looking down into the Kawah Ratu crater.

Another view of Kawah Ratu

Gail and Sister Meredith standing at the edge of the crater.  Don't they look nice with thier "windy" hair styles!

This is along the crater on the way to Kawah Upas---you can buy about any type of sovnier or food.  Note the steam coming up from behind the buildings on the left.

Walking to Kawah Domas.  It is always green in Indonesia!

This is Kawah Domas where you can get upclose and personal with volcanic activity.  In the upper left hand corner you can see someone with their feet in the warm, muddy water.

Easter in Indonesia

We had a great Easter weekend and hope you did also.  Even with 90% of the country Muslim, Good Friday is a national holiday in Indonesia.  The Easter Bunny did not show up---and that was nice!  The focus was appropriately on the Atonement and Resurrection of the Savior.  We had 15 people over for dinner on Saturday evening.  The missionaries brought people they had been teaching.  After dinner we watched The Testaments, a movie about the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Spirit was felt and everyone left uplifted.

I am taking the picture!