November 2002

Cathy is the woman wearing too many hats!

The Language Center hat—where the programs are growing. Among the many language courses and programs at the center, one of the most exciting is our work with local schools to improve the teaching of English. A new recording studio will also allow us to expand our work in producing educational materials. In addition, a scholarship fund started by the rector (president) of the university has allowed us to help many people take language courses, including a very motivated group at a local orphanage. The center has also run successful intensive programs for local government officials

The English Department hat—where we have really seen improvement in student morale and ability in the past six months. The English Department, of which Cathy is the head, is part of the teacher training faculty of the university.

The volunteer-in-Church-World-Service-relief-efforts hat—where Cathy gives moral support to the professional CWS staff that serves tens of thousands of refugees (or internally displaced persons) from Maluku and Halmahera here in North Sulawesi.

And Cathy is not even a woman prone to wearing hats!

Ian—Christian Pieter Tulungen- (our 9-year-old 4th grader) is growing up and learning what it means to be a big boy. He likes playing soccer, snorkeling (even almost caught a jellyfish!), and learning on the computer. He misses American food.

Paul—Paul Robert Tulungen - (our 6-year-old 1st grader) is our storyteller and comedian, although he still cries sometimes. He also likes playing soccer and swimming (he saw a school of fish!). And besides learning on the computer, he is taking piano lessons. He is our picky eater!

Johnnes' work with University of Rhode Island, Coastal Resources Center and USAID Indonesia (check www.crc.uri.edu for more information)—where he is the program manager for North Sulawesi province has been filled with success. The project has been recognized by the government as a model for the rest of Indonesia and used as the basis for policy and development programs in Indonesia. Under this project, Johnnes has developed the first community-based marine sanctuary and community-based coastal resources management in Indonesia, and the project has many visitors from all over the world.

In June this year the project also facilitated the local legislative body in passing the first regency-level community-based integrated coastal resources management ordinance in Indonesia. The project has been running since 1997 and will be completed in August 2003. The project may continue on a smaller scale afterward. Even though many of Johnnes' American colleagues have left Indonesia due to "ordered departure" by the U.S. embassy following the bombing in Bali, the program in this region goes on without interruption because it relies mostly on Indonesian staff. Johnnes' new hobby is diving and he is constantly looking for opportunities to do some "monitoring" of the coral reefs that he is trying to protect.

Challenges—too much work, not enough hands, and not enough time to rest, renew, and reflect on God's goodness.

We give thanks—for the good health that we have and for family time together, especially taking a trip or two to explore the beaches and oceans. And especially our weekend time spent in the mountains in a place where after a rain twin rainbows appear and stretch across the most beautiful panorama in the world. (No kidding!)

We ask you to pray with us for peace, for the many who suffer, and for those that are lost—that they may be found. And day by day as we take each step, may we all walk with God in strength, wisdom, and love.

God Bless,

Cathy Tulungen

The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 159