1. Class picture from my first day in Unit 1 at IMLAC. Note the majority are Korean missionaries from South Korea here to minister in Indonesia. We also have a English couple (not pictured) a Japanese lady, a couple from Suriname and myself - I am the sole American in the class. It's a interactive-type of learning, we study and practice pronunciation, vocabulary, drills and even some cultural stuff (all in Bahasa Indonesia) with our instructors from 0800 to 1200 each day. Then break for lunch and spend the afternoon with our assignments to get out and ask and discuss various questions and topics with our neighbors and acquaintances. That part allows basic "school" language skills to be developed in regular use - then the next day we report on our success or struggles and receive help from the tutors. It's very effective.

2. My home here in Bandung - A neighborhood shot is to give you an idea of how all these houses are packed in here. No zoning or space, just jumbled right on top of each other. I took this picture from across the valley and added the arrow b/c it was hard for me to pick out my house in all of that. But you have to admit, I have a nice porch, plants, etc. You'll note in the picture if you look closely above my house there's a mesjid (mosque) and yes, it's loud. But the one across the valley is far louder -- I think they take pride in praying longer and louder than all the others. And it's a constant reminder I'm living in the world's largest Muslim country. MAF believes there's value in placing us in the middle of these neighborhoods so we can learn/absorb the culture and hear the language continuously. It's definitely not as comfortable as we're (in the USA) used to in terms of the space and it's close quarters with a lot of strangers, but I have been blessed with some sweet friendly neighbors and I really enjoy getting out to bless and share with them regularly.

3. Leaving school a week ago Friday - note the tropical green and banana trees behind me, it's never winter here!