Hallo! Nama saya Kaitlynn. I’m completely healed from the illness I had last Friday! Terima kasih for all your prayers concerning me! I experienced God’s surpassing peace through it all. This week we got to help with school, attend multiple Bible studies, organize a Health Clinic, and attend some cultural events! Through these activities God pulled back the “veil” that was hindering my ability to see the injustices and corruption around me.
Teaching
We assist the teachers for their morning and afternoon classes. The school is made up of 95% Muslim teachers and students. At the beginning and end of each class, they say a Muslim prayer. I graded math assignments and helped children learn to pronounce and write the alphabet (Indonesian and English use the same alphabet). The students and teachers do not know English, so I’ve made an effort to learn multiple phrases in Indonesian so I can communicate with them. I’ve realized that our ministry will be most effective with the teachers. The children’s mothers sit at the entrance to the school for hours until class is over. Loving and caring for the mothers and children is equally important.
Bible Studies
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Health Clinic
One day our team went with Dessi and several doctors to a different part of town. Again we walked turning right and then left down a narrow maze of a street. The women there greeted us, then we set up tables and chairs, and an assembly line for people to first sign in, get their vitals checked by a nurse, then be diagnosed by a doctor, and then receive medicine.
My job was to package medicine for people to pick up when their name was called. At the beginning, the woman I was partnering with set several pieces of paper in front of me and scissors, then showed me how to cut them into little squares. She left me to do that as our assembly line was in motion, and friends, I felt like an idiot. Haha! People were showing up with all kinds of ailments, and I’m just over here cutting little squares of paper! Once I had a pile accumulating, the woman motioned for me to stop and took a square of paper and started writing medicine instructions for a patient on it. I packed the medicine and put the instructions inside. Oooooooooh! I was furthering the Kingdom by cutting up squares of paper.
The role gave me an opportunity to observe the people who were at first shyly then enthusiastically pouring through the doors. I noticed when one woman’s name was called to see the doctor, she got up so excitedly that she knocked over her chair and the one beside it! I got to hand many grateful, hopeful, desperate, and sorrowful brown eyes their cure. It was incredibly humbling, my heart could have just burst with the love I felt God had for them. But as I observed those sitting in the waiting chairs too, I felt a deep sadness. Each of them so precious, not forgotten, waiting to be seen. I just wanted to jump up and hug all of them and tell them how beautiful they were. Greasy hair, smelly clothes, sores, unkept nails, limping, but the most stunning smiles. Aaaaaah, I’m tearing up again! We got to help around 50 people that morning!
Cultural Events
Our team got to attend a Candle Light Christmas Eve Service—whaaaaaatttt??—because the Christians here wanted to celebrate Christmas instead of the huge Chinese New Year celebration that the rest of their culture was celebrating last weekend. They wore their traditional clothing, did a traditional dance to welcome the presence of God, and held hands during several worship songs. After the service, we got in line for the potluck meal. My teammate Shauny loves to dance to music, so when some upbeat traditional music came on, one of the older women there noticed her dancing and pulled her out to dance a traditional dance with her! It wasn’t long before someone was grabbing my hand too, and everyone on my team was dancing in a circle with the older women!
On Sunday morning we attended a church service, and I got to help lead a song for worship! Their worship time was so upbeat and celebratory! Their lead singers were dancing and their bright smiles had the whole world smiling back at them! Though I never understand what’s being said during Bible Study or sermons, I do study the passage for myself, I pray, and I observe.
What’s HIDDEN?
If you read my previous blog post, you know that our introduction to the Indonesia people and culture was very romantic. Lots of smiling and generosity. But this week God opened my eyes to the realities of what’s hidden behind those smiles and the loud colorful stores that line the streets.
One day, during our break for lunch, we bought picnic items and settled inside a nicely manicured park. During our meal, we were reflecting and joking around, when the Muslim call to prayer began to be broadcasted over the loud speakers (which can be heard anywhere in the city). I was so distracted and unsettled by it, as my teammates continued to chat and eat. I became really fidgety and looked across to see my friend Morgan also clearly distracted. So I started praying. I didn’t feel fear. I felt an overwhelming sadness listening to the cry of prayers, the human voices (many praying at once) that wailed was so sincere and devoted. The sky slowly darkened, and it started to rain so we had to leave. As we walked back to the school, I couldn’t help but imagine the rain as God’s tears.
One evening as I was walking down the stairs, carrying all my toiletries to take a bucket shower, I stopped to visit with our host, Dessi. One of the stories she told me, was about a Muslim woman she had prayed for that day, and whom had revealed that her husband had been beating her for years. I asked Dessi if that was common among Indonesian marriages, and she said yes. It clicked in my mind that the mothers who sit for hours downstairs on the floor while their children are in class—the women with beautifully patterned hijabs and dresses, gentle smiles, always wearing lipstick and asking for a picture with me—may go home with their children to be beaten… perhaps every night. It was a shocking realization, but true. Their clothing covers their entire body except their face and hands.
Also, though the local people are usually kind and smile and wave at us, this week the younger men started being harassing since they got used to our group of women walking the same path everyday. It opened my eyes to how women are viewed here. We also were driving back from the Christmas Eve Service when we passed through a Red Light district, and saw prostitutes waiting below each street light. It’s one thing to hear about it, a totally other experience to see these situations. We pass by a lot of karaoke bars, and many of those women work there. Nothing makes me more angry seeing the destitute lifestyle these girls are living.
I’m so tremendously thankful to be a part of furthering God’s Kingdom here in Indonesia, and keep in mind each day that our time here is brief. The teachers interest in us is such a blessing, and I’ve loved getting to know them and their families as well as our other many new friends (Dessi, the guys who work at the local coffee shop, the lady who works at the laundry facility, the janitor who always smiles at me in the morning, etc). I’ll always feel grief when I hear the prayer call five times a day–their devotion is very impressive–but I know God passionately and actively desires to reveal Himself to them as the one true LORD.
Prayer Requests:
- That the women and children we interact with would feel so seen and loved, and notice that it’s different.
- For unity and grace among our team.
- That the teachers would feel supported and encouraged in their role and through friendship.
- That the local Christians would be encouraged and strengthened in their fellowship and faith by our team’s presence.
- That during our Bible study, God would nudge the hearts of those who don’t know Him to seek Him and reveal their minds to “more.”
It makes my day to hear from each of you! Ask ALL the questions! There are so many stories and areas of being on the World Race that I had to leave out due to the simplicity of a single post. Comment below to let me know that you’re joining me in prayer! Sampai jumpa lagi!
Kaitlyn thank you for taking the time to post. I love reading this. I will use this to talk to the kids in daycare about your journey. We love you and we are praying for you.
I love your heart for those around you that you are serving. Praying for their eyes to be opened and that they would discover Jesus and His love for them. Praying for the precious ones you are in contact with to find Jesus in every little thing that you are doing each day as a witness for Him. I am soaking up every detail that you are describing. I love hearing your stories. God bless you and your teammates. Love, Mom
Praying !!!
Thanks for the update, Kaitlynn! Your passion flows through your writing…you brought tears to my eyes this morning. Your heart for those you’re encountering really encourages and challenges me. I’m praying that God will reveal to me how I can help and pray for those I encounter today. Thanks!
I pray for you every day! So happy to hear you are doing well!! I will pray for these new prayer requests 🙂 You have such a gift when it comes to writing! Can’t wait for your next update!
Kaitlynn,
You are a light of joy to these ladies. Stay Courageous in the knowledge you are not alone. I enjoyed your open heart and eyes to the desperate needs of these beautiful people. Glad you are feeling much better too.
Blessings
Cindy
Kaitlynn,
“Grace to you and peace from our God and Father and through our lord Jesus Christ.” It is wonderful to hear that you got through your sickness. Your posts are so informative and colorful like you paint a picture of the situations you face. I am overjoyed that God is working so strongly on those in your class and around the area. I can only Imagine how I would react to seeing the things that go on in such an oppressed country.
Just remember when you see and hear so much of the Darkness around you, and how it is even more visible than it is back home, that God is working, or Evil wouldn’t even be there; there are too many brothers and sisters to lead and for our God to call to understanding. Satan is holding on to this area of the world as his last stand. And he will not win because of you and your teams faithfulness to walk in his word and for the love of God that shines through you all. Fight the fight and be the light!
I’m sure I can speak for our church family when I say we are vary proud of you and excited to see what God dose through your ministry.
Continued prayers from the Collins family,
My dear sister in the LORD, may your light so shine that others will see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 is this week’s Bible verse for the whole church.
And you, lovely lady, are the embodiment of that verse right now! Praying the sweet fragrance of Christ is flowing in you and out of you and your team toward the lost.
You said we could ask questions? Do we need to be careful how we talk with you to keep from offending the country?
I just prayed through your prayer list. I will continue to pray that God will work in you and through you to touch the dear souls you are seeing each day. So thankful our Jesus and God’s word both show love and respect for women. Love hearing that Jesus is revealing himself in many ways . . . including in dreams! Love and Prayers!
Thank you for the update. It is amazing reading how different things are in other parts of the world. I hear about it yet hearing it from you makes it even more real and sad.
Hi there sweet cousin, I just enjoyed reading your blog..some which brought happy tears:) but the beatings by men of women and children, definitely brought much sadness and tears in my eyes:(
I’m praying for you and your team as you spread the great loving gospel in Indonesia! I know God has miraculous plans for you there as you witness and teach others about our precious loving Savior! With your beautiful soul and loving empathy for ALL others, God has chosen one of the BEST of HIS disciples to..”Go forth and spread the great loving gospel of Jesus around the world!” You are planted right where God desires you to be, IN HIS timing.
Romans 8:28
Galatians 5:22
1st Corinthians 13, 1-13
God bless you, Kaitlyn, and your team IN our precious loving, Lord Jesus and Savior. I pray God puts HIS “hedge of protection” from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. I didn’t know you were sick, but happy God comforted and healed you completely!! PRAISE GOD!! I love you, ?beautiful child/daughter of Christ, Jesus…praying for you daily.
IN Christ, your cousin, Ruth ?
sounds like interesting journey.
Good to heat what is happening and how the Lord is using you.
P for you. Love seeing the pictures too. In America impeachment hearings are going on. Love and blessings m
Hi
Have a wonderful day. Thinking of you..
Grandma
Kaitlynn! This is so beautiful! It depicts your week so well but also shares those hidden things that can be hard to see and even hard to share. Thank you fo sharing this!!
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS! I’m so encouraged!! : D
Thank you so much Ciera!
Wonderful, Terry! I’m so honored to be able to inspire you, and I know for sure that God will be delighted to answer that prayer for you! What a great mindset to have, to start the day with!
Aaaaaaa Michelle!!! Wow, thank you so much!! Your prayers help so much!! Btw, the other day for church, I took time beforehand to put on makeup and it was such a refreshing feeling! It’d been almost a month since I’d worn makeup, and it just made me feel extra beautiful and like myself that morning! : ) I thought of you as I was applying it, and wanted you to know that it made me so happy!
Thanks so much Cindy!! I definitely couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do this alone! I really appreciate your encouraging words and prayer support!! : )
Wow! Thanks so much for your encouragement, Robert! That’s so true, what you said about how “God is working, or evil wouldn’t even be there… he is holding onto this area as his last stand.” Yeah, Satan is desperate, but we aren’t. We’re walking in the good plans God has prepared for us, knowing that He’s already secured the ultimate victory over sin and death. Speaking for our church family brought happy tears to my eyes, that means more than you’ll ever know! You’re family is such an unwavering blessing to our church, and I pray that your passion for God and missions will be infectious to the rest of the congregation! Thank you guys again for your constant prayer support—I’m so glad ya’ll are doing this journey with me!
Aw Carol! You have me speechless! *cries happy tears* Thank you so much for your specific prayers!!
Great question! It is okay to ask any questions here! If the questions requires an answer that could put anyone in danger, I’ll email you back instead of commenting here. Please ask all the questions! I’ve been meeting to write you… but you know how it is, lol, busy, but I’m only able to cover so little of our week in a single blog post. Much more waiting to be shared!
Aw! Thanks so much Connie! In fact, I was thinking of the daycare kids today while I was helping in the classroom… just reminded me of my time with them! I’m thrilled you’re keeping them updated!
Hey Joyce! Oh my goodness, these prayers are gold! Thank you so much for praying these over me! Yeah, it’s fascinating how Jesus was the person in history to advocate for the worth and significance of women and children. Thanks again for your constant prayer!
Thanks Jen! I totally relate! I used to hear things on the news or in books, and I knew that if it was true, I just had to see it for myself someday. And then recount it to everyone I know!
Indeed! Thanks for coming alone! : )
Ruth! Aw, you are the sweetest! Thanks so much for the encouragement and the verses. I feel very encouraged! And thank you for your specific prayers, they help so much!
Edit: Thanks for coming *along! Haha
That’s a great verse to meditate on, Karen. Thanks so much for sharing it with me. Can’t wait to see you so soon!!!!!
Thanks so much Mary! Yeah, I really do need to catch up on the news, haha! Love you and thank you for your constant prayers!
Aaaaaaaa Grandma! HELLO! I’m so so so SO glad you were able to read my post! Isn’t it incredible how different lifestyles are around the world, and yet we still share so much in common! Wish you could meet the sweet people I’m meeting. Thanks for thinking of me : )
Thanks so much Keith! So excited to see you and Karen in just a couple days! It’s gonna be a great celebration for us to all be reunited!!
Courtney! It’s such a delight to hear from you and so kind of you to take time to read my post! I can’t wait to hear what this month has been like for you!
So proud of you! Wow! Keep up the good work!
So sweet! Thanks so much Erin! Hope you and your family are doing well! : )
Kaitlynn, thank you for serving others. I love your love for others. Keep being Jesus’ hands and feet. I feel so sad reading what those women go through- I pray that they be treated with respect and value like the way they should be treated. Keep doing great things. I love you!
As you bring the light and love of Jesus into some dark places, know that we are praying for you! The last part of your blog reminded me of Isaiah 45:1-3. He is going before you wherever you set your foot, and He will give you eyes to see the “treasures of darkness and riches stored in secret places, so that you will know that He is the Lord who calls you by name.” Love you, dear heart!
What a gift you Swirl Girls have been to the people in that part of Indonesia! It will be hard to leave them, but know you’ve made an impact. This is gold: “My heart could have just burst with the love I felt God had for them.”