White conch from white sands

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

We catch a ride to supper and walk on the beach before most of the crew arrives. We rinse a few conch shells, picked up on the beach. They glow pearly white. The extravagance of beauty strewn around takes your breath away. God is utterly generous to his creatures, giving us senses like sight as well as things to see.

Small seaweed drifts have been lifted to the white sand by the waves. They look beautiful up close, reminding me of a Christmas wreath arrangement.

The little shops will be open on the weekends for tourists and locals alike.

This stone island reminds us of a sunning lizard.

The rock formations are beautiful.

We spot a man coming in from his boat.

The fishermen make little rafts to get to shore from their boats, strapping together styrofoam packing material and reclaimed boards.

The wharf juts into the sea. While some boats moor to its sides, others anchor further out to bob in the waves.

It's nice to see families playing together.

The kids love the sand and sea.

We take a picture together to prove we came.

Supper with colleagues is seafood on the banks of the ocean.

Thursday

It feels quiet after a morning of lively interaction. In the afternoon, we relax under a willow canopy and shade tree. What luxury! I write a letters and updates during the pause while W catches up on other work.

In early evening, we catch a taxi to The Well. The food is delicious, with an amazing burger.

Indonesians say, "It's just a café. There's not much to eat." What they mean is that the restaurant doesn't serve rice. 

I beg to differ with their review. The nachos are good.

It's owned by the nephew of friends.

The sun is setting when we head back to the hotel.

We pause to fill the car for gas at a casual station along the road.

A lady pulls out a funnel, a bottle, and fills-er-up.

The sun goes down on Belitung. The driver tells us he loves this low-crime island where he grew up. He rolls down his window to greet the security guards and they wave him by.

Friday

This verse greets me as I open my phone. Yes, Lord. Let this be the prayer for today.

We drive together in a small bus to the airport after an early breakfast together. We zip past palm tree plantations, from which palm oil is made. Young Ben snaps pictures out his window for me.

After landing in Jakarta, we go our separate ways to our homes around Indonesia. Medan. Surabaya. Yogyakarta, Malang. And for us, Bandung. The highway is open, but the shuttle bogs down once we get to our city.

It's always a pleasure to return home to Bandung.

W examines the treat sent by our friend. "Steam for a few minutes and then cook," she instructs us. We're such dummies at Indonesian food - and it's probably not going to be our favorite. Food with strong smells that you don't grow up with? Better if someone else cooks it. Sigh. Thanks for thinking of us, Farah.

And then we're "home sweet home" again. The dogs are happy to see us. Our guests chat upstairs as we unpack. We eat supper, catch up on some work and emails, and relax with a movie before an early bedtime.

Read more: 

*I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

*Jesus said to Simon and Andrew, “Follow me.” Matthew 4:19

*Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:7-10

Moravian Prayer: Gracious Savior, help us to hear our names as you call us to follow you. May we be ever mindful of your presence as you watch over us and guide us on our way, for your name’s sake. Amen.

#thewellbelitung