Business in JKT

Things about Jakarta that caught my attention the most?..

• the friendliness of the people who serve. in shops, restaurants, hotels, everywhere... people just want to make you feel comfortable.
  
• the genuiness of my colleagues. My indonesian colleagues are genuine in their relationship with eachother. In the west, we generally have an atmosphere of "we work togethor therefore we must try to get along!". In Jakarta, the atmosphere among my colleagues was "we are friends who work togethor!". They always have time for you, no matter how busy they are. they always want you to have a good time as well. It was much appreciated.
• the poverty that affects 60% of the population. To see moms breastfeeding their children on the side of the road while beggin for money. To be stuck in traffic and have people coming to your car window asking for money.
  
• having to constantly be aware of your surroundings. the fact that you can not talk on your cell phone in the car in some areas because gangs will rob you when you are stuck in traffic.
  
• the obvious seedy underground of the city... (I won't go into this here)
  
• the traffic. there is always crazy traffic whereever you go. you dont need a seat belt because your always travelling so slow.

The things I like most about JKT...

• The shopping...
• The food...
• The service...
• The friendliness...
• There are NO FLYS!..
• The city is always moving...
  

The things I disliked most in JKT...

• The food poisoning that I got on the last day...
• The old ex-patriates who were always surrounded by young girls... If you are married, be faithful to your wife.
• The traffic wears you down after a while...
• If I wanted to play outdoor sports, it would be difficult because of the pollution...

Things that I learnt...

• Work is more than working to make a dollar... it is about relationships. Everything is about relationship.
• We are so blessed to call Australia home.

di Jakarta

I love Jakarta. Wow... what an amazing city. I don't have enough time to write about what I am doing and what I have seen. Here it is in short...

• eating... very good food (the joke is now I know why indonesians never do any work, rarara)
• shopping (i just spent AUD70 and got authentic Gucci belt, Ralph Lauren shirt, and 3 other casual and business shirts all authentic brands)
• I went to the largest Mosque in Indonesia and then across the road to the largest Cathedral
• Went to the tallest building in Jakarta to eat on the 46th floor
• work is great. I love working with orang-orang indonesia
• the traffic is crazy... but i feel somewhat safe in it
• the people here are soooo friendly... they always want u to feel comfortable
• tomorrow i think i am going to bar/club
• people smoke everywhere here
• entire families ride on one motorbike
• people have a unique ability to ignore every traffic light and there is no 'right of way'
• there are street vendors on every single street
• the pollution is bad, but i think i prefer that over the flys in perth (hmmm thats a tough one)
• imagine the population of australia squeezed into one city. traffic never stops. people are always out. restaurants, cafes always full. shops open until 10pm every night (2am on Friday) and contrast that with the fact that the majority of this city live in poverty.
• I love the Indonesians and this city is awesome. I wonder if I can ex-pat here.
  

end of week

Yeahhh... end of the week. Off to Jakarta on Sunday.

Hmmm, let's get my priorities right...

1. Shopping
2. Shopping
3. Shopping
4. Meet up with my fiances parents (pray for me. No just kidding. They're great.)
5. I guess I should do some work since I'm there on business

Have a great week every one.

Engagement party snap shot

November 12, 2005

Catch up

I’m off to Jakarta this week. My trip was postponed last Sunday.

Engagement party last Saturday. It went really well. We all had a great time. Thank you to every one who came and made the day really special. Special thanks to my house mates who got up so early to prepare.

I’m still growing the mo for Movember. Its coming along nicely.

My work schedule is quite full. Trying to build a Time & Expense server this week. Spent most of the time troubleshooting. Still planning the Lotus Notes migration to Microsoft Sharepoint portal and K2.NET.

I’ve been at the gym every day after work. Trying to get back into shape. I’ve been such a slacker since I left uni.

Housemates are doing well. Our schedules ensure that we stay out of each others way a lot of the time. We all get along great.

Music that I been listening to on my iPod lately: Aaliyah, Alicia Keys, Switchfoot, and Frank Sinatra (he’s cool man).

Gayles doing good. She’s studying for exams (her Masters), working full time, and still has time for me… she’s so strong. When I was in my final year at uni I was working 30 hours a week and studying. I didn’t have time for anyone.

International Day of Prayer - November 13, 2005

In Iraq, Africa, North Korea, the Philippines, and around the globe, Christians are beaten and killed, churches burned, and laws passed to restrict worship. Christians today face as much persecution as ever before. Jesus said his followers would not receive better treatment than he did, but he did promise the Comforter. Through prayer, we can encourage those suffering for Christ's sake. To pray knowledgably, read these articles and reports about Christians suffering for their faith. (from Christianity Today magazine)

Coffee

I have always enjoyed good coffee, but lately I am developing a rather strong penchant for it. I do not tolerate poorly made coffee which seems to be the fad among most of Perth’s café’s. I won’t even buy coffee from the city during morning rush hour. The “baristas” are always so flat out that they don’t even care whether they burn the milk or just give me coffee flavoured water. However, one café that continues to do well regardless of what location I go to is Cino’s to go. I might try King St Café today. I have heard good things.

Cell Group

I went to cell group last night for the first time in ages. My cell leader and his wife are Malaysian, and most of the people who attend are Malaysian. There is also a Filipino couple, and 4 other Australians (including me). The cell leaders parents are here from Saba in Malaysia. The father (Uncle Kong) likes to talk. He spoke about persecution that he suffered in the 1970’s when there was no protection of religious freedom. He was a government official. Muslims in Malaysia attempted to convert all of the Christians to Islam during this time, promising them high-ranking jobs, security and protection. He watched as many of his colleagues and people from the community buckled with fear and converted. He remained steadfast. He said that although he did not reach a high-ranking post in the government, he is content and has been greatly blessed by a loving family, he is very healthy and fit and looks surprisingly young.

Uncle Kong spoke of how he resisted the temptation to become corrupt (which is apparently common among government officials in Malaysia). Every day he prayed for Christ’s strength. He put his faith in God that he would live an honest life even if it hurt, but God would bless him. When people bought him bribes, he rejected the bribes but yet often did the job anyway to display the love of God. He encouraged us to remain faithful to Christ in the face of all obstacles. Christ is faithful and will reward those who seek Him.

More violence in Poso, Armed men shoot two female students in the head.

It is just over a week since three female Christian students in Poso were decapitated. Now, two more have been shot in the head in the same area.

I am lost for words when I read of such brutality being perpetrated against innocent children. I can only look to my God and believe that He will bring justice. “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) and “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28).

How can I love and pray for people who just want to kill and destroy. My flesh tells me that it is justice to repay them with the same punishment. But the bible contradicts everything that I think and feel. The measure of Gods love for us is beyond comprehension. Forgive us God when we act as the world acts. Teach your children to put there faith entirely in you. You seek the salvation of ALL mankind. Who are we to take revenge? As you forgave us, so help us to forgive others.

Today so far... vaccinations

I just had to get immunised by our company doctor. I needed 5 injections. I am now immunised against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Influenza, Tetanus/diphtheria, Measles, Polio, Hepatitis B (although I need 2 more shots). I saw on beyond tomorrow a new invention that blasts the vaccines under your skin. Yay! No more needles. The doctor told me that, realistically, this will not be available for a few more years. No complaints though. Because it is paid for by the company, it saved me about $300.

Just eating a hot chilli sub for lunch and it’s taking its toll on my mouth. I’m gonna get a drink and do some work now.