funeral, museum, microphone

Last Sunday morning, we were shocked to learn that a mother of two great kids had died the night before.  Although they hadn't attended recently, we knew them and had taught their kids English for several weeks last summer.  The husband of the deceased sister is blind, so raising his kids will be a challenge for him.  We took a carful of people (including branch president) up to visit on Sunday, and then returned on Monday for the funeral.

Here in North Sumatra, a funeral is a family-oriented event.  They will rent a facility for a wedding, but all the funerals that we have attended have been held in the home.  The body is uncovered and unembalmed, so children are well aware of death and very involved in the ceremony  There was a religious service in the house, then the body was moved into the casket and carried outside.  Canopies had been set up in case of rain.  The widower is singing a hymn on the right and on the left are his two children.  A picture of their mother is at the head of the coffin.  Close family wear the white headbands.  This family is from the island of Nias.

Because we spent most of Monday, our typical Preparation Day, at the funeral, we took some time on Tuesday to (finally) visit the Museum of Northern Sumatera.  It is not open on Monday, so we had delayed a visit for some time.  It was an impressive museum, with lots of signage in both bahasa Indonesia and English.

There was a lot of emphasis on the local culture and the various tribes that are part of the Medan mosaic.  One of the interesting things was a display that talked about each group, and mentioned the prominent family names.  Just about all of our branch members were represented.

Our newest young elder is from Java, but his family name is Siahaan, a well respected Batak name.  All the Batak members who meet him explain how they are related to the Siahaans.

 This totem pole and the accompanying red and black design reminded me so much of the Tlingit Indians of Alaska, who also make totem poles and designs in those colors.  It blows me away how similar themes can occur throughout the globe, bearing witness that we are all children of the same Heavenly Parents.

The last time that we had Sunday School, the teacher's excellent observations were lost because the class is so big that we have to meet in the chapel and sound does not carry well.  So the church office in Jakarta authorized the purchase of a portable sound system.  This one is very lightweight, and comes with both a headset for the teacher and a handheld microphone for class members to use when they comment or read scriptures.  It was passed around today and worked very well. 

We bought it from a shop run by a nice Indian couple who lowered the price a bit.  But when we tested it at home, there was strange feedback and we thought it might have to be returned.  However, that was not a problem today at Sunday School.  Elder Porter thinks maybe the LED lights in our apartment may have caused issues.  

The portable speaker will also serve as a backup for the finicky existing sound system, can be carried to activities (2-hour battery) and plays music (the sound system inputs no longer function).  It will be great for movie nights.

Our branch decided to have a Valentine's Day activity.  You may have noticed, this branch is GREAT at activities.  Sister Sinaga made pork rendang.  This is pretty unusual for Indonesia; Sumatra is one of the few islands where pork is readily available.  

We brought pink and white ice cream, which was a hit.  Also, we are constantly joking about Elder Porter's ice cream consumption in our english classes.  

One of the new converts, who serves in Young Women with me, sang this song, which some may recognize as the theme for the youth this year.  Yes, she sings in English.  She is amazing.

Our English classes have been very well attended.  On Friday we had 23 adults who brought along 11 children. Elder Porter teaches the kids for the first part (we have a room with a wall of windows so parents can see their kids) while Sister Porter focuses on the adults. Each lesson we have a young missionary companionship who helps with taking roll, greeting people, and small group activities if they happen to be a native English speaker. But the Indonesian missionaries like to attend so they can learn as well. Only about a quarter of participants are members of our church.  We have an enthusiastic student with video skills who made this video.