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Thursday, January 26, 2017

37 Years!


Today marks 37 years since Kie and I were married, a special event we have planned to quietly celebrate together.

Our second night in Indonesia (24 hours after we first met) was spent travelling from Jakarta to Surabaya in a first class coach on an overnight train named, Mutiara. Seated directly behind us was Kie's father, no doubt keeping a watchful eye on us.

Whether by train, car, aircraft, boat or just simply walking, we have journeyed through life together.

Over the years we have travelled across Canada by train... so a few train-related images seem appropriate today. 


Kie on the go - riding a GO Train actually.


Watching the world go by as well as the years. We had this car to ourselves.


A few scenes...


Summer 1981 in North Hatley on Lake Massawippi


Somewhere in the wilds of New Hampshire... but our visit wasn't for long.


An autumn visit in Milan, Quebec.


Kie, Kimberly and Kiera at Sarampus Falls in Maine.


An avid K-drama fan... pointing out the Korean.


Kie holding Audrey... in her favourite role as Grandma


Minutes away from Kimberly's wedding


A few minutes on the station platform during a brief stop at Melville, Saskatchewan.


A walk in the woods.




Instriku tercinta, terima kasih!

Kie, thank you for choosing me to make this wonderful journey through life with you.


Deo gratias




The Oddblock Station Agent





Wednesday, January 18, 2017

God was our Matchmaker


37 Years!

Kie and I were two individuals on opposite sides of the world who had no connection whatsoever and we should never have been able to discover and meet each other. Nonetheless by the astonishing grace of God, and in spite of what seemed to be impossible, we did meet and marry.

37 years ago this date, Kie and I were married in the government office in Malang, West Java, Indonesia. Of course our life-changing detail has been mentioned before in other postings, however, we are still together and here to celebrate another year since that wonderful event.

In a departure from the  usual, I have chosen to add images from other dates rather than January 18, 1980.


January 26, 1980, in Surabaya, Indonesia

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the Lord."
Proverbs 18:22


The outside temperature that rainy season afternoon/evening was in the 30's and even warmer inside; humidity was like a sauna. Our crowded wedding reception venue in Surabaya was not air conditioned, and yes, we were as warm as we appeared in the photo.

The following four images were recorded a little more than five years later on June 15, 1985, during the photo session immediately after my sister's wedding ceremony. Kie was one of the bride's maids.

Uncle Rod's home backs on to Riviere des Prairies in Pierrefonds and the beautifully landscaped back yard lent itself well for wedding pictures.


June 15, 1985, saw Kie and me in Uncle Rod's back yard

"A good wife, who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
Proverbs 31:10-12


Kie, beautiful as always.

Although not right away, following Kie's arrival in Canada our family saw a few changes when we welcomed the first of the new generation. 


Kimberly was the flower girl


David accompanied the flower girl

Time does indeed pass relentlessly and surprisingly quickly too. Kimberly and David are both married and have their own families.


"A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever."
Ecclesiastes 1:4

"There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be a remembrance of later things yet to happen among those who come after.
Ecclesiastes 1:11


These words are true also; nonetheless, important dates in our lives should be remembered with gratitude and joyfully celebrated while we are here. 

Deo Gratias


The Oddblock Station Agent