Anyer

Janet and I achieved three milestones this week:

Eric the teen on a bike

• After 13 years of practice raising kids now comes the hard part! The first milestone—we became parents of a teenager. (Eric turned 13 on Friday, Neil turned 11 two weeks before and Hope is only 4 GOING on 13).


• Almost 3 years ago, we hiked the Grand Canyon as a family. I had done it twice previously (once with my nephew and once with 4 of my basketball players) and had the desire to do it with the entire family. I submitted for permits to camp at the bottom and after getting them, we made our plans (buying and borrowing boots, walking sticks, tents and a stove to add to our sleeping bags ect…). On November 11 of 2005 we headed down in the snow and came up the next day in the sun. Things went flawlessly but by end when we crested the canyon as the sun, temperature, energy levels and coping mechanisms were dropping, we realized just how hard it was to complete such a hike successfully and I truly recognized the providence of God through that mini ordeal. This story I think summarizes our feelings about moving here well. It’s gone well, but we now realize how hard it is (and will be). The second milestone—we survived the first quarter of this school year.

Hope contemplates sin and grace under a baby palm tree at Anyer

• All religions except Christianity are based on works righteousness (pleasing God through deeds). This shows itself in things as different as Jewish ceremonial law or Eastern religions emphasis on Karma (you get what you deserve). Unfortunately Christianity has a long history of slipping into works righteousness as well. Islam, however, wins the prize as the most works oriented religion complete with complex routines of washing and prayer, confessing and fasting. Throughout this month of Ramadan (Muslim holy month of fasting), the Muslim call to prayer has gotten louder and louder and more and more frequent—it seems to go on all night. This week Wednesday, Ramadan culminates in Idul Fitri (Eid Al Fitr in Arabic speaking countries). For that purpose, we have entire week off from school as people return to family with gifts and for a time of celebrating. This break was well timed (the date of Idul Fitri floats from year to year) as it coincided with the end of our first quarter. The third milestone—we used the first weekend of our break to venture out of Jakarta for the first time. This week’s blog is coming to you from Anyer—a beach about 70 miles from our house. Highlights of this break include:


• Body surfing with Eric and Neil in the ocean


• Watching Hope make friends at the swimming pool.


• “Breaking the fast” at a great Sunday night buffet.


• Catching crabs on the beach


• Visiting a local market and being stared because we were the only white people (Neil had his curly hair rubbed more than a few times).


• Unsuccessfully dealing with the very aggressive vendors at the beach (a lowlight).

Talk more later, sweeda

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13