The break provided me with an opportunity to go to Indonesia for the first time. My mother is Javanese with a good dash of Dutch and Chinese mixed in. It was a surreal and spiritual experience to go somewhere I have never been before and for it to feel so familiar. The food, the smells, even some of the language was like home. I spent a great deal of time in the pool, praying in different temples and wandering through markets. 

Sadly, on our return we found out that my father in law was gravely ill and he passed away last Sunday. 

When I think about the last 10 days, I am awestruck by the breadth of emotions I have felt. Joy, wonder, peace, sadness, and grief. Having been exposed to people whose lives are so vastly different from ours, in Bali and also in the hospital with patients with no one to visit, I am grateful. 

Grateful for my country, my family and for my father-in-law who showed me what it means to love. For his keen ability to find a good bakery in a small country town, his discernment of the best vanilla slice and his passion for Collingwood and most of all the love for his grandchildren. For without all of these things my life would not be as rich and privileged as it is.

I hope you are able to cherish and spend time with the older generations in your families. Please keep mine in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.

God bless,