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.

"No refills" on water and good company

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Dawn arrives shortly after 5:00 a.m. I'm finally well enough to get out the door for a walk. I find some delicate flowers in the garden, which go into a brass vase from Mom.

I can feel the creativity coming back after a break. I post the first food blogs in ages. FB and IG block the posts but no one can figure out why. Someone suggests it's because it's about dates and syrup in the same post. (= DIY date syrup) Maybe?

We're jet lagged but have the blessing of household help. They cook lunch and wash dishes, change our bedding and do laundry.

In previous generations, the household manager was the wife, whether one or both spouses had careers. The household chores and errands belonged to her. Now the chore-masters and managers may be either man or woman ... or both. In our case, W and I have multiple careers: teaching, leading, writing, and speaking. Our helpers free us to do that work. What a blessing they are!

The day is full of calls and meetings. It's a delight to see our team online. Between, I sort old family pictures. Mom and I were young once upon a time.

Our parents traveled to Africa and South America to do charitable work in their 40s.

 

I loved my little cousins. I send them the pictures Dad took 30-50 years ago of happy times as a big family. Here they're on an auntie's porch, probably at a family dinner.

This cousin was a special favorite, with a birthday 2 days after mine.

I was bridesmaid for my older brother way back when. I thank God for good memories as I flush old emails and photos.

After a final evening call, we relax and read. It's a good night of sleep: 7 hours. (Mind you, the hours are 7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.)

Wednesday

Another walk, another day. My energy is back, though my lung aren't clear yet. There are fresh blooms in the dirt along the road.

This tiny yellow fruit hides under its vine.

I'm in the mood to cook. I bake a potato/oatmeal/vege something-something for breakfast. Not bad with sweet soy and spicy sauces. I make a pot of soup with the white beans I find in the freezer. I'm using up stored foods since we're back to movie night and other events that need freezer/fridge space.

A friend posts wise advice about not worrying about the future. What a good reminder for me. I've never been a worrier but I've also never liked waiting for the next season. Small steps of obedience, and we'll get there.

In the late afternoon we watch the incoming American election results. Since we don't live there, we felt we didn't have the right to vote. However, as we did for Indonesia's election last year, we've been praying over the people and the government.

W and I read through Sunday's talk and enjoy the mild weather on the Porch. Coming home to 64o/18o nights and 80o/27o days? Wonderful. I'm in long sleeves and trousers because the mornings are too cool. The sun doesn't break through for long so it stays mild and pleasant all day long.

At night, rainstorms sweep the mountains, clear the air, and wash the garden. The rain and sunshine make plants like this one (4'/1.3m tall) glow. I love the bright yellow of the recent leaves at the top with the black ones near the bottom, don't you?

Thursday

W and the dogs hike in the mountains without me. Melvi makes 5 table arrangements from Titik's big Sunday flowers.

There's enough for a bigger "messy" bouquet as well.

For supper, I add some coconut cream to yesterday's soup and call it good.

It's planned as a quiet day of catching up and resting. It's not quite as relaxing as we hoped but we appreciate the prayers and both sleep well. 

Friday

Ibu Siti rubs out the kinks from last week's homecoming, a marathon of travel. Then Judy and I have coffee. She's a treasure: we can be open, honest, and outspoken or watchful and prayerful together.

An odd thing happens at #karnivor.2. I order tea. I want black tea but they have only have fancy teas so I choose the least flavored option. The tea steeping gadget is cool and holds tea leaves and a cup of water. That quickly disappears and I'm ready for more. 

"No refills," says the server. Can I buy hot water for a second infusion? He reluctantly agrees and charges me $2 for a bottle of "mineral" water (plain water) that someone apparently heats up. The bar has a hot tap! and made tea that way the first time. Why not refill from that? 

But, "cannot do." There's no thinking outside the box of instructions that servers are given. We experience that over and over, not just today.

At noon, W and I head for Ethnic. I choose rice oncom while W has pepper steak - for about the same price as the mid-morning pastry and 1 portion of sushi earlier.

We enjoy time together. We're still feeling comatose by late afternoon and wide awake some nights. Another week and we'll be completely adjusted to our time zone.

Saturday

We walk 2 miles and remark on the 4-storey apartment that's being erected in our neighborhood. Before, this was a small one-storey house. 

WhatsApp's AI produces thumbs up and other emojis from gestures. We call the grandkids and they learn how to set off fireworks in their background. They're so much fun.

Later, Maddie drops by for a visit on the Porch.

Read more:

*David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

*Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

*There are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:6

Moravian Prayer: Great “I Am”, as humans, we too often bicker and debate over how to worship you. Our experiences and preferences can get in the way of our focus on you. Rid us of these distractions and focus our attention on your mission every moment of the day.

Lord Protector, you bring life from death. With wounds healed and tears dried, our faith in you endures. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

A Whoosh here and there - and 25 good years

Saturday, November 2, 2024

At 6:45 a.m., PakG takes us to the station to catch a feed train to the next city. It's our first time riding the much-promoted Whoosh high speed train to Jakarta. It doesn't stop in Bandung proper where most people live. There's a station almost an hour west of the city and one on the far east side of Bandung. Hence, Bandung people take a 20-minute "train to the train."

Most expats now live in that place, which feels like an old-fashioned American city. It has an IKEA, Western-taste restaurants, a good international school, and curbs on the street. Plus now, Whoosh can take workers into Jakarta in a half hour - without the dangers and stop-and-go of the toll road.

We can't fault those who crave orderliness for choosing to live in that city. In contrast, Bandung is messy, winding, and exciting. We love being here and don't have children who need that level of education.

The ride is smooth and comfortable, whizzing past rice fields, factories, and villages. The train hits 347km/hr (215mph) and deposits us in Jakarta in a half hour. However, the total travel time is almost as long as driving a car. It takes 3 hours between taxis, stations, transfers, and wait times. We go to the wrong Jakarta venue first and walk in the hot sun to catch another Grab to the right place. 

I usually don't mind walks and waits, but my body is starting to go under. After the third long wait and walking to thoroughfares so Grab drivers can find us, I've had enough. "I don't care about saving $2-3 per ride across the city. Can we just hop into a taxi that's waiting at the curb?" W agrees.

We don't want to miss the 25th anniversary of IES Jakarta. They're a role model for putting living faith into practice. The internationals and locals of IES work together to meet spiritual needs and serve the poor in their city and beyond.

Pastors Dave and Gigi and their team are among our heroes in the faith. The IES planners and volunteers ensure a smooth morning of door prizes, fun, and community-building. Everyone has a great time.

One of the values of IES is FOOD!!! There's an amazing spread, with abundance left over when it's said and done.

We know many of the team from past visits or from when we first arrived in Indonesia - they made us feel welcome 10 years ago.

In the evening, we gather at the hall for a time of reflection and remembrance. Then we eat at the Lord's Table together (also called Communion among Protestants, or mass for Catholics). I like the little verses on each wafer, representing the body of Christ that was broken for the sins of the world.

Dave and Gigi pray over us and thank everyone for working together to love God and love the world.

We do the trip in reverse and fall into our own beds at 10:00 pm. My cold erupts into full-blown misery at night, accompanied by sneezing, a sore throat, and a dripping nose.

Sunday

We wake after a few hours. My head is pounding so hard that I sit up. I warn W off - "Stay away! You don't want it." He agrees.

We stay home instead of passing germs to our friends at IES Bandung. Pak Chandra and the team have things well in hand. He shares his story of cancer recovery and how God accompanies us as we endure suffering. His guiding scripture during cancer treatment was Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God."

Indonesians love noise and chaos. Once in a while, there's an event across the street from the hall. Today is one of those days, with ear-blasting singing followed by various men shouting through their microphones. There are competitions of some kind - it escalates into guys screaming over loudspeakers (not joking) to ramp up the crowd!

Thankfully, Chandra is not bothered by the din and continues to speak. It is a blessing and encouragement to join the service online. Sunday Gatherings are woven into our DNA and staying home feels odd.

Titik drops the hall flowers on the Porch - oh wow! It's a welcome home surprise.

The living room is prettier with her work.

I'm craving soup mid-morning and for a late lunch. Did you know that leftover lettuce is a good soup vegetable? I heat broth (frozen after a movie night), leftover curried veggies, and mini gnocchi that we brought from Seattle. It's a 5-minute meal: immediate, hearty, and sustaining.

I sort old emails and clear digital files. I find some letters from my dad, encouraging me to work and not let anyone's fears or personal rules stop me. It's like hearing his voice again. I often hear his voice in my head, though marriage to a very different kind of adviser has severely tempered how I live out his advice. One time, Dad wrote me:

... Most organizations consist of people whose number one goal is to assure they make the right impressions on their cohorts.

So, cheer up, this will probably be the pattern you have to contend with no matter what you do. Don't even bother with these people -- get rid of  them immediately. Tell them they do not fit. Go out and get those that will do the job. You'll find there are still people around that are happy to get something done. Of course people will then say you are hard to work for, get along with -- they said the same about Christ. Remember in Maslowe's theory only those people that have the confidence in their God-given abilities have the freedom to get things done.

God has a plan/work for you and W. The problems are just part of this -- not to worry or get frustrated, but to resolve or just leave in His hands. Remember the song:  "why worry when you can sing".

Love you,
dad

I am cheered, reading his counsel. He'd say: "Don't let anyone squeeze you into their box. Live as who God made you, not to satisfy others' expectations." Oh Pop, I miss you!

I love the old photos, too. This grandchild is now 13 ...

Some of these women have moved on, but several continue to be mentors and friends even after 12 years. I delete emails with personal content after forwarding them back to their writers, 7-15 years after they were written. (No need for anyone to read them in the future.)

I used to post hand-written letters back to their writers after a decade or two. Why? We forget so much in the journey of life and faith. Our own words can remind us of God's faithful love and care. He is utterly trustworthy.

Monday

I call my mom early. We pray for each other and I read her one of Dad's emails about my struggles at work. We agree - he was a gifted and visionary leader.

Sleep has been short the past nights (thanks, jet lag.) I have a blazing headache again. Flu symptoms flare during morning calls. One conversation is particularly useful for planning the months ahead. I write down what I learn. I have many notebooks of notes that I peruse when I need sound advice.

I keep refilling tea in the tallest Contigo thermos to hydrate. Three 16oz (500ml) infusions later, let's have breakfast.

I baked apple oatmeal bars and made date syrup yesterday. Yum.

By 10:00, calls are done, emails are sent, and a dozen tissues land in the garbage. I write instructions for the helpers and cancel my appointments for the next 2 days. Rest is the best solution toward a speedy recovery.

Read more:

*My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast;

    I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre!

    I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

    I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

    let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:7-11

*The Lord will open for you his rich storehouse, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all your undertakings. Deuteronomy 28:12

*Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Moravian Prayer: Giver of all, your grace abounds. We serve you in faith and hope, sharing with others the love for which we are filled. We give you thanks. Amen.