the "City"

As Rachel Dennis wrote describing the city of Jakarta:

"This city is just as westernized as all of the cities we've visited so far - Starbucks, Burger Kings, and mall abound.  English is everywhere, on billboards and buses, and it seems like every third or fourth person can speak it.  There's a TV in the house we're staying in, usually turned on in the background, and shows like How I Met You Mother, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Glee come on everyday.

On the flip side, all of the sidewalks seem to tilt sideways and have potholes, the locals stare at us more than they have anywhere else so far and call us 'bule' (the Indonesian equivalent of 'gringo' in South America and 'faraang' in Thailand, AKA foreigner), and all the rivers or streams we cross on bridges are grey and reek with the garbage that lines their banks.  Kids still swim in them, though."
                    -Rachel Dennis (Rachel Dennis Visual Media)

I would like to add that the amount of polution spouting from the mufflers of cars, motorcycles and tuc tuc's mixed in with the ever-lingering cigarette smoke create a thick smog in the city, making even the simple task of breathing a laboursome effort, especially for a runner like me.

I read in the Bible this morning: (Hebrews 11:10. Speaking of Abraham)

"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

I also look forward to that perfect city, don't you?

That city will have the cleanest air to breathe.

In the mean time, I plan on helping out the individuals in Jakarta who's innocent lungs need fresher air.

Meet some cute kids.

David Graham and I taught them some swimming lessons.