A blessed Indonesian Independence Day to our friends!

Friday, August 15, 2025

Early afternoon unfolds after a morning of putting furniture and home accessories back where they belong.

Reclaiming the details of the house is a challenge after stripping out the rooms for movie night. Nature provides its own combination of details and beauty to inspire us.

After a few hours, the furniture is in place, art sits on the picture rails, and the dishes are in the cabinets. I check the paintings stored upstairs and add one to the wall. The shelf makes it easy.

The library chair was previously covered with a quilted batik blanket made by my friend Kim. When we shift the chair back into place, I wonder: how about a pink sarong to cover the chair? Why not?

Then, would the former batik cover look good on the black loveseat?

Yes, as it turns out. The blue, red, and gold combine into a calming pattern.

The velvet cushions that formerly disappeared into the black upholstery match, too.

W and I walk to #WaroengEthnic for lunch. I can't face a third run of leftovers. My stomach isn't happy anyway. The narrow alleys which are the front streets to village homes have been decorated for Independence Day. Homeowners extend their square footage by building over the paving. Since there's no building code, we walk warily under the overhangs.

On the next street over, an African tulip tree blazes with orange blooms.

The vine at the restaurant's entry lights up in pink a few times a year.

My choice is oncom and spicy beef rendang. The basil sambal (spicy sauce) is delicious. W decides on deep-fried mushrooms and rawon soup that is made with beef and candlenuts.

We're surrounded by plants and the sound of water splashing down the far wall of the courtyard. I feel my soul begin to unwind. "Sometimes," we say to each other, "we still can't believe we live in a place where this is just around the corner."

Coming home isn't a hardship either. The Porch is quiet after buzzing with people for the past two days.

W has coffee and a good discussion with someone who is struggling with the logic of faith in Christ. W loves to learn about God and talk about him with friends.

Saturday

We get pics of my "best uncle"'s 95th birthday. His friends celebrate him - and of course the china is on the table and homemade German baking is outstanding. That's how things are done.

It's refreshing to have a walk in the morning. An impromptu call to my WPPR friends connects us across continents. We get updates and pray for each other.

We swing by the project to meet the contractor. I'm tracing the arch of the sun so we know where to plant things.

For Indonesian Independence day, the owner brings a crew to clean the yard and paint the entry, which goes from this,

to this. Much crisper. The owner asks what we'd think about planting a pink vine on one fence. Turns out it's the same one we admired yesterday @WaroengEthnic! Sure let me ask if we can get clippings to root.

Rooms get very dusty because homes are not airtight. Time to clean lamps today? I hang them near the window. With bright sunshine outside, it's easy to see and wash off grime and dirt.

I update the checklist for what will go where when we move. The tenant here before us took the faucets, shower fixtures, and lights. They left 3 bulbs and mostly empty light sockets, along with some fading furniture. We replaced what was missing and gradually filled the house with our own acquisitions. Now it's time to consider what to leave behind and what to take along.

Sunday - Hari Merdeka. Indonesia's 80th Independence Day

Before the IES Bandung Gathering, tables and a shade cloth must be set up for the potluck. We've brought the tent, plates, cups, cutlery, flowers, recycling pails, and more to the hall from our stash of hospitality items. W unloads the car, thanks those who run over to haul items from car to hall, and calls for help in setting up the shade cover. It's black so the temperature heats up underneath it.

There aren't enough tablecloths so I walk home to get some. A man calls out from behind the gate of the project: the night sentry has locked himself in. I don't have a key with me but promise to send W when I return to the hall. W walks down the street to let him out so the guy can go home to celebrate his freedom, national and personal.

Angie organizes a few games for after the Gathering. Indonesians mark their national day with an abundance of play.

There are snacks for the winners.

At the food tables afterward, there's plenty for everyone. Alan and Jani (@Roadrunner) have made 200 pieces of chicken! an abundance of good taste among other fine dishes. I made overnight potatoes and a big green salad.

It's so hot in the bright sunshine that shade is needed, even if self-made.

We are from 17 nations this morning, appropriate in Indonesia which has 17,000 islands.

We enjoy the Family company and warm mood. Conversations are noisy and friendly. Afterward, once things are cleaned away, we pack up and unload our stuff at home. W and I are content to rest in the quiet house after the 3 big events.

Monday

The flowers are ready to be moved around the house. Each table had its own red and white arrangement: mums and dill from the garden at the potluck yesterday.

After some morning alls, we drop off light fixtures at the project. Deciding on details is part of the process, like, "Where do lights go in this hallway?"

I'm starting to think about window coverings, which means more measuring. Old buildings have custom and handmade shapes and sizes.

It's not uncommon to have someone drive down the center of the lanes between cars. Today "someone important" has a police escort parting the waters for them.

W picks up a hiking backpack and I find some $20 storage baskets on clearance for $6. I record everything in our itemized notebook.

We host afternoon company with tea and banana bread. They bring a cake to share as well. It's Anton's first family who gifted him to us. They're visiting family in Bandung. He's all bouncy when he sees them. And we are happy to meet them for the first time in person. Thank you, Adam and Akmal.

Read more:

*I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. Psalm 63:4

*All the people saw the one [who had been healed,] walking and praising God. Acts 3:9 (Click on the link for the story)

*Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Moravian Prayer: Divine Creator, pour out your abundant blessings upon us. Guide our steps, illuminate our paths, and fill our hearts with gratitude. May your blessings overflow, touching every aspect of our lives. Amen.

"Happy birthday, Levi!" and Christmas cookies

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Lew's here from Jakarta overnight to work on his dissertation. We have supper together with Alice, who was in his congregation in Jakarta.

I'm trying to fix this sad tree on the porch. The tree itself is a good one but its feet are broken off. W cobbles together a stand. It's been years since someone has pulled it into shape. I unwind two strings of lights - how did anyone wind them up and around that way? I've never seen (or unwound) anything like it. I'm grateful it is short rather than full-sized!

Wednesday

W and I clean the aquariums on the porch every few weeks. Today's the day. Remove plants. Siphon out water. Scrub glass. Add drinking water. Toss in the plants. Done. There are no filters, heaters, or lights needed for the porch bowls. The fish population self-regulates. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less. This Bali handblown glass is 2' (70 cm) tall and sits on wooden tree roots.

Everyone gets a day off from the house. It's another national holiday. Today, regional elections gather votes for governors, mayors, and other local officials. As per law, all posters and promo have been removed 3 days ahead of the vote. What a good idea. 

PakG is a proctor in his village; his team must ensure a rain-proof cover (which collapsed yesterday and had to be rebuilt) and fair voting conditions. They will also count the votes. They've had four days of training to do that.

Lew leaves for home before the great thunderstorm in the afternoon. The rain keeps the gardens green and the wind strengthens the tree trunks. Inside, all is cozy and warm. I put a cup of tea on the wide seat of the chair and curl up to work.

Thursday - American Thanksgiving and Levi's birthday

It's our grandson's eleventh birthday. Wow - don't kids grow quickly? We have no Thanksgiving plans so it's a quiet day. First, I edit W's version of Sunday's talk. Whoever writes it, the other revises it. Then we present it together.

We enjoy the walk in the forest with hiking friends. Veronica is driving while PakG catches up on sleep. Being a voting supervisor is a grueling 24-hours-on-call process.

Above, you can hear the 60'/20m pine branches scraping each other as the wind passes through. Several trees have fallen in the recent storms. We hop over.

Each time we reach the "Dutch forts" in the mountains, I think of young soldier boys holed up against the enemy in such shelters - whether the opposition was the Japanese, Indonesians, or Dutch. The ceilings were scraped out of the mountain rocks. Now their cool concrete walls are covered in graffiti.

Looking out the windows to the tall stone walls, you can almost smell the terror of war.

We're glad it doesn't rain. The weather is perfect: 80oF/27oC, with a slight breeze and 60% humidity. There are almost as many dogs as humans.

After we knock the mud off our shoes, we eat  traditional Sundanese food at Balibu. The eatery is decorated with various shapes of bamboo.

The food is spicy and flavorful. We have lamb kabobs, tofu, and various vegetables.

Coming home, we drive down steep and narrow mountain roads. The city stretches out below. Thunder rumbles as we reach home.

We bring some spicy foods home for the helpers, who are back after their day off. Their chore today is baking Christmas cookies for giveaways and events. They box up dozens of peanut butter cookies and several batches of ginger.

I lounge with a cup of tea beside the Christmas tree as I write newsletters and make lists for tomorrow.

Friday

After a walk, W heads to town for errands. I tackle my work but don't finish editing a dissertation into a book. I'm due at the hall at 11:00. A good group of volunteers is decorating for this first weekend of Advent. Tetty, Titik, and I redo the old Christmas tree with help from Reuben, Lela, and Alice. Daniel and Della are creating beauty on the old stage.

"How old is this thing?" asks a helper as we strip the tree. (Over 20 years old, purchased 4 pastors ago.) Last year, Daniel wired it together and the top half leans only slightly. We turn that part to the wall. Straight-on, it looks ok.

"Why don't we toss it and get a new one?" somebody else asks as we pull off strands of lights, ancient ornaments, and ribbon. It's so dusty that we have to wash the lacquered balls and shake the gold mesh garlands outside. We check the lights. I'd rather spend money on people and worthy projects than a tree ... but it's getting close to being sampah (garbage.) One more year. Please.

I've looked for a tree during post-Christmas discounts for the past 6 years. The price we're willing to pay hasn't shown up yet. When it does, we'll purchase a new tree. Until then, I only buy lights and ornaments on sales. 

Our little red stepladder gives us the boost we need to dress the top. We put it on a table for height, hoping it lasts another season.

PakG has knocked the ripe jackfruit out of the tree by the time I come home in late afternoon, dusty and ready for a shower. After noodles and vegetables, W and I relax with a K-drama. So funny.

Read more:

*O Lord, may you ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us. Isaiah 24:12

*Paul wrote: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Moravian Prayer: Lord, you have restored us and given us your peace through your son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice that your love and peace dwell within us, and we pray that we will be united by having the mind of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mama mia!

Friday, October 4, 2024

My mom's 88 and W's mom is 92. Neither is in good health so it's a gift to be able to return annually. We will visit twice this trip, during our first and last week.

We leave Seattle early in the morning for the 2 1/2 hour drive to Canada. It takes less than that long to remember what was so difficult about living here: GREY! October through April = grey skies, grey-green and grey-blue plants, grey-brown bare tree trunks ...

When the sun comes out, the blackberries (foreground, below) pop out green while the rest of the landscape stays grey. In a month, even their vines will be ... brown-grey. It's obvious that few can afford helpers. Untrimmed trees, weeds, and overgrown plants dominate the yards and grow in tufts along the highways.

W drops me off at my mom's in our hometown of Chilliwack and drives to see his mom in Langley. Autumn is definitely here. The big trees are shedding leaves. Their colors boast a last hurrah before the dark winter.

It's fun to catch up with my family and meet Mom's caregivers. Today, Tracy is at the house. I've never seen such a divine flow of helpers. Each one is respectful and a person of integrity. Mom practices ringing the bell on her night table before swinging her feet out of bed. That way someone is always with her when she walks. It's nice to meet Barb in the evening, too.

After W returns, my brother Norm drops in with a supper pizza.

Saturday

Mom sleeps in while I contact the siblings and family. I send everyone pictures: "What do you want from Mom's house?"

Sandy has asked me to label items by preference. I take heed of the family's requests and put their names on a strip of masking tape. There are some wild items from long-ago travels, before conservation was government-mandated.

Mom hasn't changed the house much, adding to the collection of photos, cards, and picture albums without taking things away. So the house is a kickback to the 1970s. Yes, that is original red shag carpet - wall-to-wall. Might be my fault. Mom narrowed down a few colors in the carpet swatch when they were building the house.

"I like the red!" I told her - and was surprised and happy when she agreed. That's what they ordered. No one else I know was that brave. It's in good shape, 52 years later.

Mom remains the glue that holds my 3 brothers and me together since Dad died 3 years ago. She talks regularly to each of us, scattered around the world. Then she brags on us and shares our news with the others.

We have a running joke: "Who is the favorite?" (I tell our kids, "Whoever is in front of me is the favorite, of course.")

But when Norm asks Mom that, she slips around the question with, "You are one of my favorites." haha. He should be the favorite son. He sees that she gets wonderful and consistent 24-hr care and can live at home. Well, his admin Sandy does that with excellent organizational skills and her connections.

Mom, W, and I eat lunch, hers prepared by Barb while W's and mine is leftover pizza. Yum.

The drive to Seattle goes across an empty border. After 2 quick stops for items to take back home to Indonesia, we stop for supper at Burgermaster off the freeway. I can only eat half of my burger.

 It's always lovely to come to our flat. The flowers by the door are ready for a top-up of water. 

The foraged seeds find their place on the book table.

We read tomorrow's talk together and prepare our hearts for the morning.

Sunday

During the night, I finish the book of Job and the first 20 Psalms. Jetlag can be useful for listening to scripture. Listening to the praises of God from the songs of David, my heart is full. 

I eat the second half of my burger for breakfast. I'm working my way through cupboards and food. Today I choose an Earl Grey Bravo leaf tea. Oh look! W must have purchased some glass thermoses. I try one out with the tea leaves. The strainer on top of the water keeps the leaves out of my cup.

It's quickly obvious that you have to hold the handle of the strainer as you pour or it shifts. I dump the leaves and tea from my cup and start again ...

We speak at a local congregation today. Part of our work involves raising funds for projects like sembako (food for the poor) and education. Another piece of what we do is raising awareness among prayer partners. We do our best but it's a quick trip as usual.

Monday

It's a learning day. At NU, Cathy and Kevin take us through organizational and spiritual leadership for teams. They're informative and funny. I find the solution for some challenges and get a heads up about a few mistakes with my own team. A very useful day indeed.

Read more:

*Even the nations are like a drop from a bucket and are accounted as dust on the scales. Isaiah 40:15

*Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of gentiles also? Yes, of gentiles also. Romans 3:29

*I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Hebrews 2:12

Moravian Prayer: God of all, your glorious creation is a gift. We pledge to care for all you have laid out before us. From the smallest insects to the great trees of the forest, like us, they are yours. Most of all, we will work to care for the people of the Earth in the ways you have taught us. Help us to care for others with the love that comes from you. Amen.