Two weeks

One difference the last two weeks has to do with driving. It is this: I now drive my family to church myself on Sundays. When we first got here, another member of my church who also works at the consulate came and drove us to church. My wife and I both remember him saying that it really isn't too difficult and we would learn how to get there pretty quickly. We thought he was a little nuts for saying that since it seemed to us like traffic was going everywhere and we turned a hundred times. Then we hired a driver to take us for a few weeks. We got used to it but only after assuring my family that I really know the way and having them ride with me driving on a few shorter drives did they consent to letting me do it. Well, so far we have made it safely there and back two weeks in a row. I plan on taking us every week unless there is some unforeseen problem. I like this arrangement much better anyway for a variety of reasons. One is that I was having some issues with feeling a bit restricted, lacking freedom to go where I want to go. This arrangement helps me feel better about that. Another reason I like this better is that I really did not like the idea of paying someone to work taking us to church if I could avoid it. (Didn't quite sit well with my sense of keeping the Sabbath day holy, except that it really was necessary for a while and so very justified.) Another is that in our branch the total number of cars driven by members to the church building each week is like 3 or 4, including us, and we may have been the only ones with a driver. I just felt a little out of place, more than I already am, having someone drive me when some can't even afford public transportation to church. I feel like some distance has been closed since I drive my own family now.
Whew, that was long. Anyway, now you know what I think about when I don't have anything else to think about!

The last 2 weeks I have been able to watch "The Amazing Race" on television, and "The Amazing Race: Asia!" I don't know why I like that show, but it makes me feel good.
The last 2 weeks my mom has called me on my Google number. The first of my family to do it, and I have been there to answer. Thanks, Mom.

Not me, but this is batik

There have been school fairs and parties at homes of co-workers the last 2 weekends. We spent a lot of time outside, eating different things, talking, and we also got to see fireworks and I bought a Batik shirt!
For work we had inspectors for one of the two weeks. They come every five years or so and make a lot of good suggestions that we are processing still. I am starting to get used to my new workplace and the routines there and hopefully getting a handle on all there is to do. A new consulate is being built, which will be an interesting change, if I am still here when it's done. I got to see the progress this week and it will be nice for a lot of different reasons.
That's probably enough. There is more, which is why I shouldn't skip a week in the future. What will the next 2 weeks bring?