We are in Indonesia!

It's so great to be back!  Pulling into the city where I lived only a year ago, it's refreshing to return. Luggage: After arriving at LAX with an abundance of luggage, we were able to strategically repack.  With help from our family, friends and the counter clerk, we only had to pay $100 for the overage - which, for everything we brought, was a miracle! Our luggage arrived without any problems - and we were able to cram it all into the car. Arriving: We arrived at our house at 11:30 p.m.  Ibu Ririk, our house helper, left us a welcome note on the table.  We all had a great night of sleep the first night. Health: Rose got sick while we were at Hong Kong.  She picked up a virus and is slowly recovering.  (Thanks to my friend Mei, we don't have to panic.)   She's on a BRAT diet and requested the 'coin treatment' - which our helper gracously did for her.  She rested yesterday and will continue to do so today.  She's in good spirits, but  we want her to be back to 100% so that she can teach with all of the energy that she brings. Day 1: We had Koko Krunch and Honey Stars for breakfast.  I took Michelle and Sarah on a short ride on the angkot to their language class.  While I waited, I visited Charis - where the teachers were having a ping pong tournament.  It was so great to catch up with Mexi, then to take a walk and catch up with Lelly.  I gave our groupd a tour of Charis and WIS to get an idea of where we will be teaching.  They said it was impressive. We met Naomi, Melissa and Melanie yesterday.  We enjoyed a feast of Indonesian foods for lunch, though, it took over 2-1/2 hours for delivery to arrive.  There were 10 of us at our house for dinner last night.  We enjoyed lasagna and salad - a treat for our friends who live here.  We've been sharing stories of how we got here.  It seems to be very encouraging for everyone. Day 2: We've been getting used to the little creatures, chee-chucks (a.k.a. geckos) in particular. Sarah, Michelle and Naomi are in language class as I write.  They had homework and are making it a point to practice. I met baby Musa, which means Moses.  His story is similar in that there are plans for him to be adopted.  He's now 6 months old. Jennifer and Juliana are shopping for 15 more canvases for Saturday's classes then will pick up Michelle and Crista.  Melanie and Melissa are exploring Malang, including the 'big market' and nearby temples. Our household (6) will have Indonesian curry for lunch.  Our program at WIS kicks off this afternoon with card making, ballet and music classes. Tonight, we will meet the entire group for dinner at Bunga Bali, a popular, western restaurant.  We will be about 30 people!  Thers is much to soak in, all over again.  It has been really good to begin and end each day together. I'll work on getting online from our house today.  It might just be possible if I can figure out which switched control what.