Two parades and some natural beauties

Saturday, May 23, 2026
It's a sunny morning, though there are clouds over Austin proper. Here on the hills, the breezes cool the air and walking is pleasant. This plant grows wild in Indonesia, usually blooming in yellow or orange. It's an Aussie import, I'm told. Here, someone has planted a hot pink version in the easement.

The cactus has dropped flowers, leaving two-toned knobs in their place.

By mid-morning, it's blustery and overcast. We attend K's church online, loving the encouragement of the pastors to be healthy and holy. 

In Bandung, a big thunderstorm hits. "Flash/BOOM," is how W describes the hit at the Project. Lightning strikes the pool pump and shatters the recirculation pipe. 

Tiles near the pump have broken, too. A few security lights and a washing machine have blown out. (The electrician shows up to repair things on Monday.)

Mid-day, Bandung crowds downtown are celebrating the championship of their Persib soccer team.

In London, worshippers are marching to celebrate Jesus, although most Brits are also soccer fans.

Sunday: Pentecost Sunday
What a beautiful celebration of Jesus returning to his heavenly Father. Neither K nor I gets up early. The weather is good and we get our walks in.

K combines international foods for a delicious lunch. Tteobokki, collard greens, and breaded shrimp fill the plate. Yum yum. Both of us love having people over and making them feel at home. That gift was passed down on both sides of my family by grandmas, aunties, and Mom. For the women in our family, setting the table is a joy, not a burden. We reflect on hospitality, celebrating what God allows us to do.

We watch some episodes of a home renovation show set in Seattle. We cheer on the restyling of old houses in neighborhoods we used to drive through. Having just completed the Project, we're happy to watch others transform houses. 

We call our Seattle family, enjoying talking to the young kids who are riding home in the car with their parents.

I walk the dog in 90o weather, which seems rather pleasant. A slight breeze ruffles the wide brim of my hat. Mika is panting by the end of the first loop so we cut it short and get him inside for a drink of water.

K picks up "end of the day" baking at a sharp discount from a nearby bakery while I am online for meetings. Then we sit on the porch sofa with fresh bagels - until the mosquitoes attack K. I have deet repellent on, the only thing that keeps bugs from devouring me. As the sun sets, the sky is painted in brilliant colors.

Monday
The morning is cool when Mika and I do two loops around the neighborhood. He chugs along at full speed, gaining muscle as we've been doing our quick walks. 

For breakfast, K doesn't mind a second helping of the flat pancakes made yesterday. I'm not impressed, so opt for the usual: bacon and eggs. This time I whip in cottage cheese. It turns out moist and creamy, though it's not the most interesting thing I've eaten.

In an online meeting, a friend asks whether this might be a good season for a sabbatical, with only essential work. She and I map what can be left behind for the next couple of months. We have some speaking engagements and I teach a doctoral class in late July. Those remain.

W and I feel ready for a rest after the last year. We ended a season as church leaders, oversaw a home renovation, moved to another house, and customized the Project to host individuals and crowds. We've had lots of company all the while. I'm just starting to realize how much energy that required. A bit of slack in the schedule sounds good.

K's friend Kari arrives with lunch in hand. She's cooked homemade pasta with turkey meatballs, baked home-baked focaccia, whipped up a salad, and layaered a chocolate dessert. We chat and get to pray together. She can't stay because she's taking care of her grandkids. K and I enjoy her wonderful meal.

K's knee is healing and her bruises are fading. She's getting more mobile all the time.

It's fun to be in a time zone similar to friends'. KL and I visit online in the late afternoon. She calls from a beautiful river campsite, while I'm sitting on a comfy porch sofa as thunder rolls in.

Being across the planet (12 hours "before" Indonesian time) means Tuesday morning there is Monday night here. Our organization has planned the annual business meeting, with updates and ballots for serving on committees. W calls afterward to catch up.

Another tree has fallen on our street, breaking a fence a block away from the Project. Cleanup is underway.

Tuesday
Little Mika and I do two long loops around the neighborhood. It's 7AM. Dogs of all sizes are walking their owners. When we approach each other, one of us crosses the street to avoid confrontation between dogs.

After I sit on the porch sofa, catching up on emails, Kirsten's up for a long walk. The sun comes and goes. On the windowsill, a flowering vine from Kari catches the light.

At our afternoon walk past the storm catchment meadow, wild sunflowers are bursting with color. We bring 2 stems inside, along with two other "weeds" and some grass seedheads. K's tortoiseshell vase is perfect for them.

Read more:
* Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Psalm 24:7

* For the Father himself loves you. John 16:27

* And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:2,4

* Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4,5

Moravian Prayer: Loving Creator, you alone are worthy of our praise. You are our strength, our hope, and our joy. Thank you for loving us so deeply. May our lives reflect your love as we worship you with grateful hearts.

Holy Spirit, fling wide the doors of our hearts, that your spirit may rush in like a mighty wind. Fill us with your power, renew us with your presence, and send us out to share your love. May we welcome your glory and live by your spirit. Amen.