Lauren and Emily visit from Laos!

We got someone to take our picture, as "payment" you might say, for getting to take a picture with us. . . Hey, it works!

In places outside of Jakarta, "bules" are always a picture worthy attraction. That day was no different. Lauren decided to snap one along with this guy. This was the first of about six different groups asking to get pictures with us. We were so nice, for so long. But after awhile, you just have to say no! 

I know I've posted pictures from this volcano before, but I had to do it again. There wasn't any of the cool sea foam colored water at the bottom of the crater last time. 

But, this post isn't about the volcano. It's about how fun it was to host friends and show them what we know of Indonesia! Lauren (with the beautiful red hair) was on one of my very first soccer teams, that played together for several years. Besides what we knew about each other's lives through facebook, we hadn't really stayed connected since then, but she went to Sprague (the same high school as Chris). Through that, and church, we know almost all of the same people.

She and Emily, who are room mates/teachers at a Christian school in Laos, had a free five days after a conference in Thailand. Lauren knew Chris and I were here, and Emily also had a connection with someone here (in Kemang of all places!) through her parents. 

 It was so much fun catching up with Lauren, and hearing about their past 6 months teaching in Laos. And even though I just met Emily when I picked them up from the airport, I already feel like I've known her for years. . . I love it when people are so quick to open up and be themselves. It made the four days we got to spend together so much fun!

Chris and I had to teach the first two days they were here, so they took advantage of the malls and got some shopping done. Jakarta is pretty big compared to their rural area of Laos. We also took advantage of some good American style food at TGI Friday's and Amigos (Mexican is basically American food to me). We also spent a day in Bandung. I wanted to make sure they got to see the more cultural and rural side of Indonesia, which makes up most of the area outside of Jakarta. We spent a lot of the day in the car, but it was worth it for the volcano, shopping at the factory outlets, and seeing the famous Angklung show -- it was just as great as the first time I saw it! 

The night before they left, we were all invited to dinner by the couple in Kemang who Emily knew. We went to a new steak and ribs place that Chris and I had been eyeing for awhile. Unfortunately, Chris had so much work that he had to stay home (Sunday night), but I made sure to bring him home some good food! We had a great time talking with this couple, and we (Chris and I) actually know quite a few of the same people around Jakarta (through our school and church friends).  We got a group picture, but not on my camera :( I'd love to have a copy to post here. . . hopefully it turns up on facebook soon :)

That night out to dinner was blustery, and the three of us were MORE than happy to sport our "matching" (northface, patagonia, columbia) rain jackets! 

I was pretty sad to see them go. Although I worked part of the time they were here, it still felt like a mini vacation for me. Since moving to Indonesia, I've also found that I have an automatic connection with anyone who is or has lived internationally. It changes you. Your perspective. Your passions. Your  urge to travel any and everywhere. Your faith. And even your palette. In case you're wondering, it HAS been changing Chris' ;)  It was so refreshing and encouraging to hear their perspectives on life in Laos, and how they've found joy in so many ways, despite conditions always being ideal. They've only been there six months, and they have some great language skills! I'm so jealous. My Bahasa Indonesian can't match their Laotian. But then again, we do have a TGI Friday's within walking distance, and live in one of the biggest expat communities here. . . Indonesian hasn't really been crucial for us to learn.  Anyways. . . these girls are great, and I'm so thankful they were able to stay with us! We're definitely planning for our trip to Laos next year!!!