The Elliotts

Eleven out of Ten

So, big days in the Elliott house.  Well, normal days really, but one of the days involved a turkey, which in Indonesia involves an investment of half a million at the Ranch Market, our international grocery store.  But boy, it was worth it!

I'd like to say that the menu item of the day was my fresh mango chutney (it is mango season here right now); but I think the fact that none of our SE Asian friends had ever eaten turkey kind of made the bird itself the marquee item.

To clarify, this is not our turkey.  This is a promo turkey picture from Butterball.  But our turkey was every bit as delicious and the Ranch Market only had one for sale: a fifteen pounder so we probably have enough leftovers to make it to Thursday or Friday!

Our guest list was our office accountant whose wife was out of town, and two of Kari's single mom friends.  It was a really fun and unique time, celebrating a Canadian holiday with a bunch of non-Canadians.

Anyway, that's how life looks this week, really normal.  I (Ben) am working away at my school; we are at midterms right now.  I am really proud of my students this week, they are working hard and it seems really learning and growing.  Great job Jaffray students!  I am really thankful to God that he has put you in my life.

For me, it has been easy to find things to be thankful at this thanksgiving.  My amazing wife, my great kids, all the blessings God has put in our life like friends for Kari and a safe place to live; you know, we prayed for several months that Blaise would have a Western friend at his school this year, well one is moving into the neighbourhood one block over.  I am so thankful.

And of course, one last Turkey at the Ranch Market.  Turkey borscht tonight, and then grading midterms and commenting on book reviews [one of the best books ever: The Christian Mind by Harry Blamires].  I am thankful for this life, and really thankful as we go through this year that we begin to see some of the difference that our liife over here has been making, in spite of the difficulties.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I thought I was the athlete???

    So, usually I get priority for weekend athletic events, but this weekend was different.  We as a family had the opportunity to watch Daddy participate in his first ever criterium cycling race.  It was a very cool experience full of cycling entertainment and we are super proud of Ben!

If looking good could win you the race . . . 

Helping daddy get his bike set up

Hanging out with the Indonesia national champion

Ben at the front of the peloton

 

Field Trip and Graduation

You've been searching for the answer.  You've been wondering.  It's ok, we all have.  We all want to know just what really represents the cultural heritage of Indonesia for the rest of the world.  Is it a game like hockey or baseball?  Is it a fashion statement like the kimono or the kilt?  Maybe it is a food . . . a kimchi, a lasagna, or warenecki?  What really sets Indonesia apart from the rest of the huddled masses?  Well . . . 

. . . you guessed it: its shadow puppets.  You might be asking yourself: how is it that a nation built on shadow puppetry has not yet managed to rule the world?  It's a mystery my friend, but one me and my philosophy class tried to unlock on our field trip to the Wayang Museum of Indonesia last Friday [wayang is the Indonesian word for shadow puppet].  I can definitely say that I have never been to a museum quite like this before.  The wayang here is either Arjuna or Bima.  I can say that with confidence because, judging from what I picked up from our legitimately awesome and knowledgeable guide Didit, pretty much every wayang is either Arjuna or Bima . . . or a member of Team America World Police [yup, these are authentic Indonesian cultural treasures].

Anyway, we had a great class trip and enjoyed the museum.  One the way, we stopped at 7-11 [there are only 6 in Indonesia, so it makes a cool stop] and Kari gave me a stern look when I said to one of my students: "Boy, let's you and me hop out here and get the Slurpees."  She said that it was really rude to address him like that; but then I told her that his name actually is 'Boy'.  Take that Kari.  Here is Kari's hair and Boy, staring lovingly at his first ever Slurpee.  He said it 'almost makes him forget his home town'.  If they had a sweet potato flavoured one I think I could get him to move to Canada.

So, long story short, next week in class we are going to be talking about how Plato's allegory of the cave in the Republic is basically just Indonesian wayang set in a Greek context.  The only difference might be that Plato says we spend our whole lives watching the wayang instead of trying to discover what is really real; the wayang show itself actually only lasts ten hours [!!].  Oh, and we also got gamelan lessons, and Blaise was a natural.  Keep in mind that the gamelan playing also lasts ten hours (Didit only let us mess around for 15 minutes) but at the end I think you get to see Arjuna fight Bima.

 

Also this weekend was graduation.  We had a joint graduation between my school (Jaffray Seminary Jakarta) and our sister school (The Foundation for Christian Counselling).  It was really cool to see all the grads come through and get their diploma, especially so now that I have had so many in class and got to know them a little bit.  I am really proud of our grads, and really proud to be a part of a school that is committed to shaping leaders, teachers, pastors, and counsellors in their work here in Indonesia. Being a part of an event like this is a great reminder of how really worthwhile (hopefully) all that theological class prep and grading really is.  Great job grads and great job organising committee!  [ . . . and next time can I get one of those killer medals?]

The Elliotts Get Creative and Organized

Mostly it was Ben, but I like to think we all had a hand in the work projects of today.  Imagine a house without any closets - no linen closets, no front hall closets, no pantry - that is what all homes in Indonesia are like.  You have to create storage space.  We have been craving storage (especially for toys) for so long but reluctant to spend much so Ben went to work.  At one point Blaise said to Ben "Mom is sure lucky to be married to a carpenter".  I agree!

This afternoon all four of us Elliotts were out on the front lawn.  Ben was hammering and sawing and I was leading the way for team "paint".  We realized that we were causing quite a stir in our neighbourhood - especially around 5 pm when everyone began to pass our front lawn on their way home from work.  I am sure some were thinking "you know you can buy furniture in Indonesia".  We like to think you can't buy it quite this nice!

Raffles Time Trial

Lately, the Elliotts (mostly Ben, let's be honest) are into biking, and by into biking, I mean rearrange your schedule to watch the Vuelta every night for two hours into biking.  In fairness, it is really the only sport that you can get on prime-time TV 'live' here in Indonesia; that, and it has more crashes than Nascar.  So, it was no surprise that the decision to host a family time trial in the neighbourhood (Raffles Hills) was met with much acclaim.  [Here is Blaise looking for some TV time with his (sweet $2 outlet store find) jersey unzipped and a mouth full of juice; he traded bottles with the car at 3k.]

Blaise led us out, followed by me, and then Kari, with Flora driving the support car.  My guess is that Blaise is the only six-year-old not resident in Europe who has shouted over his shoulder: "Mom, do you have an extra tire if I have a blow out?"  I corrected him with the reminder that, by rights, she should have prepared a full wheel to speed up the change.  (You know, maybe a little less Vuelta for that kid . . . )  Yes, those are aerobars on Blaise's bike; thanks for the loan Uncle Harry, but Blaise hasn't let me try them yet.  [Nice custom TT numbers by Blaise -- he got 6, I got 5.  We should make a video, out of the saddle Blaise has a style that looks just like Contador, with a little bob; he is so light.]

Anyway, Flora passed drinks out the window, Blaise pulled yupies out of his back jersey pockets (Indonesian for jube-jubes), and Kari and I tried not to get honked at too much.  But all in all, it was a cracker of a family day in the neighbourhood.  Blaise finished the (quite hilly) 5.5k loop in 27:34, and the two adults went 10:54 and 10:07.  Our neighbours assuredly think we are so strange [. . . especially that guy that I just passed in the minivan . . .]

Canada=cold and Jakarta=hot

    We had been in Canada for two days when one morning (and it was particularly chilly) Blaise says to me: "It is so cold in Canada!  I like the Jakarta weather better".  He says this from the warm place he has created under his blanket covers.  To be fair it was a rather cold summer this year even by Alberta terms. Despite the initial "climate shock"  we had a wonderful month in Canada: holidaying at the cabin, visiting friends, shopping in Canadian grocery stores (a highlight for both Ben and me), and eating all our favourite things.  It was a trip full of blessings.

Blaise chilling on the way over to Canada

Blaise and Flo with their cuz

My favourite nephew!

    Well, we are back now and it is HOT here.  The rainy season disappeared while we were away and hot has fully taken over.  We are excited about this coming year; both kids are in school.  Flora is in all morning and Blaise (big primary one kid) stays until 2 pm!  Yikes they are growing up quickly.  We are so thankful that both kids are happy going to school.  Blaise was greeted with such enthusiasm from his class mates and naturally Flora has already charmed both her teacher and all her little friends.  She told me that after the first day of school her teacher made a new rule: no kissing other students, only hugging is allowed.  After a little digging I discovered that this rule was created after several little boys tried kissing Flora.  I don't really blame them she is quite kissable after all :).

    A big thanks to our family and friends in Canada.  You guys encouraged us in so many ways and instead of feeling sad and homesick (and there still is a bit of that) we feel so ready to take on the challenges of this year and are excited to see what God has for us life and ministry.

Summer Break!!

Yes, there are still a mountain of papers to grade (and reading badly written second-year essays on the influence of Al Ghazali is tough in any language) . . . yes, there is really no change in the weather from the 29 and hazy we get all year round here in Jakarta . . . and no, looking at the state of the house, we are by no means ready for it . . . but summer break is finally here!!

Blaise has managed to squeak through to kindergarten graduation, a feat for many I have heard (cf. JVE).  He even met my minimum standard for him in mathematics, with a final score of 100% for the year.  Special props to uncle Harry R who reminded him this Spring that being numerate is more important than being literate.  Blaise also cruised to a 92 in English and 90 in Mandarin.  Blaise is excited about grade one, but we are all praying for a special friend that will really 'get' him next year in his class.

So while Blaise is headed for elementary school as a first grader next year, Flora will be off to kindergarten herself.  Doesn't she look excited about it!  She has been into the school to try on her CUTE little dress for uniform and she is really pumped up about it.  Actually, so is the school marketing department which can now sell themselves as the home of native English speaking students, not just student.  

But before we all get back to class, the big news is that we fly out tomorrow for a week of meetings with our CMA team mates in Bali, and then (wait for it) to CANADA for the first time in two and a half years for a little holiday before we dive back in here in Jakarta in July.  

So, fall semester here we come . . . but home sweet home here we come first . . . and boy are we all excited!!

[PS -- Kari came in third in the open women's division at the National 10k here last week . . . she's too shy to mention it . . . she even made the news as (I think you would translate it) 'the white rocket who blew across the finish line and then had to be carried to the medical tent because she konked out on the spot'.  At least we know she was gining it her all, eh?]

New Contact Info (Summer 2011)

Hey Friends and Family,

Here is our contact info in Jakarta, up to date as of summer 2011.  The biggest news is that our US number was disconnected, but now it is reconnected (by popular demand, mostly from my mom and dad).  Anyway, we are about 12 hours different from Canada, so evening or morning is usually best for us.  But most of all, we'd love to hear from you; give us a ring or shoot us an email.

Our email is still benandkarielliott@gmail.com  Send us your email address and we can add you to our mailing list and keep up to date with everything that is going on over here.

Our best phone number is: 1-859-353-0235

Our mailing address is:

Ben and Kari Elliott

Jalan H Fachruddin No. 9
Jakarta 10250
INDONESIA

My phone number is 011 628 128 190 5050, Kari's number is 011 628 211 444 0021, we have a number that routes through the US (no extra long distance fees) which is 1 859 353 0235 [this was off, but now is active again], and you can still catch us on Skype at benandkari99.

Financial Support

The majority of our expenses are covered through the Global Advance fund of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.  Global Advance is really a wonderful thing; it pools together resources from across all our churches in Canada, and then provides for all the basic needs of Alliance workers around the world, including housing, medical, living allowance, etc.  We are so thankful for the support we receive from Global Advance and encourage our friends and family that giving to Global Advance is a great way to support us, because this is the fund that keeps us on the field.

The Alliance, however, sets up two additional funds for each international family to make it possible to cover expenses that do not fall under Global Advance.  The first, is called our 'work' fund.  We are able to use the money in this fund to cover expenses related to our living and working here, such as providing for practical things that support our ministry--like key books and journals for our seminaries--or helping us meet a specific need that we see locally, as well as covering special administrative expenses like our driver's licences (which we have to renew every year).

The other fund is called our 'outfit'.  This has been designed to help with the expenses of 'outfitting' yourself in a new country.  This year, any money in our outfit fund will help us pay for Flora's school, which will cost us $3000. 

Donations to our work in Indonesia can be made through any Christian and Missionary Alliance Church by clearly marking your gift 'to the work of Ben and Kari Elliott, Indonesia', or 'to the outfit of Ben and Kari Elliott, Indonesia'. 

Donations can also be made online by following this link to the secure Canada Helps website.

At the bottom of the page there is a dialog box where a message/ instructions can be passed along to the CMA office which processes all contributions.  To contribute to the specific needs of our family, simply make a note in this box designating your gift to 'the work of Ben and Kari Elliott, Indonesia', or 'the outfit of Ben and Kari Elliott, Indonesia'.

If you have any questions, or a technical problem, our friend Greg Todesco (who is remaining in Canada!) has offered to field any concerns.  He can be reached at greg.todesco@gmail.com.

In so many ways we are so very thankful for all the people that God has put in our lives, people who encourage us, and care about us, and pray for us, and think about us.  Our lives would be very empty without all of you.  We are also very thankful for your financial support; it makes such a huge difference in the way we organise our day-to-day life.  Thank-you so much for your friendship, and thank-you for your consideration in supporting us and our work in Indonesia.  -- Ben and Kari

Bible Timeline Bookmark Available (you know you've been waiting for it)

For the last couple of weeks I have been working away on a Bible and Church History Timeline bookmark; just something small that you could chuck in your Bible in case you ever forgot when the invasion of Sennacherib was or when the Council of Nicea took place (shame on you!).  I primarily made it for my students here, as a little reference tool, but Kari said it could be helpful for normal people too, who may not have completely nailed down who came first: the Judges of Israel or the heroes of the Trojan war [hint: same time].

Big thanks to everybody who had a look at the drafts; and sorry that I rejected some of your great suggestions.  The files are available for download in Publisher so you can amend it if you need to to fit your context.  It should all be set up to go if your printer can handle double sided printing and you've got some 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

For the more academically interested, I'd prefer to spin the dating as 'informed-conservative', reflecting both an awareness of the extensive discussion of some key OT dates in particular but also an Evangelical ecclesiastical context.  And of course, many of the older dates appear here more precise than the ancients would have understood them; but I'm pretty settled that this is a defensible part of the translation/contextualization process.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this project; I hope you find it helpful.

Download Bible Timeline Bookmark Black and White

Download Bible Timeline Bookmark Orange

Download Bible Timeline Bookmark Sky Blue

Download Bible Timeline Bookmark Bahasa Indonesia Abu-Abu

Download Bible Timeline Bookmark Bahasa Indonesia Kuning