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.
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.
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 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.)
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
* [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.
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