Toothpaste Ponderings

The other day I looked at my nearly-empty tube of toothpaste and started to have toothpaste ponderings. I thought to myself, “There is nothing like using a new tube of toothpaste.” Slowly, you pull the tube out of the box. It is heavy, firm and full, so full no more can be forced in. As you take off the cap, you see how the opening of the tube is perfectly clean; the lid will go back on effortlessly, no need to wipe off the ‘extra’ that always manages to clump up on an old tube. Preparing your toothbrush is pure bliss because no matter where you squeeze the tube, the toothpaste will come out and no one can get upset if you don’t squeeze from the end of the tube. It is that feeling of a fresh start, and maybe even an opportunity to test out a new brand and flavour. With a new tube of toothpaste you don’t have to worry about when your almost-empty tube will finally run out, you just happily brush your teeth day and night.

But, as the months go by, the inevitable happens. Your tube begins to slim down. You may even put your handy little slidey thing on that forces the toothpaste towards the opening. You curl up the end, and squeeze the tube in all ways, shapes, and forms. Each day you wonder, “Is this the day my toothpaste will run out?” Part of you wants to prolong the challenge of using as much of the toothpaste as possible, while the other part just wants it to end so that the satisfaction of finishing a tube can arrive, followed by the excitement of experiencing ‘new tube bliss.’ However, like all things, you will have to bid farewell to that old tube and toss it in the trash. You may take notes on how you liked the flavour, the freshness, and how well it lathered in your mouth so that next time you can bring your tooth brushing experiences to the max. Or, like me, you may just go to the store and buy the tube that is on sale. After all, brushing your teeth, although intriguing at times, is just another one of those things we do every day and rarely take the time to think about. How many people actually think about brushing their teeth when they are brushing their teeth? I, for one, usually think about my tasks for the day or say a prayer, until the other day I looked at my nearly-empty tube of toothpaste and started to have toothpaste ponderings…

Snap Shots

Hanging out with criters at the 'pet stores' in block M




S'mores over gas flame




My orchid in full bloom




Canadian Thanksgiving




The trans-Jakarta busway

October Days

Reports have come, and they have gone. Retreat has come, and it has gone. And soon October will be gone too, which is why I am adding a blog post! Life in Indonesia is great, as always. The other day I got really excited because I could see a volcano/mountian from my apartment for the first time. The smog usually blocks out any interesting scenery. Hopefully the coming rainy season will clear the skies and provid more opportunities for me to remember that I am not just in some city somewhere. I honestly sometimes forget that I am in Indonesia. Going back and forth to school and to church on the weekends has become such a normal thing, and all the culture is normal too. A few weekends ago, when I was on a spiritual retreat in the mountains with my students, I was reminded of the different aspects of Indonesia and that there are places here that are not always hot and stinky. It was a refreshing break.

Recently, I have been studying poetry with my students. I gave them an assingment to write a poem about themselves: things they are good at or things that they enjoy. They asked me to write a poem to give them inspiration and a better idea of what to do. So I did. It took me an hour, but this past week, when I should have been sleeping, I wrote the poem below. I actually enjoyed writing for myself again and I must say, I could even write another one sometime soon. And here I thought that only music and painting could give me an artistic outlet.


Poem about Me

Twenty sit before me, yearning to discover;
Within each are unique talents—perhaps concealed gifts—
Growing, waiting, and anticipating their chance
To be revealed to the world and revolutionize it.

Here I stand, faced with the same challenge.
Some days are tedious and taxing,
Others are humorous and joyful.
But who I am on this stage is only half the story.

On another stage, I escape reality.
I am old, poor, menacing, or goofy.
Memorizing, practicing, speaking,
And creating the existence of someone else.

Not only this, but the lyrics and tunes of songs,
Both unknown and universal, dance across my soul
and out of my mouth—the instrument of choice—for
the choir, wedding, or bubbles on my shower wall.

For just a moment, I am the greatest musician.
Static and heat course through my fingers;
Though, justice is not served in my attempts
At the scales, notes, and melodies of Mozart or Bach.

With inspiration comes craving to create.
My competitor: Da Vinci, my subject: nature.
The water, flowers, and leaves held captive in oil
Are my greatest joy and simultaneously my greatest discontent

Achievement is instantaneous with the feeling of victory:
a 3-point swish, an un-diggable spike, a skilful goal.
When sweat, cheers, and teammates take their leave,
All that is left are memories and fatigued muscles.


But, the wild scent of raw earth and the sensation of open air
On a mountain summit or ocean shoreline, will never disappoint.
It stirs a feeling of awe deep within,
For none of this was unintended.

Life is more than a game, drama or a song,
And I am more than an artist, explorer, and teacher.
I am the child of an incredible designer,
Whose gifts and talents, none can contend with.

Flawlessness will never be achieved,
But perfection is not what he desires;
Rather, worship and thankfulness.
For he has made me:

Michaela