White shirts with Young Women logos, scarves, and smiling girls showed up July 8, 2009 for the 1st Girls' Camp in Indonesia. 
You can't see the other waterfall but they are so powerful. Sister Halverson and I hiked up to this one but couldn't get very close-so much spray. This country has the most outstanding natural features once you get away from the cities. The girls loved it. The hike was four hours up steep mountain hills but coming down was fast. The girls were tired, leaders beat. But what a great opportunity to be out-of-doors. Girls slept well that night.
The girls faithfully pulled out of their tents at 6:00 for flag ceremony. They prayed, read scriptures, and stayed happy. We are enjoying their sweet spirits and enthusiasm. The leaders are dedicated to these girls and the new idea of camp. Some of them thought it was boot camp. Others relaxed and enjoyed the experience.
John presents to the girls with the help of Pres. Iwan how important values are as the girls twist twine to make rope. We also presented Peter Yarrow's 'Don't Laugh At Me' character ed. program. Fun night around a campfire high in the mountains of Malang.
The girls came from East Java (Malang and Surabya Branches) to attend their first camping experience. Sister Halverson invited me to come along. We had a great experience in the jungle with water falls and girls. Didn't see but one spider-thank goodness. Hiked four hours into twin water falls that were spectacular. Ate Indo food. Tented. Enjoyed the cool days and nights. Absolutely beautiful landscapes. Participated in special activities including the Iron Rod and testimony meeting. Promises of Facebooking each other.
We drove over a three mile bridge just completed; the longest bridge in Indonesia. Then ferried back to Surabya. It felt good to be on the water and feel the cool breeze from the ocean. President Marchant and his wife and the Elders went with us. We saw big tankers, medical ships, and tiny fishing boats.
Went to a cigarette factory. They mix cloves with the tobacco to make the cigarettes even more potent. They are illegal in the U.S. But not in Indonesia. Many people smoke here. Many young people smoke so they don't have to eat. It takes off the hunger edge. They make millions from this factory and pay the help better than most businesses. Quite the place in Surabya.
