Aaron- It began in an Indiana Jones type fashion. There we were; boarding what looked to be a hand-carved wooden boat, with a young Muslim man named Amalin, who only understood some English. Our contact had tried desperately to be invited to this village many times before, but could not get the opportunity. She had boldly been sharing her faith in Christ with Amalin since she met him at her school a few years ago, and now, for some unknown reason, God opened the door wide open for all three of us to stay in his village two full nights and days. A village that has never housed two white American Christians. What was God going to do, we wondered? I was excited , but anxious, and a little nervous to find out. We paddled through trees and vegetation, and just as the sun appeared through the trees a village emerged into view! Hundreds of families living on well built stilted houses; mostly all Muslim. A boat was the only way to travel from house to house. As we traveled down the river road to the young imam's house many came out of their homes to see the aliens visiting their hidden village. We would wave and yell, " Salamu alekium!" (peace be upon you in Arabic) and their stares were instantly broken by smiles and waves back. As we pulled up to Amalin's house the whole family, 20+ people, were waiting for us to arrive. They welcomed us dearly as we departed from the boat. " This is it," I thought , " Who knows were we are on a map? This is truly as far East as it gets, but God is with us, and Christ is in us. We're more than fine." We were welcomed to the back edition of the house were there was a beautiful layout of bamboo floors, and large wooden posts, and a view that made one think they were in an island paradise. This would be the room where we would eat, sleep, and spend most of our time talking with Amalin. The family spoke no English, but the language of smiles and offerings of much food is universal. We sat down around a mat, and out came the plates of rice, fish, cucumbers, soup, and the family as if it were a great parade. The men and women watched us tentatively as we ate all that was set before us. We tried to express our gratitude in sounds of contentment and smiles. They seemed to understand because as soon as our plate or bowl was empty they would push another plate towards us, laughing as they saw our faces grow in astonishment and full bellies. We spoke through Amalin as his understanding would allow and much joy was felt. The women instantly took in our contact, who was also thanking God for this open door. She would remain with the women throughout our stay and became like family at the end of it all; even praying over one of the sick Muslim women. As we were feasting the brother-in-law, Sophina, wasted no time in asking if we were Muslim. There was a second of surprise in the air as we were not expecting the question so quickly, but we no doubt knew it would come eventually, so we confidently, but respectively said, " No, we are followers of Isa." He smiled and said, " Christians." We smiled and said, " Yes." He was very kind to us after that, and kept asking how to say certain words in English, but I could tell he wanted to know more about Isa and why we followed Him. After feasting the women set up blankets and pillows in the middle of the room and Amalin invited us to rest which we gladly accepted. It was a very peaceful sleep. Once we awoke the men invited us out to go fishing with them! We gladly accepted, and were back into the boats! These were strong men who had a certain vigor for life. I imagined many of them acted like the disciples did, those who were fishermen. Many laughs were had, but few fish caught. Amalin was watching us closely, and laughing with us. When we returned to the village dinner was waiting for us. We once again sat down to a grand feast! The women crowded around once again watching us fill our bellies and offering more, exclaiming, "Si bye! Si bye!" meaning eat more rice, eat more rice! After once again over filling our stomachs we sat with the men and tried our best to communicate. They were a kind hearted people and enjoyed spending time with us. Amalin was intently watching our every move, and I asked many times what was on his mind, but he would not say. I told Jed later that i think he had a lot on his mind and there was battle going on there that he wasn't sure how to fight for he has seen much of our joy and love. Two things that I'm not sure he was expecting to see from us. He never really asked too many questions concerning our faith in Christ, but I know they were there. When we left this morning I felt compelled to give him my shawl that I had bought earlier in the week. He told me earlier that he had one and lost his; so just before we left I said, "Amalin I want to give you this,as my friend, in the name of Isa." He said the most sincerest thank you I have ever heard, and though that was at the end of our journey in his village, Jed will tell you of our day at the mosque, and our second full day of experiencing God's open doors! The seeds have been planted; the watering is the Lord's.