Day #7--Fields, Wood and Market

On our last day we had to get everything in that we had on our list. The day before Nate started his morning before 6 a.m. because the local guys invited him for a morning basketball game. Day #7 Nate got up again before 5 a.m. to go on a 19 kilometer bike ride with Lloyd. He was really getting in his exercise. Then we all went on a hike through the rice paddies and up the hill to spend some time with God in solitude.

It was so beautiful to be in God's creation and meditate on him. We even brought recorders up to the top and I was able to play a few songs of praise. I reflected on all God had done in us and through us during our time in Indonesia. What a blessing to be able to do so much in such a short time. Truly I was thankful and I prayed, "I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation" (Ps. 118.21).

We visited a local wood-carver's shop and saw all that he had made out of local ebony and coffee woods.

We stopped in the market and watched all the people selling fresh Durian. We walked home and then later caught a ride on a "Bendi" which is a horse-drawn cart. That is a normal way of getting around there!

Finally, we visited our "Kulingtang" friends again and this time they gave us a concert. Nate had a great time joining in the Indonesian men's Kulingtang band. He even measured all the wood so he could reproduce the idea for his music classes. After saying goodnight, we went to bed one last time in Indonesia.

When I woke up God gave me the gift I had been waiting for--I got to see the "Southern Cross" in the sky for the first time in my life just before 5 a.m.! I was amazed that the clouds cleared just before I got there and then it was the only constellation visible for just five minutes. God fulfilled all my dreams and sent us back to Davao refreshed and thankful. Praise You, Lord!