Ecclesiastes played out...

This week has been an interesting one and I think having the Word of God to show us how we are supposed to view a week like this is appropriate, and really, the best way to look at it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1- There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...v.4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance...

We had a GREAT week with our homestay family in the Kampong. We made friends, learned culture, and even had some language lessons. But our laughter was turned to weeping as we learned of my (Sharon) Grandma's passing away early Saturday morning. She died peacefully with her children in her home. Our last visit with her the morning we left was great. We got to say goodbye and her last words to me were "Love You" (with an emphasis on the 'you'). We are learning the hard way, very quickly, how to be family members on the other side of the world.

This is my Grandma, Patricia, a couple Thanksgiving's ago with me, Heather, Mama, and Kaelyn. Four generations in one photo. She was a wonderful Grandma and we could always count on her to have snacks, treats, and cokes in her fridge when we visited. She was an independent woman, lived on her own til her death, and you can sense her fiesty influence in my mom and even in me. Although I think she'd laugh to see little independent me in an Asian culture that values collectiveness! Interesting how that works! She will be missed.

So that this post reflects our whole life and so you can also see, literally, that God gives blessings even in the midst of trying times...

We went out for "Sate Kajang" Friday night with our homestay family. It was very good and Anthony and Abang competed to see who could eat the most sticks.

Abang won with 40 sticks, Anthony tried his best and came out with 32. Looks like Abang is eyeing Anthony's count as Anthony chooses his next stick. Kinda like "Gator's Dockside" in Jax on Monday Night with all-you-can-eat chicken wings...

Kakak had a coconut drink...literally. She loves them. Good to know that it's not just tourists who love the stereotypical tropical drinks.

Although I am no longer the official spokesperson for the Arcadia Watermelon Association, I figured I'd give the watermelon industry a little boost, for free. This is "Watermelon Frost" and you use it for ulcers and what-not in your mouth. I have an ulcer from all the fruit I've been eating lately so I bought this in Chinatown last night. It seems to be working!
For ALL our pictures here so far...from the far east click here.

Thanks to everyone who keeps up with our blog. It's great to know you're out there!