The title, translated literally, is “How to use a latrine/outhouse”. These posters were designed for use in schools because both the boy and the girl wear the public school uniform: white shirt and black or blue pants/skirt.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the whole process are steps 3-5, where one must balance carefully without letting clothes or hands touch the (usually) wet, dirty floor. Practice squatting with feet flat on the ground and you’ll begin to get an idea. Those wearing pants would do well to follow this young boy’s example of scrunching pants near the knees to keep them from falling. Finally, note that water is used instead of toilet paper (see #5 for details).

I must note that the toilets I use on a daily basis are rather boring western-style toilets.

tags: howto, squatty potty, asian toilet

I am honored that the person who got offered the job is a good friend and one whom is highly qualified: Sharon Bemis, with whom I went to Hungary and who graduated last year from Calvin. Send her an email if you know her.

And for me, I simply ask for your prayers: for wisdom, for peace, and for comfort.

And that is good.

It is good to be home once again, everyone all together for –perhaps– the last time of our college years. Little has changed, it seems, compared to any other homecoming of the past four years. My house is the same. My church has not changed one bit, and the people seem to be exactly where they were a year ago. My neighborhood looks the same. Even the streets of Santo Domingo have not changed one bit in the past year. It’s comforting, in a sense, and also just plain normal. To be honest, I’m the sort of person who sees more beauty in the ordinary than in the extraordinary. This ordinary homecoming brings tears to my eyes.

On Sunday night we sat in our backyard under shadows of stars and Christmas lights on the yard wall, cradling glasses of red wine and rocking in the chairs we’ve owned for more than twenty years. A light mist cooled our faces in the sultry, humid air, which smelled like the color green. We talked for hours about life–this night, my life: Laos, Romania, post-college… As usual, my family listened carefully, asked probing questions, interjected with their own stories and opinions, and offered pretty wise advice. It was probably the most helpful conversation I’ve had yet about this whole Program HOPE! thing. Other than an increasing inclination toward the Laos position, I also felt a sense of peace when someone reminded me that this is not the biggest decision of my life. 2 1/2 years will pass quickly, and both positions (should I be offered the Romania one) fit me well. I can’t go wrong, and I believe God is with me no matter what.

Feel free to link to my personal blog from your sites, if you wish. Maybe I’ll get more traffic that way. I’ve unlisted that site from all major search engines, so it won’t show up even if you link to it.

On Friday night I went to Brunks’ Cabin (Goshen College) just north of the Indiana-Michigan state line. 30 MKs (missionary kids) and TCKs (third culture kids) from Calvin and Goshen spent the night together. We had a lot of fun: dinner, games, a bonfire, smores, boating on the lake, staying up late, a chai chat, more games, breakfast, cleaning, and more boating. And I got to see my dear sister Sarah. Yay! I also got to know a lot of young first year students whom I would not otherwise have met.

On Sunday we 2005 Koinonians had lunch at Andrea’s house. Her parents are always so hospitable, and cook the greatest Greek food. We took a great picture in the yard outside her house:

Sarah and Grace and I took a lovely Sunday stroll through Heritage Hill and my neighborhood. Probably the last really perfect fall day… it was so worth it!
I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such extraordinary friends.

Coolest thing about this conference? The OpenSpace way it is run: we decide what, when, and how we want to talk about stuff. The only guiding question: What does the world need to know about your theological exploration of vocation?

I’ve gone to conversations like:
is thinking about vocation a luxury? What about those who can’t (injustice) or are unable (disability)?
how can we come together? Ecumenism rocks!

My housemate Elly labelled The Perishers as “Swedish emo”, which I thought was right on. They gave away free samplers with a few live songs – a brilliant marketing move, if you ask me.

I guess my big mistake of the night was breaking rule #2 of Calvin concert-going: make prior arrangements to go with someone; never go alone. Thankfully, Elly gave me a ride there and back, but I would have really liked to be with some friends. It’s kinda lonely during the intermissions when there’s no one to talk to.

On another note, I’m excited that my sister Sarah is in GR for a few days, staying at my house. I love being with her!

For one, I enjoy my new job as Dr. Bert Polman’s (chair of the Music Department) research assistant. The work may not be glamorous (mostly video editing and conference planning) but I enjoy the challenge and the freedom.

I love my classes:

Persuasion and Propaganda – a lecture-based class with Dr. Bytwerk, whom I enjoy just as much as last semester.
Gender and Communication – a discussion-based course with Dr. Groenendyk. The readings about gender roles and stereotypes and parenting are fascinating.
Popular Music Criticism – my current favorite. Dr. Smit at his best, leading a high-level seminar course with lots of music and discussion in a classroom of brilliant people.
New Testament Greek – challenging but interesting.
Basic Conducting – difficult for me, given my lack of formal musical training, but I’m getting better.

Things I’m excited about:

Sarah is coming for her fall break
Rest
The Harambee house
Going to Indianapolis next weekend for the Lilly Vocation retreat
Interviewing with CRWRC