Rich and Poor

After several centuries of Dutch colonialism, Indonesia gained its independence in 1945, but you can still see some of the influences in their homes, food and language. I have been surprised to find out that we have more in common than one would think.
Chris and Julene’s home is large, with wooden windows and carved detail that reminds me of Europe. Some of the words in the language are similar to our German/Dutch heritage and some foods also have similarities.
Having said that, it is still a country very much of its own, with diversity that is hard to fathom and, as you know, it has had its challenges with natural disasters and corruption. As a visitor, one wonders about what could be dubbed as “unfair” division of its spoils. A country rich in natural resources, but so much poverty alongside those who are also very wealthy.
I think that this makes it difficult for 'outsiders' like our kids to know exactly how to live there. What is the balance? How can you have the best positive influence on those around you?
Julene took me to her neighbor on one side. It was one of the 'wealthiest appearing' homes I’ve ever been in. As I held their new infant in my arms, I prayed God’s blessing on this little girl . . . wondering what her future would hold. They send their little boy to Julene for English lessons.
The neighbor on the other side is living in exact opposite conditions. Julene has hired her to do yard work and in Julene’s words, “Mama Eki takes such pride in her work.” I have seen this for myself now too. She is poor, but oh so rich in character. She faithfully does her job even when no one’s home to see. There is a person (whose name will remain anonymous) who regularly sends money for Julene to buy milk for Mama Eki’s little girl. It is much appreciated.
When you hire a national worker to help you in the home it is a good income for them and it is so good to be able to interact with them and learn things from each other.
I really enjoyed getting to know the pembantu (helper) in the home. She comes most mornings to mop all the floors. This really helps keep the bugs away. She takes in the laundry and does some shopping, often bringing fresh meat and vegetables from the market. When she brings fruit, she also peals it and prepares it so it’s ready to eat. I was fascinated by the way she peeled and cut the pineapples, so I asked her if she would teach me.

You look for a good diagonal line of 'eyes' to begin with. Then, using a good serrated knife, you cut them out forming a v shaped indentation.

Keep following the lines in a diagonal fashion.

Until you end up where they all meet.

I tried it too! When you go to slice it for serving, you ignore the diagonal lines and cut straight.

The finished slices will look like flowers. (of course, I would like that!)

Thank you, Ibu Yunike!

Flying Backwards in Time

We left Jakarta around two in the afternoon on Sunday, flew five hours, (mostly north - a bit east) and had about a three and a half hour layover in Taipei.

We left Taipei just before midnight on Sunday, continuing east, crossing the international date line on Monday morning, but suddenly it was back to Sunday morning. Mind you, I don't know exactly what time we crossed because I was squirming around in my seat trying to sleep. But that is how the international date line works, when you cross it going East you stay in the same time zone, but go back a day. So we landed in Vancouver on Sunday evening. How do nineteen hours of travel only add up to five? Strange feeling for someone for whom the numbers always have to add up and make sense or balance.

Did you know that when you follow the International date line south it goes right by New Zealand? It somehow surprised me.

Well, as you can see, we're home and if my geography lesson is boring, I'll blame it on jet lag.

I also have to tell you that Vancouver airport is one of the nicest airport to land in!!! Maybe you have never landed in the International Terminal - take a trip and find out how wonderful it is to come home . . . or visit!

I'm done loading my pictures onto my computer and will definitely be posting some more about the great time we had. But for now I will just list some things I'm grateful for in our part of the globe:

- driving on the right side of the road - in orderly fashion

- steps on a stairway all being the same height - with no surprises

- being able to run my toothbrush under the tap water

- blending in with everyone else

- not being taken advantage of or stared at because I'm white

- honest business transactions

- everyone (even if the government has to help) can sleep on a mattress in a dry place

- knowing the eggs you buy in the supermarket will be fresh

- clean streets and garbage removal (no neighbors looking through your trash either)

- knowing that when you head to the grocery store to pick up mayonnaise or butter or whatever you need, it will be there

- no random power outages

- no little lizards (cheechuks) making themselves at home in your house (perfectly harmless -yes, eat bugs - good, but . . .)

- an overall feeling clean, rather than sweaty and clothes stretching and sagging with the humidity

- quiet nights

A Moment We Didn't Miss

She knows us! We have been so blessed by her smiles and outstretched arms! Our hearts are filled with so many good memories once again!

I lay awake for a long time last night. It had been an emotional day . . . but in the end I couldn't help but realize, once more, that God truly does not intend to withhold any good thing from us! I thought about those of you who understand from experience about the heart wrenching pain of these kind of goodbyes and I prayed that God would multiply your joys ten times over when you do get to see your loved ones.

Then I also thought about those of you, our friends and family, who also understand even though you have your loved ones close by. I have so appreciated your love and your genuine rejoicing with us and for us in these times! Thank you.

Indonesia Playground - Phase II

This is the view out of Julene's kitchen window . . . the playground that Papa had a big part in building when we were here in 2005. The men used local ironwood, which is supposed to last for 100 years even in water. It is used for docks in the waterfronts.

This time around the kids were promised a teeter totter. We packed the seats and handles (donated by our local school facilities/grounds at home). The groundbreaking was very exciting!

Daddy and Papa went to shop for the remaining materials here in town and went to work . . . cutting, welding, drilling and painting.

While this was going on, the work on the basketball court also began. Digging up the lawn, putting in re-bar and pouring a concrete pad. I think the neighbors thought we were crazy!

The men figured out a way to build an adjustable basketball hoop. So good!!!!

These Canadian grandkids may not learn to play hockey in Indonesia, but they will learn to shoot a basketball.

Happy Birthday, Ben!

On a day like this, memories of past birthdays come to mind. Recently, while the four of us were driving home from a hockey game, you mentioned a special cake that I made for you when you turned 10 years old! I thought I’d scan it and let you have a look at it again. It's a little blurry, but you remember the little hockey player on the cake and this was his number.

Does anyone else remember which Canucks Player wore this number in 1993? )

Ben, lots of things have chaged since you were 10 years old! You’ve grown into a tall, handsome, hardworking, friendly and caring guy. Actually, looking at that list . . . it’s only your size that has changed . . . And checking out the most recent picture I have of you . . . no, not much has changed!

Ben, your name (Benjamin) has two meanings: “youngest and dearly loved, son of my right hand.” You truly reflect the meaning of your name! For me you’ll always be my youngest and dearly loved and for dad you are the son of his right hand. We are both so proud of you! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Makenna!

It is such a joy to see how loved you are! A little princess who is pampered and adored by your older brother and sister, carefree, content and happy, smiles ever ready! We are so blessed to be able to share this special day with you!

Since we are a bit confused as to what day to celebrate, because your exact day does not appear on the calendar this year (and being in another time zone) we just kind of celebrated for more than one day. It's actually a good deal!

For part of our celebration we rented a river boat that took us along a local river where we saw the life along and on the river. It was a beautiful late afternoon, overcast and not too hot. Kids were bathing in the river, dads were going home from work on their motorized canoes and moms were taking in their laundry or cooking their fish.

If it wouldn't take so much time to upload here, I would post more photos...but you get the idea.

Near the end of our trip, we were hit with a huge rain storm! That was quite the experience and we had no choice but to get soaked as we dashed to our car, laughing and tucking another wild memory away.