41 years - an anniversary

Monday, September 3, 2018

41 years. That's how long we've been married. Both of us would agree that the last year was the happiest to date - which means that we're looking forward to the next 41.

I wake to silence. You'd think that was a good thing - only a lizard is cheech-cheeching outside the window (I hope). Otherwise there is silence. Since prayers start between 3 and 4, I know it is too early to get up. Sigh. I read for a few hours and then fall back asleep.

Yesterday, W and I spoke together and then were affirmed as co-pastors of the city's international church. The leaders prayed a blessing over us - and friends milled around after for snacks and conversation.

One fun thing is that Nicole and the kids of BIC set up the table for our the munchies. Fantastic! to have their help. Hela made 100 little green packets of flour and coconut (delicious) wrapped in leaves. (Somebody called them bugis.) We brought crackers, dips, and cookies, too.

This Monday morning's early call is postponed until later in the week, so - after falling asleep at 8pm last night but getting up for a few hours in the middle of the night, I am ready to tackle the day by 6.

Our study partners start arriving after 8:30. Our house-helper volunteers the first Monday morning of each month at a posyandu (pre-schoolers' medical clinic). Without her, I make tea and set out snacks. We get a bit of a late start: it takes water a while to boil up here. W's not yet well enough to help - he's still coughing, though he sounds a lot better today than last week.

Our team meeting and lunch happen after the study. We always have much to catch up on and lots of interesting stuff happening. Since W is speaking Sunday, he gives his talk to the team. Our habit is that when a team members speaks in public, they present their talk Monday before. The team gives good feedback on clarity, rewording, and making illustrations come alive.

In the evening, we are privileged to attend the open house of The English Center, Donny's brainchild. From a small start near the university, he's expanding to a new and bigger building. His students learn quickly. It's hard to believe how fast they become fluent. We wish you success, Donny!

Tuesday
Time to celebrate our anniversary. After a first appointment, I head for the arisan (women's group).

W and I explore the city (and run a few fun errands).

Traffic on a 2-lane street

A banana store

The chicken slaughter-house (crates from last weekend's victims)

Shoe re-soling beside key cutting

We have a good noodle lunch, check out some shops, and are back before supper. We ordered extra noodles from Della for the team meeting yesterday - so I get my favorite meal twice in a day (noodles!)

Spice sellers

Get your wok burners replaced

Or the handle re-soldered on your stainless steel pot

When you can't live on music, add a sport section to your shop.

 We even find a china reject shop, where I buy a few pretty bowls on sale, to smarten up our breakfast oatmeal.

Wednesday
My missed Monday call is on today! I love talking to my friend and mentor - she shares valuable insights before we pray together. Then it's back to work.

W is definitely feeling better - on the road to recovery. We head for lunch with the walking group at a bistro new to us. Such good food. They give good service in bringing the food. Mind you, we have to chase someone down to get the bill and a box for our leftovers. The lava cake has Marie in raptures.

W is off to his supper meeting while I write and catch up. (And eat a mini-Magnum ice cream bar. My favorite treat.)

Read more:
*Return, O faithless children, I will heal your faithlessness. “Here we come to you; for you are the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 3:22

And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 

These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 17-23 NIV

Moravian Prayer: God of tender mercies, hear our prayer. So often we become distracted and lose our way. We wander spiritually homeless and hungry. We long to come home to you, Abba, Father. We crave your love and acceptance. Welcome us again into your fold. With grateful hearts we pray. Amen.