Wild and wet

Thursday, June 26, 2025

I skip the hike. First, let's try out my lungs on a neighborhood walk: a double-loop (3.5 km, 2.5 miles) is the first decent walk since I came back sick from Bhutan. In a "first" for the upper hill, a commercial crane has appeared to assist in renovations at the 5-star #PadmaBandung hotel.

Anton the standard poodle stays home with me - he's put on meds and strict rest by the vet. Anton's version of rest is running to the gate to bark when someone comes and gnawing on a big ball. His gums are not as pale and his bloodwork and energy are improving. Thank you, God.

There's a bit of back-and-forth with last week's students before I hear from the hiking group. They kindly choose a restaurant nearby so I can join for lunch at #WaroengEthnic.

We drop by the hall, where a faucet has burst and soaked boxes and rugs in a children's classroom. We ask them to lift the wood furniture off the floor and replace the boxes with dry ones.

We spread the rugs open on the court and then fold and drape them over the railings to dry. Most of the rugs are old and frail. Keep or toss?

By the end of the day, I've logged +9000 steps. I am ready to hike...  as long as there aren't too many steep ascents.

Friday

We walk to the project, confirm electrical and lighting placement with the mechanic, and make a neighborhood loop with the dogs.

How about rice porridge for breakfast? Sounds good until I see eggs in the fridge door and change my mind. After 15 minutes of whisking and tipping batter around two little saucepans, there's a heaping plate of steaming crepes for W and me. How about leftovers for tomorrow? Yes!

Today's task is wrapping up Sunday preparation and planning the rest of the year's topics and speakers. Usually I schedule the year by January 1. Since it's our last year as pastors here, I left the year open to allow for shifting. Maybe someone will step in before year's end? We're willing to do whatever God brings our way.

What a lot of work, having to schedule every few months! Lesson learned. Better to build big and course-correct midstream than to continually pull up on shore to build another boat.

It's the Islamic new year. Last night there were torch parades around neighborhoods, like this one up our hill.

The book group meets at #GoodLifeCafe to discuss the current selection: The Year of Living Biblically by NY reporter A. J. Jacobs. It's a hilarious view of trying to live out ancient laws in a modern culture. 

I find myself shaking my head and chuckling at the predicaments and places Jacobs gets himself into, researching what it meant to live in Jewish and early Christian cultures of the Bible. I have been asked to offer a biblical/Christian viewpoint as an introduction.

W has heard about this cafe so he comes along and sits in the courtyard with a $2 tortilla "pizza" and a cup of coffee.

The book group meets in the lower room, where various things hang on the walls. This beetle collection is interesting.

The biggest rugs are still drying at the hall. We leave them draped over the railings. We bring one home, and there's so much dust that W vacuums the car after the driver goes home.

Saturday

I'm up at night. My brain won't let go of details in 3 or 4 directions, so why not churn through them and get back to sleep with the work finished? Except that it's time to rise and shine when I'm done. I guess today is the day for a nap.

The avocados from our tree are ripe. I have to toss about half with bruises or bugs, but what's left is delicious on IbuS's home-baked bread. We have mango yogurt and a few chocolate-covered coffee beans on the side.

We get a rain storm in the morning but the birds chirp and sing after their shower. 

W uses the air fryer to make Chicken Tikka with the chicken I marinaded overnight. I make veggies to suit.

While W goes shopping, I write the next month's newsletter. At least I try. I'm learning a new mail system.

MailChimp (formerly free) monetized to a high amount = "Sorry and goodbye." So annoying to switch after getting the MC process figured out. I'm a computer dummy and it takes a while since nothing "tech" is intuitive for me. Our kids and W are tech-whizzes - but I'm the writer. Sigh. Guess I'm stuck with it.

Read more:

*Those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord. Zechariah 6:15

*All nations will come and worship before you, for your judgments have been revealed. Revelation 15:4

*[Jesus says] “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 

"Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!”

Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:12-21

Moravian Prayer: God of all nations, we lament that we often create and worship our own kingdoms and temples here on earth. Grant that we may turn our talents and energies to your service until all have heard your name! Amen.