A healing week

Friday, May 8, 2026
W's back home with a cold, caught at an organizational convention earlier this week. Because he's saving his voice, we've texted but not called. Being opposite on the clock doesn't help. As I'm getting up, he's getting to sleep.

During the day, the streets are empty as I look across to Austin below. The streets are as wide as Indonesian highways. The paved cul-de-sacs are big enough to let a moving van make a U-turn.

In the evenings, cars fill the driveways and park all along the streets. Most homes have 2-4 cars coming and going.

The trees W planted in K's yard last year have begun to grow. Every home has the same wood fencing.

Someone's car had an unfortunate encounter. The car parts have been shoved inside the rear passenger area, with a fleece-lined blanket draped over the hood.

One of the black-painted houses has a vibrant floral shrub up front.

One of the colorful grasses has crisp pods.

Its flowers are dainty, in contrast.

Other grass plumes wave in the constant breeze across the hill.

A 130cm (4') plume, weighed down by a thunderstorm, grows undaunted.

A cactus is energetically putting out new growth.

The wildflowers are bright and cheerful in several front yards.

The leaves tend to be narrow and light-colored, with small blossoms.

I crash into bed in the early evening. Even with 2 1/2 hours awake in the middle, I catch up on rest with almost 10 hours of sleep. Yahoo!

Saturday
On the Indonesian side of the world, the kids come for English lessons.

On our side, K and I enjoy conversations, renovation shows, and good food. In mid-afternoon, I'm drooping enough to take a nap.

Most of my writing is editing the work of others: students' dissertations, professors' journal articles, and leaders' books. Between, it's refreshing to do something non-theological or non-cultural.

I've been assembling a creative project for the past year: a Before & After blog. Tackling the Project started by defining the empty spaces. It went from ruined, abandoned spaces into useful, beautiful rooms. 

At first glance, this room could have become a reception area, a dining space, or a living room. The huge space had possibilities. We host large groups as well as a few people at a time so the room became a serving/dining space. We put in two tables to seat 4 or 12 people.

"Oh, that's not what we would do," said a Chinese-Indonesian friend, walking into the almost-finished room. "We would put our entry here. (We found a different space for that.)

One end had big drop-boxes on the ceiling (with no practical function) so they were removed. The little hallway had awkward steps on one side.

A tea station and a dresser for linen storage landed in the hall behind the 7'X3' (2.2mX1m) wooden screen found in the backyard. A storage wall of bookshelves holds vases, bowls, and art.

A buffet area evolved on the side opposite the big windows. An old dresser blocks off the jutting step. The library tables are topped with limestone slabs to make a serving island. It works as well for many as for a few guests.

Sunday
I'm walking morning and night, circling the neighborhood in various configurations. During the short time I've been here, someone's plants are taking over the sidewalk. The path gets narrower each morning as sunshine and rain boost growth.

K and I attend an online morning service of Red Rocks Church, Austin. Our lunch is excellent. Stuffed peppers with Parmesan tapenade plus melted brie on toast make a great combination. Some of our kids call, and I talk to my mom, friend Martha, and some others.

Monday-Tuesday
K changes bandages and takes her first shower. The medicine in the nerve blocker runs out, so it comes out of her leg. Her knee starts to ache but she walks outside for the first foray into the cul-de-sac. Good food and pots of tea accompany the home repair series we watch.

She props her leg up and ices it so that the swelling goes down. Ouch.

Wednesday
K is tired today. My first walk is early. The fragrances of shrubs and herbs along the sidewalk pop most in the morning and at sundown.

Back in Bandung, W is painting over the tired and stained tiles in the primary bath. He is working through the checklist of remaining updates to the house. I remember something from my childhood: each time Mom traveled to see her sisters, Dad would surprise her with home projects.

We nap before making mala noodles for lunch. Both of us love the pop of numbness from the prickly ash. We mix it with corn salsa and bahn mi vegetables.

Read more:
* I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;  turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. Psalm 17:6-9

* He will regard the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer. Psalm 102:17

* The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Moravian Prayer: Comforter, you hear every prayer: from the smallest whisper to the loudest cry. Remind us that prayer is powerful and brings us closer to you. Help us trust in your presence and find strength in lifting our hearts to you. Amen.

Daughter and flower edition

Monday/Tuesday, May 4/5, 2026

W and I take the shuttle to the Jakarta airport. He checks me in and heads back to Bandung. Nice guy!

The trip through Taiwan and Seattle is uneventful. I post my sign over the screen on the plane: "Thanks for letting me sleep." That way, I don't have to refuse food and drink over and over on long flights. 

In Seattle, I go through immigration and customs, tossing my suitcase back on the conveyor belt to be checked through to Texas. A hotel shuttle takes me to a clean warm Sleep Inn, where I get a 4 hours of sleep. 

Kim comes for me at 5AM (what a friend!) We stop at Denny's where I order a seniors (small) breakfast. It is enormous, served on 2 dinner plates: 2 huge pancakes, bacon, sausages, and eggs. Since I haven't eaten since Taiwan (22 hours earlier), I eat as much as I can, leaving 2/3 of the pancakes on the plate. Kim drops me at the airport and heads for work.

After a slight delay, travel resumes. Daughter Kirsten picks me up at the other end.

We eat a delicious Ghanan stuffed bread, find my sunglasses in a discount shop, and head for her house. I arrange grocery flowers as K gets 3 calls from the hospital changing her surgery time from noon to 9AM, then to 7AM. Whew. We're getting up early tomorrow (3:30AM).

She confirms the time with the callers and sends a confirmation message to admissions. After watching a home-reno episode, we head for sleep. We get 4 1/2 hours of sleep zzz.

Wednesday
We're at surgery registration at 4:45AM, sitting for 1 1/2 hours before K goes to the desk to ask what's going on. They explain that surgery is delayed until just before noon because "we couldn't get through yesterday to confirm your 7AM surgery time. So you'll be in at 11 or 11:30 this morning, provided the person before you has no complications."

What? 3 calls and a message aren't enough? It's a hospital mix-up in internal communication. K talks to the surgeon, who reschedules her.

In Pre-Op, she's smart, informed, and articulate with the nurses and doctors. She gets finished and is in surgery by 10. Meanwhile, I'm jet-lagged and tired. Typically for USA public places, there's nowhere to stretch out. I edit a friend's book, sitting in the cafeteria. And then lay my head down for a half hour ... zzz. The surgeon says it's a successful surgery. 

K is discharged in mid-afternoon. And then she starts walking around her place. What! The nerve-blockers help with pain. We are both astonished at how well she's getting around. Alissia, an overnight helper, comes for 8 hours. She's a delight: caring, helpful, intuitive, gentle. 

Thursday
Along the walk are many wildflowers. Texas is known for wildflowers since Lady Bird Johnson, a former governor's wife, made them a feature of her state in the 1960s.

The colors are vibrant.

This shrub is a heap of texture in purples and greens.

I make breakfast before connecting with friends and those concerned with Kirsten. We read comments sent by well-wishers aloud. What a beautiful gathering of prayers and kindness. 

We both like renovation and home shows, so we watch an episode just for fun. I'm surprised by the ads: pharmaceuticals, lawyers, credit cards, and insurance. After lunch, we crash into a nap. Both of us sleep for an hour and a half and wake feeling refreshed.

Kirsten is a creative foodie. She combines chickpeas, Parmesan tapenade, spices, and peppers. We crisp a lamb sausage from a butcher on the way back from the airport, and try some couscous. It's such joy to be with someone I like so much, and to know she's our daughter makes it even better. It's hard to make close friends in Indonesia. Language is a barrier, as is the constant motion of expats who come for a season. Not many live close enough in our city or the next for casual visits and coffee time.

I'm hoping to reset jetlag - Bandung is exactly opposite (night or day) on the clock. I'm getting to know K's neighborhood on my walks. 

An HOA (housing council) is a scary thing, regulating many aspects of how neighours relate to each other and keep their yards and houses. For example, this one allows specific blue- and grey-toned paint colors for houses, with a few exceptions. Dogs are leashed and walked and all poop is picked up, not a bad thing! with so many around.

Friday
It's another rough, short night: sleep lasts 2:40. I finally give up at 6:30, after being up since 1:00. Time to head out for another walk, me thinks.

Read more:
*With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back; I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path where they shall not stumble, for I have become a father to Israel. Jeremiah 31:9

* In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7

Moravian Prayer: Loving Shepherd, you lead us with mercy and hear our cries. Even in our sorrow, you guide us beside still waters; in our struggles, you walk beside us. Help us trust your presence and rest in your care, now and always. Amen.

Discussions, downpours, and decisions

Thursday, April 30, 2026 

The amaryllis bulbs have erupted in glorious reds, which they do at least twice a year.

There's always something blooming in the border.

Despite applying insect repellent morning and night, I get bitten during afternoon tea on the Porch with friends. 

Kirsten says yes to the pineapple cookies DrW brings over at teatime. These are a Bandung specialty that I've never seen in the USA. I put them into the suitcase.

Lew's been researching his dissertation but it's time to take a break at suppertime. We walk up the block to #MissBeeProvidore. I eat a few pieces of pizza before the server packs the rest into a takeaway box. Evening is not my hungry time of day although the pizza is delicious.

We put the Project and ourselves to bed amid a downpour. What a privilege to have a dry place to sleep.

Friday - Happy birthday, Melissa!
After walking, we call family to wish Melissa a wonderful day. It's another public holiday so PakG is taking the day off. Happily, there are taxi apps galore. We won't buy another car after this one ages out. Calling a cab is quick, cheap, and painless.

Our first stop is the hospital to pray for Carlos and his family. Our hearts go out to him as he endures tests and infusions. The nurses scurry in and out, quietly monitoring and changing IVs. He's not permitted to eat the cookies we bring; his sis says she'll freeze them at home for when he's discharged.

We catch an Uber to town from there. This is typical of the sidewalks in Bandung (below). Some office workers carry umbrellas against the sunny weather. A motorcyclist zips across from the other side of the divided street, cruises for a half-block on the sidewalk, and turns into the minimart parking lot. The traffic watchwords are flex and flow. Or hati-hati (be careful).

W and I are on a lunch date since we'll be apart for a month. We have wanted to go to #AlJezeera for Arabic food since last year but never found time.

The food is plentiful and good, with more takeaway boxes coming home with us.

As we work, Anton looks in on us. He tracks us around the Project and notes when we're in the office. Nope, too busy to come out and play right now.

There's no avoiding it any longer. I start to pack. Usually that includes a devotional (this time, Puritan-era prayers) and art supplies.

Saturday
I get out 3 little saucepans to make crepes. Lew joins us outside for breakfast on the Porch. We alternate savory: lamb heated in yogurt, with fresh dill from the garden; and sweet: jam or mashed papaya with whipped cream.

(Crepe recipe for 12 small crepes: 1 c flour, 1 3/4 c milk, 1 tsp bk powder/salt/sugar, 1 T melted butter. Mix, then roll 2-3 T of batter into a hot greased saucepan. Cook over high heat until the top is no longer glossy or white. Tip onto a serving plate. For ease and speed, use several saucepans at once.)

Lew leaves at 10AM to catch the shuttle to Jakarta. After we tidy up and complete morning chores and connections, I "almost finish" packing. Then the kids come for English classes. They sure love their tutors, including this group.

W and I catch up on emails, delete old Google Drive files, update our info, and walk. This enormous leaf (130cm/4') lands street-side. You wouldn't want to get whacked by one of those falling on your head.

The stone countertop is sealed and the 24-hour soak-in is over. The dark tiles across the "island" base are removed and replaced with tiles matching the counters. With that, the serving kitchen is completed.

What's that? Three packages arrive, a complete surprise. Heart friends from a Leadership Mastermind have sent us a plant stand and potted plants to celebrate our past season with IES Bandung. Thanks for making those arrangements, Tirza!

Before long, W has it unpacked. The gift settles at one end of the side porch.

I check with our daughter - she has dinner plans with a friend from her small group. Inside, Titik's orchid continues to bloom as we prepare to attend a Saturday service.

Sunday
It's a quiet morning, with a walk and breakfast at #WaerungEthnic. One of the things we love is that Ethnic has fresh flowers, not silk. Look at these roses!

We choose a secluded corner in the back. W checks that my travel apps and data are updated and accessible.

On the way home, tiny flowers on a shrub beside the street catch our attention. W has been working on the pool, which we'd like to use for exercise classes. The sun was out and it was very hot in early morning. Since then, it clouded over and there's a brisk wind. I'm chilled before I reach the water, sliding down the slope into the water of the "deep end" (which is all that will be filled, due to safety issues). Gasp. Oh it's c-c-cold! A hot bath afterwards gets rid of my shivers.

There's a downpour around noon. We indulge in leftovers from Thursday's lunch. We eat outside overlooking the garden, tossing a piece here or there to the dogs who wait on the sidewalk beside our table. Tasks for the weeks ahead are sketched out for the helpers.

When did travel get so complicated? Decisions need to be made about what to take or leave. Devices are rebooted for stability. Chargers and cables, gear and travel pillows, gifts and more must be stowed before morning comes. I'm tired out with all the choices by mid-afternoon.

Read more:
* [God says,] Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:18-21

* Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns. Jeremiah 4:3

* And Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Moravian Prayer: You are the God who calls us to witness. Lord, thank you for those you have called to lead our churches’ ministries. Thank you that you have given all of us gifts of witness. May our response to your call be a fervent ‘Yes.’ Amen.

Studies, teacups, and scones

Sunday, April 26, 2026

We have a late lunch at Ethnic. I love the plants their gardener chooses. These delicate red roots hang from a tree near our table.

This "false bird of paradise" looks like a suspended bird (beak to the left) and catches my eye.

Anton is an athletic squirrel-chaser, patiently watching or jumping around at the base of trees, hoping the critter will come down to him. The squirrels love to tease, jumping from branch to branch overhead.

Monday

After a morning filled with usual work and calls, Ps Lew arrives from Jakarta to research his dissertation. We have a late lunch at Maxis and catch up.

We get a package of black beans. Oh, those are for the bean toss game, after the last batch of beans moulded after being left outside. Maybe the Saturday kids will have fun with it. I sew a half-dozen bean bags. The dogs are getting used to their snuffle mats, from whence they try to extract treats.

W hangs a picture in the bathroom. I'm happy it's off my bookshelf, where it's gathered dust for 3 months while I decided where to put it. The old green tiles have many spackled holes. W drills out one, puts in an anchor, and screws in the support for the picture frame.

The afternoon rains arrive as usual, filling the pots with tropical fish.

Tuesday
The day floats by with walks, work, and cooking. To use up the leftover black beans, I make soup for a filling mid-afternoon meal. It's wet enough outside that mushrooms are sprouting around the tree stumps.

After Lew spends the day researching, we sit down with his outline to map out the next steps. The side porch table lights up as dusk and night arrive.

Wednesday
Veronica joins us for a morning hike with the 2 big dogs, Anton and Juno. The other two are getting too old to leap and bounce around the uneven paths.

It's hot today so we drink constantly. The forest section trail has been chopped clear of overhanging branches. Sometimes W brings a machete to clear this particular one. No need today. At times, the path is barely visible due to undergrowth.

Impatiens, which used to be my first spring garden buy (2@$1 at Fred Meyer), grow wild here. Can you see the trail? We count on the dogs to run ahead and chase away snakes.

All kinds of wildflowers line the trail. I count 6 white types, including this tassled beauty.

A red tassel hangs from a shrub nearby.

God flings lavish beauty on the path.

Many kinds of bananas grow wild or are planted between other crops. Finger-length sweet fruit is ripening above its flower.

The flower on another tree is 2' (65cm) long.

Just around the corner hangs a long bunch similar to the Dole bananas of Western supermarkets. Each clump is called a "hand." There are at least 5 hands of bananas on this stalk. They ripen from the top down, following the flower down the stem. When the flower drops off, that's the limit of bananas.

The decades-old tea bushes are being replaced by new coffee plantations to suit the export market. Coffee shops have been popping up in every neighborhood over the past 5 years, too.

During the past weeks of storms, trees have blown over or snapped off. Someone has trimmed them to allow motorcycles and farm workers to get to their fields.

Leftover pizza is lunch.

Thursday
We leave Anton at home because he refuses to sit when we reach the gate. We left Gypsy behind a few days ago. Since then, he sits promptly to be taken on the walk. They're no dummies. Just stubborn sometimes.

If the dogs are not in the mood to mind the simple routine, they can be wild things on the walk. Sometimes they're so nutty that they lunge for this or that instead of walking calmly. So ... the test - almost always positive - is that they sit at the gate and follow us onto the street.

Some friends come for tea in the afternoon. Don't fuss," they tell me in advance. Tea is a good excuse to set a pretty table and relax with others. Most of our good dishes are in Seattle. Whatever we bring here will be left behind. 

It's a treat to use the "Canada Maple Leaf" Royal Albert bone china, even if only once or twice a year.

IbuS bakes bread; I make scones (a disappointment), sandwiches, and mousse. We wash guest dishes being used for the first time since our move 4 months ago. Life is pretty casual so I miss the feminine hospitality we had with American friends. Tablecloths, china dishes, silver trays, and flowers? Mostly a memory.

Few people here have fancy teacups, cutlery, or hostess trays. When the book group met in homes, the good serving dishes came out. The past few years as we've aged, we usually meet in the cafe of a member's relative. It's nice to be together in the little cafe basement, even without that homey ambiance.

It's raining by the time everyone leaves. The helpers tidy up and say goodbye for the time being. Tomorrow is a public holiday. Next week I'll be traveling, though W will stay home.

Read more:
* Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. Daniel 9:4-5

* Let your work be manifest to your servants and your glorious power to their children. Psalm 90:16

* Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. Luke 12:27

* Jesus said, “Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37

Moravian Prayer: We praise you, God of creation. Wrap yourself in the worship of all you have made. Amplify the bird’s song and the waterfall’s roar as they declare your power. Give us words of praise to tell of your work in our lives.

Merciful God, sometimes it seems that we can never stop sinning. But we hear the joyful news that you never stop forgiving—and healing. We are a gathering of redeemed sinners. May we always remember to sing songs of thanksgiving for your mercy. Amen.