There are so many things I want to share with you all. I honestly do not know where to begin! I suppose I will start with thanksgiving. After all there is no better way to share than with thanksgiving and praise.
I want to praise the Father for bringing me friends! Not a week has passed where I do not have a janji (appointment/engagement) with a friend. It is truly a breath of fresh air to be in a place where people want me to learn about their culture and language.
A few weeks ago I saw my language tutor talking with another tutor. When they were done speaking they walked over to me. At this moment my tutor said, “She can only speak with you in Bahasa now. No more English!” - I told my tutor I would thank her for that later ;) I want to praise God for helping me learn the language. This past week I finished the second of 9 units in the language curriculum! Without the grace of God - and excellent tutors - I would be lost.
I also want to give thanks for the fellow workers I have been connected with. At the moment we are all in different places around this country and region of the world. Even though we are separated by great distances there is still a great sense of connectedness. Not a day goes by when I do not hear from one of them asking how I am doing or sending words of prayer and encouragement.
Hmmm…apa lagi…O yes. Ramadan starts later this week! Ramadan the month of fasting observed by Muslims all over the world. There are 4 main purposes to Ramadan. First is to, “develop and strengthen our powers of self-control, so that [they] can resist wrongful desires and bad habits, and therefore ‘guard against evil.’” Second is, “attain nearness and closeness to God so that He becomes a reality in our lives.” The third purpose is, “learn to refrain from usurping other’s rights and belongings.” Lastly while people are fasting here they will also intentionally increase generosity and sympathy with those who suffer on a daily basis.
As this will month of fasting will be observed by the vast majority of the population here I am excited and interested to see how the spiritual climate shifts here. More details on my observations to come :)
Prayer Requests
I made a new friend last week. She is a believer, but is suffering from an oppressive sense of loneliness and is carrying burdens to heavy for any one person to carry alone. Please remember her in your prayers. Also pray I will have wisdom and be sensitive to the HS and his leading in our interactions.
My plan is to also observe Ramadan. Please pray for opportunities to share truths about why I fast. Also please pray for opportunities to buka puasa (break fast) with friends.
Next Friday I will be flying to Thailand for a gathering with other workers who live in the area. Please pray for traveling graces and that it would be a great time of fellowship and rejuvenation.