hari ini Jumat, limabelas april, dua ribu sebelas

After almost two weeks of reading the Gospel in Bahasa Indonesia, it was my firts time to be absent this morning. I just don't know why, but I did not hear the alarm, the next thing I know, the sun was already up and the bell that signaled the start of the mass was already ringing. I was so ashamed of what happened but maybe that's life, we sometimes don't wake up for  things that we were assigned to do.

Later in the morning, I was blessed to have talked with my first couple who were instructed in the Catechism about matrimony to prepare them for marriage come September. The guy is a German national while the girl is Indonesian. They met in Bali were the girl works as a barista. They have been in the relationship for three years, but most of which was spent virtually thanks to the wonders of modern technology such as skype. I just read the CCC last night and was planning to tell them what I taught in class, since I was a professor for theology particularly on the sacraments before when I was in the Philippines. However, the Holy Spirit had other plans, so while discussing, I was insight which came to me just there, and examples from my background in counseling which the couples appreciated. Although I only gave the theology and the canonical requirements for marriage, I felt that the couple learned something more about the current conditions of families and how to face future problems. Puji Tuhan!

Just before lunch time, Judi and I went to look for janur leaves to be used in making leaves for Palm Sunday. I thought of teaching the teens for catechism tomorrow how to make palm leaves the Filipino style. So while buying the leaves and showing Judi how to make them, he gave me some lessons on some herbs sold in the warung which were used to be placed in the room of a newly wed couple because of some superstitious beliefs. Anyway, which doing this,it came to us how we can actually make a fund raising out of the leaves which can help generate funds for the culminating activities of the teens. At least they would learn how to value the money that they would be usuing for their graduation. So again we bought additional leaves in the afternoon. But not before having snacks at Dunkin Donuts, were they served Durian and Atis flavored donuts!

I ended the day with a fruitful and blessed sharing of prayers, ideas and most specially food with the Filipino Community at Mr. Al's place in Sudwarto.