Tall grass and rice porridge

Thursday, May 29, 2025

We're headed into the mountains by 7:40 AM. The forest-and-grassland walk freaks out some of our non-hiking friends.

"What if there are snakes? Aren't you afraid of the snakes?!" Well, having dogs run ahead helps. Hopefully their thundering legs chase everything else off the narrow overgrown paths before we get there. So far so good.

No other dogs are coming today so we risk a first hike with Anton. Anton still pulls when we walk him in the neighborhood. So, is he ready for the forest trails? Will he run off and not come back? Will we have to leash him the whole hike? Yes, no, and no.

W wants to keep him on leash the whole way but I let him off when the other two run free. He bounds ahead with them, comes back often to check what we're doing, and returns when we call. Good boy. These city dogs love to stretch their legs and negotiate challenging terrains.

We're in the forest without the map of sections until we're almost done with our hike. We wander around, get lost, backtrack, and finally find our way out. (Someday we'll keep going where we turned around today. There must be another trek back but we haven't found it yet.)

On the way, we spot wild ginger, a beautiful flower that pops out of the ground without leaves.

The mossy trees are full of mushrooms and lichens after the extended rainy season.

Many trees have fallen across the trails - we climb under, over, and around. My ribs are still sore so I bend with more care than usual.

The kids notice the long stems on leaves.

And we find cones and other interesting botanicals.

One pine tree has slashes across it, roots growing over it, and peeling bark. So much texture!

The kids perch on a fallen log.

We head down from the mountains for lunch. A cat casually walks across the cart inside the Sundanese restaurant where we eat. Cats are everywhere.

Congratulations to Lyong, who graduated from her university with top grades. She finished 2nd among the top 5 students! Wow - that is no small feat with +1500 graduates! We're so proud of her.

Her brother Eki accompanies their parents into town for the event but she has only one ticket, which her dad uses to watch her graduate. The rest of the family waits outside during the 6-hour ceremony. 

We host the family overnight. What an honor when our "kids" introduce us to their parents. Shortly after they arrive, the heavens open with a heavy downpour. Good timing, you guys.

Friday - Happy birthday, Isaac! 

Far away, our 3rd grandchild celebrates his special day. He's sometimes speaks or acts so much like his dad and his grandpa that I just stop and blink a little to take it in. We get to talk to him later in his day.

After the morning dog walk, we eat breakfast with our guests. Before going home yesterday, IbuA and IbuS prepared rice and the main course for supper. (I cooked side dishes and set the table.)

The women also cooked bubur ayam (chicken and rice porridge), which warms in the rice cooker overnight. Yum - Eki's mom used to sell bubur and she pronounces it delicious in Sundanese style.

Good thing I didn't try to cook that! haha Indonesian and Western tastes are far apart. While we have gradually grown accustomed to local food, a Western breakfast of pancakes or toast and eggs would be unsatisfyingly foreign to most Sundanese.

I finally finish the initial edit of a book its publishers are waiting on. Then I print out a 2-pages-per-sheet paper copy for the final edit = 204 pages of small print to pore over one more time.

Adik sends over homebaked artisan cranberry and cheddar rolls. They smell good. We're supposed to heat them but before we see that instruction, we enjoy them fresh out of the box.

Our water dispenser gave up the ghost so W goes off to buy a new one. I work on the Porch, enjoying warm breezes and the company of the dogs. I give up at 4 PM, with my head full of words.

I use a spoonful of "Better than Broth" from USA Costco to flavor 2 c of boiling water, toss in ready-made dumplings, chopped beans and carrots, and leftover sausage. Voila: supper. Though W initially refuses it, the smell is tempting. We both enjoy it.

Saturday

The house is quiet when we leave for the walk. We check on a nearby project and shoo away a slumbering cat before Anton can chase it. W has a study so we only do one loop (2 km). The big dogs are happy to accompany us.

Potholes may be ignored, deepening for weeks or months. Eventually, the repair is messy and organic. This is the driveway repair nearby. No need to have a smooth surface, which gets slippery with molds and mosses in the constant humidity. Instead, the cement is beaten level with small rattan brooms and left with ripples and grooves. If they've cleaned the pothole first, it may stick. Otherwise, the new paving will soon lift and ... be repaired in a few months?

God's work is more precise - and prettier. The flowers bloom in the neighborhood.

Right beside it is this perky golden display.

Our own garden offers only frail yellow flowers but it's time to make the Sunday bouquet. The live leaves and alliums from 2 weeks ago act as structure. I add silk flowers. The back is as riotous as the front.

This is probably - maybe - the front.

It's a slog going through the printed copy of the book edit. I make it through Chapter 3 before I need a break. "Why are you doing this?" W asks. Because I committed to it before I realized how long it would take?

Read more:

*Jesus said, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32

*The Lord said, “I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid.” Leviticus 26:6

*In days to come nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 22:4

*Jesus said, “If it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Luke 11:20

*Pursue peace with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

Moravian Prayer: Forgiving God and Lord, gird us to seek peace daily with our neighbors and those whom we see as foes—for whatever reason. Help us to offer the olive branch in our hands, and the love for you in our hearts.

Ascended Lord, we wait for your return, but we are not idle. Gift us with fearlessness and acts of love, proclaiming salvation through you and life eternal with you. Your kingdom come. Amen.

Goodbye, hello, and catching up

Saturday, May 24, 2025

After the dawn walk, I'm hungry for pancakes. But when I start cooking, I decide on crepes. All the batter needs is more milk. I heat 3 little frying pans and before long, dozens of crepes are heaped on the serving dish.

Jenn and Adam L have been here for the past week-and-a-half. I invite them down but they had a big supper last night and decline ... until they smell the crepes. We have a nice breakfast together. Then we wander over to a nearby house to pray for God's favor. The dogs romp through the yard while we imagine what the future may hold.

The flowers for Round Table Sunday are bright and cheery. The garden is fluttering with yellow and purple blooms but I am in a red mood when I roam the flowerbeds. I ram the few flowers I find between maidenhead fern fronds. PakG takes 12 bud vases to the hall and helps Alice's team with tomorrow's setup.

And just like that, before noon our friends wave goodbye. It's been a pleasure having them with us - a time of healing and joy. They take the shuttle to the Jakarta airport, heading to a vacation in the islands tomorrow.

All the dogs get groomed by 2 guys who arrive on their motorcycle, complete with their gear. We probably couldn't afford to have poodles in the States. The duo charges 1/10 the USA price (1/20 for Anton) to clean and clip the dogs. A bonus is that we don't have to go to the groomers; they come to us.

Bailey gets a weird "helmet head" cut so I take him into my office and cut a round cap with a Teflon scrapbooking scissor.

Better. While I'm in the mood, I cut 1-3" off my own hair to neaten it up. (But I use salon scissors on my own head.)

Talman drops by in late afternoon. He was a faithful movie night "son-of-the-heart" before he moved to live and work in Turkey. He's back for a short visit. We're delighted when he makes time for us.

Jenn and Adam arrive safely at the Jakarta airport and check out the new Grand Anara Hotel. It looks good. Thank you, God, for traveling mercies.

Sunday

Mom and I talk at 4:30 a.m. and my rib is still aching from Friday's wipeout. W takes Anton and Juno for the early morning walk. It's the first walk I've missed since A arrived a month ago.

Anton is a happy boy with his new haircut. He loves the fenced yard and probably knows every inch by now. He plays endless games of "fetch" and plows down plants and pots to find the ball, no matter how long it takes. Oh oh - our garden is becoming a wreck; I'm an indifferent thrower and the ball often rolls into the flower beds.

There's a good team serving together today at IES Bandung.

My heart is immersed in the generosity of God and his love for his creation. How good he is to all of us. He invites each person out of the kingdom of darkness into his glorious kingdom of light. I am sometimes overcome by wonder at his goodness and patience.

W orders Mike Pizza for lunch. I sit outside and admire the green garden; it's nature's reward for the past few weeks of overcast skies and rain. It's unusual to have such a long stretch without sunshine most of the day, less like Bandung and more like Chilliwack where we grew up.

We put away our Sunday gear and change out of our Sunday clothes. Then we unpack the dozen bud vases from the hall and spread the flowers around the room. Something in them smells wonderful.

Last week's bouquet is still going strong in the entry.

I love reading on the Porch when there's time to rest. The serene setting soothes the busy mind. An endless "fetch" game keeps the energetic youngster occupied. We're debating whether the nickname acquired by chewing flip-flops will stick: Monster. He's big and active enough to pull it off.

I come inside when I'm in danger of being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Their larvae thrive in the wet pockets of the garden bromeliads and ferns. We sign an agreement for the future of our work. It is the result of 4 years of questions and negotiations.

Monday

The newsletter for next month takes shape in the early morning hours.  Might as well write while things are quiet. This week we need to finish several major projects, in addition to our normal schedule. 

W checks if he has a meeting this morning. While I wait for him, I color my hair with a DIY kit from the USA. We can't buy "blond" color here most of the time. (Not doing a color change, just roughing its texture for more body.)

There are many ways to survive if you're creative. One popular option is to rent a costume and ask for money along the streets. This guy is on the bandwagon.

Tract housing is the most common building style in the neighboring city of KBP, where we're headed. We have a few bedding options to check out and W picks up some storage baskets. 

It's wonderful to hug Claudia's neck - and have lunch with Josh. Catching up on what our friends are doing provides direction for prayer and connects the hearts.

IKEA has nothing for us in the AS-IS section, which is our first go-to when we get in the door.

Back home, the fridge is full. W's baskets corral some odd-shaped bags of food.

IbuS has changed the linens in the guest room and set up for the next arrivals, whoever that will be. We have food packages left from a previous order so there's no cooking today.

Tuesday

After a 3-mile walk, we make some calls and get to work. Today the helpers have a marathon of baking. First comes 7 loaves o fbanana bread - thanks for the sweet bananas, Veronica! They bake 5 pumpkin pies with the little pumpkins we got last week at the fruit stand. They send lunch to a friend along with some loaves ... the whole yard and the house smell of fresh-baked goods.

We need eggs, butter, and vegetables so it's off to the store. Two American young adults must be "fresh off the boat." Standing on the store steps, they look only at their peers, chatter and laugh loudly! and seem unaware of anything but themselves. Passersby avoid eye contact, though a smile and "good morning" are a normal greeting.

We send lunch downhill to our friends. V sent up bananas; we return the favor with banana bread. The team comes over to discuss our work over tea, fresh pumpkin pie, and banana bread. What would we do without IbuS and IbuA?! They leave mid-afternoon but I freeze a counter-ful of baking after it cools down.

Wednesday

Walk. Call the son with a birthday? He's a wonderful man with a good family. He'll be busy with them when his birthday rolls around on his side of the world. 

Our prayers for blessing are that our kids - including Timothy - are blessed = so they can bless others with streams of the Living Water that Jesus promised his followers.

Anton's in a mood! He prances, dances, and riles up Juno, a true feat of energy.

Back home, I heat up yesterday's leftover tea and hit the desk for more editing. This book is a slog: the topic is generally covered in the introduction so the rest is details and case studies. My mind slides around the words and ideas. I remove repetitions and clarify a few things but they could have published it without my help. (Yes, it will be better with help.) The hoya flowers smell heavenly on the Porch.

W and I read through Sunday's talk (his writing this week) and head out the door for lunch. We skipped our date breakfast today to talk to our moms and get to work. We both need a break by midday. Look at this unassuming little bloom. I love finding things like this when we walk.

The yardman had typhoid fever for the past weeks but he's back on the job. The lawn-ish plants have grown in his absence. The weed-whacker drones on and on; we go inside and close the doors to focus on work. Outdoor maintenance is a must-do chore if you don't want snakes and other critters migrating into the house.

Read more:

*Only you know the human heart. 1 Kings 8:39

*Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart

    —they do no wrong but follow his ways.

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. Psalm 119:1-8

*When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” John 1:47-48

Moravian Prayer: Omniscient Lord, God, and Spiritus, creator of each of us, we are yours by your will if not our own. Give increase to our leanings to find you and to be found by you. May we be kind. Amen.

"Our eyes are on you ..."

Monday, May 19, 2025

Mom calls at 3:50 AM. I always take her call, no matter what time. That early, I'm barely coherent so it's a short conversation. We pray with each other, she catches me up on some news, and I lie in bed, trying to sleep until my alarm goes off at 5:30. No luck.

Mt. St. Helens blew its top 45 years ago on May 18, 1980. That day, our first child was overdue by 2 weeks. To my relief, he was born a day later (15 days 'late'). How grateful we are for Jeremy! Happy Birthday, son!

W and I walk the loops and come home for breakfast. IbuSiti arrives after 8 AM to give Jenn and me massages. W hosts a hybrid morning study: on the Porch and online.

Today my plan is to rest, but I get caught up in reading survey results. I write several respondents who offered comments and stories. What interesting lives people live across the world!

After noon we head to town, grabbing groceries on the way down the hill. We sample some Indonesian chocolate but leave it on the shelf.

 Lunch at Ambrogio is always good. The brisket sandwich is a hit.

I enjoy a $6 lamb shank - and later the dogs love the gristle mixed with their kibble!

The guys drop Jennifer and me at a traditional market on their way to the tech mall. By the time she and I have browsed a few shops, she has found what we came for. The guys text that they're on their way back to pick us up. A perfect coordination of time - 4 people who don't like shopping make it quick and efficient. 

We have a restful evening at home. Thank you, God!

Tuesday

The night is short due to 5 hours of "wide awake" in the middle. In the morning, I call our son to wish him happy birthday on his side of the planet. I take a quick nap before noon to catch up on rest.

It's good to finish another chapter of editing. The publisher checks my progress. Though this is an academic press, I don't get paid. It's a labor of love - and satisfies my curiosity about others' research. I've got a mid-June deadline but the author is getting impatient. I can only work on a chapter at a time before I lose focus. I've got 2 chapters of text left before editing footnotes and other details.

The survey continues to capture my attention. I wade through another 20 responses. Then I listen to a few book summaries and pass along recommendations in response to questions from online coworkers. (I subscribed to Blinkest @90% off for my Christmas present to myself. What a feast of ideas.)

I'm feeling much better, after 3 weeks of being ill. The helpers make lunch and we send food to a friend down the hill. The women set out tea and cookies for the team who gathers at our big dining table. Jennifer does a wonderful job with our team - what a blessing she is. She visits a neighbor's house afterward.

Anton and I always play a few sessions of "fetch" during the day, besides his early walk. This dog is persistent and smart. He roams the entire yard and gardens until he finds the ball, regardless of how long it takes. Then he runs back to give it to me for another round.

Nightfall is 6 PM and I'm ready for sleep within the hour.

Wednesday

Breakfast at NaraPark is a nice walk from home.

Jenn is busy until after lunch with a group of volunteers and staffers. She finds them as interesting and adventurous as W and I do. The rest of the day flies by with this and that.

I unwrap a box of chocolate coffee cookies from Keelee, sent along on my last trip - and arrange them inside the freezer door within easy reach. (Check out Quiet Waters Bakery. YUM.)

After we say goodnight, I light a candle across from my library chair as evening falls, relaxing with a book, pen, and paper.

A lizard hangs on the window, looking inside from the Porch.

Thursday

Instead of hiking the slippery muddy trails, we spend a tourist day with our guests.

These fragrant blooms catch my eye as we leave the Porch.

It's been years since we've taken a whole day exploring nearby attractions. We start with a visit to the main Lembang city market. We drop into a resort restaurant to admire the tables that are boats floating in the water ... it's a stunning surprise along the main highway.

Our goal is to see the big volcano up in the mountains. Unfortunately, the crater is socked in under a cloud. So we bargain for some souvenirs for our friends and imagine what it might look like from the rim of the crater.

We stop beside one of many tea plantations, before the guys buy pastries at one of W's favorite bakeries.

Nearby, a young man carries hugs bags of spicy chili peppers, freshly picked and ready for market.

The Lembang Floating Market is a must-see. Groups of friends take selfies - Jenn and I photobomb a group while their photographer (and Waldemar) snap pictures. They laugh and welcome us in.

Artificial lakes offer various pedal and motor boats to enjoy with friends. 

We walk through the gorgeous landscaping along the lakes' edge, where Adam and Jenn see a rice paddy for the first time. 

Flowers hang from trees and flower vines drape above the paths.

The orange-flowered vines ripen into long (8-10"/20-25cm) pods.

Little yellow flowers peek from the juicy red ends of stems.

We buy a variety of lunch foods from vendors cooking in little boats near shore. We admire animals in the petting zoos and cages. 

From exotic chickens to civits to horses, to .... well, there are a lot of creatures.

We pass two traffic "ghosts" on the main street. They're panhandlers dressed as spirits. Young women in ghoulish makeup park their motorcycle on the side and wind between the cars, begging for money. (Rainy window, sorry.)

Our final stop is a mall where our guests hope to find a Starbucks mug from Bandung. We enjoy the stroll along bright walks under a skylit canopy. They're out of luck with the logo cup. We sip our hot drinks on the way home.

Friday

I walk Anton but take a hard spill over him onto the pavement - he lunges back and forth, tripping me as he tries to catch a cat. I pick myself up with bruised ribs but no other damage. Onward we go. He's a big pup and cats are still his kryptonite, igniting an explosion on a walk. W's nursing a rumbly stomach so stays home.

We sign an agreement that we've waited on for a few years. Official signatures are written across a glued-on strip paper that you buy from the Post Office or similar official outlets (@60c each).

W and I also need groceries. He has keys duplicated and we're home for lunch with our friends. IbuS makes egg sandwiches on fresh bread, just right for a rainy day.

In early afternoon, we join a Zoom meeting of SouthEast Asian leaders. It is both encouraging and challenging. We close in prayer.

While Jenn meets people all day, W and I take a breather while the rain pours down outside. Even the dogs droop, dripping anytime they leave the Porch's overhang. This season has been unrelentingly wet. By now, we should have had a few dry months. At least it's cool outside. (70o is cold enough that I wear a sweater.)

Read more:

*We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12

*The Lord knows our thoughts, that they are but an empty breath. Psalm 94:11

*The Lord appointed seventy-two others and said, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” Luke 10:1,5

*Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19

*Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6

Moravian Prayer: Almighty Lord and God, who do we think we are? Let us see ourselves for the fools that we are and return to you, cling to you and your word. We can be fools for you and wise in your ways.

Christ, our conductor, our eyes and ears are open to the music of your world and the needs of our neighbors. We look to you. Direct us, keep us free from error as we speak of your love and peace. Amen.