Nias Update

Jean and Lowell spent 3 very productive days on the island of Nias. We knew before leaving Medan that the schedule would be ad hoc, as we were told we had to book our return flights from the island. We were greeted at the airport by Senia and the Ecumenical Nias Island Counseling Center (ENICC) staff including Fredi, Pope (pronounce Poppi), and Eva. As we tried to make our return reservations, we were told all flights were full.

We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon hearing an overview of all of the ENICC projects, all of which have been funded through the Indiana Kentucky Synod Tsunami Love Offerings. We finished off the afternoon with a visit to a young man who had sustained a spinal cord injury in a motorbike accident nearly 2 years ago. Doan (pronounce Doe-on) had given up hope of recovery and it was hoped that a visit from two Americans might lift his spirits. During our visit, the young man's father discovered we did not have a return flight to Medan. While we were praying with Doan, his father, having many contacts, secured our flight reservations, totally unbeknownst to Lowell and Jean. The rest of our visit included gracious hospitality and delicious dessert pastries. We also tried the infamous heavily aromatic fruit, Durian.

On Sunday we worshipped at an overflowing congregation which is now in a new building. The former building was destroyed in the 2005 earthquake. Once again the singing of the congregation and 5 choirs was very powerful. We had lunch with leaders of the congregation.

The remainder of Sunday included visits to ENICC projects on an intensely hot and humid day. The first visit was to a Muslim village where the women are learning to use embroidery sewing machines. There are 10 women in this group, 2 of which are currently proficient.

Our second visit was to a pig raising project. They are currently a group of about 7 families. This group is Christian. They also are able to operate a credit union for saving and borrowing money. After a meeting with the group leaders, we saw 5 pigs.

On Monday we met with leaders of two different kinds of fishing projects, one being pond raised fish, and the other a floating platform with nets in the ocean. The fish pond project has struggle a bit and they are still modifying their procedures for better results. The floating net system originally was to have a stationary platform with pilings driven into the ocean floor. Two platforms were in place when both unexpectedly sank below the water. The fishermen have devised a plan to make a framework that floats on the surface, using many float barrels. This system will be able to be towed to various locations where the fish are more numerous. This concept is quite revolutionary.

Later Monday we were able to return to Medan and on to Siantar and rejoin the group.