I am at the house and have my 'work' done, so thought I would begin this post. Steve went to check on the progress of the chute and to help them chop the grass left over from yesterday's truckload to mix with the ground corn and sugar. They usually mix it with rice hulls, but the pig 'farmers' have bought it all. We will see how good he is with a machete, if they let him try! (They had it done when he got there so he helped Sihite load rocks into the pickup for the floor of the feed shed. Now his back hurts :-P)
One thing I forgot to mention when writing about the hospital compound is that the German missionaries who built it gave it to the Batak church, who gave it to the government in the 70's or 80's - we don't know why, but we can guess :-) That may be when the less-than-desirable housing was built. This is pure speculation on my part - 'H' doesn't know.
'H' went to the police dept. this morning to register us. It was done last week by proxy (Sihite), but the paperwork was messed up. They had us leaving before we arrived. 'H' went to verify he was our sponsor and to correct the dates, just in case an issue arises. He also has been trying to see the secretary to the 'governor' about the road, but we found out he is in Medan. Will have to try again tomorrow or Fri.
Another thing of note is that 'H' is quite the evangelist! He shares everywhere! His favorite thing to do is to go sit at the bus station and share with people who are waiting for the bus. He left last night at 8 and didn't get back until midnight. He stopped there twice during the day, yesterday, and 'questioned' several people both times. He does it at the store, at the farm, even at the market. Instead of buying all his meat from one vendor and all his vegetables or fruit from another, he will buy only one thing from several so that he can ask their 'condition' and share the Good News. Puts us to shame!! Oh, I forgot to mention - 'H' is 'related' to me too :-)
Last night, we heard the students singing Christmas carols from 8-9:30 pm. It must have been like a choir practice because they sang parts of a song several times - first boys, then girls, then both. The two we recognized were 'Drummer Boy' and 'Ode to Joy'. If they do it again tonight, we are tempted to walk down and sit in. 'H' said it would be okay and we think it would be fun. (They didn't sing tonight :-( We found out that the first year students are the ones singing.)
Pita came and made dinner again - fish, tempeh, rice, buffalo milk curds, and a vegetable that looks to us like swiss chard. She cooks it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. The edges are wilted but the stem part is still crunchy. We had one of Turbo's pineapples for dessert.
We have been writing down Indonesian terms for various things. 'H' is very patient with us and spells things if I am not sure. The letter pronunciation is the same as Spanish, which we learned several years ago. If I can see it, I can usually pronounce it. I have been too chicken to actually try it - other than thank you.
Until tomorrow! We are supposed to go to Lake Toba. We are really looking forward to that!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday
Steve & 'H' went to the farm about 9 to walk the boundary and make sure it was all marked well, and somewhat permanently. Then 'H' will contact the local official in charge of that sort of thing to have him come out to 'survey' and give an owner's certificate. No idea how long that will take. I stayed 'home' to wash breakfast dishes, sweep, and boil water :-)
I decided to try and describe the road leading to the farm. It starts out pretty good for Indonesian standards. Too narrow for my liking, but that's my problem :-) As we make our way out of town, passing shanties and rice paddies, we begin to wind our way up the mountain. The road becomes even narrower. Good thing most 'vehicles' are motorcycles! There are a couple of literal u-turns where horns are sounded to make sure no one is coming from the other direction. It would not be a pretty site if they were to meet at the turn. Once we make it to the village closest to the farm, we begin to pick up passengers - generally the farm workers, but not all. What is interesting, at least to us, is that the road from the village to the farm has 3 high ranking officials living along it. The 'governor', the secretary to the 'governor', and the police chief. Once we get past their places, the road, as we know it, ends. Now it is a mud track. Twice a day the pickup drives up and down this track going out to find feed for the cows and bringing it back to throw over the fence. (Hopefully, that will end or slow as the fences get done and the cows can be moved to different fields that have some pasture.) At least once a day, the pickup drives the track for other purposes. Combine that with the daily deluge, and you have a VERY muddy track with big holes - that are getting bigger. Sometimes we slide sideways for several yards before righting and continuing. Our boys would love it!
Since the farm has water - and no one else around does - 'R' & 'H' are trying to swing a deal with the 'governor' to rock the road to the farm and bring electricity to it (it stops at his house) in exchange for water. Currently, he has a water truck that is filled and kept at his house. The goal is to convince him of the need for a larger pump that would enable water to be pumped to the village for use by those that live there and those that live on the surrounding 'farms', as well as him. He doesn't have the authority to do much, but can present the need to higher officials under the 'community betterment' theme. Pray that comes to fruition in HIS time. Currently, everyone catches rain water, and/or walks a steep trail to the river. Those that use only rainwater start to lose their teeth by 35-40 because of a lack of minerals in the water.
Steve & 'H' came back around 1. After a short, 20 min. siesta, we headed to the hardware store for some chain and locks for the new gates to the new pasture. We arrived about 2 pm, chained and locked the gates, then let the cows into the new pasture. Boy, were they happy! I expect Sihite and the two boys that help him get feed twice each day, are happy too. They should have a couple of days reprieve before starting that ritual again. The next pasture should be fenced soon. Work has begun on the cattle chute. They didn't set the posts as Steve had instructed, but the cement was set, so we will see how it works.
The young lady that 'H's wife had help with dinner last night, came back tonight and made us dinner. It was so much better than a restaurant. We even get a little vegetables!
We bought 2 pineapples from Turbo today for our meals for the next 3-4 days. They are so good!, and only cost us 25 cents each!
Just got word that 'K' was moved out of ICU and was even allowed to walk to her room. She is improving remarkably each day.
I decided to try and describe the road leading to the farm. It starts out pretty good for Indonesian standards. Too narrow for my liking, but that's my problem :-) As we make our way out of town, passing shanties and rice paddies, we begin to wind our way up the mountain. The road becomes even narrower. Good thing most 'vehicles' are motorcycles! There are a couple of literal u-turns where horns are sounded to make sure no one is coming from the other direction. It would not be a pretty site if they were to meet at the turn. Once we make it to the village closest to the farm, we begin to pick up passengers - generally the farm workers, but not all. What is interesting, at least to us, is that the road from the village to the farm has 3 high ranking officials living along it. The 'governor', the secretary to the 'governor', and the police chief. Once we get past their places, the road, as we know it, ends. Now it is a mud track. Twice a day the pickup drives up and down this track going out to find feed for the cows and bringing it back to throw over the fence. (Hopefully, that will end or slow as the fences get done and the cows can be moved to different fields that have some pasture.) At least once a day, the pickup drives the track for other purposes. Combine that with the daily deluge, and you have a VERY muddy track with big holes - that are getting bigger. Sometimes we slide sideways for several yards before righting and continuing. Our boys would love it!
Since the farm has water - and no one else around does - 'R' & 'H' are trying to swing a deal with the 'governor' to rock the road to the farm and bring electricity to it (it stops at his house) in exchange for water. Currently, he has a water truck that is filled and kept at his house. The goal is to convince him of the need for a larger pump that would enable water to be pumped to the village for use by those that live there and those that live on the surrounding 'farms', as well as him. He doesn't have the authority to do much, but can present the need to higher officials under the 'community betterment' theme. Pray that comes to fruition in HIS time. Currently, everyone catches rain water, and/or walks a steep trail to the river. Those that use only rainwater start to lose their teeth by 35-40 because of a lack of minerals in the water.
Steve & 'H' came back around 1. After a short, 20 min. siesta, we headed to the hardware store for some chain and locks for the new gates to the new pasture. We arrived about 2 pm, chained and locked the gates, then let the cows into the new pasture. Boy, were they happy! I expect Sihite and the two boys that help him get feed twice each day, are happy too. They should have a couple of days reprieve before starting that ritual again. The next pasture should be fenced soon. Work has begun on the cattle chute. They didn't set the posts as Steve had instructed, but the cement was set, so we will see how it works.
The young lady that 'H's wife had help with dinner last night, came back tonight and made us dinner. It was so much better than a restaurant. We even get a little vegetables!
Just got word that 'K' was moved out of ICU and was even allowed to walk to her room. She is improving remarkably each day.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Not much to report
'K' is doing much better today. She was sitting up in a chair and not connected to a respirator when 'R' and kids arrived this morning. She was animated in speaking and was not laboring to breathe. The drs. are saying she will be out of ICU tomorrow and out of the hospital Thurs. or Fri. All Glory to the Creator of all things!
Not much happened today. 'H', the Indonesian partner, arrived at 3:30 this morning. He woke up about 9 am and we visited until almost 11. He is a very interesting, strong, believer. We now have a clearer picture of the vision for the farm, the cows, and the house on the hospital compound.
That's about it.
Not much happened today. 'H', the Indonesian partner, arrived at 3:30 this morning. He woke up about 9 am and we visited until almost 11. He is a very interesting, strong, believer. We now have a clearer picture of the vision for the farm, the cows, and the house on the hospital compound.
We had breakfast/lunch then went to the farm arriving a little after noon. Tiime to check on our cow first :-) She is doing better every day. Next we went to the small shed to see how the cattle chute was coming along. They have the dirt prepared for a brick & cement floor. Then we were off to look at the peanut plants. They are about 3 in. tall and have 4-6 leaves. A lot of growth in just a couple of days! We took a soil sample and are hoping to be able to 'bring' it home for analysis. After that, we went back down the trail to the river to see the source of the water supply. We actually went all the way down this time and I took some pics. of the pump houses and the trail.
We discussed some things with 'H' about mineral for the cows, the need to get them moved to a different pasture ASAP, and general feed issues.
We arrived back 'home' at 6 and 'H's wife was here making dinner. It was way better than any restaurant! I don't think I have ever described/explained the house here. The local hospital was built in the 1920's & 30's by German missionaries. They also built several houses for the staff that worked in the hospital. They added the nursing academy and some dorms later (I don't know when) It is quite a large compound. 'H' has a house here because his wife is an eye dr. They lived here for 5 years until about 3-5 years ago when they wanted a better education for their son and moved to Medan. His wife agreed to come down every Mon. to see patients and they were allowed to keep the house.
Since then it has been used for ministry purposes whenever possible. We estimate there to be 30-40 houses here. Most are wood construction and comfortable (except for the bathrooms :-) ) A few, however, are pretty sad. We wondered if they were added later as a need for maintenance person, school cook, canteen operator, etc... became apparent. We actually have one in our backyard. There is a small covered walkway from our back door to the other house. We did not realize how close they were until 'H' opened the back window this morning. No wonder it sounded like people camped on our back doorstep all the time - they were!
The dorm for the nursing students is at the end of our 'road' and the academy is 2 buildings away on the other side. They pass by several times every day - always singing. It has been fun to hear.
That's about it.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
It's a snake!!
Really it's just me and Steve. Our 'sunburns' are coming off and boy do we look funny. I would post a pic. but am not going to take one, ha-ha!
We just heard from 'R' and 'K' is doing much better today. She has double pneumonia and, because of the surgery, coughing hurts a lot. Although they want her to move around, they won't let her get out of bed yet, so 'R' and the kids are massaging her legs and back. He says she is enjoying all the attention. If she keeps improving, she could be home next weekend.
Being Sunday, we had no ride to the farm until 2. I stayed 'home' and Steve went to check on the cow. She is moving a little slower than the rest, but came up to eat and drink with the herd. We are very relieved. Our reputation as a 'professional' was on the line!
Last night we decided to be brave and walk a few blocks to the restaurant that 'R' had taken us to. They were closed :-( Tonight, we tried again and they were still closed. (We thought we would branch out from pb sandwiches.) On our way back 4 teenage girls stopped us and asked if they could have their pictures taken with us. We laughingly said we should charge them. While waiting for our cup-o-soup to cool enough to eat, we heard what we thought was gunfire. Looking out the window, we noticed fireworks. I ran to get the camera - and they quit. So no pic. of that either.
Hiss, hiss :-)
We just heard from 'R' and 'K' is doing much better today. She has double pneumonia and, because of the surgery, coughing hurts a lot. Although they want her to move around, they won't let her get out of bed yet, so 'R' and the kids are massaging her legs and back. He says she is enjoying all the attention. If she keeps improving, she could be home next weekend.
Being Sunday, we had no ride to the farm until 2. I stayed 'home' and Steve went to check on the cow. She is moving a little slower than the rest, but came up to eat and drink with the herd. We are very relieved. Our reputation as a 'professional' was on the line!
Last night we decided to be brave and walk a few blocks to the restaurant that 'R' had taken us to. They were closed :-( Tonight, we tried again and they were still closed. (We thought we would branch out from pb sandwiches.) On our way back 4 teenage girls stopped us and asked if they could have their pictures taken with us. We laughingly said we should charge them. While waiting for our cup-o-soup to cool enough to eat, we heard what we thought was gunfire. Looking out the window, we noticed fireworks. I ran to get the camera - and they quit. So no pic. of that either.
Hiss, hiss :-)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday Evening News
First, an update on 'K'. She is doing a little better. Drs. in Singapore concluded that she did not need the surgery that had been performed, instead she had an infection in her kidneys, liver and lungs. They began strong antibiotics and is expected to be in ICU for 3-5 days. Thank you all for praying!
As of 5pm on Saturday evening, 'R's Indonesian partner, 'H', has not arrived. He was supposed to be here yesterday afternoon, then this morning, then this afternoon....you get the picture:-) We are doing very well without him, so that's good. Sihite, whom I mentioned earlier, has been put in charge of us until 'H' arrives (poor guy!).
Last night, when Steve came back, I asked about the cow. Evidently, she was feeling better as she charged at him when he went into the brush looking for her. Thankfully, she just got his arm before he managed to 'scare' her into heading the other direction. Something about this 2-legged creature that puts a rope around her neck then pokes her with several needles isn't impressive! She thought she would get her licks in first! The water trough was coming along fine and barbed wire for the fences had arrived. For dinner, we ate the rice (cold) that Sihite had brought at 3. Not real exciting, but we didn't want to go out and try finding something else.
Sihite stopped by this morning about 8 and we headed to the farm. First thing we did was check on the sick cow. She jumped right up and walked away from us. She looked like she was straining and that she hadn't been drinking. We were told that they take food to her twice each day, but there was no evidence of water. We hoped she was getting some when no humans were around. Next, we went to the 'back 40' (actually 15), to see if the peanuts planted with the grass was coming up. We were very excited to see some little heads peeking up from the soil. After that, we decided to follow the trail to see where they were getting their water. We knew that they were pumping it from the river, so followed the hose. I wish I could send you a pic.!! It was so steep that they cut steps into the dirt to keep from sliding down. They would not have been able to stop once they got started! We walked at least 400 ft. down this trail before giving up (we could see the river another 200 ft. down and decided that was good enough!). What amazed us the most was seeing where they had been cutting trees down to make boards and posts for the corral and chute. It was down this trail! We just can't fathom the strength in those men. About this time, as we are huffing and puffing, it dawns on us as to why we are so tired (all the time, not just at that moment :-) ). Tarutung is at about 4500 ft. above sea level and the farm is over 5000. That's almost a mile! I know, I know, we are slow. We are blaming it on the altitude!
Next, came lunch. Turbo invited us to eat with him and the other workers. We were leery because of sanitation, but felt we couldn't refuse again (we already had twice). We had rice and spicy pork. Jordan would have loved it! They cube the entire pig; innards, skin and all. Trying to politely pick through the dish to only get 'meat' was interesting.
After lunch, we checked on our cow again. She wasn't looking very good, but still wanted nothing to do with us. After speaking with the vet, who doesn't work weekends, it was decided to give her some homemade electrolytes. He wanted us to 'drench' her, but we didn't think we could get that close. Two young men carried the 5 gal. bucket of water mixed with salt and sugar. We set it down to see if she would drink and PTL she did! We honestly didn't think we would have been able to get close enought to put a rope around her neck and stick a bottle of the electrolytes down her throat - several times! It should make her feel better and thirsty for more water. We are curious to see her tomorrow.
Well, it is almost time to figure out what to do about dinner. We still have some rice left and, of course, bread with peanut butter. Just a little short on protein, forget the veggies - they don't eat many as far as we can tell :-)
As of 5pm on Saturday evening, 'R's Indonesian partner, 'H', has not arrived. He was supposed to be here yesterday afternoon, then this morning, then this afternoon....you get the picture:-) We are doing very well without him, so that's good. Sihite, whom I mentioned earlier, has been put in charge of us until 'H' arrives (poor guy!).
Last night, when Steve came back, I asked about the cow. Evidently, she was feeling better as she charged at him when he went into the brush looking for her. Thankfully, she just got his arm before he managed to 'scare' her into heading the other direction. Something about this 2-legged creature that puts a rope around her neck then pokes her with several needles isn't impressive! She thought she would get her licks in first! The water trough was coming along fine and barbed wire for the fences had arrived. For dinner, we ate the rice (cold) that Sihite had brought at 3. Not real exciting, but we didn't want to go out and try finding something else.
Sihite stopped by this morning about 8 and we headed to the farm. First thing we did was check on the sick cow. She jumped right up and walked away from us. She looked like she was straining and that she hadn't been drinking. We were told that they take food to her twice each day, but there was no evidence of water. We hoped she was getting some when no humans were around. Next, we went to the 'back 40' (actually 15), to see if the peanuts planted with the grass was coming up. We were very excited to see some little heads peeking up from the soil. After that, we decided to follow the trail to see where they were getting their water. We knew that they were pumping it from the river, so followed the hose. I wish I could send you a pic.!! It was so steep that they cut steps into the dirt to keep from sliding down. They would not have been able to stop once they got started! We walked at least 400 ft. down this trail before giving up (we could see the river another 200 ft. down and decided that was good enough!). What amazed us the most was seeing where they had been cutting trees down to make boards and posts for the corral and chute. It was down this trail! We just can't fathom the strength in those men. About this time, as we are huffing and puffing, it dawns on us as to why we are so tired (all the time, not just at that moment :-) ). Tarutung is at about 4500 ft. above sea level and the farm is over 5000. That's almost a mile! I know, I know, we are slow. We are blaming it on the altitude!
Next, came lunch. Turbo invited us to eat with him and the other workers. We were leery because of sanitation, but felt we couldn't refuse again (we already had twice). We had rice and spicy pork. Jordan would have loved it! They cube the entire pig; innards, skin and all. Trying to politely pick through the dish to only get 'meat' was interesting.
After lunch, we checked on our cow again. She wasn't looking very good, but still wanted nothing to do with us. After speaking with the vet, who doesn't work weekends, it was decided to give her some homemade electrolytes. He wanted us to 'drench' her, but we didn't think we could get that close. Two young men carried the 5 gal. bucket of water mixed with salt and sugar. We set it down to see if she would drink and PTL she did! We honestly didn't think we would have been able to get close enought to put a rope around her neck and stick a bottle of the electrolytes down her throat - several times! It should make her feel better and thirsty for more water. We are curious to see her tomorrow.
Well, it is almost time to figure out what to do about dinner. We still have some rice left and, of course, bread with peanut butter. Just a little short on protein, forget the veggies - they don't eat many as far as we can tell :-)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Alone
'R' left early this morning after getting word that his wife was being medivaced to Singapore. We have been praying that she gets the help she needs and that he can get the needed flights to be with her soon. It doesn't sound good. With the loss of Nathan just a little over a year ago, this seems to have hit us pretty hard. We only met 'K' once, last year. All other contact has been with 'R', but it has affected us deeply, just the same. He left us his internet card for which I am very grateful!
Steve didn't sleep well last night as he was extremely nauseous, so we decided to stay 'home' this morning. We walked to the store a block away and bought some bread and water. We had peanut butter sandwiches, tea and water for breakfast and lunch. He took a nap at ten and another at one. He was much better after that. Sihite, the head of the workers, and 'R's driver, stopped by at three to check on us and take us to the farm. He also brought us some rice and soup. (When he had stopped by earlier to take 'R' to the closest airport, Steve mentioned that he wasn't feeling well.) Since it was raining (the usual afternoon condition), Steve wanted me to stay 'home' so that neither of us had to ride in the rain. I am writing this while waiting for him to return. So you may get two posts in one day!! I don't remember if there was something I was supposed to elaborate on from earlier posts, so if you want information on something I have posted or just have a question, feel free to leave it in the comment section and I will read and answer from there. I have tried several times to post a pic. here or send one to our daughter, but have had no luck the last two days : (
We have not had much opportunity to interact with the nursing students, but 'R' had arranged a chance for us to speak to the 'English language' class. We just don't know when it is! So Steve has also not been able to teach, but there is still time.
Please continue to pray for 'K', 'R', their kids, and us. This is a very unsure time for us all.
Steve didn't sleep well last night as he was extremely nauseous, so we decided to stay 'home' this morning. We walked to the store a block away and bought some bread and water. We had peanut butter sandwiches, tea and water for breakfast and lunch. He took a nap at ten and another at one. He was much better after that. Sihite, the head of the workers, and 'R's driver, stopped by at three to check on us and take us to the farm. He also brought us some rice and soup. (When he had stopped by earlier to take 'R' to the closest airport, Steve mentioned that he wasn't feeling well.) Since it was raining (the usual afternoon condition), Steve wanted me to stay 'home' so that neither of us had to ride in the rain. I am writing this while waiting for him to return. So you may get two posts in one day!! I don't remember if there was something I was supposed to elaborate on from earlier posts, so if you want information on something I have posted or just have a question, feel free to leave it in the comment section and I will read and answer from there. I have tried several times to post a pic. here or send one to our daughter, but have had no luck the last two days : (
We have not had much opportunity to interact with the nursing students, but 'R' had arranged a chance for us to speak to the 'English language' class. We just don't know when it is! So Steve has also not been able to teach, but there is still time.
Please continue to pray for 'K', 'R', their kids, and us. This is a very unsure time for us all.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Another Day
After breakfast,
we headed to the farm. Steve and I ride in the back of a small 2 seater pickup for half an hour up a winding mountain road. As we are usually facing backwards, we get to see the peoples reactions as they see these 'white' people. We often hear "Hello, Mister" as several try out their limited English. This is usually all they know. Once at the farm, we found the sick cow and determined she needed more antibiotics.
'R' called the vet, who came out and administered more. The cow seems to be doing a little better, although we feel she has pneumonia. We spent the next several hours under cover as it was raining torrentially, so didn't accomplish much today.
Tonight we went to a restaurant and ordered food to go as none of us felt like eating in and being stared at :) As we headed out the door, a group of young people stopped us to ask questions, aka - trying out their English. We were bombarded with questions! The student's teacher (actually just a college age young person) asked if they could all come over on Sun. to 'interview' us. 'R' won't be here so it should be interesting.
'K', 'R's wife, had surgery today, but is not doing well. 'R' will be leaving us early tomorrow to go to Java to be with her. He is hoping to be able to have her flown to KL as the drs. here have made several mistakes. This will leave us the only white people, that we know of, in Tarutung.
As 'R' will be leaving, he will be taking the internet connection with him. I may not be able to email or post for several days unless I can get to an internet cafe AND we can communicate! Thanks for praying!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Things of Interest...
'R's wife, 'K', will be having surgery tomorrow for kidney stone obstruction. It couldn't wait for a trip to KL. 'R' will not be able to make it in time so they both agreed he would just stay here. 'R' will be leaving on Fri. to meet his son in Medan, but they both will be here on Sat. We may be on our own all of Fri. and Sat. morning.
This has been another interesting day. After breakfast, we went to the local market. It was huge. There were several booths of dried fish. There would be several bowls heaped with various sizes of dried fish, from 2 in. to 6 in. There were booths of live fish, where you pick your dinner. Even the local slaughterhouse was there! Many, many booths of fruit and/or veggies - lots and lots of people - smells both good and bad - and people wanting money to have their pics. taken. I let 'R' take most of them. I even met a 'cousin'!
Next up was a trip to the farm. We were asked to design a catch chute for work on the animals. We drew a plan, then showed the foreman, Turbo, what we had in mind. He understood exactly what and why. We also noticed, when looking at the animals, that one was by herself and not looking good. She wouldn't let us get very close, unfortunately. The foreman went into Tarutung to look for a vet. Three hours later he came back with a vet and some rope. Steve put some rope around her neck in the hopes of making a halter, but she decided she wasn't that sick after all. After quite a bit of 'give and take' on her part and Steve's, the vet was able to get close to her. He has not worked on large animals before and seemed a little nervous around this rather large cow. He wanted to give her two shots in her neck, but Steve felt in the hip would be better. He asked about doing it there but the vet said 'no, she would kick'. Steve took over (and the vet seemed happy to let him) and gave her the two shots without her moving a muscle. He has had enough experience to know that it isn't as safe when given in the neck. We will see how she is tomorrow.
By this time it was pretty hot. Steve and I both have sunburns. We spent the next hour or two in the shade eating fresh pineapple - yum! yum! Turbo, who lives next to the farm, grows pineapple. We also walked through the new seeding - hand planted tufts of baracharia grass. It will take 6-9 months to fill in enough for the cows to be on it.
I sure wish I could post more pics. I may have to go through when I get back and edit the posts by adding pics.
This has been another interesting day. After breakfast, we went to the local market. It was huge. There were several booths of dried fish. There would be several bowls heaped with various sizes of dried fish, from 2 in. to 6 in. There were booths of live fish, where you pick your dinner. Even the local slaughterhouse was there! Many, many booths of fruit and/or veggies - lots and lots of people - smells both good and bad - and people wanting money to have their pics. taken. I let 'R' take most of them. I even met a 'cousin'!
Next up was a trip to the farm. We were asked to design a catch chute for work on the animals. We drew a plan, then showed the foreman, Turbo, what we had in mind. He understood exactly what and why. We also noticed, when looking at the animals, that one was by herself and not looking good. She wouldn't let us get very close, unfortunately. The foreman went into Tarutung to look for a vet. Three hours later he came back with a vet and some rope. Steve put some rope around her neck in the hopes of making a halter, but she decided she wasn't that sick after all. After quite a bit of 'give and take' on her part and Steve's, the vet was able to get close to her. He has not worked on large animals before and seemed a little nervous around this rather large cow. He wanted to give her two shots in her neck, but Steve felt in the hip would be better. He asked about doing it there but the vet said 'no, she would kick'. Steve took over (and the vet seemed happy to let him) and gave her the two shots without her moving a muscle. He has had enough experience to know that it isn't as safe when given in the neck. We will see how she is tomorrow.
By this time it was pretty hot. Steve and I both have sunburns. We spent the next hour or two in the shade eating fresh pineapple - yum! yum! Turbo, who lives next to the farm, grows pineapple. We also walked through the new seeding - hand planted tufts of baracharia grass. It will take 6-9 months to fill in enough for the cows to be on it.
I sure wish I could post more pics. I may have to go through when I get back and edit the posts by adding pics.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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.
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
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.
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