Jason and Angie Bechtel Bringing Hope to Unreached People Groups 
We are getting plenty of exposure to the Indonesian culture of central Java. Within our first week we have already been to a wedding, a funeral, and an Independence Day celebration.
When we arrived at the wedding, we were each given a box containing snacks. This is sort of like a party favour, given out when the guests are seated. This way they have something to munch on. The snack also does wonders for keeping the kids quiet. This was especially true for Delena, she loved the coconut cookie, and ate 3. Following a number of speeches, food was served. I enjoyed the spicy liver dish that Tim avoided.
An event that wasn’t expected was the funeral this morning. Tim and I had gone for a bike ride early this morning with a number of other guys. When we got home before 7am, the street Tim lives on was bussling with activity. An elderly lady from 2 doors down had died.
By 9am, the street was blocked off and tents were erected to provide shade. 11am was the ceremony—speeches. Once done, the body was carried at the head of a procession to the mosque, and then on to the cemetery where it was buried. It was lowered into the grave without a coffin, just in a cloth. Once the dirt was filled back in, and two wooden grave markers erected, flower peddles were spread over the site.
