Day 12 - Injil Institut Indonesia
Driving through the entrance of Injil Institut Indonesia seemed to be a blurry moment. We were about to complete another short trip to yet another city in Indonesia .. this city, the one I have really been waiting to visit. For Batu is a city where my Dad lived as a child, and the Injil Institut is a Bible school that my Grandpa Germann founded in the late 1950s. A dream was about to come true for me, and Tola graciously talked to our kind driver as I took everything in as we drove along the streets of Batu.
We happened to arrive on the same day as the school's Christmas and Alumni Celebration, so this was a wonderful time to be able to meet many people who have met the Germann family or have heard about them for many years. After quickly changing into our most formal attire (which still left us under dressed) we were escorted into the middle of the celebration. Everything seemed to stand still for a moment as lights and cameras flashed on Tola and me as we walked through the audience of applauding people. It was both an overwhelming and special experience as I thought of all that my Grandpa and Grandma Germann-Edey had done at the school many years ago. During the celebration I was able to say a few words to everyone, and I felt honored as I was able to send greetings and represent the Germann family.
Throughout the rest of the day we were greeted by many people who had stories to tell about the Germann family. It was moving to see everyone's excitement and surprised reactions as I was introduced to different people from the Injil Institut.
One special lady that Tola and I met was Ibu Netty and her dear husband. Ibu Netty took care of my Dad and his siblings while they lived in the Batu area. She became teary as we talked about the Germanns and their time in Indonesia. I was very impressed that she remembered all of the Germann names and details of everyone, and I suddenly felt that I was meeting a member of my family.
Much of the day was a bit blurry because of meeting so many people and listening to many stories; however, our day didn't end at the Christmas and Alumni Celebration. In the evening Tola and I visited an orphanage that is a part of the same organization that runs the Bible school (IMF). We went to the girls building and spent a wonderful time visiting with the girls. It was special to share with such lovely girls, and we had a lot of good laughs. The girls giggled a lot and liked calling Tola "handsome," and Tola responded with good jokes. Tola was also able to teach them some Swedish and it was amazing to see how the girls were like sponges.
We are planning on staying in Batu (at the school) until the end of the week. Everyone is being very generous and we are staying in lovely accomodations at the school. I feel so blessed to be able to experience all that we are experiencing, and I am so happy to be here .. I feel at home.
We happened to arrive on the same day as the school's Christmas and Alumni Celebration, so this was a wonderful time to be able to meet many people who have met the Germann family or have heard about them for many years. After quickly changing into our most formal attire (which still left us under dressed) we were escorted into the middle of the celebration. Everything seemed to stand still for a moment as lights and cameras flashed on Tola and me as we walked through the audience of applauding people. It was both an overwhelming and special experience as I thought of all that my Grandpa and Grandma Germann-Edey had done at the school many years ago. During the celebration I was able to say a few words to everyone, and I felt honored as I was able to send greetings and represent the Germann family.
Throughout the rest of the day we were greeted by many people who had stories to tell about the Germann family. It was moving to see everyone's excitement and surprised reactions as I was introduced to different people from the Injil Institut.
One special lady that Tola and I met was Ibu Netty and her dear husband. Ibu Netty took care of my Dad and his siblings while they lived in the Batu area. She became teary as we talked about the Germanns and their time in Indonesia. I was very impressed that she remembered all of the Germann names and details of everyone, and I suddenly felt that I was meeting a member of my family.
Much of the day was a bit blurry because of meeting so many people and listening to many stories; however, our day didn't end at the Christmas and Alumni Celebration. In the evening Tola and I visited an orphanage that is a part of the same organization that runs the Bible school (IMF). We went to the girls building and spent a wonderful time visiting with the girls. It was special to share with such lovely girls, and we had a lot of good laughs. The girls giggled a lot and liked calling Tola "handsome," and Tola responded with good jokes. Tola was also able to teach them some Swedish and it was amazing to see how the girls were like sponges.
We are planning on staying in Batu (at the school) until the end of the week. Everyone is being very generous and we are staying in lovely accomodations at the school. I feel so blessed to be able to experience all that we are experiencing, and I am so happy to be here .. I feel at home.
Pretty honored!!!
Great day to arrive... lights, camera... "Emily!"