Prayers and Praises

Today provided anxiety and entertainment, worry and satisfaction.

WORRY - It started with a call from ‘R’s wife, ‘K’. She was having abdominal pain, bleeding, and blood in her urine. She was on her way to the drs., 2 hrs. away. When describing her symptoms to her dr., she was told possible uterine cancer. Later, a call came that cancer was ruled out, as well as a urinary tract infection. They were sending her somewhere else to have an ultrasound for kidney stones. It came back negative. Tonight, the call came that she has been admitted to the hospital for further testing. If surgery is indicated, ‘R’ will be leaving us Fri. to meet ‘K’ in Kuala Lumpur for the procedure.

ANXIETY- After a late breakfast, we headed to the police station to register our visit. It has been so long since they have had a visitor, that they didn’t know what to do or what form to use. They questioned ‘R’ a lot about why he was here (he hadn’t done it yet either) and why we were here. After almost 2 hrs. it was determined we needed to have our Indonesian ‘sponsor’ be present and to sign the forms. He is in Medan and can not be here until Thurs. Meanwhile, a fine is mounting because he didn’t pre-register us.

ENTERTAINMENT – Just for fun (?) ‘R’ wanted us to experience a ride in a motorcycle/covered sidecar. Steve actually had to ride on the back of the motorcycle because he was too tall to fit in the sidecar. Considering how they drive here – typical third world crazy and on the wrong side! – it wasn’t too bad. We, Steve especially, evoked much laughter. Hopefully they were laughing with us and not at us

SATISFACTION – Steve installed the instant water heater and pump for the shower after the police station adventure. We will try it out tomorrow! Steve is shocked and amazed at the quality (or lack thereof) of the electrical wiring here. You definitely wouldn’t get by with it in the states.

Dinner tonight was spicy water buffalo, fish, rice and a vegetable similar to spinach but that doesn’t get limp. It is hard to drink enough water each day (and you know how valuable I think water consumption is!) since we have to buy it and don’t have much access to a store. We bought extra yesterday but it got left at the farm. There are no bathroom facilities at the farm, so not drinking any water may be a necessity if we are going to spend much time there.