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.

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.

Roses, shoes, and books galore

This stunning bouquet greets me as I head outside to work and edit. It was brought to the GG hall after Friday's 70th birthday party for Chandra's sister. 3 colors of roses ...

Friday, June 7, 2024

When the high school library remodels and sells solid wood shelves for $7-10, you say, "Sure. Send some our way." Mr. RM writes me: "This is your stack so far." (The tallest are 6'/2m high.) He'll have more for us next week.

Once we have an answer to last week's proposal, we'll know which shelves stay with us and which belong elsewhere. IES Bandung got two ($20 for both) for a new village library, too. It's fun to participate in God's blessings, isn't it?

The truck with our shelves, a desk, and two huge rugs hits a downpour a mile (15 minutes) from our house. The movers pull over, jump out, and drape everything with a tarp. At our place, they sit with a cup of tea and some cookies until the deluge subsides.

I map our shelves, sizes, and where they should be placed. They're heavy wood, so we don't want to be moving them unless we have to. IbuS helps me shift the dining table and the nook furniture so that the shelves will fit. The movers place everything according to the instructions.

I gather books from around the main room and call it a day.

We put the dogs to bed and turn in for an early night - but it takes me a while to fall asleep.

Saturday

My big morning job after the walk is looking through the +90 bags of books that arrived with the shelves. "At the school, the students helped us take them from the hall to the car," says PakG. "It went really quickly with many hands."

Today, I'm on my own. I cut open and sift through every bag, placing them further along the wall of the house to keep them sorted. I find a few things that people are looking for. Most of the haul stays in the bags. 3 teachers from another city are coming to get the books tonight and sleeping over. They can have as much as fits into their car.

The other thing on my list is making a bouquet for Sunday. This is the wreckage left when I'm through with last week's beautiful arrangement.

It's not that interesting. So I'm relieved when Titik writes that she has lots of flowers to grace the hall tomorrow. (That's the gorgeous bouquet above.) Mine stays at home.

The book group meets on the other hill mid-morning. We read and discussed Lincoln Highway by Amos Towles together - and PakG and I return home to get Waldemar. This tree's root system is spotted along the street.

W and I are off to Boromeus Hospital to get the 2.5-week-old stitches removed. "You're healthy and all is well," according to the doc. We had some skin flaps removed and checked - they're benign. Apparently I'm allergic to the bandages - so that's what was so itchy! My neck and back are inflamed.

"Take your bandages off tomorrow." The doc wants us to apply cream morning and evening for 3 months to prevent scars. We couldn't remember to take the antibiotics. Hopefully we're better with the salve. But why bother?

"Who cares about scars at our age?" I ask her. She insists that the scars can become itchy and hard. They'll be difficult to remove later. Whatever. W asks for the prescription and orders online for 1/10 of the cost at the hospital pharmacy.

I gather books from around the house for the library nook to fill up the shelves. I leave 2 long shelves of Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys/Tom Swift and the Readers Digest Condensed Books upstairs for now.

Eki and friends arrive at 6:00 p.m. as the sun is setting. W orders in a meal. The guys will sort and pack the bags of books between now and when they leave tomorrow. What a chore - and what a reward for their school.

Sunday

Eki likes oatmeal. I usually make it for breakfast when he's staying over but his friends are less impressed.  The three strong young-uns hoist the heavy rugs up to the second floor to storage. I have to remember to check that these old Tupperware containers are completely closed; the ants find any crevice into food supplies.

We're out the door at 7:00 a.m. and the van full of books are on their way to Tasik at 8:00. Three small piles are left but Frances mentions she's teaching English to kids from her kampung. Aha. That's where they'll go! At IES, we set up a table and invite people to take books as well.

Under my chair in the prayer room is this marvel: first I think it's a Christmas tree light. But ... it's the shed carcass of a bug - neon green with a red tip, empty and clean. I tuck it into my purse to show our American grandkids.

This morning we are praying for the sick and asking God to provide for other needs. We celebrate a baptism and  eat pho for lunch with Eki.

In mid-afternoon, I realize that the back of this shelf is perfect for the macrame displaced in the nook by another shelf.

The front? I dig around every box and rack to consolidate 10 years of shoes. Streets and sidewalks here are brutal to shoes: they're wet, uneven, and coarsely paved. Much of the footwear is almost but not yet ready for the bin. Since soles wear out quickly, we bring 4 or 5 pairs back every October from sale racks in the USA. Looking at this group, I don't need another pair! I can wear these out in the coming year and shop shoe sales in 2025. hehe

We meet Gerhard and Hela for supper and conversation at Bumi Sangkuriang. We pray together at the table before walking home after sunset. The air is warm and clear and the streets are damp; it rained lightly while we ate.

Monday

A few hours of calls, a check of a student's exceptional dissertation proposal, and a some chores get wedged between our walk. The cool night gives way a clear skies and the hot sun warm the air. 

It looks like a morning of scheduling and catch-up. Eki's had breakfast and heads out with a high school friend of long ago. I eat a slice of banana bread and an egg casserole. I'm not in the mood for leftover oatmeal. Maybe for supper?

Read more: (scripture and a prayer)

*O Lord, you are God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. 2 Kings 19:15

*Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Psalm 23:6

*I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

*Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:46-47

*There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. Romans 10:12

Moravian Prayer: Loving Shepherd, we thank you for your tender care and the promise of future joy with you. We also thank you for the flock into which you have called us. It is good not to be alone, but to live in fellowship with other Christians with whom we can share our joys and sorrows, and experience a foretaste of the joy which will be ours in your presence. May we be sources of love and care for those around us.

Divine Creator, the universe proclaims your power and glory from the wonder of unnumbered galaxies to the most fragile of lifeforms. Despite your position above and beyond all things, you chose to enter into your creation, in Jesus Christ, to reveal yourself to humankind as one who loves us and longs to receive our love in return. We praise you for your reconciling love and yield ourselves to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.