Kirsten's here! People want us to line up for pictures with them when we go out.
Thursday evening, she sleeps through the study; after a 40-hour trip and a busy day, it's no wonder. People come to the house instead of meeting in town (in case she was able to join). I've made enough for a full supper. How does that happen? We polish off the food together.
Friday, friends invite us to a traditional Sunda buffet. Banana leaves line the table, and food is placed directly on them.
We eat with our fingers.
And decimate the food - it is delicious!
Saturday, Kirsten gets a massage with a strong-fingered Sundanese masseuse. Then we go to the floating market north of the city.
The koi swarm bridges where tourists drop food into the water.
We love time with our daughter. We stop into the Lembang farm and craft market. There are a few funky old cars in the parking lot.
A shop girl shows Kirsten how to tie a batik wrap-skirt.
W and I speak together in the morning, then enjoy some church "family" time around the table set outside the auditorium. This faith community is our extended family. We also enjoy meeting several newcomers. I love how regular attendees come alongside and begin the conversations. No one should have to do life alone. At BIC, each person can engage or just show up ... as they please.
Pak Tota provides a driver so we can get Kirsten to her flight on time. We slurp noodles at the Yami Yami noodle shop across from the airport. She's off to Singapore and further adventures with friends - and our hearts are content. I'm sad to see her go ... but what a life-giving visit for me as her mom!
After a quick nap, I walk to tea at 4 at Dr H's - her friends are gathered around for relaxation and conversation. Then we take a taxi to the Hilton for the season opener of the Bandung Philharmonic.
I'm carrying the beaded purse my mom carried to several of my siblings' weddings, and mine, too. The music centers around death and leaving a legacy.
After the concert, we meet the composer in residence,
*Bedtime at 11 seems late - but it takes me a while to unwind.
Monday
Early meetings (the first one is delayed to 7am), agendas to write, a week to plan ... Monday starts with a roar. By 8:30, the first attendees are on the porch, ready to visit and study together. Team meetings follows - by which time I'm ready for a break. W makes a hospital visit while I start on another agenda and write.
Read more:
*God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:15 NIV
*Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. Joel 2:21-24 NIV
*I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:34
*Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35
*Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10
*John wrote: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1
Moravian Prayer: Gracious Advocate, so often we go off on our own and lose our way. We take our eyes off of you and selfishly focus on the world. Thank you for not abandoning us to ourselves. Thank you for bringing us back into loving communion with you.
Christ the everlasting light, with great love and sacrifice you have freed us from the bonds of death. How can we ever thank you enough? Help us to live up to your sacrifice—to seek you in all that we do— to be your hands and feet in the world. Our Lamb has conquered! Let us follow Him. Amen.
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