His dad is an imam (religious leader) at the mosque next door. It’s tough going, because it’s not a paid position. I’m not sure how he gets money, but most likely either through zakat (charity/alms) or through family. Very kind and humble man.

Then we went by Tanwir’s house & said hello to mom and the cousins & neighbors. (=
They are all doing well, and were happy to see me. Excited about the big elections coming up tomorrow.

Oh! So these elections… This marks the first time in Aceh’s history that the people of Aceh have been able to elect their own political leaders (governor of the province, mayor of the capital) for themselves, instead of leaders being appointed from far away Jakarta.
This is also a major milestone in the peace-agreement that was signed in August 2005, ending a 29 year civil war.

According to the Jakarta Post, there are 2.6 million registered voters in the province of 4 million. 99% of Acenese identify themselves as Muslims. Some candidates are running on a platform of expanding Sharia law and pushing for more rigid enforcement. (cutting off hands for stealing & public stoning for adultery, lashings for gambling or selling alchohol for example). There are 8 candidate pairs in the contest for governor, and if no-one gets a 25% majority, there will be a runn-off.