Soul Searching Adventures: Searching for Beauty: Last Day in Batam

Monday, June 29, 2015

Today was our last day in Batam. It has yet to sink in that we will be leaving the amazing people here, but we had one last adventure together as we traveled out to the very end of this cluster of Indonesian islands.

It took over an hour and 5 or 6 bridge crossings to get there. But the views were absolutely stunning the entire way. At the end of the island we visited a little park area. There were tire swings and rocks to climb and hermit crabs. We stared in awe, climbed around, and marveled at the glorious sites while listening to the natural soundtrack of waves crashing against the rocks. Pure bliss!

After our time at the park, we visited a Vietnamese refugee camp. It was quite interesting. There from 1979 -1996 and much bigger than I expected.

We left the camp and went to the beach! Woo! Although we didn't know we'd be going to the beach so we didn't bring swimsuits. Not to worry, that doesn't stop us! Jason and I took a kayak out which was quite peaceful, other than the threat of Chris and Lucas dumping us over as they were swimming.

Lunch was served on the deck at the beach and was delicious. Calamari, veggies, chicken, crab, rice - all prepared according to local culture. Doesn't get much better than that.

On the drive back to Batam we stopped at a dragon fruit farm to try the fruit and juice. A.Ma.Zing.

Once back in Batam, before heading back to the hotel, Rev. Henok and Kamty (our host and hostess) welcomed us to their home. It was beautiful. I love seeing how the locals live. We sipped an amazing jasmine tea and tried the famous Holland Bakery cakes. As always, we laughed and swapped stories. Henok told us a story of a monkey sneaking into their house to eat the fruit sitting on their table. Part of me wishes I had cool stories like that from back home, the other part of me is glad I don't have to worry about monkeys in my house! ;)

Our visit was wonderful. Today was a day to relax and take in the Lord's marvelous creation. I just kept thinking how amazing it is that He has created each place in the world so differently and with its own beauty. There's no doubt, though, that Indonesia is stunning. It elicits a spiritual response. This kind of beauty is truly a spiritual experience. God is good!