October 8, 2017

The previous 2 months plus some have been a complete "Up side Down" changeof some 55 years prior. For instance; My closets were stacked with 12 Tennis shirts, 6 pairs of tennis shoes & among others 12 pairs of white socks, 6 Adidas sweatpants & some jackets. $ to six Head tennis sticks.Now it's stocked with 12 white shirts, 12 neckties, 4 pairs of shoes, 1 pair of tennis shoes, I pair of sweatpants. Mom is getting used to ( if she ever will) to the always changing "things" here. 

We are in a situation where the membership core has very strong Testimonies" but like to change the status quo of feeling comfortable with a very strong few. It needs something additional to make the branch ( in this case CabangDua Surabaya ) stronger & gravitate towards becoming a Ward. I feel strongly that the " 4 Generations Asia Initiative" will just do that. Listening to the Gen Conf talks, we heard Elder Rasband testify that "No people around you are there coincidental", i.o.w. since it is not about Mom or me. Nevertheless, we are not here at this time just by coincidence. That includes the numerous Schmids who lived & were born in Surabaya ( including my father Emile) are "up there" supporting the effort to make this CabangDua Surabaya much stronger. The "Consistency" that I built up in my professional life, will never return here. There are too many "unsures" popping up at unexpected moments. Like in: "Will the simpatisan baru = new investigator, show up & follow through on the initial enthusiasm shown."  Then again, Mom & I can always maintain the Consistency of who we are, who we represent & by what values we function I realize from 50 plus years in Athletics that Consistency leads to victory, a great shot only gets a moment of applause. We have recognized that Fabulous days at awesome encouragements, but will not make us victorious even with one soul. We need to realize more that we can do our best & beyond & when doing so The Lord will take charge. Bottomline: "We have a plan to improve upon the "Status Quo" here. Have lined up some great members to implement. Gently we push forward. Our patience must improve. The "fine line" between pushing the envelope & overkill is evident in every move we make. To make sure we do not " cross that line" we appear to be very successful to build a strong bond between us and the members based on equality ( we are certainly not any better than they are) So far the membership and very enthusiastic, committed Leaders, are responding with love & respect in return. ( Sama sama)  One thing is for sure; one step at a time we love Surabaya more each, detik, menit, hari, minggu, bulah.(figutr out for yourselves what that translates into). Kami senang desini dan cinta orang Indonesia dan Surabaya." We realize that we are here for the 2yaer "long run."  Sister Schmid & Elder Schmid " kita desini selama dua tahun".

I enjoy the Friday night Badminton ( Bulutangkis ) & Mom loves the bonding with the Ladies that night. But do not forget the fun has a very intentional goal & let there be no doubt: " getting the members to join together in turning this Branch into a Ward."  That's the direction desired. Like in: "Arah itu" that direction.Sampai Jumpa.