Tuesday, 26 September 2006 @ 12:03pm.
Recent happenings:
* Ramadan (Muslim fasting month) started on Sunday. Life and work slows down dramatically. Most folks are exhausted by late afternoon. I have heard that it takes about a week for people to get used to the change in eating schedules and types of food. For more information about Ramadan, particularly in the Jakarta and expat context, please click here.
* Suddenly found out that my survey questions cannot go out until November or so (i.e., after Ramadan is over), meaning that I now have to go through the process of trying to extend my visa. Wish me luck with the long and expensive process!
* Went to Chili’s Restaurant for a treat yesterday evening. Had a fresh house salad and cream of mushroom soup. Food poisoning likely. Not a happy camper.
* Have been helping Achenese student applications for Master’s programs in the U.S. It’s really great that there are fellowship opportunities available to help future leaders learn valuable skills that will help rebuild post-tsunami Aceh.
* Demonstrating students have yet to return to protest at the Freedom Institute.
* Congratulations to family and friends scattered across the U.S. and Australia who have celebrated birthdays, had anniversaries, recently gotten married, are pregnant, had babies, moved to new cities, and/or changed careers. 
Such big good news all in a short time period!
