Bits and Bites....

It's been a crazy week!

Hugo returned safely on Wednesday morning after virtually circumnavigating Indonesia. He had to fly from Tarakan to Balikpapan where he changed planes, from there he flew to Surabaya where he had a lengthy wait and again changed planes. From there he flew to Makasar where he changed planes once more and then flew to Sentani arriving at 6:00 am. He had a productive time in Kalimantan and even took work back with him. He'll probably need to go back there sometime early on in our second term.

Today I was able to pick up Ice from the hospital. Apparently the cist is gone and there is no need to operate. They sent her home with a weeks worth of 2 different kinds of antibiotics. I had to do some convincing to get her released. She was told last night by the doctor that she could go home but for some reason someone wrote on her chart that she needed to see the doctor first today. I told the nurses in no uncertain terms that I was not coming back, I was taking her then! So they called the doctor and he said,"Of course she can go home!" Then there was the whole, we have to write up the bill and then bring it to the front where they enter it into the computer, yes at this hospital there is a computer system, and then I could pay. Once I'd paid I had to go back to the nurses and show them the receipt and they did something with it and then gave it back to me again. Anyways, the whole process was a bit trying and again another cross-cultural experience that left me out over $100 again... I told Ice that she really really needs to get the government insurance for poor people. She totally qualifies. But someone told them that this hospital doesn't accept it but the four different people I spoke with assured me that they do accept it.... Ugghh.... Well, now there is an expat doctor in town and she's okay with giving advice if needed... so glad...

In the meantime, I was without a husband or a helper (Ritha is gone back to school) which left me feeling a little over-extended... Well, at least I have my husband again. I asked Ice's mom if she could help me out on Tuesday and Thursday next week. She's happy to make a little money.

In between all this, Brynnie started preschool on Tuesday. She was a little shy, but excited and had trouble sitting still... So not her brother...

This is the hangar in Tarakan, Kalimantan and the aircraft that Hugo was working on.