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.

"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.

Sleepless in Bandung

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Ugh. Since COVID I seem to get respiratory stuff. From "never sick" to stuck with the flu two times a year? I'm not a fan, but I try to lay low and heal quickly.

3 hours of calls start at 5:30 AM. Then we take Anton the new dog around on his own. Instead of 3000 steps, I'm at 5500 before we get home. Steps add up with "let's backtrack-and-resume" leash-work each time he lunges ahead. He's responding better each day but today is a tough one for him. This is Day 5 so he's right on track. Good boy.

Puppies need 16+ hours of sleep (and a 14 month old Standard is mostly puppy). He snoozes in his favorites spot at our feet while we work on the Porch.

It's lunch before we know it. In late afternoon Alice, Angie, and I brainstorm, planning an upcoming seminar. The helpers spend a busy day baking.

Wednesday

More calls. I have to walk Anton, no matter how rotten I feel. He goes crazy, trying to beat me out of the gate. He has variations of yanking, jumping, and lunging. Both he and I have a good workout before I get out the gate first, for our 6 AM walk. The second walk in the afternoon is calmer. He sits on command (pointed finger) more often than not. We play fetch and he follows anyone he sees around the Porch and yard. His curiosity and intelligence are high.

DrT calls from a Himalayan country. I can barely croak a response. He's asking me to teach a masters cohort in mid-June. I can get the class material together, teach, and grade. He promises to take care of the visa but I need in-house permissions as well. W makes all our travel arrangements so I send him DrT's contact info.

Thursday

It's May Day across Europe and another Red Letter Day in Indonesia: "Labor Day." There have been 15? public holidays already this year. Today all the help takes the day off. The house is quiet as we wake to the smell of oatmeal bread in the breadmaker. It smells good but is too dense for our liking. 

My watch says I've slept for 2:08 overnight and that's pretty accurate. The breakfast bread, baking on an overnight schedule, has rested longer than that. My lungs ache and my head pounds but a baby aspirin takes the edge off the pain. We do a COVID test because I've been sick since the weekend. (It's negative, yay.)

The May e-newsletter drops and garners comments that hearten us. I send some emails requesting extensions for projects that need clear focus. Everyone's gracious and I write the new deadlines on the calendar. My head is so fuzzy that I don't try much academic work. We make a few calls, and that's about it. 

Anton and I do an early morning walk to work off some of his energy. He's well-behaved on the 2 mile (3 km) circuit. W takes the other dogs out after we return so A isn't distracted during training.

Anton has been shredding things as soon as W lets him out in the morning. A solution may be to put Tabasco on those delicious pink flip-flops that he's almost ripped to pieces. Will that deter him? Luckily he leaves things in his crate alone.

I try to snooze on the Porch while W buys the Tabasco but have no luck. Neighbors are going in and out of the gate so the dogs are barking and running to see what's going on. W comes back home with lunch at 10 AM so we eat it while it's hot.

Someone brings over a pail of used tennis balls. We can't have tea together but I give her $6 and a bag of cookies. Anton and Bailey (almost 13) run around and play fetch for an hour. The other dogs just nap. By 1 PM I'm toast. Ready for a long nap. 

Friday - Happy Birthday, dear Melissa!

Our daughter-in-love was born May 1. With a 14-hour time difference, we call her this morning instead of staying up late to wish her a happy birthday. Our boys hit the jackpot in marriage. We sure love the young women who chose them - and our sons get along in the families they married into.

It's dog grooming day. Both Juno and Anton's feet are sliding around the Porch so they need a foot shave; too dangerous to run hikes on wet stones and slippery bamboo bridges with hair between their toes.

Anton gets a poodle face clip, too. We're not big fans of wet chins or slobber (a furry labradoodle trim) when dogs run over to be petted. After grooming they get favorite treats: raw chicken bones. Even Bailey, who's starting to lose teeth at age 13, chomps his bone with vigor. Then it's nap time for them.

I may catch up on some work today. My headache is receding, and brain fog is lifting. Yay. The sun's out, banana bread is baking (thanks for bananas, Veronica!), and I don't have to cook lunch.

One final walk, supper, and editing. The book I'm working on is written by an Asian academic, examining Asian religions, cultures, and Christianity. My education was in intercultural studies so the local perspective of a scholar reflecting on religion and culture is fascinating.

Read more:

*Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26

*It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21

*The Lord said, “When you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’” Luke 17:10

Moravian Prayer: Lamb of God, our all in all, be among us today. Give us tender hearts and inspire us to go the extra mile for all the weak and weary in spirit. Be the rock we build upon. Mold us as examples of service and unconditional love. Amen.

Trust who you know

Sunday, Monday 23, 2025

I raid last week's floral arrangement and the garden for a tall bouquet for the hall. People pluck the flowers they want from the vase when the Gathering is over. These are the leftovers.

The morning is special. Afterward, many share their joy at being together yesterday for the football event. 

Guests are welcomed, people chat over snacks, and we pray over Ronnie for his birthday. Look at this cake! handmade by Dina's friend. It's his first birthday celebration ever -  and we're delighted to fuss over him before his friends take him for lunch.

Lizzie texts me. I asked last week if she has a dog to retire later this year. Our canine satpams (yard guards) are aging and we don't want to wait to introduce another dog when they're much older. (High energy = too much adjustment for an old pack of dogs.) Apparently one of her former puppies needs a new home. 

Lizzie finds out more information, the reason for rehoming, and his medical records and sends this current photo.

Then Antoni's owners and I connect. He's a beautiful black one-year-old, healthy and well-cared for. The dog is not neutered. We compare vet fees. Our Gypsy was "half-neutered" by a Bandung vet, which meant a second surgery. Getting a known and trusted vet is a priority before Antoni leaves his people and arrives here.

I call the pet taxi, due to leave March 25th. Oops they left early to avoid Ramadan traffic. The taxi-man reserves a spot for this bouncy Standard poodle on the next transport in 2 weeks.

Monday - J's birthday

Our youngest has a birthday today and gets spoiled by a kakek (an older sibling, who married WELL. She takes care of family connections. Thank you, M.) 

"Wow," says W, "we're old." Yup - claiming that honor even as we miss hugging our son's neck.

The sun shines through the clouds when we walk. It's pleasant but not hot. The vines drape over gates, fences, and trees.

Another frog that hasn't made it across the street is quickly drying out. Wouldn't he make a 3D contribution to a painting? (W says, "You've got to be kidding," and we leave it behind. haha)

A beetle skeleton catches my eye. The insect has wiggled out, leaving his old home empty and clinging to a branch.

That's not all. There's a 2" beetle on the porch. W flips it over and flicks it into the garden to carry on eating aphids.

We lunch with trusted friends who live one mountain over. Expats move across the world; ours is a fluid lifestyle. Expats leave their legacy and are sincerely missed when they're gone. 3 couples are leaving Bandung in the next months.

Our lunch friends are retiring and repatriating. The food is good, the company is warm, and the prayers are sincere. We leave satisfied.

Reading scripture, I'm puzzled by one of the teachings of Jesus and strangely warmed by his offer of himself as a spiritual feast (John 6).

Throughout Lent, I'm plowing through the gospel of John. I'm considering what it means to follow Jesus. What a mysterious and rich faith we have. If you're looking for spiritual challenges, go no further. Here's one spiritual mystery I'm pondering. (Click this link).

Little Casey comes to stay for a few days. She gets along fine with the big dogs, though we walk her on a separate leash so she doesn't get stepped on.

Tuesday

After a 6:00 AM meeting online, we walk the dogs. We pass a fun car in mint condition in our neighborhood. Remember the Bug?

I miss calling my mom but get updates from my brother. Mid-morning, Lisa drops by for tea and a final chat. She leaves mea huge bar of of NZ peppermint chocolate. Yum. She will return home to New Zealand on Thursday. How I'll miss her company.

Our team meeting is online this week. The topic is "waiting" on God for whatever he will bring our way. We're not to be demanding or impatient but settled and patient. It's good advice.

Since Sunday, Antoni's breeder Lizzie, his owners, and I have been texting back and forth. Gypsy had incomplete neuter surgery in Bandung. I am unwilling to risk the same trauma for another dog. Lizzie has an amazing and competent vet. (Read more about him here.) Antoni's owners rent a car for a long ride to Lizzie's vet instead of taking him next door to their usual clinic.

Unbelievable. Antoni has the same condition Gypsy had. I appreciate the trust A's owners offer both Lizzie and me. It could have been an expensive and unhealthy fiasco otherwise.  The vet takes care of everything under a single anesthesia and sends the pup home to recover. And then he gifts us with Lizzie's kennel discount, charging for only one surgery, on top of it all. Thank you, Dr Budi!

Sleep it off. Wake a new man, Antoni. Sort of.

W and I wrap up meetings and correspondence before the sun goes down. Feels good to finish the day.

Read more:

*Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

*I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16

*Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

*"Paul told this to his friends:] "To this day I have had help from God, and so I stand here, testifying to both small and great." Acts 26:22

Moravian Prayer: Gracious God, help us to sing aloud of your great and eternal love. Equip us, Lord, and fill us with gifts from your spirit, so that we can witness to our neighbor and make known to all, of your deep and abiding love, both now and evermore. Amen.