Perth then Bali

On our way back to Papua we stayed two days in Perth, to connect with a church there that partners with us. We stayed with lovely friends Emily and James and their two kids Talia and Toby. Our kids didn't cope so well with yet another transition, and I was struggling with symptoms of an overactive thyroid and Autumn and I didn't really sleep. But! we loved getting to know our hosts a bit better, and meeting the wonderful group who pray for us, catching up with some old friends from college and fish & chips (the best--and most expensive--I've ever had) at the beach.

To get to Papua you have to stop at Jakarta or Bali, and Bali is the obvious choice. We extended our stay to 10 days, because we were so exhausted, and because Guin needed to see an endocrinologist to sort out her thyroid problem. So, in between blood tests, chasing the results and seeing doctors, we had a holiday of sleeping, TV, swimming, eating and reading.



The flight to Papua leaves in the middle of the night. The whole process with small children, no sleep and a ridiculous amount of luggage is a killer, but quickly forgotten.

Yanwar

On a recent trip to Bali we visited Yanwar, a young man whom Philip's Bible study group financially supported through a Salvation Army Boys' Home for a couple of years, before the group finished up and we took it on. It was great to meet him in person--he seemed really lovely and was very sweet with the boys. He is 17 now, in his last year of schooling and doing an apprenticeship in hospitality. It was nice to be able to chat in Indonesian!

Soren drawing with some of the other kids from the Home while we had a look around.
Reuben having a rare quiet, stationary, reflective moment.

Delays

We were recently delayed at Bali ariport for about 6 hours, into the night. Reuben kept everyone entertained for as long as he could, but really wished someone would just put him to bed.

Getting here

Ready to go: Melbourne airport, November 2009.

Soren chilling out on the plane.

Breakfast at Bali resort. We stopped there for a few days on the way to Sentani. Mmmm, yum.

Reuben enjoying the beach.

The beach again.

Bali aiport, 1am, trying to sleep before 3am flight to Sentani. No success.