Friday, October 13, 2006

I've had some trouble getting onto Blogger, hence the lack of posts for a couple days. Not a whole lot new to report anyways. Yesterday evening we had a smattering of rain, but not nearly enough. We still have water but only because we are being very careful.
Brynnie is improving a lot. She is a very happy girl, for which we are very thankful. Aidan hit his head yesterday and later threw up. Not sure if he was already getting sick before he hit his head or if he got sick because he hit his head. I think he was getting sick before. But he's fine now.
Today was our last day of Unit 1. On Monday we have our official evaluation. It's basically a time where they kind of test you, they've actually already decided whether or not you've passed, and then talk with you about what you need to work on the most. It sure feels good to have one unit under the belt.
It's great to be able to talk with people about a variety of topics. However, today we had some guy come by for the second time talking about our garbage. We understood that he was replacing the guy who used to get our garbage. He of course, wanted money. We didn't have a clue about any of it. I guess we didn't realize that we are supposed to pay for garbage pickup ourselves. Anyways, I got into contact with the head pembantu and she went to our landlords house and there was a big discussion about the issue. I thought I knew Indonesian... Apparently they were speaking Sundanese, a different dialect/language... Then she went and spoke with our neighbour, again a big discussion... Turns out this new guy figures that because we're white we should pay more than anyone else for garbage pickup. The head pembantu was having none of it and insisted that there is a standard rate for all MAF families and that is what we would pay. Whew! I'm so glad to have a local person who I can count on to speak up for us. It is quite hilarious how much discussion goes on about even the littlest issues. Getting straight to the point is just not cultural. You have to beat around the bush until the other person gets what you are saying... That'll take some adjusting to...


This completely unrelated photo is of part of our lunch yesterday. I explained to my Ibu that I do like squid but only when it's deep fried and doesn't actually look like squid anymore.... This was in a dish with clear noodles, carrots, green onions and that browny purple stuff-a kind of mushroom...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Umm the food looks rather...well how do you say it...different??? I'm thinking that in it's self would take a bit of getting used to. Good to hear that you made it through your first unit and hopefully will be moving on to unit 2. How long of a break do you get between these units and how many are there all together? I heard on the radio this morning that firefighter are battling fires out in Boston Bar and other areas. This is highly unusual for this time of year but it is because it has been so dry here. On Sunday we are told it is supposed to rain...but then you never really know. We surely do need it...but all things in God's time.
Yesterday Josh and I played hooky...I kept him home from school, not because he was sick or anything....just finished and he was acting out both at school and at home so I thought a good relaxing day at home would be good for him. He said it was the best day ever...but then with Josh he has a lot of them...best days ever. I like that.
So anyways guys it is always good to read about how you are all doing and we always think of you and continue to keep you in our prayers always. May God bless you each and every day with all that you need.
Love you all
M,M,A,J

Anonymous said...

Hi kids and grandkids, Good to hear some news from that far away country again. Thankful to hear that Brynne is doing better. Hope Aiden is ok too. Interesting lunch ....I don't know if I could eat it.....Are you off for a few days now? Or is that after your evaluation, Sounds like a busy life you are having then its good to catch a breather. You must be going to bed early every night no burning the midnight oil with a good book......Quite the discussion about garbage pickup, out here it's by contract too. We have a lady pickerupper.Beautiful weather out here yet considering its Oct.13 today. Trees are all colours very nice. have a good weekend love you all, God bless.xoxox m,d,j,j,Chico.

Anonymous said...

Hey Feunekes clan,
Got your newsletter the other day and finally finished reading ALL your blogs. WOW! What an adventure you've had already!
Glad to hear that Brynne is feeling better as is Aidan.
Hope all goes well with your valuation on Monday.
Very thankful to hear that you are all doing well so far and getting used to life in your new country. Love the sling thing. I tried to make one, but it didn't work out so well and your's looks much more practical (although I can't imagine carrying Garret in one while on a motorcycle).

We are doing well here. Garret is growing like crazy and learning something new everyday - like you guys! Unlike BC, we're experiencing flurries. I'm not impressed.

Thinking and praying for you. Wishing you a blessed weekend.

Rob, Trish and Garret