A Stack of Hope

I look at the glass, coffee table,
Literally stacked with Words of hope.
All that separates it from crashing through
may just be the weight of one more Word.

How much more does it take to simply crash hope into the life of
another?
How do you take this hope, that you know in the core of your soul,
and share it with the core of another?
Sometimes, all that separates you is a thin sheet of glass. You can
even see through to the other side. It's a little unclear, maybe a
little skewed. But what holds us back from pounding your fist into
what you fear the most in order to make a world of difference?

It's something beyond fear.
Maybe it's just what I limit myself to believe.
So, help me with my unbelief.

Let me hope. Please, let me keep hoping.

Their Return brings Refreshment to ME!

Bill, Pete, Paul, Jennifer and Brenda returned after a few days trip
to Kalimantan. Hearing about their experiences reminds me of
highlights that I encountered just 1 month ago.

At 4am, Rudy would wire a small fluorescent light to a car battery.
He would turn on the keyboard, and with the adjustment of a few
buttons, an entire band would be playing. Slowly, members of the
household would awaken and arise.

At the time, 16 people lived in this small house. Sure, there were 5
"bedrooms" and 2 bath, but it's probably not exactly what you're
picturing in your mind. One common roof, where the top of the closed
walls ended just above the doorway. You could hear a chorus of
snorers or conversation all at once.

The generator for electricity would go on at 5 and off at 11.

If you needed to use the restroom, you'd go to the outhouse.
Literally, outside the house. 2 bathrooms: 1) the outhouse and 2)
under the stars, 1 side of the house and 3 sides of corrugated sheets.

We'd go up the river to visit villages. Parts of the river would be
no more than 6 feet wide. We'd duck through the trees of the jungle,
where, yes, a snake or monkey could be hanging at any given moment.
But we just didn't think of those things. You're surrounded by this
grand beauty to behold. It's simply captivating.

A library is being built. And for only $1,100, they can tile the
entire building and provide the books! The thirst for knowledge is
amazing. And how amazing to take clean water for granted. When I
first arrived nearly 3 months ago, I had to brush my teeth with
bottled water. When I returned from Kalimantan, I could enjoy a
shower with slightly brown water. A shower of totally clear water
was definitely a privilege.

Tonight, it was good to be reminded of that. How much I'd almost
forgotten.

And how spoiled I am! After nearly 3 months, I finally had Baskin
Robbins ice cream tonight - Mint and Chip. Mmmmm. C; It's great to
know that the pleasures of life really can be simple things.

Someone's Strategizing

Ibu Eko has been my language teacher since my first week here. She met her husband here while he was studying for his Masters degree. They got married a few years ago. I met her 2 yr. old son a few weeks ago (see "Open House").

Her husband now lives in Papua. It is a totally different culture from the big city here- villages near the beach and in the jungles. So, there is much to anticipate as far as changes. She is praying about when to move there to be with him. Maybe as early as January! So what an honor I have had to meet her and to have her as my teacher for this time!

A group of my friends are traveling to Papua next week. I told her last week, and she was so excited!

Just yesterday, I found out that I will go, too! It came as a surprise to me, but I'm so excited to have the opportunity! I told Ibu Eko and showed her my itinerary. We will travel to 5 cities in 6 days. And she said, "You'll meet him."

"Maybe"

"No, you will!"

"We'll see."

"You will. Because Pak Pete is meeting with him!"

Pak Pete is one of our close friends here! So, even still, my world continues to shrink. What a small world I'm in! I'm not sure what's ahead, but I don't think it's been happenstance.

I'm not sure what's in store there, but I am excited to see more of this country! And I'll even get to ride on the float plane!

The Art of Kickball

When I would go out for recess, my friends and I would often play
kickball. Mind you, I was one of the worst players. Patrick always
kicked a pop fly - even if it meant the bell had just rung and he
nailed a teacher in the head, only to get in trouble. And Melissa,
of course, would be the only one to play in a skirt.
But still, it was a game I understood.

Just the other day, I realized that they don't play kickball here.
To me, kick ball is using a soccer ball on a baseball field, with
rules similar to baseball.

Now, I understood that Futbol, Football, and Soccer are all the same
in some cultures, differing from American Football. But I
discovered: Kickball = Soccer = Football

So there isn't American Football, Baseball, nor Kickball! They don't
have ice skating rinks here, thus, no Ice Hockey! And other than
water sports, these are my favorite sports to watch and play!

If I didn't have art
If I didn't play kickball in middle school
If I didn't have Friday night high school football games
or marshmallow-fights at college football games
If I didn't watch live baseball and hockey games
I would have to imagine that I'd be a totally different person.

It has been those subtle encounters that have shaped me to create,
to see the differences in people's strengths, to simply enjoy
passion. Not to mention the sheer fun of winning a friendly,
competitive game!

Love of Bowling

Or not so much.

Well, 7 of us went to play on Friday night. We thought we bought 2
games. Our screens black out at the end of the 5th frame.
Apparently they think one game is 10 frames for 4 people. So with 7
people, that's only 5 frames each.

Anyways, we gave up and went out for coffee/dessert. I had apple
pie with something like vanilla ice cream. I DO miss creamy ice
cream! But the apple pie wasn't half bad.

This week, I house sit for Brenda. That's right, internet, cable and
a helper who knows how to make American food! All this for $5! What
a steal!

PS: Bakso

Bakso - meatballs. Fish balls, shrimp balls, tofu triangles, noodle
balls, rice balls... and you boil them in a hot pot of soup at your
table. We also had mushrooms (that look like seaweed)!

Bakso!

Merro took me to eat Bakso during class today! It was delicious!
The first place we went to was closed. So I didn't even have to use
language! But next time...

First-Aid Kits and KidsMosaic: I went to the store today to buy
things for the first aid kits! They don't even have Neosporin
here. I'll be putting them together this weekend. A group will go
to Kalimantan on Tuesday. They will get to deliver them to homes and
schools in the villages throughout the week. Thanks so much! It's
so fun!!!

Homemade Sugar Cookies

Tonight, I had dinner with Jon and Amanda. They made spaghetti with
American meatballs. Yes, beef. And delicious sugar cookies, fresh
out of the oven! That's right, home made. Made from scratch! So
yummy!

We played a game, though I can't remember its name. The object of
the game is to drive 1000 miles. But along the way, you can give
each other a flat tire, run out of gas, get a red light, get a
decreased speed limit, or get into an accident... It's a French card
game.

It was a great night to get out of the house, quieter there. But,
I've made it through the first 24 hours. It's nice to know I'm not
the only one getting used to life here.

Random earthquakes

I'm safe and sound.  I didn't feel this recent series.  Suamatra is the next island over, though it was felt in Jakarta - on the other side of Java.

Sometimes, I find myself feeling the ground shaking sensation.  I didn't realize the number of earthquakes that happen here.  But now, I understand that I'm not going insane!

Here's a link to find the latest.  (Maybe this will help in the case that I can't actually respond.  I've also placed a link on the right margin for future use.)

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_big.php

(Today, I begin sketches for 3-D animated characters!  Anyone have video or pictures of squirrels?)

Fourty-1

If I could sit in a room, trapped
tonight would be a cold and dreary night.
I was told that I would be released.
All I did was watch
"Things Not To Do".

The voices seem to rotate
about every half an hour.
It calls aloud.
It began about 8:15.
It may just be through the entire night.

A day of rest, the dust has settled.
Not a hint of layers, inches thick,
from the rubble that collapsed.
A moment, a decision.
Some lay beneath the rubble, still alive.
Craving to be known.
Craving to be heard.
Craving to be rescued.

Some Things, You Don't Forget

It's been 6 years. I was in the dorm of 26-1. A day to sleep in. Class wasn't until 10:25. Cheryl, my roommate, was at the sink, probably brushing her teeth. She had class at 9:25. Until there was a rapid pounding on our door. It was Jess. I couldn't make sense of it - I was still half asleep, dreaming. There was commotion. I woke up. Still trying to decipher between my dream-state and reality, the news was unbelievable. I jumped out of bed and barely had time to grab my toothbrush. As I brushed my teeth, Becca and Chelsea came in. Chelsea began to sob. For a moment, you simply panic. Then, it was as if I went into rescue mode. Without having even turned on the main light, all we knew was to stop and kneel in prayer. Soon, there were people coming in and out of my room. Jess and Becca showed us the news on their TV. We watched Live, as the second plane crashed. For the remainder of the week, our room became the Prayer Room. Our RA's room, the News Room. Classes were canceled, but we had mandatory convocation in the Vines Center. The floor would be covered, all the way up to the top of the stadium. Ironic. My mom called to check that I was ok. I was. All I could do was take care of my girls. Some had parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends who worked in that area. But in the moment, anyone remotely in that area came to mind. That night, I couldn't sleep. My eyes would close in darkness, and all I could remember was someone lying beneath the rubble, still conscious. -o-*-o-*-o- Now, 6 years later, the prayer calls go out at 4 in the morning. Over dinner, Jennifer asks me if I remember what day it is. All day, I've remembered. You simply don't forget where you were when you found out.

Your Choice

Which one of the following characters, which would you choose?
Bear
Fox
Deer
Horse
Squirrel
Swan
Parrot
Skunk
Beaver
Monkey

Open House

So, I don't even go to school at Wesley International. But Ibu Eko, my Indonesian teacher, invited me to check out open house at her school. It’s literally up the hill from my house. So after learning to ride the bike, I walked over. It was so fun to see her Indonesian classroom.

She is one of 4 teachers for the students there. Pictures were posted of the students (Some of them I already know!) in traditional clothing from various Indonesian islands. Indonesian music played in the background and they served mini traditional kue kering (snacks).

And I got to meet her son! He's just 2 years old and so cute (and so active)! I don't know how she has the energy to teach the kids, teach me, go home to her son as her husband works in Papua, and has an abundance of joy through it all! I'm amazed.

She sent me home with a dozen things to try, after already being stuffed! It was delicious! A few coconut treats, and a potato ball that reminded me of Porto's. I have saved some for tomorrow. What a fun day!

Kaki Naik! (Get Your Feet Up!)

Selamat Malam! Hari ini saya belajar naik sepeda motor!
(Good evening! Today, I learned to get on the motorcycle!)

Ok, so my Indonesian could use some help. But today, September 10, 2007, I conquered the beginning of riding the bike! That is, the motorcycle! I could use help going up hill, down hill, crossing intersections and turning corners. I don't go more than 25 kilometers per hour. And my hands were sore. BUT I rode into the sunset today.

It was probably only an hour long. Jennifer took me up the hill to a quiet neighborhood - except for the masjiid close by. We rode by the "carnival house" and a house that reminds me of the mansions on Oak Knoll in Pasadena. It could be a school or office building; it took up the entire block!

A few ladies came out with their babies. A couple men were washing their car in the driveways. As I would pass by, neighbors would offer their advice, all in Indonesian. But as much as I wanted to ask for one of them to just jump on and show me how to ride, Jennifer insisted that I learn to ride alone.

One man was out there the entire time I was riding. Just as I would get the hang of it, he would remind me to sit up or put my feet up. It pushed me to trust his advice. And it made it easier each lap around the street. And...

I could ride two entire blocks, even checking for traffic at intersections!

No burns, not a scratch.

That's the highlight of my night... I've had many highlights throughout the day.

Hope your bleary-eyed mornings turn into a bright-eyed beautiful day! Sending smiles!

There's No "Time-and-a-Half"; It's All the Time You Have!

Prior to my trip to Kalimantan, the school had crayons and scissors packed away in boxes, untouched. When asked why they weren't being used, the answer was simple - they had no paper. Nothing to color on, nothing to cut. So, when I went, our team took stacks of paper! We even made cards with the Junior and Senior High School students as they learned English! 335,500 Rp. = $36.99 My first bilingual Indonesian-English book: Fidgety Fish! If only I could capture the look in the eyes of children fascinated by the artwork, their excitement bursting as they hear a story, all in English. They may be puzzled by the words they hear, but they understand a story by the tones in my voice and by the beautiful, colorful pictures! 19,500 Rp. = $2.15 Here, there is no "overtime." It's the weirdest feeling to think that adjusting to a new culture is "work" in itself. Yet, it takes so much of my inner strength to be able to do so. There's not much down time, even when you're home relaxing: a new home, new people, new food for lunch and dinner, new loudspeaker calls, new smell of ashes from a nearby volcano or burning trash... Still, so much to explore, much to learn.

I miss "working overtime"

So when I was working in California, I had 4 jobs. I had a flexible schedule, but also the discipline to accomplish the work that I needed in order to make my time work for me. I wasn't most wealthy. Nor did I work 1) for money, 2) to fill my time or 3) to discover my significance. Yet, in all of my work, I did find money, I found that my time was filled, and I discovered that my roles were significant! Loved it!

Here, it's not too much different. I work with artists. I teach Art and English. I help out at the after-school program. Thus far, with the money donated, I wanted you to see how valuable it has been! Here's just a glimpse of what I've seen so far:

With 2,000 rupiah, I can take a ride in the ankot/mikrolet - Malang's public transportation. It's a bright blue mini-van with bus-like doors (on the left side, of course). The insides are lined with benches. You can probably cram 20 people into one. To get off, you ask the driver to pull to the left, "Kiri, Pak." That's just 22 cents!

Airport tax is 30,000 Rp. per flight. I've already taken 3 trips/6 flights. That's 180,000 Rp. = $18.

If you donated $53, this 480,000 Rp. lets me study language for 2 weeks with Ibu Eko or a 10-hour week of language study with Juliana. These hours are, mentally, the most intense of my entire day! This week, Juliana bought me my first Indonesian book. It's SO intimidating! It's all in Indonesian about learning Indonesian! BUT you'll be happy to know that I had 4 great conversations in (mostly) Indonesian on Thursday and Friday! Yippiee!!!

So Spoiled

So the SPRING guys came back. It was quiet without them, but they
went to Bali to scout locations for the documentary. I was bummed to
not go, but they brought me back a sorong! I has flowers and
dragonflies on it. Well, maybe next time I'll get to go. But in the
mean time, it's fun to have them back! And between all of our trips,
we've had time apart - I can now bust out some Indonesian. Between
my Indonesian and their English, we can have a simple conversation!
Soon enough, I'll learn even more...

Oreo Trick

Now, here are instructions on how to eat an Oreo:
Delicious Trick with Oreo
1. Twist
2. Lick
3. Dunk

Sounds good to me! We got them at Polehan. They had leftover snacks
- we also had Hello Panda and Chocolate Milk. All after just having
taught them about washing their faces, their hands, and their feet.
They've been learning about it all week and Thursday is their
application day! So each child went through the process of washing
up and got to go home with their own face towel, a bar of soap and a
loofah sponge! Next week is hair and nail care. Hopefully, I can
keep going on Thursday afternoons!

My language tutor and roommate

So it's about time I show you more pictures of people in my everyday
life. And so, one of the first that I have is a picture with
Juliana. She's one of my 2 housemates. She likes to think she's
about 17, but she's older than me. She likes artsy stuff, but she's
not totally girlie. She gets spurts of energy from food and loves to
sleep. And she loves chocolate.

In April, she moved to Malang from the other side of the island. The
cultural differences are just as East - West Coast, N. - So. Cal,
East L.A. - West L.A. So we're both going through culture shock and
adjusting to life here.

She's the editor of the new Charis magazine. She loves to interview
people. So far, we've travelled to Kalimantan with Christal and to
Bali, twice. Pictured: We were on a becak (bay-chak) in Kalimantan.

Monday through Friday, she's my language teacher for 2 hours a day.
When we're finished with work, we usually have dinner at the house
with Jennifer.

We attempted to watch Spiderman and had banana splits for dessert.
(I asked Ibu Tatik, our helper, to buy bananas. She bought over a
dozen big ones! Looks like I'll be having bananas with my cereal,
fried bananas and banana smoothies this week!)

Starting this last week, she'll be going with me to the English
celebration on Sundays.

Captured Bali Encounters

A surprise "romantical" dinner down an alley road in Ubud. Ambiance, delicious drinks and great company from Australia to Los Angeles... What more could I ask for?

We had come from visiting the Monkey Temple. The monkeys go bananas for bananas, of course. They may look harmless, but I'm sure Eileen would say differently!

Sometimes, we encounter divine appointments, and we don't even realize the power and freedom that comes along... That's how I'd sum up my conversations with Marta.

Now, Sierra - I can't really explain it, and I don't think she could either. But I think I'll remember those laugh attacks and the random English pronunciation as just a part of her week. That, and fireworks on the beach!

And of course, a walk on the beach. Thanks for making the time, Hana. Ahhh, what I wouldn't give to have a house on the beach...

Accepting the still in me

Coming to a place where others hear and see that I am different, only I really know the difference in me. I can't speak or understand the language. But I'm not stupid. I look like everyone else. But I am not like everyone else. I dress differently. My life routines are different. But it doesn't mean I don't want to be friends. What are the boundaries in who I choose to be?

From the day I landed, I was noticed by those that live here, but also by other foreigners, too! From the things that I choose to eat, buy, do or say, whether I turn the page with my left hand or whether I heed someone's advice, the slightest encounters shape their entire perception. But I won't be trapped by their opinions. Sometimes, they are wrong about me. I don't need to make them understand.

Where I came from, my differences were embraced, and even appreciated, by the people that I opened up to. Hence, differences. Accepted still.

The same differences aren't seen here in the same way that they were received at home. I realize that I had choice people surrounding me. It may just be a matter of finding those choice people, wherever I live.

So I search. I seek. I am active. Still, I wait. And one encounter at a time, those bonds will form, develop, and be strengthened. I'm not bound by where a person grew up or what they believe. I'm free to develop the relationships I have already been entrusted with. I'm free to find new friends. I'm free to release, to build, to meet, to talk, to listen, to love, to befriend, to pour out, to receive, to give, to see.

Bali Again

So the SPRING guys are taking a trip to Bali for the next project. And since I'm the only lady, I'll stay here and have the office to myself. Working with mostly women at home, I'm remembering what it's like and miss it. There's something about that community that just made it fun. At least I'll get to work on developing the characters when they get back on Thursday. And it's not like I wasn't just in Bali twice in August! Plus, I can listen to American music in the office, my choice. Ready for an update? On it's way... My leg's almost completely healed. Aw man, stray cat just wandered into the office!!! So weird...