My Mom and Dad. Love them so much.

For those of you that don't know these wonderful people, they are my Mom and Dad; better known by all as Grandma and Grandpa Riley. They are two of the finest people on this earth. They are real characters and can outplay, outwork, outpray, outcompete, outrun, outorganize, outfeed, outworry, outlaugh, outcry, outteach, outcelebrate, outshine anyone  you know. I challenge you to find anyone that is more "out" than these too. They will "out" last us all. They are so loved! Truly, they live "The Life Of Riley"!

Memorial Day Not Forgotten

Our gathering in November 2008 to commemorate Paul's life. Thank you,  Zac, for making this happen. Thank you, Blake, for taking care of the headstone this year.  And thanks to all for remembering.

Sometimes the sky looks like this before it rains.

I think of this beautiful cloudy sky scene as the storm before the calm. It reminds me of Christ's coming to take us home.

Monument in Bogor

I just can't capture the essence of this picture. It is huge in the main square. The other side has the woman with another child and dog. It symbolizes 'the family'. It is magnificent. The trees are actually this height to the monument.

Indonesia has many very tall monuments. Many of them symbolize youth, vibrance, growth, success.

Going to Garden last Saturday

Missionaries along with branch members shared the day at the garden. Mud, weeds, ditches, Indo shovels, and hard work in the heat made for a "bonding" day together. Joel Gittormson took us to Dunkin Donuts after the event. An orange drink has never tasted so good. Elder Torrens, Cowan, John, Hawkes (from Payson), Chaba (back-Hungary), Arun, Morino, Smith. 

Arun from Sri Lanka

Arun (left) showed up at church one Sunday. He was a journalist in Sri Lanka but had reported some things the government didn't like. He had to flee for his life and showed up in Indo. His family went to India. He is now trying to find a job and have his family come over to live.

The Glitter of the Night in Indonesia

We attended a wedding of a very prominent LDS member. He is in the shrimp business. (Forrest should have stayed in that profession.) It was a night to remember for elders and sisters who are used to the other side of the tracks. There were food courts, a cake as tall as the convention ceiling, and at least 500 people. The gala event put sparkles in our eyes for a few hours. Only to realize, this much money could be sorely used in so many places. But what a fun night for the bride, groom, family, and us. The missionaries were all a goggle. 

Twin Sisters provide education using their own money.

Rossie was an educator of all educators. Her philosophy is give the students a chance but make them responsible. We offered to bring in a stove for cooking and help with a new bathroom facility. She politely said no and made sure we understood students learn how to work by cooking over a fire and building their own bathroom. We did give them rice and book supplies (thanks Diedra and Carol and all those who helped with this project). This woman and her twin sister provide uniforms, food, and time in order for 576 students may receive an education.