Week of July 28; Ramadan, Idul Fitri, Bali,
Opening of the Downs Syndrome Center at RS Lestari Hospital

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar (following the lunar calendar). The entire month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. It has made for an interesting month as the traffic becomes even worse than normal around 4:00pm as people are leaving from work early to pick up their family and break their fast at a local restaurant. The traffic is always extremely difficult to predict and this month even more so.

Idul Fitri. The first day of the next month (July 28th on our calendars),  and is spent in celebration and is observed as the festival of breaking the fast. or 'Eid al-fitr.' A day when Muslims around the world show a common unity. In Indonesia people return to their home city or town to celebrate with their families, seeking for forgiveness of others and enjoying the family ties for the week or two, what a wonderful tradition, to seek to keep the family close! It reminds me of our Christmastime except we have become a bit too 'gift' oriented. In 2013, it was reported that an estimated 30 million Indonesians traveled to their hometowns. It makes for a massive exodus from Jakarta and for one week you can actually move about the city with great ease. We loved Idul Fitri, no macet(traffic jam).

Because all work pretty much moves to a standstill we opted to join President and Sister Donald and another missionary couple (Elder and Sister Anderson) for a few days in Bali. One of the great blessings of having such a beautiful area within the mission boundaries.

The hotel where we stayed in the town of Sanur.

                            We can never get enough of the beautiful trees and vegetation. In this tree there are two types of flowers growing, a big white one among the pink!

The sand is so deep here, and the sky so blue, they also have the neatest boats that have spider type legs on the sides, can you see it?

As the tide started to go down the fisherman came in. They would wade into the water, clothes and all. Including some of them wearing motorcycle helmets. I suppose that was to keep the sun away? We think that they are overdressed and they probably look at us and wonder why would we want to lay there to get burned by the sun?? Who is right?? Fun to see how we think so differently in some ways!

This beach was shared by fishermen, wave runners, wind surfing and swimmers. It got quite crazy some days! Fun to sit and watch!!

The tide is going out, I guess that it is rising in America! I am just enjoying the delightful breeze that is here in Bali! Such nice weather, and the ocean is so warm. Love the Indian Ocean!

Elder and Sister Anderson will be returning home in the middle of August. They have served as member /leader support missionaries in Surabaya. It has been wonderful to get to better know them these past few days. They are special people that have made a difference for many people and they will be missed!

Ever enthusiastic. Sister Lucherini is always the life of the occasion. She keeps things exciting.

The sisters...Anderson, Donald and Lucherini. And who says missionary work can't be relaxing??

Bali is full of beautiful Hindu Temples and gates or doors along the streets. Amazing!

                               Visiting a kite store in Bali. Kite making and flying is a big deal here.


August 2, 2014. The ribbon cutting ceremony of the Downs Syndrome Center at RS Lestari (Hospital) in Jakarta. There are not a lot of resources available for children with disabilities, especially for poorer families. Working with Dr Titi (whom we have worked with previously on wheelchairs and flood relief) she envisioned a downs syndrome center for these special children at her hospital. The hospital donated the rooms and LDS charities provided the physical/occupational and speech therapy equipment. A minimal cost would be charged to families based upon income, to only pay for the therapists. As many as 100 children will now have access to therapies that were never available to them before.

August 2nd, was a wonderful opportunity to meet with Dr Titi, her family, other physicians, leaders of Potads (the organization of parents and volunteers focused on children with downs syndrome), community leaders, church members and leaders, and of course the children and their parents. 

                 Ravi. Dr Titi's 2 year old grandson trying out the new facilities with his therapist.

 

We think the kids will really enjoy this. Aren't they just darling?

I think this cute little boy, Ravi, has his grandma wrapped around his little finger. the plight of many a grandmother, for sure!!

I think at this point, Ravi is wondering why we are all around him taking pictures. Can't a boy just play in peace?

Dr Titi with her family. From left to right, Dipta, son in law. Reno, 10 year old grandson, Pram, her husband, Dr Titi, Adi daughter, and Ravi. Dr. Titi refers to her husband as her ex-fiancé, quite a sense of humor! They are so sweet to each other. A loving family.

Udin, in the black hat is the local community leader who spoke at the ceremony and recognized the work that has been done to help these children and their families. President Djarot, 3rd from the right, Stake President. He spoke on behalf of the church explaining what our churches humanitarian funds are for and how our desire as a church is to look for opportunities to help relieve suffering and provide resources to those in need. We may be from different religions but we can be united in seeking out opportunities to help God's children. These occasions do much to soften hearts and build relationships within our communities. Yani, 2nd from the right is from Potads. A organization focused on helping children with downs syndrome.

Sister Donald, Dr Titi and President Djarot cutting the ribbon to officially open the downs syndrome center to the children.

We had the opportunity to watch a video presentation by the children with downs syndrome and their parents, and the impact these resources will have on the lives of the children, their parents and families.

                                                            Ninit 8 years old

Ninit with her friend Deffrey. 24 years old. He loves to play music, especially the drums

These 3 people were introduced to the group as people that we are working with on past and future projects. Cataracts, cleft lips and palates, and wheelchairs.

 

Deffrey with his father Jeffrey. They were so appreciative  for the new center. What a wonderful work to be a part of. Truly this is the work of following the life and example of Jesus Christ, seeking out the needy wherever you may find them. As Dr Titi said to us at the end of the ceremony. "I feel so good when I do things to help others. It makes me want to find other projects to help." The sanctifying power of service!