Since June

Wenny passed away at the end of July. We were able to spend time with her and her family while we were there: her three girls, her husband, her parents and even, during my year there, her sister. Though I'm sure that it isn't an easy transition, I know that they are surrounded with love and hope.


In July, we found out we're expecting an addition. So we decided to look for a new home. In September, we moved in. While it might be a little while until we get to travel the world again, I know that it was in perfect timing that we were able to travel this last trip.


I've moved significantly further away from all of my teaching gigs. Though I still love watching the process of exploring art, especially with kids, I know it's time to do a little more internal, creative exploration. How do these parents do it?!


This kid is due early March. I'm sure I'll come up with an update between now and then.

End of the School Year Perspective

By now, the school year has ended.  Graduations seem to be universal.  After all of your diligence, you have focused long enough to show your teacher that you've soaked in a significant amount of what they've been meaning to teach.  Through projects, conversations, exams and papers - you've accomplished quite a bit!  Along the way, your teacher has engaged you long enough to keep you intrigued, hopefully wanting to keep learning.

And we keep learning!  Whether we finally understand what teachers tried to teach us, or discovering life lessons - it's a good place to be.  Sometimes, it's only afterwards that we can finally appreciate the process.


While we were in Indonesia, my mom taught about perspective.  She also taught the hula.  Kids were so captivated by it when she visited in 2008.  It was fun to see a new group of kids soak it in!  For many, it had been their first time dancing.  In a culture rich with history and creativity, it was great to show them something from a different culture, which is just as filled with creativity.

My dear friend, their teacher, will be getting married next month.  What a great way to spend her 'summer vacation'.  What a journey it has been.  I'm so excited for her!

Walk Around Town

Months ago, my mom received a simple note.  It was written mostly in Bahasa, except for the phrase "walk around town".  This simple phrase connected with my mom and inspired her to revisit our friend in Indonesia.  Cancer had returned and, within months, would cause great pain. 

We booked our tickets and within weeks, our friend was unable to walk and sometimes unrecognizable to her closest friends and family.

We were able to visit her a couple times - each time the day after dialysis, her best days.  Her spirits were up.  She was able to celebrate two of her daughters birthdays that month.


 Though we didn't get to walk around town with her, we were able to visit at the after-school program she started. I even got to do an art project with some of the moms!  It was fun to see them enjoy creativity, to admire beauty, and to find it within themselves.  None of them wanted to leave when time was up.  They ate delicious homemade scones (mom's specialty) and stayed to finish their projects.

Traffic vs. Insomnia

Dear Insomnia, I want to break up...  Jetlag isn't fun any more.  I know I have an eventful day ahead of me, yet I cannot make myself fall asleep!

I can hear the party going on two houses down - still.  They've been partying since 5:30 p.m.  This reminds me of the Indonesian wedding.  Granted, we didn't have soundproof doors, nor double-paned windows in Indonesia.  But there was someone singing karaoke for all of the neighborhood to hear when most would have rather been sound asleep!  And although it is a traditional invitation to the neighborhood in Indonesia, I doubt my neighbors are actually inviting me to join their late night activities.

While I'm still up, here are a few images from Indonesia.  Today's theme: Traffic.

Here are a few things you might find in Indonesian traffic...

- Motorcycles galore!  Everywhere you look, motorcycles, motorcycles, motorcycles.

- Motorcycles weave in and out of traffic at any chance they get.  Especially during a traffic jam, you'll be sure to find motorcyclist squeezing through every open space to inch their way forward.

- It's very common to find 3, 4 and even 5 people on a single motorcycle in Indonesia. Poor kid is sandwiched.  Having to hold on while catching some z's = nearly impossible.  His face expresses how I feel about now - I just want to sleep...

 

From Week 1: Hong Kong Layover

 

What to do with an 8 hour layover after a 14 hour flight?  Get out of the airport!  My mom and I took the subway to explore just a little of Hong Kong.  We made sure to stop in a bakery to try some fresh pastries.  (Notice: my drink is the color of the cement.  I had to try it for kicks, but it's not my favorite.)  We enjoyed our snacks along the Walk of Fame where hundreds of tourists also joined us.  

I'd been here 5 years ago, around the same time of year, and also for a layover on my way to Indonesia.  At that time, they were doing some construction.  I think this fountain/pool might be new too! 

We rode a ferry back for the experience.  We visited the Financial Center (tallest building in the city) where visitors could see a view of the city from the 55th floor.  Notice, that's the only floor we were allowed to get out.  They had an exhibit about Hong Kong money - its history, its production.  All quite fascinating to me as I work with various print methods.

Anyway, it was a great way to stretch, get fresh air and simply explore another culture! Even if we were in Hong Kong for only for a few hours.

For You To See

A week after returning, I'm still dealing with jetlag.  But while I recover, you can enjoy pictures at last.

First, here are a few from our first few days in Indonesia.  Upon arrival, we purchase our visas.  We snacked on delicious roasted peanuts.  Throughout the trip, my mom journaled constantly.  After a couple days of travel, we enjoyed an afternoon of swimming.  While visiting Kursani in the hospital,  Donny caught a dragonfly.   We were invited to Emily's 5th birthday party, where we were treated to delicious, chocolate Tinkerbell cake and went home with a sack full of Indonesian snacks! 

More Laundry Tormorrow

Rolled out of bed at 1 pm today.  Spent the day trying to unpack, sort through and put things back in their places.  At 2 am, we're still wide awake.  I'm hoping to wake up earlier than 1 pm tomorrow.  Welcome to jetlag.

Things I already miss:
Friends in 3D
Shanghai's tall buildings with unique architecture
fruit juices and specialty drinks

Things I don't miss:
the humidity
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel = lame

While in China, we met a man named Nacho from Spain.  Our friends are all well, though adjusting to changes isn't always easy.  Seeing them in their new elements, however short or long they end up staying, was super exciting.  4 K's, YV and 5 B's, thanks for letting us into your worlds! 

Off to lunch

We're out to lunch with Amy one last time!

The Milk Man

I have found that I have easily transitioned out of Indonesia's morning culture to urban night life.  I'm back to waking up after 7 again.

A carton of milk is delivered to the door step in the morning.  Breakfast has been German corn flakes with Australian honey and Chinese milk - quite delicious! 

We've had a few nights of sporadic fireworks.  One full show was just across the river!  Ahh the perks of being on the 19th floor!

Yesterday, we drove about an hour to Suzhou and visited The Tiger Hill. 
Lunch was in an old traditional building.   Super delicious food!   Robin helped me find some fresh tea for a decent price. 
And then we were off to the Humble Administrator's Garden.  The rock sculptures are life size and inviting.  Some walk ways led to rock formations where you could climb in, through and up them! 
We visited the plant where Chinese Pringles cans are made.  We even got a tour of the factory and a sample.

I'm definitely enjoying the drinks:
Mango, apple, banana juice
soursop juice
dragon fruit and pear juice
fresh green tea (leaves were picked April 5 for tea on May 5)
hot milk tea

Today, we're going downstairs to the coffee shop in the apartment complex.  How convenient!

Exploring China

From the apartment complex (including parks of exercise equipment, multiple jungle gyms, and towers of apartment buildings) to the Bund, we've been exploring Shanghai.  We've had delicious dim sum, Nino's Pizza, and even spent yesterday at the French Concession to enjoy pumpkin soup!

We've visited a sea of Chinese people in the subway station and walking along Nanjing Road.  We visited Zhujiajiao, a water town where we took a gondola ride down its streets.  All along the walk way, you could smell stinky tofu and find them making fresh Chinese tamales.

We left the family to their 3 hours of Chinese tutoring while we successfully crossed the streets on our own and explored the mall to find a place for dinner.  We ended up at Wagas and enjoyed Thai duck curry with pineapple and rice.  It was spicy enough to enjoy my mango, apple, banana juice that much more!

Today. we're off to the Yu Gardens and to explore the old city.

Visa Expired

What a month!  Today, my visa for Indonesia has expired.  And what perfect timing considering it's the day I flew out!

a trip to Borneo
art with nearly 100 kids
a trip to visit a friend in the hospital
visiting a friend with cancer
teaching perspective and hula to kids at the academy
teaching at the after-school program
doing an art project with the moms
baking and serving apple cinnamon scones (mom's homemade recipe)
painting night with the girls
a road trip to the beach
a hike up the cliff
childcare for 17 kids over 2 weeks
kids performance and art gallery
soaking in the Bali sun at the pool and on the shore
meals. walks and precious chats with friends

What an amazing journey...  And it continues!

Hello from Shanghai

Safe and sound.  Oh so fun to see these friends again!  We drove through the tunnel under the river.  Traffic lights here have a similar countdown timer to ones I've seen in Indonesia.  Many tall buildings are beautifully lit.  It's great to be here, hear stories, and to see the full view from the balcony (19th floor!).  We even watched a recap of the royal wedding.  For now, I'm off to a night of sleep.

Bittersweet

Every little step of the way has actually been a huge thing!  I've come to my final day in Indonesia (for this trip).  Now at the end of my month, I'm able to see with a different perspective.  I'm excited about all that has been accomplished and all of the upcoming possibilities.

It's been an amazing trip!  I'm eager to process a little more, so I can tell you about it!

See you later, Indonesia!

See you later

Tuesday through Saturday:

I spent a few days with Billy, Christine, Everett and Elijah (ages 3-5).  I love getting to be a part of their development: from learning how to be a good leader or a good friend to learning how to paint a car or draw a rainbow!  I can hardly wait to show you their art gallery! 

It was especially fun to meet and hang out with SJ, J&K.  I hope I get to run into them again.  Meeting so many people who live such fluid lifestyles is such an encouragement.  I really enjoy being around them, learning about and from them.

Lydia waved and said "See you later!" when we were leaving.  I don't know many, if any, who love goodbyes (particularly not knowing when I might get to come back).  So to see her precious smile send us off, it's the simple things I treasure.

Sunday:

"Earthquakes, Zombies and Greater Things" Mt 28: Can I imagine doing even greater things than miracles I've only heard of?

It was fun to come back for the annual brunch.  It was fun to catch up with even more families.  A highlight seems to have been singing Bob Dylan.

We're back to traveling tomorrow and Tuesday.  It will be good to rest while we can before a long flight home or childcare round 2.  But even that's with friends in Bali, so I'm not complaining!

A Touch

In the middle of the night, she felt a touch.  But she opened her eyes, and saw no one.

That day, compared to a week before, the swelling in her leg had gone down significantly.  She felt the tumor in her abdomen shrinking.

Both days we've visited with her, have been just after dialysis.  They say that those are the best days: her body is cleansed and she has more energy.  We were able to take and show her a few pictures of the projects and our time together.  She was eager to hear about our time with the moms.

She's still in good spirits.  

I've been able to share American candy with the girls her 3 daughters each day that we were visiting Polehan.  2 of them had their birthdays this past week! 

Nyliep

We rented a car (including the driver) and took a road trip with friends to the beach.  The extended minivan comfortably fit 10 of us.

The name of the beach "Ngliyep".  Even Indonesians struggle to pronounce the name.  But definitely a spot worth visiting.  They're already planning a trip to camp there during dry season!

From one stop, we were able to explore 4 different "beaches", as there were 4 different outlets.  In the first, we settled under the shade of trees and enjoyed lunch.  

In another, we  explored the tidepools and a treasure trove of shells.  If I could show you the size of the shells I found, it's quite impressive.  Not only in how large, but also how tiny!  We found hermit crabs of all sizes and a walking starfish, too.

The third alcove was simply a great place to hang out in the water and have contests to see who could stay under the longest.  I could only enjoy the company and burst into laughter.   

And in even another, we we swam over coral.  We could see the water streaming out from the land, rushing over the sand, in scallops toward the ocean.  It's amazing the things I see in nature!

We climbed up the "mountain" - to the top of the rock.  But since it's been rainy season, the trees had overgrown the highest viewpoint.  Still, walking up, it was quite a sight!  (Too bad my camera battery was charging at home!)  Even just from the middle height of the rock, we could see how other rocks in the middle of this ocean made the alcoves.  The water would rush over the bottom of the rocks, where tidepools had formed.  The water would recede and hundreds of mini waterfalls would flow.  Stunning. 

A day in the sun, beautiful blue sky, warm beach water (compared to cold waters in California), and fun friends!  What a life.

Blehmbing

To Smear:

This afternoon at Polehan, we hosted the monthly meeting for moms.  I got to teach them an art project.  They created beautiful stained glass window art!  (I've suddenly realized that our week has come to a close!)

In translating the tips and guidelines for the project, we couldn't figure out the Indonesian word for "smear".  We wanted to tell them how to avoid smearing their artwork.  The words we came up with were "to not make it ugly".  But that was too harsh.

Finally, after asking 4 others, one of the translators knew the Javanese word.  Not everyone here (even if they're Indonesian) knows Javanese, but the moms in this village use Javanese all the time!  It's more of a local language and special to this island.

And so, it sounds like "bleh"!  C:

The meeting was only supposed to last an hour.  They didn't want to leave and stayed until their projects were complete.  I hope they find the same peace in creating that I enjoy and have experienced.

My mom made cinnamon apple scones.  They asked for the recipe so that they can try to make it themselves.  We came home with only crumbs in the box.  

Thursday was a great day for me.  I'm honored to connect with the kids and their moms.  I have the best job ever!   I already miss working there and look forward to the next time I can be with them.  Even if these kids have all grown up and new kids/families will be there.

Pro. 18:10

Java Dancer - the coffee shop

Morning coffee with Juliana today.  A lot has changed just enough to make things completely different.  I'm eager to hear, if even briefly, about the journey.

Yesterday, Susan-ti was super sweet and friendly. She's in 3rd grade and is curious about people.  There are a lot of new kids since the older ones have grown up.  And the little ones are now the big kids.  I wish I could upload pictures.  So keep an eye out!  I want to show you their bird paintings!

Let's begin a busy week

It's Tuesday morning.  My mom has taught one class, studied language and is in the middle of teaching a second class.  I got to run an errand with Sharon - gathering canvases and paint for tomorrow's painting night. (A painting night has become a thing for me to do while I visit.  It's fun to hang out and create with each other!)

We'll have lunch at home, and then head over to Polehan (with Yolanda today!) to teach a painting project.  

Yesterday: 

They said they've been having 10-15 kids.   It began to pour on our way over.   We got stuck in traffic on our way there, had to jump out of the car in the middle of the small, congested street and cross over (just below an intersection where it meets another uphill street). It was more like a gushing river  as we tried to cross without losing our slippers!  We entered the school, drenched and with water soaking my pant legs.  Well, even though we arrived half an hour after the program started, we had nearly 30 kids waiting for us!  They especially enjoyed Lemon heads, Airheads and fruit rolls (Thanks Ange!).

Then tonight we're having friends over for pseudo tacos (all of the topping over rice instead of inside tortillas).  It brings back memories because I used to have these friends over for 'taco nights' (usually to watch American Idol).  We'll be planning a trip to the beach at the end of this week, so hopefully it won't rain too much on Friday night and Saturday! 

Staying Connected

We've had a few days with a lot of down time.

Friday we only had one class - my mom introduced hula.  The kids (mostly physically-active, 1st-grade boys) loved it!  For many of them, it was their first time dancing.  

My first helper now works where I'm staying.  It's been fun to see her and her 2 girls - a 2-year old and, Lina, now in 2nd-grade at Charis. Lina and I used to paint after Kindergarten class before I had to teach.

Saturday, we spent the day shopping for supplies that we will use in the coming 2 weeks.  We rode the angkot (public transportation, the size of a minivan) around town and got home with time to rest and before the rain poured.  I hadn't realized how close and accessible places were.  3 years later, I'm still figuring out how to get around.  And so, I've learned of the MK route - which takes me to many of my favorite places!  For next time, I know of a great coffee shop.  The coffee is delicious!

It's now Sunday.  It's been a beautiful day.  But I can feel the clouds moving in, and I hear thunder in the distance.  We'll hang out and go to Wendy's tonight.  It'll be good to reconnect with even more friends!

My US phone doesn't work here, so we got a super cheap one to use for 3 weeks.  It's been hard to connect with people without a phone, but we've still managed to fill up the coming week and a half with plenty to do!  We'll give the phone away as a starter phone for someone who's coming to live here in July.

Friday = Hari Jumat

Losing track of days: I know we're only here for a few weeks, so I want to maximize the time we have. Still, with 4 different teaching schedules in front of us, I can hardly keep track of what day it is!

It will be easier once we're in a steady teaching pattern next week. I'm excited to return to the kids at the after-school program. Their numbers are 1/3 of what they were. But more kids might return if they know we have a special program for them. Hopefully Yolanda and Juliana will also be able to join us for the week!

Adjusting to the sounds: Yesterday afternoon, they put up a "wall of speakers" at the nearby intersection (2 houses down). From about 4 until after midnight, they blared music - loud enough to set off multiple car alarms. It's in celebration, probably for someone's wedding.

Still here

We're in the mountains where it's cooler, but it's still hot.

Back on the Bike: There isn't anything quite like riding uphill on a motorcycle behind a dump truck with chunks of mud flinging off toward your face!  It's funny how a single sheet of plastic brings so much security and comfort.  (Don't worry, I was just the passenger.)

Connecting Classes:  My mom has been very diligent about teaching classes.  She's determined to teach perspective and dance to at least 4 different classes.  After a bit of reconnecting, she's been able to figure out a teaching schedule for the next 3 weeks.  Who knew I would be so exhausted from simply walking around and accompanying her while she teaches?!  

Well, I am.  Plus jet lag sets in.  I'm glad to get a second wind after a shower, if even just to write this.  It's only nine, and I'm heading to bed.  You'll be proud, I was asleep by 8 last night. ha!  Awake between 3 and 6 every morning.  Readjusting to the morning calls.

2 things from yesterday:

1) Yolanda moved into her house yesterday!  

2) We went together to see Wenny.  It was a good day!  She cannot walk and is in constant pain.  But still, she was in great spirits!  Her perspective amazes me.  It was great to see her, to share your love and to simply be with her.  

First Sunday

Today we'll do songs in English and art projects with the kids.  It works out perfectly, because the teacher who usually teaches isn't here.  So we have the entire hour and a half with the kids.

Yesterday, we went to the hospital to visit Kursani.  He's out of the ICU and we were able to hang out with him for a bit.  It was so good to see his smile.  They still haven't figured out the extent of the problem.  It was good to see him and his family again.

We had delicious birthday cake for Emily's 5th.  And were even given goodie bags!

Off to prep the final details for the day.

-o-o-o-o-

We expected 45 kids and planned for 60.  Well, there were over 75 when I counted - and even more kept flowing in.  We had nearly 100!  It worked out so that I could take the oldest 30 kids.  We used all of my patterns and samples.  Each kid had only one marker, so they had to share.  But it worked out with just one marker left!


The youngest kids were split into two groups.   It worked out so that they could work by family.  It amazes me how perfectly the numbers worked out.

Lunch was grilled fish, fried eel and delicious veggies.  It's fun to eat with my hand again.

Art projects with Clara, Emily and Abigail lasted for about 10 minutes.  It's fun to hang out. Flight #4 is tomorrow.  It's been really great to be with Donny and Kaylor!

Back in Borneo

Luggage update: everything is where it needs to be.  For those who knew my anxiety about that, I'm reminded that the Provider goes before me and works things out on my behalf.  I can be more confident in that now*.

Swimming.  We enjoyed a refreshing afternoon by the pool, surrounded by lush palm trees.

Perfect timing: Flight #3 complete.  After a little miscommunication, traffic jam, speedy detour and rain storm - our flight was delayed. * After the whole luggage thing, I learned just how confident I was...  In all honesty, my heart was still racing with anticipation of missing our flight and having to spend the night at the airport.

We have reconnected with Donny and Kaylor!  Clara is now 3. (We reminisce about eating tacos and watching American Idol on the day she went into labor.)  We meet their second daughter in the morning.  So good to be with them again.

We're staying at the guest house.  AC, comfy beds, showers...  still super spoiled.

Kursani is in the ICU.  We hope to visit him in the hospital this weekend.  He's the founder of the orphanage where we got to do a Christmas program in 2007 and a creative arts camp in 2008.

We have arrived!

Humid: It's Friday morning in Surabaya - pretty humid for me.  But we leave for Kalimantan (southern part of Borneo) this afternoon, which will be even closer to the equator.  

Our flights and layover were long, but we were grateful to shower and sleep in a bed last night.  Our room is air conditioned, so while we're in there, it doesn't feel so sticky.  This morning, when we stepped out of our room, I was reminded of the smell of Indonesia.  It's good to be back!  Then we realized it was the smell of burning trash...  oh well.

Communicating: I've already been able to practice my Bahasa (Indonesian language).  They can generally still understand me, and I them.  

Luggage: We'll juggle luggage in about an hour.  Then we'll be on our way!

Hong Kong: We did get out of the airport in Hong Kong, got a small taste of Chinese snacks and hung out at the Avenue of the Stars.  The only 2 names we could put a face to were Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.  We took a ferry back and made it through the train station. Success.  Had fresh dumplings and wonton noodle soup.  Delicious!

Safe and sound.  

Flights are booked

After a couple of tough weeks, I've finally been able to wrap my mind around this next trip.  It's going to be 6 weeks long!  S-I-X.

I'm excited to reconnect with friends there!  The rearrangement of people in new cities seems to be plentiful.  I am excited to see what it might look like...  And why I get to be a part of it all.

Eagerly anticipating.

Friends Flying

To and from. Here and there.  It's super exciting to anticipate visiting friends in places around the globe.  In a matter of weeks, they'll be off!  Some have anticipated this for years, some just within this past year.  From ages 6 to 66, it's such a wonderful journey to watch and be a small part of!

After a year of my own monthly flights, packing carry-on luggage and learning how to navigate through airports became an art form.   It's rare that I have valuable advice to give, so it's fun to share tid-bits from what I experienced and can share.  So, the little I have to offer, I do!  I'm happy to make snack packs filled with Nutter Butters and M&M's!

Not only are they on their way for the first time, but I will get to visit in a few months!  I am eager to check in with them; to see and hear about the discoveries they will make, the differences and similarities they will catch on to, and the languages they will be able to already communicate; and watch them grow and thrive!  I love my life!

Pumpkin Pie and Autumn Leaves

Some of my favorite things come in my favorite color.  It's a seasonal color.  I tend to be very particular about exactly which hue I prefer.  Sometimes, I see it in rust - sometimes, the throw pillow.

I wonder if I appreciate this color more because I find it 'seasonal'.  There is an excitement when leaves change colors and they begin to fall!  I have fond memories of baking pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread for the holidays.

I'm finding a deeper appreciation for some of the things that don't seem to happen every day.