Christmas week! 2024 - thanks be to God

Sunday, December 22, 2024 - 4th Sunday of Advent

We enjoy time with the IES Bandung family. Though many are away, other travelers join us. We sing Christmas carols and talk about the peace of Christ that the angels proclaimed.

Titik has worked her magic with flowers.

The eldest person lights the candle of "peace" for the fourth Advent Sunday.

What a joy to be together.

Roadside, there's a star-shaped flower on a tall weed.

These little stars fall from the trees and punctuate the street.

W takes a closeup photo of one.

And pink bulbs have burst into bloom along the street.

Monday

Jane and I enjoy the morning on the Porch with tea and baked goods. Some friends have sent cakes and pastries. Jane takes along a few books for her kids to read.

We start preparing the house for Christmas Day, cleaning and paring away. We're cleaning, baking bread, and doing final shopping. We drop off our favorite curry cubes for Alice, who is cooking for her family. Breakfast sausages and curry cream are a favorite at movie nights and other events.

Our simple 4-ingredient curry recipe+water: 

1. Heat 1-2 T of oil in a medium-hot saucepan or pot. 

2. Stir-fry 1/2 chopped onion for 3 min. until it loses its color. 

3. Add a block of curry*, gradually adding a liter (4 c) of coconut cream. 

The point is to have the curry absorb the cream and onion flavors. The sauce should thicken each time.

4. Stir and sauté the curry slurry for 5 min between each addition of cream. It will be thick.

5. Once all the cream is added (about 1/2 hour?), gradually add hot water (up to 2/3 the amount of cream.) Simmer uncovered for 10-20 minutes. Should be creamy and fragrant. 

That's it. If you hate onions, go straight for 'sauté curry in coconut cream'. The sauce bubbles as soon as water is added so I sometimes make it in a soup pot.

* Hint: we make a huge batch so we combine a block of mild and a block of medium curry. It freezes well. Whisk it as you heat it up and it's like freshly-made.

There's even a Christmas aisle at Toko Setiabudi.

The garden is in fine color.

Tuesday - Christmas Eve

One last batch of cookies: these are star shapes. They make 7 batches. They're still cooling when they go home.

We're at the hall at 4:30 for carols rehearsal. I can't believe how relaxing it is to play with a band. We have a good drummer, bass, and guitar - plus Eki brings his violin. My hands do their own thing by reflex. "We didn't know you played," say many of our regulars. What? (I prefer to let others learn to play keyboard in process, so rarely play myself.) 

We go through all 11 carols before  the Candlelight service at 6:00.

It's a wonderful time of community. We read a portion of the Story from scripture, then sing a carol. 

At the end, W lights his candle from the Advent candles at the front of the hall. We pass the light around and sing Silent Night.

Alice and her crew have hot chocolate and cookies ready. People stand around and greet each other, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Wednesday - Christmas Day

W's got the water boiling in the big stockpot before I get to work at 5 AM. We never know how many people to expect (80 come, the same as last year). The sauces are done but I cook spaghetti, and bake sausages and meatballs. The women come at 9 AM to cut salad, wash dishes, and cook rice.

We decide on savories inside (kitchen) and desserts outside. The tablecloths are on, anti-fly fans are whirring, and the food gets piled on the tables. We use rattan plates with paper liners and recycle cutlery and cups.

At 11 AM, guests of every age start arriving. They're from every continent. 

The best surprise is when Herbert, our Tanzanian former team member, shows up. We didn't even know he'd returned to Indonesia! I tear up, seeing him.

How close these young people grow to us. We don't have birth family nearby, but these are children and grandkids of the heart.

As always, it's a joy to read the Story together, eat, and open gifts. I package about 30 extras for those who forget to bring a gift for the exchange. After, we put the extras away for next year.

It gets noisier and noisier! as gifts are swapped, stolen, and opened.

Every corner of the yard is full of conversation. Those who come as strangers make at least a few new friends.

After the last guests leave, W and I clean up a bit, give the helpers their Christmas bonus, and relax. Nara has sent over a feast (Beef Wellington) that makes an amazing supper. Thank you, Paulina and staff!

Thanks be to God for the wonderful gift of his Son, Jesus. This has been a month of Advent (expectancy) and celebration.

Read more: (The birth of Jesus)

*In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her  firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you 

good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2)

*I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. Exodus 6:7

*And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

*See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are. 1 John 3:1

Moravian Prayer: Wonderful God, we rejoice that you have called us to be your people, and we see the responsibility that calling brings. Strengthen us for the task at hand and make us worthy of this task. Amen.

Seeds aren't just for gardens

Saturday, November 9, 2024

It's another thundery day but W's hungry for pizza at lunch so we head up the street to Miss Bee. He brings his umbrella and I bring my decade-old IKEA rain cape. We stay dry when it sprinkles on the way home.

I bake a "White Fruitcake" for breakfast tomorrow and next week. I sample it as it comes out of the oven. Yum. I wanted a quick and easy dish so I created a recipe with basic ingredients (fresh fruit, oatmeal, nuts). It can be easily customized with whatever's in the kitchen.

Today's cake tastes very good! but of course, I'm going to try a different version next time.

Again, FB and IG won't let me post a link to the recipe - it's "forbidden" for whatever reason. I send off a "whatcha thinking?" report to FB staff, to which I don't expect a response.

Sunday

We're back at IES Bandung for the first time in weeks. It's really true that you "carry people in your heart," and these are people we love and care about. We're glad to be home.

I end up playing keyboard for worship though I haven't played for a month and rarely before then. The ease of thinking into the black-and-whites is mostly gone ... unless I'm not focusing deeply. Then the reflex of decades of playing takes over. Lila has worked well on the musicians; their progress and enthusiasm is apparent.

We have a team meeting after the Gathering. It's so good! to see these dear coworkers. We plan Advent and choose topics for the first three months of 2025. Team is best. We take those not otherwise committed for lunch at Maxi's.

There are movie cameras, actors, and support staff at this empty house, filming a romantic drama.

The rain starts up, as it does most afternoons. You can hear hissing in the trees as the rain approaches. Then you see spitting on the ground. A downpour follows.

Monday

Sun's up and we're out the door by 5:30. I'm fascinated by the plant life and fruits that fall from the trees. When I open this 4" ball, swarms of ants stream out.

Flowers spring up, street-side.

The breadfruit at the neighbor's house is growing, too.

Each morning, the winged "ants" have dropped their wings and crawled off. The lightweight wings blow inside.

Anything that dies is swarmed by ants who process it and drag it off to their nests.

W and I empty and refill the aquarium bowls on the Porch. I'm putting off Christmas until we have movie night. These fluffy red bulbs are blooming beside the fence but I haven't plucked them this year.

I don't mind shopping for groceries. While W is in a study, I get that out of the way. It's so dark outside, almost like Seattle (November through April). At least it's warm-ish. I wear long sleeves most of the time in this gloom, though it's 75-80F/22-25C.

The heavens open and the streets overflow. The drainage canals can't handle the downpour so the motorcycles and cars must be careful. Water splashes halfway up the tires. It's the first time we've been out this wet season. We run a visa errand and eat a late lunch at a new bagel cafe. W loves his beef toppings. There's only an "everything" seed bagel for me.

Tuesday

Kirsten's at Grandma's, also visiting with my brother. I talk to them a few times - they have a wonderful time together. 

On our walks, I just can't enough of this tree, which flowers for months.

Across the street, we spot this "hedge" of bulbs.

Up close, the flowers are even stranger.

This vine drapes from a fence. If it's still blooming Saturday, I'll use it for the Sunday arrangement.

Inside the house, Titiks roses have opened up. Gorgeous.

Wednesday

After a double-loop walk, I try the banana bread IbuA baked yesterday. It's baked without added sugar. It's made with whole wheat flour, old bananas, homemade applesauce, and homemade date syrup. Pretty healthy breakfast! It's chewy and naturally sweet.

My morning chore is editing an academic paper on the contextualization of religion in Java. The topic is right up my alley. I learn something, adjust it for publication, and ask W to find anything I missed. Then it goes back to the editor of the press.

Another to-do is finding a replacement gardener for the guy who quit. That takes a few back-and-forth messages before we schedule an interview.

In the afternoon, I get a notice from two publishers: I'm pre-approved to review upcoming books by favorite authors. I download the books and write a bunch of reviews while I'm at it.

Supper with Don at Nara means a good time and good food.

There are a few new restaurants in Nara kitchens that were vacated recently. (End of contract?) They're worth a try. The guys have a monstrous burger while I have some pizza.

Thursday

YAY YAY YAY. I get to hike for the first time in almost 2 months. We're not sure what the trek will be like; it might be too slippery. So the dogs stay home. It's a foggy morning with layers and layers of mountains below.

We climb to the top of the fault line: Gunung Batu. There's a steep cliff plunging to valleys on either side of the monument. Whew, it's quite dry compared to some hikes. When it rains, the clay soil feels almost icy in slickness.

We pass some ladies hauling 30 kg (about 66 lbs) of livestock grass from the mountain slopes.

This developer took the money for the Mountain City and left homeowners high and dry. They're trying to finish their own homes on the steep slopes. Doesn't look safe to us.

There's a casualty on the street: we're not sure if it was a lizard or snake but it no longer bites.

We walk uphill to lunch, which is ok - a vegetable sate for me.

Between texting and coaching, I sample the fresh bread IbuS baked this afternoon. So good.

Read more:

*I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

*Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Psalm 84:4

*Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:;22

*Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

*He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6

Moravian Prayer: Spirit of God, how happy we are that you dwell within us, and that we belong to you. We give you praise that you always hear our prayers; help us in all our weaknesses, teach us how to pray as we should, and intercede on our behalf.

We praise you, O Lord, for all the great things you have done. Through your grace, and through your son, Jesus Christ, we become your children. We give you glory, Lord, for all the great things that you have done in our lives. Help us to be children who are pleasing to you and bring glory to your name. Amen.

Montana musings

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

I take a quick walk after breakfast. The Missouri thunder storm of the night has passed and the wind is whistling cool air past my face.

The hotel is as basic as a student dorm. The cleaners don't vacuum, clean the toilet, or make the bed. They leave fresh towels. Hmmm. We left a tip before we went to meetings today. No tip tomorrow.

It's warm outside; I used to think Springfield was humid. Now it's comfortable when I wear long sleeves. I pull on a jacket in rooms with air conditioning. I miss my porch at home (below).

And I look forward to our basement apartment in Seattle.

In the evening, we attend a NWMN meeting with many friends. This gal is cousin to a university classmate of 47 years ago.

Thursday

We walk in the morning, admiring the flowers.

There's a park nearby, nearly empty - except for a family walking their dogs.

We miss the finale of the conference: we're getting up at 2:30 a.m. to head for the airport in the morning.

Friday

We fly out of Springfield at 5:00 a.m., land in Dallas, and are on the last leg before we know it.

It's sweet to see the fields of Kalispell appear around noon.

The airport has a hairy greeter waiting as you walk into the terminal.

Mitch and Keelee have cleaned the cabin on their stay this week. We enjoy a Vietnamese lunch together before they head home.

They accompany us to Costco, where we stock up on basic foods for the week ahead. The fragrance of these roses stops me in my tracks in a grocer's parking lot.

The campground is gorgeous - quiet, beautifully maintained, and peaceful.

Coming into the cabin in like coming home. The wide-plank reclaimed barn boards, the furniture that used to belong to a friend's grandma, the giclée print of a famous Western painting, rehoused lamps and other giveaways. There's all here from when we set up 20+ years ago.

Keelee has left me a "knotty" beauty, tatting that warms my heart. I put it in the entry for our grandkids to discover. It's now part of cabin history.

Saturday

Walking. It's a gift in the forest roads. From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm, we're cleaning and clearing out remnants of the past. We stop for a burger at MudMan in Columbia Falls.

The food is so good.

I find a ledger my dad kept accounts in from his 1960s business partnership with a Winnipeg friend. Wow - when did I drag that here? It's great for grocery lists.

In the afternoon, there's a craft and food fair put on by campers. One of our friends is a well-known birder. Check out his title if you like birds.

I pull bugs and dead wasps from the window screens.

I like the "one-off" moments, reuniting with a friend not seen for 12 years and another close in heart for 30 years.

We attend the evening camp service, enjoying the presence of God with old friends and new.

Sunday

Our children begin to arrive. We made so many memories when this place became our summer home in 1994. They settle in and unpack.

Monday

The last carload arrives before noon. We're missing our youngest son but the rest of the family - kids and grandkids - are here.

Monday

There's beauty, wildflowers and planted flowerbed, everywhere on the walks. Kirsten and I stroll through the lanes. We walk miles every day. It's high elevation but flat.

The lupines attract bees so we stay away from them.

Tuesday

After breakfast, there’s a ladies coffee in the lodge. The stories of how God has been speaking to women at camp, plus the prayer of a dear friend, begin to restore my tired soul. Summer! is a good friend of Kirsten's from college days - she pops by to visit. 

We get to pray for each other before she heads back to work in a nearby city.

The morning gathering is about the mystery if God's invitation: he is not just interested in one people group, but wants all to become his family - the people of God (Eph.3). 

I watch the grandkids and their mom zipline before taking a nap - the mountain air knocks me out, especially since I usually sleep 10:30-4:00, the hours of darkness in this north Montana town. Kirsten, Melissa, and I stroll past the shore of the beautiful clear river. It's carrying spring run-off from the mountain slopes. In a month or two, it will be lower and calmer.

Our kids head out for supper while W and I walk with the grandkids. They pose for a pic in this cute golf cart, the preferred mode of transportation for old-timers.

The kids are fascinated by Forniers' squirrel feeder and watch the critters take peanuts from the ingenious holder.

Paul arrange pickup of the washer and dryer on our entry porch. We're donating them to the camp after picking up a new-to-us set.

The kids watch the forklift take away the used appliances.

Young Miss M takes her own photos of the process.

We enjoy baked potatoes and chicken with the grandkids while their parents take a siblings-night-out. After, W takes the youngsters to and area with wifi to do their Duolingo German lessons while I clean up. Timo has brought our Roomba from Seattle so there's no sweeping. The little robot picks up everything and docks itself to recharge.

I toss in a load of laundry while everyone is gone. That's cabin life at its finest. What a privilege to be here.

Read more:

*O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Moravian Prayer: Creator God, the landscape and people around us are evidence of your power and majesty. When considering your all-encompassing love, we can’t help but enter this day praising your holy name. Enable each day’s thoughts and actions to be an expression of gratitude. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.