Berry's Abroad no-longer

After 4 big years, smothered with countless memories, we have decided to return to Adelaide! We’ve a plan to arrive late June, when our school year ends, & we’re already dreading the chill of its’ winter. Four years of 32 degrees each day, means that we’ll be reaching back for our jackets, cracking out the crockpot, and readying ourselves for Adelaide traffic - all 30 minutes of it ;)

We’ve worked out that we do have what it takes to cut the mustard overseas; and we’ve certainly triumphed past the growing pains of culture shock. We’ve learnt to embrace this differing way of life, and learnt that different is O.K! 

So why are we returning?! Simply put, we need to return to “recalibrate”. This will look like a little bit of study, a little bit of work, and a little bit of time, before packing our bags to do it all again somewhere else in the world. Nath plans to be chasing full time teaching work, & I plan to be chasing Nahla full time ;) with the slight possibility of part-time teaching.

So we go on from Jak-City - having moved 8th times in our married life - & look forward to bringing the Indonesian pieces of life (& furniture) back with us. We are excited to move in to our house in Glandore, & Nahla looks forward to discovering her Australian roots.

I want to end and state this : We’ve loved our time here in Jakarta! We are not leaving here because we haven't. We love living overseas enough that we hope to do it again in the future. We are sad to leave what we’ve built here but know that the difference its made will move on with us. You may have not noticed but I’ve deliberately steered away from writing the statement that we are returning home. Because we believe we are home …. we've always been home ... because home is where ever we are!

Here's a glimpse of it ...

Thanks for listening. Thanks for caring.

Nomes x

A new friend

Meet Kat.

Kathlyn Dunn Jansen.

We came to know of Kat through my sisters’ friends’ housemate who had asked that we connect with her due to geographical closeness. Kat presently lives in Indonesia, but unfortunately, not in Jakarta. Instead, Kat resides amongst the turquoise bays and luscious trees of Lombok. To those of you who know this place, will certainly agree that visually, its land is beautiful. But if you ask Kat – ‘beautiful’ is not what she knows of the place, and those turquoise bays are certainly not what she sees.

 

Kat lives in ‘Lapas Mataram’ which in an easier language means ‘Lombok Prison’. She has done so for the past 3 years, and has been living out her “life” sentence surrounded by secure walls and tight boundaries. Her real home is in South Africa in which she was born, and where she had her beautiful young daughter who still lives there today. And it is with desperate hope and humble prayers that one day, she will be returned to these roots.

 

What Kat did to get there is not the point of this blog. The point of this blog is to share a small part of her story. A story that is certainly not defined by what she did or did not do. But a story that says we all stuff up; we’re all forgiven sinners; and we are certainly not meant to be reminded of our wrong-doing day in and day out.

 

What life in prison looks like for Kat is a testimony to how strong she is, and how far she’s come. What a life sentence appears to mean is beyond my ability to accurately explain. What I do know, is she is hoping for some proper legal support in order to reclaim her initial prosecution of 20 years. This would see her one day leave Indonesia, and provide a glimmer of hope as she rides out her days.

 

On Monday the October 12^th, Nath left us holidaying in Bali to go meet with her during visitation hours. He was able to sit with her; laugh with her; hear her story; and gift her with practical necessities from people she knows, and ones she doesn’t.

 

During this time, Kat shared her struggles & her hopes. Her life journey and her spiritual faith. Her joys, her sorrows and her ways of life and living. They were then inadvertently joined by three radical Jesus-loving, supporters-of-Kat, who surprised her with healthy hearty food, and a bad rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. For little did we know, that it was on this day, three years prior (thus her third birthday) - Kat was arrested. We were silently shocked with this timing and the prisoners were silently shocked with the songs ;)

 

 

I share this story for two reasons. One to bring awareness about our far-away friend who would love nothing more than for you to remember her in your prayers. Praying prayers for strength. Prayers for hope.  Prayers for perseverance. Prayers for joy. Prayers that can keep her spirits high; and prayers than firmly squash down the opposition.

 

The second reason I write this is to acknowledge you Kat, who I know is reading this. And to remind you that you are worth my time writing and others reading. What is so beautiful about Jesus is He loved you before the world began. He loves you despite knowing where you’d end up. You are his precious child - and despite what you’ve done - He is so pleased with you!

 

Lastly, I leave you with a verse that brings this whole blog into perspective. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus commands us to care for the ‘…the least of these” – for the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned – He says what you do for them, you do for me. We never went looking for Kathlyn but we sure are glad that we found her.

 

So if you are ever visiting Lombok for a holiday please let us know and you can drop in on our friend Kathlyn. It might just be the highlight of your trip.

Thanks for reading.

Nomes

Welcoming summer holidays, friends and family!

Due to it being freeeeeeezing cold back home, we happily opted to spend our 7 week long summer holiday in the Indonesian warmth .... and welcomed good friends and family to join us.

Our friends – Ben, Megan and little-Timmy – were here first.

 

 

We braved Jakarta’s infamous traffic, and “drifted” patiently through this city, showcasing some of what this place has to offer.

 

 

 

It was also a high point witnessing our tiny additions build their young friendship. Whilst Tim was on foot and Nahla still on knee, her admiration for his good looks and maturity was clearly seen over the dinner table. She continues to enjoy a green pea and chunk of mango in remembrance of him ;)

 

We then flew to Bali with the Cheney-fam, soaked in the sunshine-filled holiday-vibe; before waving them goodbye and welcoming the next set of guests. The Meinels, Naths big-sis and her family-team, ventured across the ocean to meet us in Bali.

 

A large holiday-in-the-making saw them visit Bali, Jakarta and Singapore with A WHOLE LOT in between. It was a non-stop / fun-filled / trip-of-a-lifetime for that tribe. I thought I’d let little Kiana Meinels’ fancy photography tell just SOME of their story.

 

 

Whilst we still have some holiday weeks in front of us, we have genuinely enjoyed having these homeland visitors come and strangely connect our two worlds. We so appreciated you coming, and embracing this life, and our living.

Until next time, stay warm (those of you who live down under)!

Nomes  

xx

Special occasions!

I realise it is completely selfish of me to force this display of my world onto you – so if you have very little time in your life, go wash the dishes now!

But if you’re still with me (or wish to procrastinate) - I will add, this is not really about me. Instead, it’s about my big-sis & her hunky hubby, who recently said ‘I do’. And about a little 8 month old third culture child, who unbeknown to her, received an early first birthday (a consequence of being a third culture child).

So special-sexy-Sare, & grand-gorgeous-George – my sincere congratulations! This was your moment, and we loved witnessing you declaring that it’s actually not about the day, but about your love in marriage. What a gift it is to you and to us. Let us reminisce ...

And for my preciously innocent Mae-Mae, who is not yet one. Your far-away family wanted to celebrate their love and your life.  So this ... was your moment!  May you enjoy these pictures in years to come.

For George, Sarah & Nahla - may social media forever publish my thoughts for you on these special occasions.  

Much love to all you three, from me.

xx

   

NaMissy!

Sorry but its been awhile since I was here. The truth is, I haven’t known what to write about that could possible be worthy of your time reading my blog. The thought of Nahlas 6 month milestones, & our new & cute residence did cross my mind once or twice. I then thought about joining the cooking bloggers in showing you some of my latest and greatest kitchen-wins. But I started to ponder about what I really wanted to share - & I came up with this.

Meet NaMissy ... a forging young friendship that I watch over, ponder on and laugh at, throughout the course of my day. Firstly, let me comment on this image, one that received quite a lot of interest. If you think that this was carefully sculpted & timely captured, think again. Watch on ... (scuse the blur factor)

 

So calm. So chilled.

These two furry tops do not exactly ooze intellectual stimulation or conversation during this at-home stage of mine. But what they do bring, is a pure innocence & stress-less vibe to my surrounding, that says “Let’s focus on right now” - & for this present tired body & brain of mine - it’s been a beautiful thing!

I thought at first, the older furry one would be a nuisance & simply put, an extra chore. But her new day-time-security-job means she spends her days "busy" laying, sitting and being walked all over by a little 8kg helmet-head who loves nothing more than to suck fervently on the TV remote control.

Although the days are numbered where the IQ level of these two remains somewhat similar, the pleasure of these two companions continues to calm and medicate my soul; & teaches me that love is a universal language for all creatures great and small.

Lastly, a shout out goes to another hairy head who is mostly responsible for this relaxed and doll-like version of Missy in which allows her to do her job. This one I speak of wakes up with the alarm of seagulls every morning at 5am (literally the alarm type is named ‘seaside’) to walk, tire out & ultimately love on our four-legged family member. If it weren’t for him, this friendship might not be as well formed. Thanks husband & pack-leader Nath ;)

Nomes xo 

P.s. I do apologise if reading this was not worthy of your time.  

Its the small things

Last time I was here - this blog space printed words of anixety and despair ... whilst waiting for the news regarding my dear Mum. But I'm now here to turn those words upside down with a prognosis that says heres the best case scenario - my mummas cancer has not spread!

Although still a journey of successful surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and, at times, emotional agitation - her scenario is as bright as can be. Still, we continue to grip onto Jesus whilst in humility we say thanks.

I am still yet to hug my Mum who presently still waits and resides in Adelaide. Tomorrow we will hear the doctors orders of therapy and we hope this will suggest that she starts in a few weeks which can see her return to Jakarta to tie up a few loose ends.

But as I look back over these days that have shaken up my world & twisted my perspective - I am left with a few sharing thoughts.

During the week in which I was waiting to hear of what was to be of my Mum - a simple sentence was playing in my head. It's the small things that will fill your heart with joy. The little pleasures. The simple miracles. The silent whisper of God that says "I'm here. Cling onto me". But I didn't find this joy whilst trying on the latest, branded pair of jeans; or in that oversized metalic lantern that I so desperately wanted to sit in my house.

But instead, I heard His silent and calming whisper through the feel of Nahlas chest raise for breath, whilst sleeping deep on my chest.

Through the freshness and smell of some newly bunched flowers.

And in the smile of these precious little people, that presently live in Jakartas largest dump site (thats a blog for another time)

It was small ways like these that I felt God hug me; and illustrate that He loves, He's there and He cares what I'm going through.

Despite getting good news from the doctors relating to my Mums prognosis, I have been trying to hold onto these humble and personal thoughts that reminds me that God often shows up in the small things - in the "small" King David; & in the "small" food trough that little Jesus once lay. It's these small things that reminds me how big He is.

In conclusion - I want to thank you for your prayers, thoughts, messages and emails. We are genuinely grateful & appreciate that you care.

See you on here again soon,

Nomes x

Fighting a battle we did not choose

It is with a desperately heavy heart, I write these words – My precious Mum has cancer. Her 16 year ago breast cancer has reared its ugly head again, & on finding out last Friday evening - we are now all fighting a battle that we did not choose.   

I’ve been anxiously grappling with the idea to write this blog – knowing that by writing these words, my grief in this moment will accelerate by somehow making this reality real. But I choose to share this news in order to gather my thoughts, inform those I know and love, & encourage friends near and far to collaborate & pray for my dearest mum.

My Dad has left today to go be with her in Adelaide where she will undergo various tests and scans this week to determine a prognosis. My sisters remain there presently & are looking after her so beautifully. And although my heart is sick with longing to be with them and with her - it is calming knowing she is so well loved and gently cared for.

At this point, in my thought process I am struggling to mentally manage anything that goes beyond an ‘over 1cm’ localised lump in her breast. We are desperately hoping for only this and talking to Jesus about a full and complete healing through surgery and treatment. But also the battle exists in enabling my thought-box to engage in a conversation with the Holy Spirit that is much louder than the conversation with the opposition (a word from Nath). Please pray this for us all.

We will know all detail this Friday after scans ... So the test comes as we humbly wait and try to work on our trust muscle whilst petitioning to our all-encompassing, all-powerful God who created all things & loves us more than the mind can fathom.

I wanna end by sharing with you a song that has continued to speak volumes to me. The title and lyrics reminds me that in allowing these battles to occur .... He still remains ever present .... And not only that - He takes the ruins of our lives, and makes them beautiful!

Love Naomi

Please note: If the above link did not work - see it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkUuA0IBE3k

One month on

Today our newest Nahla Mae turns one month old. O happy day of birth!

I’m all too aware of the fact that sometimes baby milestones and photos can mean more to the people sending them through, than the people receiving. But Nath did promise you this particular update, so for those who care, here she is.

 

So this little person of ours seems to be doing all the normal things – that is, drinking plenty, crying much, excreting hourly, & keeping her Mummy & Daddy tired! But we are enormously grateful to be a family all in one piece; and as we slowly learn and patiently transition into this new life – we remain completely overjoyed by this gift of life.

With a speedy three and a half hour entrance into this world, we were just so chuffed to meet her. So as the 27th day of the month rolls around again, we look beyond to the many more of these to come.

Welcome to our world little Nahla Mae! We love you.

xo

A note of thanks!

Hello friends and family in blog land! This is Nath.

It has been an eventful few months of which we will probably never experience again. It has included our family spending large chunks of time a part; moving house; giving birth to a new baby in a city we were visiting; and of course the usual craziness of what happens in Asia!

Nomes left Jakarta and ventured back to Adelaide just before school finished. This was due to airline regulations about flying pregnant. She flew out heavily pregnant from the beautiful Indonesian climate straight back into a cold Adelaide winter. We were supported by a number of people during our time in Adelaide. The support of these folk was crucial in allowing us to cope - & to give birth.

Many people helped us during this time and we are truly grateful. So, we would like to take the time to thank a few individually by name, for their geneorosity.

Thank you firstly to Bec and Hamilton for their constant support, their tasty meals, and for housing Nomes when she first arrived back.

Thank you to Sarah for allowing Nomes and I to stay in your place both whilst you were away, and also briefly whilst you were there.

Thank you to Ben and Megan for giving us your house during the last week of pregnancy. You purposely went on a holiday to avail your house to us during this tricky phase of the pregnancy journey. This was incredibly generous and thoughtful of you. Which to people who know you well, doesn’t come as a surprise!

To Neil and Lea - thank you for allowing us to float in and out of your house as we needed to. Your flexibility with us was much appreciated and your willingness to work around us, post baby, was incredibly helpful.

And to Nick and Robyn, who are and have been a constant support to us near and far.

We also really needed to be able to move around the city on our return and three key groups of people came to our rescue with their generous gift of a car.

This thanks goes firstly to Sarah for allowing us to use your little sky blue bug whilst you were away. Sam and Matt - your little black Mazda was vitally important to us coping with an otherwise tricky time. And finally to Bec Secombe’s mum Susan. Your white station wagon was a God send towards the end of our time in Adelaide. It competently drove us to the hospital in the later stages of labour, and was the car that brought our little one home from hospital again.

We won’t lie to you – this time has been tough - especially being in a place that we have come from, but  presently do not consider home. However, the people mentioned above made a rather difficult time, more easier; so to these greatly generous guys, we are truly thankful!

To brighten up this space, I’ll end with a sneak preview of our next blog.

Please be introduced to our Nahla Mae Berry.

Happy ten years!

Tomorrow on the tenth day of July, Nath and I celebrate ten years of marriage - TEN SOLID YEARS! That may seem long to some, & short to others. To me .. I deem it worthy of this blog.

I'm not writing in this space to espouse all my wordy marital wisdom as if I have we've got it all sorted and there's nothing left to learn. In fact, it's quite the opposite. But if there's one thing I know, it's that this specific date is not worth remembering due to my ivory dress or the pretty bonbonnieres. It's more so a proud personal celebration because of the seasons of joy, and moments of sadness and madness we've ventured through together, hand in hand. It's about the gradual, continuous journey that we are on, trying (unsuccessfully at times) to put each other first as we slowly become more like Him.

So, I'm purposely avoiding showing you captures of my straight-ironed fringe and pretty pointy shoes that walked me down the aisle. Instead, here is a glimpse of moments of our life and living together .... since the day we said "I do".

Happy ten years to my precious friend and my greatest earthly treasure. To my God for this man, I say thank you!

Love Nomes xo

Oh baby Oh baby!!

So we’re havin a baby! 30+ years of living and nearly ten years of marriage ... we thought it was about time! 

I am presently 26 weeks ... so well over half way. Of course we feel especially thrilled at the prospect of our very first baby-Berry - but, in all honesty, I'm finding this pregnancy thing not a whole lot of fun. I feel this body of mine now has a mind of its own. It grows in any direction it wants; frowns at usually-consumed foods; and decides to cry, laugh or anger itself at a drop of a hat. Anyone would think it has been taken over by someone else ;)

For Nath, well up until recently, it’s been business as usual. He found it slightly difficult to appreciate what was going on in my bod - except to suggest, at one point, that maybe (just maybe) the ‘morning sickness’ affair was a part of a “world wide female’ conspiracy”! However, after realising that the tummy fluttering and stirring was not solely a bad case of diarrhoea .... he was able to 'feel' a little more connected to the wriggling one.   

In recent days, we’ve seen our little person moving and grooving on the Doc’s scanning screen, showing up a four-dimensional smile, hiccup and yawn.  Needless to say, the expecting father's interest reached a new height at this point, and we were delivered the unforseen news that this little berry-baby is in fact a pink one.

So, for those who care and want to know more - we’ve a plan to come home to Oz to birth this little bub. I’ll be flying back early June; driving out this baby late July; and hopefully returning to Jak-city, all babied-up, a few weeks later. Nath has to dash off to start his new role at a slightly different school early August, so we’re sincerely praying that my genes are nothing to go by, and this baby delivers within good time.

I apologise to those who have been fervently requesting baby bump pics. I feel I should send one through due to being an overseas dweller ... so here it is ... all “glowing” and growing:

Thanks for those who have supported and shown interest close and far. We look forward to telling you more about our bubbling Berry baby in weeks and months to come.

Bye for now,

Nomes xo 

The sequel tale of the many helpers

It was only a matter of time before the prequel deserved a sequel. If you’re not familiar with the original comical hunt for a helper, you should go ahead and visit this blog. 

 

It was certainly an unexpected story that took us on a very memorable adventure. In last review of this tale, I concluded with Tri - who, at the time, seemed quite the catch.  But this sequel would not be necessary if there wasn’t forthcoming detail worthy to be shared. So, I funnily enough feel the urge to present to you the sequential tale that continues to lead us on in this incessant and treacherous fight for a home-helper!

Here it is.

Helper No 4: Tri. I think I described her as “ ... the young yet capable”. She certainly hung around for a while - a while defined in this context as 8 or so months. She was a passionate lass who was eager to learn from us clay faces. But then one fateful evening, the lasagne fiasco changed everything! Her desire to learn more about western food teamed her up with Mums-helper Sumi, who taught her through written and practical note, the art of lasagna making and baking. We watched the exchange of information from a distance and noted a particularly casual approach to learning coming from Tri. We were convinced that she had not paid attention; however, she confidently declared she was ready to cook the layering master piece for us. Let’s just say the meat-mince was significantly missing the tomato based sauce, and therefore becoming burnt beefy-gravel in addition to the blackened crispy pasta sheets. Nath managed to somewhat rescue the endevour but Tri’s confidence plummeted. So on one eventful morning, Tri declared herself incapacitated and practically bed ridden from a “minor” cold. This then lead to urgent attention involving a must-needed trip home to her nursing mother which in helper-code means a one way trip with no return. So we despondently waved her good bye, and moved ourselves on!

Helper No 5: Shella. She came to us through a friend of a friend of a friend. After marrying her man, she was looking for daily work; and although not fond of wet-nosed-black-furry-pugs, she accepted the 5 day a week job with us. With experience and age as her backbone, she presently still works for us. Coming and going at her leisure, Shella gets the job done! Her efficiency has earned our respect and we are content and appreciative to her for her skillful work ethic. But although this story takes us to the present day, there are still helpers along the track who are surely still worth a mention.  So let’s wind it back a bit.

Helper No. 6: Fera. Fera came to us through a neighbouring helper who delights in nothing more than to walk and dress her white woolly poodle in shoes and frilly dresses (I kid you not). Having asked her if she knew someone, she declared she did ... and on the arrival of Fera, we felt delighted. She was not just a dog-walking lover, she was also a self-proclaimed ‘Christian’ who requested Sunday nights off to go to church. However, this is where it became complicated. Fera went from new kid on the block to the talk of town in one short week. From flirting with the security guards resulting in lewd rumours around the district; to cat-fighting with her friends on the street - and an unexplained husband announcement and disappearance - we thought things should come to an end. So after two weeks, they did! The decision was mutual.

Helper No. 7: Jenny. Jenny who had an unexplained Indonesian name was pleasant enough. She rocked up at our door step declaring (between giggles) that she was going to run away from her current employee simply because she wanted to learn English. We were not quite sure what to make of it so we offered for her to come again for a more formal chat. I’d like to suggest at this point, after such a long helper-hunting-journey, you start to work out straight away if someone is right for the job ... and we just knew ... she wasn’t right for the job.

So, now we’re back to the transient Shella who happily keeps the house sparkling; the clothes crisply ironed; and our watermelon freshly cut. She was a part of training up these girls whilst working for our neighbouring American friends; and was humble and happy to return in between failed helpers. And still, with a few helpers still knockin at the door, we’ve decided to wait until we move into the big smoke next year to find a “more practiced” helper who is the right fit for us. 

Although this adventure has seen my Indonesian language pushed to new limits, we continue to enjoy the good work of Shella during the week, but on the weekend, we appreciate the reliable influence of Sumi (Mum’s trusty helper). With a high skill set in cooking, baking and English speaking – Sumi’s determination sees her juggle full time work and study in tourism. We are great admirers of this.

Shella

Sumi

It’s funny how far emotionally this journey has taken me. I used to take it all too personal when things helper-related just didn’t work out. But now, I just smile, laugh, and sketch it down in the memo for the next instalment of the tale of the helpers!!!

Thanks for listening.

Nomes