At home

Portland, Day 3

The biggest difference which I have about my stay here this time is that I don't feel at all as guess, but I feel really at home. Dad has me doing things just as real home: cooking, making bed, shopping and etc. I am very glad it is that way, so it is very real.

Yesterday, I went down town Portland. There are much to see and enjoy which made me fascinated. Among all; these things I really love about Portland: the trees, fancy and neat buildings and monuments, parks and neat side walks, fresh air and amazing nature and the best of all --smiling people. I noticed that people here are eager to talk and ready to help just anyone. The only thing you need is good will and enough courage to open a conversation. 

Public transportation 

The public transportation is so reliable and most of commuters use public TriMet transportation service. I really enjoy taking the bus or train. I bet you are familiar with the ticketing-before-you go system if you live in Malaysia or Singapore. However, in Indonesia, I don't think we really have it. So, before getting on the bus, you need to go to the ticket machine which gives you options whether you would go with 2 hours , 1 day, 7 days and 14 days tickets. The most handy payment which I choose is by using card. I love to get 1 day ticket because then I can go anywhere as far as Trimet service could go all day long, which is good for recreational purposes. 

It's nice to be on the Max train during rains or hails. It feels safe and comfortable. We can either engage in conversations or for me, observing Portlanders with their diversity and cool way of doing things are kind of fun. 

If you are taking a bus, you can use Trimet tickets for train too. Don't forget to show the ticket to the driver before you getting on. As I have mentioned before, the people here in Portland are warm and open, they said thank you to the driver before getting off the bus: hmm something which we Indonesians either forget or don't really do back then at home. 

Favorite spots

I love to be in the Pioneer square, a very lovely and memorable spot in the heart of Portland city center. I could not help but keep coming back because in this spot you can really blend with local excitements. Since it was opened in 1984, people keeps make it happening with creative events. It is also cool for me because if you need to connect to your friends at home country, you can hop on to first Starbuck at the city, order their delish coffee and connect to internet! Here you can also get to know many people; not only Oregonians but also different kinds of tourists, you know what I mean. 

Right from Pioneer Square, I'd love to get lost and wondering around the city blocks, which is so rewarding and you may just end up get into fancy malls, gorgeous restaurants or hotels and interesting shops and food charts. I am so lucky because I found Indonesian dish here and I tried it... not bad. In fact I really love it. I want to try different kinds of food too though like Thai, German, Greek or Middle Eastern-- amazing! 

I would feel never enough to tell you of this crazily adorable city. If you happen to have time and just go here, at least these simple things will be great and worth to try! :)

After all, again I am so grateful. God is merciful and amazing! 

Quality Time

Portland, Day 2 Morning

It is very liberating to know that being happy could actually be really simple. I found that out recently. For me, being able to spend quality time with my Dad and brother here has been such beautiful time. I am so thankful at the very moment I feel their presence and to be just together casually. I appreciate those encouraging words and the things which they do as they are. So, each moment that I have here, as it is provided and made possible by the Lord, I want to rejoice in it. I am aware, that the purpose of living here on earth is not simply being happy. But this joy which springs in my heart refresh my soul and instill peace beyond reason. I am following Christ; and try to keep saying Yes to him and He grants me abundant blessing, which I don't deserve.

So, here I am in this amazing place where the mountain peaks of Mounts St. Helen and Rainier could be seen from right front window glasses. The trees, flowers and fresh air lift up my spirit to praise the Beautiful Creator. I cherish my trod in this lovely land. I cannot wait to walk and being present with the people in the city.

At home, what's really fun is Dad keeps helping me out by teaching me how to do things 'American way' because I understand that we do simple things like house keeping slightly in different way here. Let's say how to do the laundry, wash the dishes, toilet stuff and kitchen stuff. Those little things are very fun to learn. Well, yes I am familiar with those things back in Indonesia but I just want to do it 'authentic way' ;). Most of my way doing things back in Sumatra are so traditional and sometimes might not be practical, so it's great to learn it in a new way.

After all, what I am going to say is that I do have great time here and I keep thanking the Lord for such time. I am so inspired by the lives of people here which help me to see the world in rather different angels. Doubtlessly, they enrich me and help me so much to be better and to encourage others too to be better. Thanks, Lord!

Joy of the present

Going to far away places after working like crazy can be so amazing. Along the way you can make new friends, seeing rare things with your heart, and getting intensely inspired! That is what I am experiencing right now. I am at my Dad's house in Portland, Oregon the moment I am writing this post. And so far this has been a priceless journey.

Like never before I experience such sweet confidence and peace being in companion of my friends and taking risk of reaching out to others despite being rather self-conscious. It is a minute-by-minute wonder when I looked back the time when I could talk with my co-worker Ekadesy so enjoyably in my flight from Palembang to Jakarta. We talked as good friends share laughters and panic, being silly and fun. I wish her amazing time to meet her boyfriend and family in Timor island.

Another great(may be -est) moment that I had that Friday evening at Jakarta airport (June 13 Indonesian Time) was to meet such a warm-hearted new friend from Hong Kong, Jacky. We cherised the time we had together. He is a cool friend with such good heart. He is very excited about Indonesian wild life and culture in general. I taught them a few Bahasa words that might be helpful for him when he meets local people. Fingers crossed, Jacky!

Meeting those two amazing people has been good sign for my trip to USA this time. It is indeed a blessing beyond what my words can contain. Enjoying the presence of each other and exchanging love is awesome. This reminds me of what my beloved Mother Gavrilia who said '... human hearts never stops being good..." and another part of her book which said how beautiful it is that God sends "fellow travellers" in our life. I am deeply grateful to witness what she meant.

Things unfold to be very good one after another. No other joy can be told more humbly and beautifully than the joy of the present  moment with God. It is the very moment when God is with us and working in us and through us despite our weaknesses. He puts on a veil on our face, so that others might see us as what He deems as best.

This is yet the first day of my journey but already I am so blessed. I am excited to be with Dad and witnessing great moments ahead. Happy Father's Day, Dad! Thank You, Lord.