Here are some memorable things and stories about my Jakarta trip:
- The Indonesians did a really good job in handling the event. The conference was great, the lecturers were awesome and testimonies were inspiring. Joining this conference gave me a sense of belonging in what God is doing on a regional level. It allowed me to see the big picture, not just focusing on my church, but flowing with the move of the Spirit. It reinforced my call to the youth and the gift the Holy Spirit gave me. Youth minister for life!
- I and some friends were even pulled into participating in the ceremonies. I carried the Philippine flag during the opening and closing ceremonies. We were even pulled into singing for the "international" choir.
(Back L-R: Yulie, Melani, Syane, VJ. Middle L-R: Joko, Marchel, Angel, Patrick, Vicky, Haydee. Front L-R, Yunie, Aaron, Nina, Welfert)
- Friendships and relationships were the cherry of top of an already tasty ice cream. I really cherished the new friends I've made in Jakarta. Originally there were only 2 Indonesians who escorted us throughout the conference (Aaron & Marchel), but after the conference we've got to know and spend time with their friends and cell mates. My Indonesian friends made us feel welcome beyond what we could have expected, they really took the second mile with us. Just wanna acknowledge some of them: Aaron, Melani, Shane, Angel, Marchel, Melda, Yulie, Lady, Nina, Joko, VJ, Vicky and also Prakash (our Malaysian roommate). At our last night together, the Philippine delegates cooked chicken adobo as a gesture of thanks (terima kasih - thank you in Bahasa) to all their assistance and friendship.
- There were a few adjustments staying in a foreign country. Jakarta had a mix of similarities and differences from Manila. The food is always spicy. The road lanes are switched. The driver seat is on the right. My first attempt to cross a street was a challenging one because I am used to looking at the right side of the road before crossing (it was so funny being confused). But Jakarta is so much like Manila, with its fly-overs and roads. Even our facial features look the same we are mistaken as locals until we tell them we do not understand.
- Most familiar words that had stuck into my mind were ayam, goreng and nasi which meant "chicken", "fried" and "rice", all of which are edible. I've also learned to say terima-kasi or thanks. Tagalog and Bahasa also had common words: kambing (goat), takot (fear), chuka (suka/vinegar), pintu (pinto/door) and more...
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