Cultural Adaptations

As you all know, we live in the most populated nation of Muslims. So, Islamic influence is around every corner...literally. There is a mosque (aka masjid) on almost every street, even small neighborhood streets.



We hear the call to prayer five times each day, starting at 4:00am. During these times, many Muslims stop working/socializing/whatever to pray. In fact, in many malls, larger businesses, and resorts, there are specific rooms built and designated for these prayer times.

For Muslims, during prayer, it is very important to be facing toward Mecca (the holy city in Islam). It is so important, that even in hotel rooms there are arrows pointing which direction to pray. Below are pictures from the hotel room that we stayed in a few weeks ago.



(Kiblat = Mecca)

And instead of finding a Gideon's Bible in the bedside table, we found the Quran. Just more confirmation that we're not in Kansas anymore!

Cultural Adaptations - Part 1

In Indonesia, life is a bit different from America. Yes, we know that is obvious but we thought we would begin a series on some of the things we have and are adapting to here. Hence the name "Cultural Adaptation." So for our first blog on this we chose to share with you about one of the simplest things you do when you go to the store. You buy milk. Just FYI, milk doesn't come out of the cow in those fancy jugs. It has to go through a process. We'll show you ours.


First: Milk comes in the fancy delivery vehicle.




2nd: We receive the milk in these really nice containers which is more like buying goldfish than buying milk. These get delivered three times a week.



3rd: We boil it so all the things that will make you sick can rise to the top.



4th: Then we scrape all the gunk off the top which can be used in cooking for some households.



5th: We package it in this very fancy container.



So as you can see, buying milk is a little different. Keep in mind that this process is done three times a week. Oh, and I almost forgot one important detail too. Ella is always fascinated. :)

Little Ella

While Catelyn is off being a big girl in Kindergarten, our little Ella is growing quickly too. She is excited to have all the attention while her sister is at school. Here are some recent pics of our littlest one.

It's that time already...

Today is Catelyn's first day of Kindergarten. She woke up excited and ready to start school. She has her traditional batik school uniform on, her backpack in hand and her Disney Princess water bottle ready for when needed.

I love you, Catelyn! Enjoy your first day of school!


WOW...I know I'm going to sound like every other mother in the world, and it is so cliche, but..."Where did the time go? I can't believe she is starting school already!"