Hula in Indonesia

Today was our first day of teaching Hula at Polehan. We had 11
kids. Tomorrow is 2nd grade!

What a Rush!

Mom's here!!! Today, we went around town to visit 3 temples.

We went to my favorite one: Candi Jago! It's only 50% complete - barely has a door frame up top. It doesn't have a roof! But the reliefs are fascinating, the height is fun and the symmetry is beautiful!

We rode a delman - horse drawn carriage.

#3: Ancient temple of Singosari

Tomorrow is swimming! And I'll post pictures from Yogyakarta with Brenda early next week. We made our own Batik (traditional fabric art). It took 5 hours and that was a small piece and we were rushing it! Sure was fun though! I'll post that one later.

Already around the world

So when I mentioned on Facebook that I was moving back to the castle, this isn't what I meant. But isn't this hilarious? A palace with my name on it! (Not in Indonesia) James visited India and took these shots.

I've been keeping busy in my castle here, doing a lot of planning and writing. The write-ups are almost finished. Then the paintings will be ready to be framed for the school-wide gallery! And, after collaborating on Sunday, I might actually have a workable story line for the book!

In the mean time, I travel for the next few days!

Up the River - Here's the Muddy Picture

It was hilarious (and probably frustrating) when muddy water would squirt out all over! But they are a fun group to have spent our week with. I only know the names of Harley, in orange, Rudy in blue and white striped pants, and Yanto in Lime Green! Cheers to clean water on its way!

2 years ago

This was us two years ago en route to Indonesia (our half day in Hong
Kong). Notice, there's a space for you.
Never could've guessed how things have progressed since.

Just got back from a Sunday morning at WIS. It was a beautiful
morning to sit on the lawn and enjoy breakfast with friends. I
really do enjoy myself here.

Gotta keep the momentum going... By the way, there's still space for
you here.

What's Changed in One Month?

 I've been challenged to feed the momentum of my time here, even after returning to the states in July.  I'm back from 2 weeks up the River in the island of Kalimantan.  I've had conversations to spur on the tangible possibilities of dreams coming to life.  I've been reminded to be patient with the things have great hopes for, yet I cannot control.  And Baby Clara is growing quickly!  Check us out!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycwUJ_IMh5M

Rainy season

Rainy season reminds me of a sprinkler system set on its timer. It doesn't rain every day during Rainy Season. Some weeks, it doesn't rain at all. Instead, it comes in spurts.

In California, when it rains, it pours, non-stop, for 3 or 4 days. The gray sky is filled with falling raindrops. You put on a coat, carry an umbrella and hop in your car to get from A to B.

Lately, storms come from 1-4 pm and, sometimes again, from 7-10. On lighter days, it might rain for just an hour, usually around 3 pm. When the clouds are gray and we're getting ready to ride the motorcycle, we wear rain coats, rain pants and slippers. The color of plants look more vibrant. Brighter greens and pinks stand out against the gray sky. In just a few minutes, it returns to clear, blue skies.

Up the River - Post-Op

So after patients got their teeth pulled, I was the translator to
tell them about after care. I did it all in Indonesian!

Back from the River

After a couple weeks away, I'm back home.

This time around, it was one of my rougher trips. Maybe due to
sleeping on the floor most nights with a lot of new noises. Maybe it
was just a lot of thinking about potential possibilities. But I was
refreshed to meet many new people and I got to connect with kids
through my painting a few times!

Tonight, I've moved back to the castle, as Merro calls it. It was
great to live with community, but I do enjoy the quiet of my own
space too.

Up the River - Relieving toothaches

Doktor gigi (tooth doctor) and the dentist chair pulling out teeth,
up to 8 in a single person! Hundreds of people of all ages came
within the week. And I got to help with post-op. Giving directions
for after care in Indonesian and giving out meds, toothbrushes and
toothpaste!

Up the River - Well Drilling

Rudy, Harley, Yanto and others got halfway through drilling (50
meters) for this well. That's half a football field! They make it
look so easy! By the end of this day, they were covered in mud, but
reached sand - a sign that they will reach quality water. Whew!

Up the River - First Well

Here's the original well. And yes, you're seeing right, that water
is brown. That's the same water they use for showering and cooking.

Up the River - What's your view?

So from the inside, here's the beautiful view of the Kapuas River! A
house boat goes by here.

Up the River - Kids and Art

In the short time we had together, we created some abstract art!
It's so much fun to simply enjoy unique shape and color!

Up the River - Couldn't do it without you

I met Marilyn. She's new to her village. She wants to start a pre-
school! Here are just some of the supplies we sent home with her:
anti-bacterial ointment, band-aids, card stock, and crayons! Though
our time with her was brief, she was so grateful! If I could just
learn even more Bahasa Indonesia to encourage her in just a single
conversation, it would be worth all of the effort...

Up the River - Had you forgotten?

KidsMosaic, I found you on one of the walls in a home! Do you
remember making cards for kids in Kalimantan? We went them out with
First-Aid kids! I spent the night in this room. What a reminder of
love from home! Thank you for your love.

Success

Today, I drove my motorcycle from home to work, all by myself. (Mind
you it's only a 10 minute walk, but I did cross the main street in
the middle of the afternoon!)
Last night, I wrote out my vision/dream in Indonesian. It's about 3
pages.
Sunday, I drove from my house to K and D's house and back! (Thanks
to a little help from Brenda to cross bigger intersections.)
Saturday, I finished reading, "The Life of Pi" - a 300 page book! I
read 2/3 of it just that day!