For The Teachers Out There

We will never complain about the classroom environment for our children. 

Some of the children we have spoken to walk 45 minutes to receive an education, and sit through insane heat, to receive their education. Not every child has access to education in Indonesia, and for those who do, even for those who are sponsored and part of a project, the family can place pressure to leave and find work, of whatever kind. 

We asked the families we visited, what their dreams were for their children. 

For Mega is was that she would finish school and go to University. 

For Samuel is what that he might become disciplined and finish school. 

For Joshua it was that he would become a Doctor. 

For the last two boys we saw, it was that they would become Pastors. 

We want to make a bigger difference for here. Triniti received a rejection from an employment application just before our departure. We wondered if that was an indication that we were one day meant to actually live here. 

Jakarta confirmed it was definitely not Jakarta, but Manado left us wondering. However, we feel more strongly led to come back to Australia and simply make a bigger difference for here. Although we did wonder about the prospect of learning more Indonesian and maybe working for Compassion here. But we have made the right decision coming. Connor and Kenzi have a new world view and have a better center for their compass. We want to bring others here. Others who don't sponsor any children, to show the difference you can make. But Compassion in Indonesia need more staff. We need to pray for those people to step up. We also wonder if The Salvation Army is a part of that answer. We are putting that seed away to explore further on our return. 

For us as we relax at this resort, Triniti and I have a chance to actually talk about what has happened and what we want to do with what we have. 

I asked Mackenzi what she thought God was saying to her through this trip. Her response was along the lines of being happy with what she has and not wanting more than she needs. 

Connor responded that he would never complain about a church service length or the heat in Australia again. But when probed for a serious answer he replied, "The same as Kenzi." 

Already we have it in our minds that we must come back. We will do things better. We will space out our visits and time with Compassion. We will try more food (Although each one of us has been adventurous but also wise). We will pack less clothes. But one thing we can not do more of is savour every moment, every conversation, every sight, every sound. We have drilled deep in to Indonesia. It has been a wealth of experience and resource. We have drunk deep.