Welcome to the Jungle: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Indonesian Day

Kade going tribal!

Traditional weaving

Traditional batik painting

Brooklyn and her best buddy Gabi

Traditional Rattan Weaving

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Brooklyn has always loved to give kisses. It is not uncommon for her to give things she likes a big smack on the cheek. We have nicknamed her the "Kissing Bandit" because you never know when she might strike. Poor Anas was the latest victim of the kissing bandit. His little expression was just priceless.

Mardi Gras

There was an Indonesian wedding set up in the banquet room next to our room. The family of the bride and groom insisted we take a picture in front of the wedding directions. They go all out on weddings here.

By far, one to the biggest events on camp is Mardi Gras. This year's theme was Ancient Greece. The costumes, decorations and food were amazing. My outfit was actually not intended to be red but evidently I did not give clear enough directions to my sewing lady. Lesson learned. Make sure you go with her to buy the fabric! Anyways, for those of you who complain that I never posts pictures of myself here you go. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Nine Weeks

In "Nine" weeks we will back in the States. We can hardly wait. It has been a great school year but we are so excited to get back home. We miss all of you terribly.

Top Nine things we are most looking forward to:
1. Adelyn, our newest niece - We can't wait to meet the newest addition to our family.
2. Spending time with our family and friends
3. Western toilets - anyone who has been forced to use a "squatty" potty totally understands what we're talking about.
4. Going to the grocery store and finding everything you want on your list!
5. Being able to go places and not draw a crowd of giggling people who want to touch you or take cell phone pictures of you.
6. Our dog Ember and our cat Boonie - Thanks Teresa and our house sitters for all your help! You're, the best for watching them.
7. Starbucks!!
8. Being able to jump in our car and go places without having to borrow a car and a driver
9. Dick's Cheeseburgers and DQ blizzards

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tough Week

This week has been a tough one. We had planned on leaving for China on Friday. Wednesday we got a call from the Chinese Embassy that they were denying Brooklyn's visa. We tried everything to get her a visa including contacting the US embassy. The US embassy was amazing. They tried everything they could to help us but in the end we were forced to cancel our trip to China. To say we were devastated is an understatement. We know that all things happen according to God's will so we are choosing to trust in his timing. Our trip to China is now scheduled for October. The new plan is to hang out in Kuala Lumpur.

On a totally different topic, John and I have decided to stay in Sumatra for another year. It was a tough decision. After a lot of prayer we have decided that this is where we need to be for one more year. Stanwood School District was gracious enough to get us another years leave so we can return to back to our jobs in 2012. A lot of factors played into our decision on staying another year. More details on that at later date.