more Indonesia

Devin is really an amazing photographer- and well it helps when there is soooo much interesting footage. But he is creative and really captures the moments, the culture, the daily life. Here are a few of my favorite's that he has taken on this last trip.

Ladies of Pulai Springs

Today Kate hosted a ladies coffee at her apartment. We had the seven women who live at Pulai Springs here. Well Pam a co-worker of Devin's lives here too- but she was of course at work. So we had Kate, from Australia-Sarah from USA-Beena from USA but originally India- Dinah from Singapore-Serena from Malaysia-Marcia from Brazil and Agnes from Singapore. What a lovely morning we had~

The girls

Beena

Kate

Serena

Delights

My dearest friend here, Kate is an incredible cook. We have such fun planning meals and sharing recipes. I love that I have the time to focus on recipes and food while being on sabbatical! Anyway- Kate has an oven...and she made a beautiful carrot cake, amazing chocolate, almond slice, sandwiches, savory muffins and a to die for peach pastry for our ladies coffee this morning!

Carrot cake and magic slice bars

Beautiful Kate and her creations

Savory muffins with polenta, sun dried tomato, spinach...BUTTER

Yum!

Devin's cobra lunch

Cuddles

A bit of a mother daughter series- Devin took these as we sat in a great little cafe waiting for our lunch. Devin of course ordered Cobra for lunch...anyway- I love our daughter more than anyone in the world. I feel blessed to have the gift of being her mama. And despite the fact it is 100 degrees...I love her cuddles and will want her in my lap even when she is 40!

Friends

Back in February, The Ryan family and the Bailly family had some of our new friends over to our pool for a fun family play date. Natasha, Richard, Charlene and Celeste are from South Africa. Lisa, Glen, Brinna and Ruby are from New Zealand. The girls all go to school with Genevieve and Hannah. It has been nice to meet some other folks just beginning their adventures as expats in Johor Bahru.

Conversation

We had a lovely simple day at home yesterday. And at one point Nevi says, " I can't wait for next week". I said, "what is happening next week?" "Well, I think but I am not sure...we go home next week." "Oh Nev, that is not next week...but it is next month! We go home to Oregon to Visit in one month." Devin and I tune in with her...knowing her tone of voice is sweet, authentic and very honest. She is longing for home. So Devin beautifully says, "Nev, home is wherever we are together. My home is when I am with you and Mama." I agree with him and re-iterate- home is lots of places but as long as we are together we are home. Nevi says, " No, I mean Home Sweet Home." Devin says, "well yes, we were born in the USA and we live there most of the time, but home right now is here." Nevi says, " Nope, home in the US." We realize our point has been made, but this child's heart and home are in the US. Good thing we are coming for a visit in exactly one month!