Briefly...

Erica and I have had a great visit while she's been here. I've converted her to some of my favorite things, managed to stay on top of my teaching during a crazy time of year, prepared for a trip to the United States, and finished my first year in Indonesia.

What? I've been here a year? It seems pretty strange because in some ways I feel just as green as when I first stepped off the plane, but I'm actually getting pretty competent at living and working here.

More later, because I have to take a shower and finish cleaning my apartment before our taxi comes at 11 to take us to the airport. Lucky us, we're flying Singapore Air. Nice airlines make such a difference when you have to deal with them for more than 24 hours. We're stopping in California to see family there, and then we'll be on to the Midwest by midweek.

See (many of) you soon!

She's here!

For the first time in months, I have a sister with me! When I asked her what I should write about her here, she said, "Say that I light up your life even when my light is dimmed from jetlag." That's my sister for you--charming and witty even when she's struggling to keep her eyes open at nine o'clock. I've already dragged her across Jakarta several times in two days, to church, shopping, for good food, and she has been characteristically patient and good-humored. "Time for Benadryl and bed," says Erica. She does light up my life.