Manado Family History Visit 2018
Manado 4-Generations Family History Power Point Presentation.
Manado is a well known city at the far end sea shore of the island of Sulawesi ( Celebes during the colonial times).
For that reason alone it daunted to us that even before we left it could very well be a journey with surprises.
It sure proofed that way. First of all, we had to get up very early to catch a flight at 08.10 am on Thursday 21 June. The Surabaya International Airport, "Bandara Juanda" was extremely busy. It ended up to be a more than 2 hour plane trip. Secondly we finally took off more than half an hour too late. including that we were not prepared for not receiving the customary bottle of water & snacks. Legroom was extremely tight. Not expected from Lion Air. Sister Schmid's knees touched the seat in front of her. The plane was packed to maximum capacity. Fortunately we arrived safe & well. We took a cab to the Hotel. Next surprise presented itself: Only simple self serve breakfast in a small corner of the lobby area. Old bread you had to toast to make eatable. Just sticky old marmalade out of a just as sticky jar. Or other option, old smelling Asian food buffet style. We tried some of the green veggies, but backed off. The banana, as part of the offered not too fresh fruit became the high light of our morning meals. Our room was clean but very basic & simple. It worked well as just a place to sleep & shower. For the 1st night dinner we were directed to walk around the corner to a restaurant. Actually it was a "Street Warung" with very friendly people. The available prepared & ready to eat on an old plastic plate food did not look very attractive but panned out to be quite tasteful. We just hope we'd be spared stomach problems the next morning. Unfortunately not so for Sister Schmid. Just before we left for Manado, plans were altered. Instead , to make use positive use of the created "down time", we took a cab to the very modern & attractive seashore shopping mall. We walked around some. At some point we stepped outside across the back parking lot visiting the "beach". Stacked with huge black volcanic rocks. Returned inside & decided to have lunch at a very attractive, clean Asian Restaurant. We were seated at a rather large table looking out on the inside of the mall. Then at some point waiting for the ordered food, Sister Schmid noticed 3 young Elders walking around attempting to proselyte some. Why this mall among the many others had they picked? Why did they walk there at this narrow point of the big several floors high mall? Day, Time & Place should be just another so called "coincidence"? That actually was not a coincidence? We are used to ignore the "coincidence factor". By now know & recognize them as part of The Lord's presence during our labors as Missionaries. We waved to the Missionaries & invited them in for lunch. Came to realize one of them was the Elder we communicated with preparing for our Manado visit, We had discussed the technical connecting the LapTop to a projector before via "whatsapp" long distance. Now the face to face discussion to finish them. Including details of the Power Point Presentation. Needless to say we had a great time. Before the Missionary encounter we met a Lady at the mall entrance who welcomed us enthusiastically. Sister Indri is a member of the Manado Ward. Everybody Happy! Since we decided not to return to the walking distance "Warung Makanan" that night, We bought some bread instead in preparation for dinner that night. Next morning, Saturday, we took off somewhat early to make sure we'd arrive on time at the Church at 13.30 siang. ( 1.30 pm) The Elders were there to welcome us. No one else. The Elders called Branch President Mendrofa & were told the time was changed to 17.00 sore ( pronounce "sorrrrray", 5 pm that is) We started at 17.30 sore with the presentation. Not expecting the amount of attendants & enthusiasm showing up, this turned out to be a wonderful Presentation. The atmosphere no less than incredible. The Spirit present from the moment we started. People in Indonesia are very happy & friendly. In Manado that Indonesian tradition was turned to the utmost high level. The Branch is one strongly unified group of members. Awesome! The locally living Senior Missionary Couple, Elder and Sister Mongan ( we met several times before at Zone Conference in Surabaya) drove us back to the hotel.
Next morning Church started at 09.00 siang. ( 9 am) We were enthusiastically welcomed and greeted by just about every member personally. Including being introduced to children, parents & you name it. Talking about feeling "Home away from Home." Branch President Mendrofa decided on a 2nd Presentation right after the block Fabulous & productive time. Mom talked at length with an elderly Sister who's sight was quite compromised. Both enjoying a conversation in perfect Indo-Dutch. Amazing. After all these 7o some years she still spoke it perfectly, if Indo-Dutch can be considered "perfect". After it was all over we followed Sister Hani, the Family History Consultant to her room that actually was the Library. We helped her remodel it to a more Inviting Family History room. The President OK'd the Elders to take out much stuff that was simply dumped there, including a old sewing machine.
Later that afternoon the just about complete Branch Family boarded SUVs, Cars & "Sepeda-Motor" (motor scooters) & travelled through winding roads & beautiful scenery. Banyak pohon-pohon kelapa" ( coconut trees) After a "pit stop" to give a priesthood blessing on a new business President Mendrofa had just started, we arrived at his home & main building supply business location, way out of town. Lots of food for the gathering of a "Family Home Afternoon & Linger Longer" time with karaoke style singing of hymns & traditional music. Including introduction to us & familiar to Manado folks: "Pojo-pojo" dancing. A fabulous time spent with awesome people & fantastic Indonesian food. Including what Manado is famous for; "Makanan Ikan" (fish) in a variety of traditional creations. Saying " Sampai Jumpa. Kami berharap dapat kembali ke Manado segara", became a very, very tough moment for both of us. Part of both our hearts are left behind in this beautiful part of Indonesia. Including with great people there. Friends forever, for sure.
Elder & Sister Schmid
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| Lunch with the 3 young Manado Missionaries. |
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| Sister Schmid in Family History conversation with Sister Mongan. She is the Senior Missionary Couple Sister (in dark dress) & a member. |
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| Family Home afternoon & Linger Longer time. |
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| Plenty of great tasting, home made by a local Chef, Manado style Indonesian food. |
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| Manado Branch future leaders! |
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| Collage including remodeling the Family History room. |
