May 14, 2015, 9:45 p.m. I am writing this news from Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia). The flight was long (22 hours of travel), but I do not feel tired. Glory to God!
Dmitriy Leo in Indonesia
I want to thank everyone who prayed for this trip… and, as you can see, it worked out with God’s help. I was supposed to be in Indonesia as early as May 2, but I arrived only on May 14. This was due to problems obtaining a visa. For two weeks, I had to visit the Indonesian embassy and resolve various visa issues. Several times we postponed the flight dates (at an additional cost of $250 each time), since canceling the trip was impossible. The international and domestic flights had already been paid for, and if I had canceled everything, I would have suffered significant financial losses.
The problem was that, at first, I was invited to Indonesia by a Christian church. For those who do not know, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, and accordingly… they did not want to issue me a visa. In the end, I obtained a tourist visa. If anyone plans to obtain a visa to a Muslim country, take note of this so you do not have problems later.
Because my visit was delayed by half a month, all the planned services in Indonesia were canceled. Now we will try to create a new schedule for my trips around the country. So far, nothing is known; everything is a complete… surprise!
I will finish here, since there is nothing more to write.
Although… did you know that it is already dark in Jakarta at 6:00 p.m.? When we landed, I was very surprised. This means that after the workday, people cannot go to the beach to sunbathe or spend time admiring nature. There you have it! Now I understand why Indonesians usually get up at 4 or 5 in the morning. It is normal for them. It is also clear why services in many churches take place at 6, 7, and 8 in the morning. If you like sleeping in, you will miss the services!
In Indonesia, there are only two seasons—summer and autumn. In summer and winter, the air temperature in Jakarta is the same—25–26 degrees. Winter differs from summer only in its frequent rains. On the negative side… Jakarta is a city of traffic jams and polluted air.
Interestingly, in Indonesia people eat only with their right hand and usually without cutlery. In restaurants, as in our country, they use a spoon and fork, while a knife is considered a symbol of aggression, so you will never see one at a traditional Indonesian table. Before and after eating, they wash their right hand with water and a piece of lemon in a special bowl.
Until next time.
With love, Dmitriy Leo.
To conclude, here is a little Indonesian worship.
