https://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/11/04/a-year-in-numbers/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/365logo-1024x1024.jpg365logo-1024x10242026-03-22T23:40:45+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/06/16/goodbye-mzs/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_9368.jpgIMG_9368wrie2026-02-17T23:59:42+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/31/singapore/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2-copy-5.jpgSingapore Harbor from the flyerA view of the harbor and ocean from the top.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2-copy-2.jpgWatching the Singapore FlyerChris and the girls waiting in the breezeway.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-21-e1764813588482.jpgAlly and mom selfieI was a little hesitant to get on the Singapore Flyer because I'm afraid of heights, but my little thrill-seeker kept me grounded.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2-copy-8.jpgSingapore from top of FlyerA view of Singapore from the top.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2-copy-6.jpgSingpore from FlyerAnother picture of Singapore behind the massive beams and cables.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2-copy.jpgSingapore Flyer beams and cablesA view of Singapore behind the massive beams and cables that hold the ferris wheel together.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2-copy-7.jpgSingapore Flyer from groundA view of the Singapore Flyer from the street below. I loved including parts of beams and cables in the pictures - they really added to the beauty and 2025-12-04T02:02:56+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/11/23/lost-in-translation-part-iv/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_71741.jpgIMG_7174Ahttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_7176.jpgIMG_7176Ahttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_7171.jpgIMG_7171Ahttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_7169.jpgIMG_7169A2025-12-04T01:39:51+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2017/06/17/once-upon-a-time/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/t.pngthttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fb_img_1508884022212-1-e1569982399804.jpgTembagapuraTembagapua nestled in the Irian Jaya Mountain Range. Photo courtesy of sinarpapua.comhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/the-end.jpegthe-endhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pngmedium-the-end-91898-e1565389971985.pngPngMedium-The-End-91898https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/end-tag-lettering-calligraphy-inscription-text-87964383.jpgend-tag-lettering-calligraphy-inscription-text-879643832025-12-04T01:35:39+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2024/08/21/yesterday-and-today/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/girls-rv1-1.jpggirls rv1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/girls-rv1.jpggirls rv1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/girls-1.jpggirlshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/girls.jpggirlshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_kylee_rose-20231230-1-1.jpgthumbnail_Kylee_Rose-20231230-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_kylee_rose-20231230-1.jpgthumbnail_Kylee_Rose-20231230-12024-10-30T15:20:28+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/07/mt-zaagkam-international-school-mzis/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_08292.jpgGirls boarding busAlly and Kylee boarding the monster school bus.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_0828.jpgMZIS BusAn MZIS school bus coming around the corner to pick-up the students at the bus stop.2020-06-15T01:48:41+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/05/we-made-it/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/hk-airport.jpghk airportThe girls taking a nap in the Hong Kong Airport lounge. 2020-06-15T01:47:12+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/01/mi-171/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo2.jpgBoarding 1st chopperJust about there.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo1.jpgBoarding first chopperThe girls walking towards the chopper.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo.jpgfunny chopper signOne of many Airfast ads; they crack me up!2020-06-15T01:45:43+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/06/fish-spa/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0891.jpgKylee at fish spaLittle nibblers enjoying Kylee's toes. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0890.jpgAlly at fish spaLittle nibblers enjoying Ally's toes. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_0943.jpgAlly and Kylee at Fish spaKylee and Ally enjoying the fish spa treatment.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/fishspa.jpgfishspaFish Spa2020-06-15T01:44:41+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/09/borneo/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/image-2.jpgBorneo orangutan in treeThis is a baby orangutan. She will leave her mom after 6 years. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/image.jpgAlly next to orangutan in BorneoThis orangutan, fortunately, didn't grab me, but she took some lady's camera and spanked one of my friends on the butt. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/105_1744.jpgAlly's baby turtleThis is the turtle that I released into the ocean. I named it Patent Pending. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/105_1746.jpgAlly's turtle after being releasedPatent Pending walking towards the ocean. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/p1010159.jpgKlotoksThese are klotoks (traditional wooden river boats). These are not the boats that we stayed on, but they looked just like them. My teacher took this picture from our boat. We stayed on our boats for three days and two nights. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/105_1618.jpgBorneo mealThe food was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It was made and eaten on the boats. We probably ate 3 whole watermelons every day (look at the way they cut them into arrow shapes)!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/p10101591.jpgKulutuksKlutuks These are just like the boats that we floated the river on. We even ate and slept on these boats. 2020-06-15T01:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/27/dear-santa-a-lump-of-coal-would-have-been-better-love-kylee/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-5.jpgTembag hospital - sideThis is a picturehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-6.jpgKylee in hospitalChristmas Day!2020-06-15T01:41:34+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/02/05/1978/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-3.jpgKylee and friendsKylee and her friends running around the neighborhood, footloose and fancy-free.2020-06-15T01:39:21+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/02/10/birthday-tepung/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-copy-version-21.jpgAlly after tepungAlly after the Birthday Tepung.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-e1391996583418.jpgbowls of flourBowls of flour (tepung) used to assault Ally.2020-06-15T01:38:23+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/02/28/two-little-monkeys/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_0886.jpgTwo Little MonkeysMy two little jungle monkeys enjoying a short walk around the property of the Rimba Resort in Timika.2020-06-15T01:36:30+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/04/03/a-tari-kipas-princess/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1182.jpgTari Kipas KyleeMy Tari Kipas Princess! I love the way she is holding her hands in this picture. The funny thing about it is that she's naturally (and successfully) hiding a piece of pizza crust between her hands.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1171.jpgTari Kipas Kylee with teacher and paigeKylee with her Tari Kipas instructor and one of her best friends, Paige. 2020-06-15T01:35:23+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/04/28/nusa-dua-bali/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0933.jpgKylee and mom on elephanthttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1762.jpgGirls on beach in BaliRelaxing on the beach by the hotel. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0907.jpgWalk through monkey forestA little trail that took us down to the river. Not very many monkeys hang out down here; they like it up top where all the people with the bananas are. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1498.jpgMonkey forest templehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1494.jpgMonkey on a monkey statuehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1492.jpgMonkey forest templehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1488.jpgMonkey on Chrishttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-51.jpgphoto-5https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1468.jpgMonkey on Allyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1780.jpgFlying fish2020-06-15T01:15:59+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/05/23/bali-green-camp/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/picture1.pngBalinese Martial ArtsA group picture of the MZIS students (Ally is in the middle back, wearing a green T-shirt). This picture was taken after they completed a course on Balinese Martial Arts.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p10101211.jpgAlly and Summer SurfingAlly and her friend, Summer, catching a small wave.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/photo-5-copy-5.jpgBali Green Camp housingThis is one of the yurts where the students slept. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/photo-5-copy-4.jpgBali Green Camp bowls and spoonThese are the bowls and spoons (in the basket) that the students made out to eat their meals.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/photo-5-copy-2.jpgAlly climbing coconut treeClimbing the tree was a lot harder than it looked, but doing it barefoot made it a little easier.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/photo-5-copy.jpgRice paddies in BaliThis is Ally's favorite picture of the rice paddies that they explored. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/photo-51.jpgAlly gearing up for coconut tree climbGearing up to climb a coconut tree.2020-06-15T01:15:00+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/04/25/ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-vietnam/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1390-copy1.jpgSaigon Streethttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_1334-copy1.jpgChris holding coconut vendor equipmentCoconut vendors are everywhere in the streets of Saigon. On a hot day, a fresh coconut with a brightly colored bendy straw is always a welcoming treat (especially for kids). The vendors use a lot of trickery to sell their product, so tourists need to be careful. This vender's modus operandi was encouraging tourists to feel how heavy his apparatus is. Before we knew it, he had pulled out his machete and, at lightning speed, had the coconuts in the girls' hands. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-3-copy1.jpgChris buying his first durianChris finally found, and, thoroughly enjoyed, a fresh durian! https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/nva-tank.jpgVietnamese tanks (classic pic)Photo by Vietnam News Agency REUTERShttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-5.jpgcrowded saigon streetA typical sidewalk in downtown Saigon.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-4-copy.jpgEating lunch at Behn Thanh MarketWithin minutes of entering Behn Thanh Market (a landmark of Saigon that sells everything from fresh fruit to textiles) we were aggressively guided to this stall for lunch. Chris wasn't too fond of sitting on a child-sized stool, with his knees up to his chest, and eating within shoulder reach of another tourist, but it was hard to resist the experience.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0811.jpgVietcong traphttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0860.jpgIMG_0860https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0873.jpgVietnamese sailboatThe Indochina Junk. An Indonesian sailboat used for dinner cruises. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_0719.jpgSaigon DomainThis is the "luxury living residence" (hotel) where we stayed. It included three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and an incredibly spacious living room/dining room. The room cost the same as a Holiday Inn in the US. Cheap! 2020-06-15T01:12:14+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/06/26/geology-101/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/photo-12-copy.jpgWater tank being filledhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/photo-12.jpgLandslide - Ally walkingBy the time Ally and I got up, most of the roads had been cleared off. All that remained on this road was a wet, muddy mess.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/photo-2.jpgWarer buckets being filledTown management employees filling our containers with water.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/photo-1.jpgChris and Ally waiting for waterChris and Ally waiting to have our containers filled with water. 2020-06-15T01:11:16+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/08/11/winter-break/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_2385-copy.jpgBalinese Princesses2020-06-15T01:10:15+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/09/07/one-of-these-things/2020-06-15T01:08:57+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/09/25/72-hours-in-china/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2600.jpgIMG_2600Ally and Kylee standing on the Great Wall of China. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-14-copy-4.jpgphoto-14 copy 4Shopping in the street markets. This is where the girls practiced their bargaining skills and bought most of their treasures.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-14-copy-3.jpgphoto-14 copy 3These are live scorpions on a stick. I have a video of this scene that I will post when we go off site (the internet connection is too slow to do it here). As soon as the girls saw them, they had to try them! They are grilled and salted. In all honesty, they are pretty good! https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-14-copy.jpgphoto-14 copyKylee taking a bite of her skewered scorpions. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-14.jpgphoto-14Tinenman Squarehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-13.jpgphoto-13Our tour included lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant. Located in a small village, the menu is influenced by the availability of local crops and animals. The predominant ingredient on the restaurant’s menu is donkey. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-13-copy-4.jpgphoto-13 copy 4The girls were able to meet Hui-Min Yang, the farmer who unearthed pottery fragments that led to the discovery of the Terracotta Soldiers. In 1974, he and two other farmers were drilling for wells when they made the historical discovery. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-13-copy-3.jpgphoto-13 copy 3The Great Wall of China was built more than 2000 years ago, during the Qin dynasty (221-207BC). It is a fragmented series of fortifications that spans across the northern borders of China. It took hundreds of thousands of workers, and ten years, to build the structure. We visited the Mutianyu section of the wall. It is known for its spectacular views and Ming-dynasty era watchtowers. This part of the wall has been, and continues to be, rebuilt, but it is still an "engineering triumph." https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-13-copy-2.jpgphoto-13 copy 2Shopping in the marketshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-13-copy.jpgphoto-13 copyAfter lunch, we went to a spa for (much needed) foot massages and reflexology treatments. The girls enjoyed the "cupping" portion of the treatment the most.2020-06-15T01:07:59+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/10/28/thailand/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/photo-19-copy.jpgphoto-19 copyThis is the packaging from bubble swords that the girls bought in China. I'm glad the toys can't eat because I didn't want to return to jobsite with pets.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_2908.jpgIMG_2908The girls and I enjoying a different view.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_2954.jpgIMG_2954Poo poo paper drying in the sun. After several hours, the paper is pulled off the screen and stacked. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_3130.jpgIMG_3130Pnvimanhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_24641.jpgIMG_2464Ally with tigerhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_3170.jpgIMG_3170Ally flyinghttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_3007.jpgIMG_3007Kylee with tigerhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_3162.jpgIMG_3162Flying Squirrelshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_3047.jpgIMG_3047Chris with tigerhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_2998.jpgIMG_2998Kylee with tribe2020-06-15T01:06:56+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/12/25/meri-kirhimete/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-19.jpgphoto-19pichttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/images1.jpegimages2020-06-15T01:05:55+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/01/04/queenstown-new-zealand-2/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/yellow-flowers1.jpgyellow flowersA view of Queenstown from a pass leading into Skippers Canyon.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_2711-fergburger.jpgIMG_2711 FergburgerKylee contemplating another bite of her giant burger. She had probably only taken two or three bites when she started feeling full. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_2460-alpine-slide.jpgIMG_2460 Alpine SlideAlly looking forward to another trip down the alpine slide.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3478-alpine-slide.jpgIMG_3478 Alpine SlideThis is a picture of Chris going down the alpine slide. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/biking.jpgbikingAlly biking along the lake trail near our hotel.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/hiking.jpghikingAlly found Gandalf's staff near the lake and used it to lean on during our the walk.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/frodo.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe four of us dressed in wet suits, fleece jackets (Kylee and me), life jackets, and neoprene booties. The scene from the Fellowship of the Ring was shot here.  It is the scene where Arwin helps Frodo cross the river to  https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/beautiful.jpgbeautifulpichttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/hobbit1.jpghobbitpichttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/pc230073.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERApic2020-06-15T00:55:52+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/01/17/7693-miles-from-home-the-movie/2020-06-15T00:55:01+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/02/04/visa-run/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2.pngphoto-2Kylee trying to locate a frog that jumped from her hand to her chest.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3901-2.jpgIMG_3901 (2)Ally standing in front of the gardens' Super Trees.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3006-2.jpgIMG_3006-2Sometimes we see and experience strange things during our travels. While we were in Little India, we ate lunch at a little restaurant called the Jungle Tandoor. At first sight, it reminded us of the Rainforest Cafe. After a closer look, we started to realize that the Singaporean Indians don't seem to be in touch with their ancestral roots. Our first clue should have been when we passed through the front doors, which were flanked by Native Americans. Inside, the dining room was scattered with animals from the rainforest (including monkeys, elephants, toucans, and lizards). Then, we noticed polar bears, dinosaurs, bald eagles, and seagulls mixed in with the grouping. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3007.jpgIMG_3007The street that leads to Little India. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_2997.jpgIMG_2997An ornate Hindu temple in Little India.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3994-copy.jpgIMG_3994 copyThe Singapore Flyer (on the left) and the Super Trees (on the right). https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3972-copy.jpgIMG_3972 copyThe Super Trees at the Gardens at the Bay at dusk.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3905-copy.jpgIMG_3905 copyThe Super Trees during daylight.2020-06-15T00:53:58+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/03/08/extended-middle-school-trip/2020-06-15T00:53:00+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/04/26/new-caledonia/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4172.jpgIMG_4172Kylee has a cute habit of holding her pointer finger up and saying, "Jus' sec", if she needs to pause. We found her patron saint in the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church (built in 1860 by French prisoners). https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4153.jpgIMG_4153nataiwatchhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4255.jpgIMG_4255Kyleehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4224.jpgIMG_4224looking for fishhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_3458.jpgIMG_3458girlshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4155.jpgIMG_4155escargothttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_3444.jpgIMG_3444Where there's a tree, there will be two girls.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_3569.jpgIMG_3569Selfiehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4081.jpgIMG_4081Posing for a picture in a sea-water river.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_4259.jpgIMG_42592020-06-15T00:52:10+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/05/16/flight-ga652/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/images.jpegimageshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6097.jpgIMG_6097Pichttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6095.jpgIMG_6095The girls and their instructors applying sunscreen before heading into the ocean.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6091.jpgIMG_6091The girls and their instructors walking down the beach.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6114.jpgIMG_61142020-06-15T00:51:05+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/06/02/komoro-art-and-culture-program/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0058.jpgDSC_0058The five states of eating a tombelo: Stage 1 - Picking up a live tomebelo and accepting the dare of eating it. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0059.jpgDSC_0059Stage 2 - Felling the excitement of the moment!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0060.jpgDSC_0060Stage 3 - Taking a good look at the wiggling tombelo and having some serious second thoughts.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0020.jpgDSC_0020https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0062.jpgDSC_0062Stage 5 - Getting it in your mouth and down your throat as quickly as possible. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/20150514_131914.jpg20150514_131914https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ef80a1dsc_0061.jpgDSC_0061Stage 4 - Getting it close to your mouth and letting it wiggle on your lips. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0044.jpgDSC_0044https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0020-copy.jpgDSC_0020 copyA Komoro tribesman teaching Kylee how to carve wood. Kylee carved a casssowary (a large, mean, flightless bird native to Papua) on her board.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/dsc_0051.jpgDSC_00512020-06-15T00:50:09+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/06/20/6-kilometers-underground/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3899-copy.jpgIMG_3899 copyAlly standing in front of Chris's parked vehicle. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3903-copy.jpgIMG_3903 copywritehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3908-copy.jpgIMG_3908 copyAlly standing near the loader after it stopped and parked.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3919-copy.jpgIMG_3919 copyAnother picture of Ally near the loader.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3920-copy.jpgIMG_3920 copyWritehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3923-copy.jpgIMG_3923 copyBefore they went underground, they had to check in using a tracking system, so the mine rescue team knew to look for them if there was an emergency. Ally was relieved when she checked out after the tour.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3927-copy.jpgIMG_3927 copyA picture that Ally took of the underground portholes from Chris's office.2020-06-15T00:45:06+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/07/27/home-2/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4241.jpgIMG_4241Ally and her cousin, Katelyn, playing on Grandpa Dave's tractor. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4075.jpgIMG_4075Arriving in L.A. after a twelve-hour flight from Hong Kong. The flight left Hong Kong just before midnight on Sunday night and arrived in L.A. on Sunday night around 9:30PM. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4180.jpgIMG_4180Kylee was sick the entire time we were in Salt Lake City, visiting her Aunt Jen and Uncle Chris. Fortunately, Chris and Ally were able to spend time with them. This is a picture of Chris, her sister, Jen, and Ally going down the alpine slide in Park City.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_7241-2.jpgIMG_7241-2Kylee and Ally with their cousin, Katelyn.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_0005.jpgIMG_0005Chris, Kylee, Alex, and Chris's sister, Wendy, waiting to begin their Tower of Terror ride.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4948-copy.jpgIMG_4948 copyOne of the highlights of our trip home was riding horses in the foothills of the Rockies. My Aunt Shellee, and two of her girls, Kari and Brandi, organized a day of horseback riding, ATV riding, and a Dutch Oven lunch (bliss times two) at their ranch in Mountain View (aptly and perfectly named by the community's stunning views of the Rocky Mountains). https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4961-copy.jpgIMG_4961 copyAlly getting on her horse, with the help of kari's daughter,https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4964-copy.jpgIMG_4964 copyKylee on her horse.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_4985-copy.jpgIMG_4985 copyMy mom, aunt, cousins, sister-in-law, and me starting our ride. I am the one https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/img_5001-copy.jpgIMG_5001 copyCowgirls2020-06-15T00:44:21+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/08/16/the-great-barrier-reef/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_62891.jpgIMG_6289Ally and Kylee walking towards the drop. To watch a video of them, visit our sister site, 4693milesfromhomethehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_4487.jpgIMG_4487Mossmanhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_4504.jpgIMG_4504Mossmanhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_4553-1.jpgIMG_4553 (1)Lunch in https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_4529-2.jpgIMG_4529 (2)Mossmanhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_5064.jpgIMG_5064Girlshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_5070.jpgIMG_5070https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p1400626.jpgP1400626Reefhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p1400629.jpgP1400629Spirehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p1400636.jpgP1400636Kylee above the spire2020-06-15T00:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/10/28/psych/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/makassar20airport.jpgMakassar%20AirportThe large crowd of Freepoert employees (and a few family members) waiting to leave Makassar. Gate 6 will always be the most memorable airport gate of our time in Indonesia!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7054.jpgIMG_7054Ally and Kylee, physically tired and emotionally exhausted from the chaos in Makassar. In this picture, they are grabbing a few weeks on the floor of the Makassar airport while waiting for the shuttle to pick us up.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7067.jpgIMG_7067Gate 6 at the Makassar airport; a place where we spent way too much time.2020-06-15T00:42:27+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/12/25/a-simple-christmas/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/thumbnail_0ae2b3da86434151b1cbef7c699df786.jpgthumbnail_0ae2b3da86434151b1cbef7c699df786The girls enjoying a perfect Christmas Day in the rainforest.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/thumbnail_img_5582-1.jpgthumbnail_img_5582Chris helped the girls tie up their Christmas hammocks in the river behind our house. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/thumbnail_img_5582.jpgthumbnail_img_5582https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_5324.jpgIMG_5324Two security guards and a Fairy Godmother. They followed her to the ladies bathroom (where she spent 30 minutes) and then on to her gate. As far as we know, she boarded her plane. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_7048.jpgIMG_7048The Bali Lightshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/fullsizerender-2.jpgFullSizeRender-2Sydney's Fairy Godmother went through the security line directly in front of us. By the time she was on the escalator, which led to the gate, she had two security guards tracking her wings. As far as we know, she boarded her flight. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/xian-gate.jpegXian Gatewritehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ms-arrives-in-bali-fashion-craze-ensues.jpgMS Arrives in Bali Fashion Craze EnsuesA quick shot of the group just after landing in Bali, ready to get a taste of that snow.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sshot-allys-lecture.jpgSShot Ally's Lecturewritehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_7145-snowman.jpgIMG_7145 Snowmanwrite2020-06-15T00:41:30+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/11/07/october-break/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4958.jpgIMG_4958Even in poor lighting, you can see the fear, apprehension, and shock in Chris's eyes. We just kept our fingers crossed, hoping to not run in any kind of mechanical problems that would cause us to land in Tehran. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_6120.jpgIMG_6120bhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_6023.jpgIMG_6023mhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_5974.jpgIMG_5974Templehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_6913.jpgIMG_6913chariothttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_6289.jpgIMG_6289nhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_6013.jpgIMG_6013vhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_6270.jpgIMG_6270vhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_5977.jpgIMG_5977nhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_62921.jpgIMG_6292as2020-06-15T00:39:12+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/11/27/a-middle-school-field-trip/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20151127_0550531.jpg20151127_055053The students and teachers are wearing brand new shirts (made of Papuan batik) that will be worn during school field trips and special events. The group arrived in Bali earlier today. They will take a red-eye flight to Beijing later tonight, and continue on to Xi'an tomorrow morning.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20151127_055053.jpg20151127_055053Allyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20151127_055219-2.jpg20151127_055219-2Ally2020-06-15T00:38:17+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/12/28/were-on-vacation-9/2020-06-15T00:37:06+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/01/25/stardom/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fullsizerender-2.jpgFullSizeRender-2Timika2020-06-15T00:36:14+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/03/06/the-best-of/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/25886037.gif25886037Of all things, the Doha Airport sells giant tubs of Tang. I would have bought one, but they were too big for my already full luggage.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1466-3.jpgIMG_1466-3Ally and I went with Stormy, one of our favorite people from jobsite, to Benjamin Browns for milkshakes. This was Ally's over-the-top, milkshake - the Old School. Stormy had the Nutella Banana milkshake and I had the Strawberry Shortcake milkshake.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/fullsizerender-3.jpgFullSizeRender-3Stormyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1530.jpgIMG_1530A gas station restaurant along the Pacific Highway, somewhere between Port Stephens and Coffs Harbor. Ally emphatically carried around the leftover portion of her hamburger for more than 24-hours before it was, finally, thrown away.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_6030.jpgIMG_6030https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_4436.jpgIMG_4436Tpoilethttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0427.jpgIMG_0427Beijinghttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/fullsizerender-2-copy-2.jpgFullSizeRender-2 copy 2Beachhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/fullsizerender-2-copy.jpgFullSizeRender-2 copyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_7427.jpgIMG_7427Tree2020-06-15T00:35:32+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/03/22/im-on-an-indonesian-whoa-oh-radio/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_07451.jpgIMG_0745captionhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0745.jpgIMG_0745https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ally20rs-1.pngAlly%20RS-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_8044.jpgIMG_8044captionhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ally20rs.pngAlly%20RShttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_06241.jpgIMG_0624caption https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0661.jpgIMG_0661Ally's sweet voice was heard all over Timika earlier this afternoon by local residents who had their radios tuned to 102FM, Radio Publik Mimika. She and the other MZS middle-school students recorded a special production for young Indonesian children about friendship and music. It was presented in their native language, Bahasa Indonesia.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0670.jpgIMG_0670caption https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0624.jpgIMG_06242020-06-15T00:34:51+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/04/19/namibia/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_2567.jpgIMG_2567Our family with Martin. We spent a lot of time with him in the air and on the ground. We really enjoyed his company and affable personality! He was truly missed from the moment we departed at Eros Airport. Even today, out of the blue, one of the girls will say, "I miss Martin!" https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fullsizerender-33.jpgFullSizeRender-3We, also, flew above Cape Cross Seal Colony, where more than 300,000 seals live.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_8350.jpgIMG_8350The camel throne trees are approximately 900 years old. The weather was too dry for them to decompose, so they became petrified. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_8321.jpgIMG_8321Our shadows on Deadvlei.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_8322.jpgIMG_8322A picture taken on Big Momma's highest peak. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/namibrand-hodgson-700x460.jpgNamibRand-Hodgson-700x460With no light pollution, the reserve offers some of the best stargazing on the planet. In a deep, vast pool of utter darkness, an endless display of stars, and the ethereal light of the Milky Way, shine brightly above Namibia’s unforgiving land. (Observing the Milky Way at Namib Nature Reserve. Photo by Matthew Hodgson. http://www.alpha-lyrae.co.uk).https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_84101.jpgIMG_8410Kylee is a little daredevil on the quads! When the riding gets a little too slow for her, she's learned to slow down and then go "balls to the wall" until she catches back up to the group. Riding behind her, I caught on to her antics quite quickly! https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_8410.jpgIMG_8410https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_8198.jpgIMG_8198After landing on the landing strip (which Chris and the girls are standing on), we climbed in to the Range Rovers that were waiting for us, and watched Fabien take off. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_8593.pngIMG_8593Kylee flying the airplane!2020-06-15T00:34:09+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/06/06/grasberg/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_000920-20glaciers1.jpgDCIM100MEDIADJI_0009.JPGDCIM100MEDIADJI_0009.JPGhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_84871.jpgIMG_8487Another view of the EESS subsidence zone. The talus slope at center right used to be a ridge ascending from the peak on the left.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_0007_moment2.jpgDJI_0007_Moment(2)This sign was the inspiration for the name of our blog!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_000920-20glaciers.jpgDCIM100MEDIADJI_0009.JPGThe yellow arrows are pointing to the last two equterial glaciers in the world. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_9154.jpgIMG_9154pithttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_0009.jpgDCIM100MEDIADJI_0009.JPGDCIM100MEDIADJI_0009.JPGhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_0007_moment6.jpgDJI_0007_Moment(6)???????https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_0007_moment5.jpgDJI_0007_Moment(5)pichttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/dji_0015_moment2.jpgDJI_0015_Moment(2)pichttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_8541.jpgIMG_8541pic2020-06-15T00:33:22+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/06/27/selamat-tinggal-tembagapura/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_8409.jpgIMG_8409https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_8348.jpgIMG_8348clouds and misthttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_3765.jpgIMG_3765misthttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_1785.jpgIMG_1785msithttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_5592.jpgIMG_5592riverhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fullsizerender-3-copy.jpgFullSizeRender-3 copycheesecakehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_7978.jpgIMG_7978gado-gadohttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_8789.jpgIMG_8789hockeyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_8934.jpgIMG_8934misthttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_9321.jpgIMG_9321Iconic Tembag2020-06-15T00:32:05+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/07/13/the-wild-west/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fullsizerender-4.jpgFullSizeRender-4Ally and Kylee enjoying an evening swim after three exhausting days of unpacking (and playing volleyball). https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_9961-2.jpgIMG_9961-2Even a snake in the driveway welcomed us https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fullsizerender-3-copy-2.jpgFullSizeRender-3 copy 2Spike, barbes, everywhere!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_9894.jpgIMG_9894Kylee and Ally enjoying the pool.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_9891.jpgIMG_9891Unbelievable sunsets!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_9803.jpgIMG_9803Moving day was July 6th and 7th. Our personal belongings, which were packed in crates and stored at a local storage facility, were delivered and unpacked. It was better than Christmas going through our boxes and unpacking things that we had forgotten about. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_9619.jpgIMG_9619We arrived in Phoenix on July 1st. The temperature while driving from the airport to our house was a steamy 113F!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_9580.jpgIMG_9580Our very first stop after arriving in Phoenix was Taco Bell! It's Kylee's favorite restaurant.2020-06-15T00:31:34+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2017/06/08/repatriation/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/flag-e1565286717746.pngflagImage courtesy of https://imanuelkristianto.wordpress.com/2020-05-31T18:47:36+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/19/the-king-of-fruit/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/0000474_450.jpg0000474_450https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/durian-1.jpgdurianhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/durian.jpgdurianOn average, durians are the size of footballs. The soft, creamy fruit center is protected by a hard, thick, spiky shell. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/images-2.jpegNo durianhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/images.jpegdurian2019-01-13T02:02:07+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/24/shit-happens/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo3.jpgCivet CoffeeChris's cup of coffee.2019-01-13T01:36:55+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/06/10/pogapa-village/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3867.jpgIMG_3867Johnhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_3866.jpgIMG_3866This group of men, from a neighboring village, watched the plane arrive, but kept their distance. They were dressed in tribal paint, wore headdresses, and carried bows, arrows, and spears. I was hoping to get a better picture of them, but they ran off before I could. Narelle took this picture before they ran off.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/unknown-3.jpegUnknown-3https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/unknown-2.jpegUnknown-2This group of men, from a neighboring village, watched the plane arrive, but kept their distance. They were dressed in tribal paint, wore headdresses, and carried bows, arrows, and spears. I was hoping to get a better picture of them, but they ran off before I could. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6381.jpgIMG_6381Two https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6457.jpgIMG_6457I was already boarded and ready to go, but everyone else was still taking pictures and saying good-bye. I was anxious about getting out of the village because I had to go to Jakarta the next day to have pages added to our passports before our trip home. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6335.jpgIMG_6335When the rocks were thoroughly heated, a group of men and women used split sticks to move them over to the pit.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_4630.jpgIMG_4630View from John's veranda.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_4622.jpgIMG_4622A Moni woman setting out lettuce and cucumbers for us to look at and buy.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_6329-copy.jpgIMG_6329 copyPeople from all over the village lined up on both sides of the runway to welcome us to their home.2021-10-04T02:19:54+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/02/16/rain-rain-go-away/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_6645.jpgIMG_6645writehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_6633.jpgIMG_6633write2019-01-11T15:44:27+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/10/24/100-things-to-do-in-makassar/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/20151023_172849-2.jpg20151023_172849-2The City of Makassar2019-01-11T15:33:57+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/11/19/banti-village-2/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-181.jpgphoto-14 copy 18Boys sitting on a rock wall.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-52.jpgphoto-14 copy 5walk along riverhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-111.jpgphoto-14 copy 11bridgehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-41.jpgphoto-14 copy 4A group of Papuan kids playing with a toy helicopter.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-101.jpgphoto-14 copy 10up hillhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-161.jpgphoto-14 copy 16school kids waitinghttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-31.jpgphoto-14 copy 3roadside markethttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-91.jpgphoto-14 copy 9family in househttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-26.jpgphoto-14 copy 2housinghttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-81.jpgphoto-14 copy 8woman with pig2019-01-11T15:05:21+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/03/27/dhl-8829298273/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-52.jpgDHL box in truckhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-5-copy-2.jpgDehumidifier with pot lidsOne box down and thirteen more to go (as soon as they get here). 2019-01-11T14:47:20+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/02/22/tembagapura/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-31.jpgTembag hospital - frontThis is a picture of the Tembagapura Hospital (front view). Its directly across the street from Kops. When Kylee was in the hospital, her room was the third window from the left .https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-3.jpgHV1021AThis is a picture of our house, HV1021-A.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-3-copy.jpgHV coffee shop and parkThis building is a 3-minute walk from our house. It houses a little grocery store, a coffee shop, an exercise center, a post office, and a security office. The girls enjoy meeting their friends at the coffee shop for a Coke and French fries after a long day of school.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/kops.jpgKopsThis is my favorite restaurant, Khttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sportshall.jpgSportshallThis is thehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/hidden-valley.jpgHidden valleyThis is a picture of our neighborhood, Hidden Valley. It's often lost in the clouds, hence, its name.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/papuan-hangout1.jpgpapuan hangoutThis is a picture ofhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tembag.jpgtembagThis is a great overview of Tembagapura. It looks like it was taken https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/familyshopping.jpgFamilyshoppingThis is a picture of the busiest building in town. It's referred to as "Family Shopping." This building houses the Hero grocery store, a very small department store, and a craft store. It, also, houses a post office, two banks, a coffee shop, a drug store, and a beauty salon. Family shopping is flanked by the library and athletic center on one side, and a large community center/auditorium on the side. This is also the bus station. You can see one of the town busses parked under the hangover. The building on the right is a barrack for single employees. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/chrissoffice.jpgchris'sofficeThis is a picture of Chris's office building. Even though it's located in town, his responsibilities take him from the rim of the open pit mine (14,500 feet above sea level) to the bowels of the underground mine (6-7 miles inside the mountain), and everywhere in-between.2019-01-11T14:43:36+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/10/02/address-clarification/2019-01-11T14:17:38+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/07/31/reason-for-this-blog/2019-01-11T14:13:44+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/07/25/an-australian-road-trip/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/koala-ally.jpgAlly Cuddling KoalaAlly cuddling a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/koala-kylee-copy.jpgKylee cuddling KoalaKylee cuddling a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-1.jpgAlly and Kangaroo SelfieSelfie (with a kangaroo)!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_1499-copy.jpgCoff's HarbourCoffs Harbor.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_2204-copy.jpgChris and girls hiking in NoosaChris and the girls hiking in Noosa Heads National Forest. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_2002-copy.jpgKylee and kangaroosKylee hanging out with a couple of kangaroos.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_1537.jpgWriting notes on beach on Byron Bay.Writing messages on the beach at Byron Bay.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_1477-copy.jpgQuad Biking - Kylee and KristeQuad biking in Port Stephens. Kylee and Ally were over the moon on this excursion because they were able to drive their own quads. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_2184-copy.jpgSunrise at Noosa HeadsA sunrise in Noosa Heads.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-13-copy-7.jpgAssess, not AssesWhat's not to love about being directed to stop, look, and think about asses while at work? If you still don't get it, read it again slowly - a single s makes the difference between asses and assess.2019-01-11T04:35:58+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/05/09/best-ever-banana-bread-honestly/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bananabread_0034.jpgbananabread_00342019-01-11T04:18:58+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/04/01/my-final-post/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/april-fool-day-for-desktop.jpgGotcha! April Fools Day!!2019-01-11T04:02:25+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/03/23/a-tribal-war/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/attachment-1.jpegTribe with bows and arrows2019-01-11T03:50:33+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/03/15/kitas/2019-01-11T03:41:30+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/17/duck-duck-brats/2019-01-11T02:05:37+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/23/math-bee-champ/2019-01-11T01:35:41+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/16/sundays-in-the-rainforest/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-91.jpgPicture from Sunday walkA picture that we took during today's walk.2019-01-11T01:00:27+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/23/back-in-the-drivers-seat-on-the-wrong-side/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jalan-heat-tembagapura.jpgjalan-heat-tembagapuraPTFI's H.E.A.T road. Photo courtesy of twimg.com.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo2.jpgChris in the driver's seat.Chris back in the driver's seat!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo1.jpgToyota Troop CarrierChris's Toyota Troop Carrierhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jalan-heat-grasberg.jpgFreeport's HEAT (Heavy Equipment Access Trail) Road PTFI's H.E.A.T. Road 2019-01-11T00:27:48+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/16/borneo-or-bust/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_0863-e1384586329584.jpgAlly walking to Borneo busThe students walking out of Family Shopping to board the bus.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_0860-e1384586536184.jpgBorneo group photoTembagapura's middle school students and their teachers, Ms. Karen and Mr. James. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_0853-e1384586623614.jpgAlly getting ready for BorneoAlly and her friends, waiting for the armored bus that took them to the airport in the lowlands.2019-01-10T23:57:48+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/18/bananas-and-stars/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_0013-copy.jpgkylee in treehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_0008-copy.jpgally in treehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-copy-21.jpgMini Indonesian bananasIndonesian Bananas Each banana is about 2" long (the length of an adult thumb)!2019-01-10T23:53:40+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/12/mail/2019-01-10T23:17:01+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/11/10/the-good-the-bad-and-the-smelly/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_1345-1.jpgMuddy bath foot printsKylee's muddy toe prints AFTER a shower.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-copy.jpgAnsel Adams2019-01-10T23:13:18+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/10/31/terima-kasih/2019-01-10T20:33:30+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/10/13/itinerary-phoenix-to-tembagapura/2019-01-10T20:29:59+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/09/29/hv-1021a/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-2.jpgriver and bridgehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-1.jpgRiver behind HV1021AThe river that runs behind the back fence.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo.jpgHV1021AHV-1021A2019-01-10T20:18:18+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/09/14/finally-a-deployment-date/2019-01-10T20:15:14+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/24/29400-beng-bengs/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo.jpgbeng-bengIn my opinion, beng-bengs taste similar to a Mr. Big (a Canadian chocolate bar). Ally and Kylee think they taste similar to Girls Scout Samoas cookies. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-copy.jpgshelves of beng-bengsThis photo only shows five of the six shelving units. I couldn't back up enough to capture all six units.2018-09-08T16:48:58+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/06/juice-boxes-and-machetes/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-9.jpgBus Stop across from houseThe (unoccupied) bus stop. The dark, curved line in the grass behind the bus stop is the path that the Papuans use to leave and enter the rainforest. 2018-08-15T22:08:57+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/02/28/here-and-there/2018-04-21T02:28:33+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/07/23/homeward-bound/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_0034.jpgIMG_0034Chris leavinghttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_0035.jpgIMG_0035Chrishttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_0036.jpgIMG_0036Chopper2016-08-01T17:18:57+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/05/22/birds-eye-view/2016-05-23T21:06:45+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/05/03/endings-and-beginnings/2016-05-22T20:40:14+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/04/01/little-bigfoot/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_80721.jpgIMG_8072This is a still taken from the geologists GoPro. To watch the entire video, click on the click below.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_8072.jpgIMG_80722016-04-01T16:29:20+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/04/02/were-on-vacation-10/2016-03-28T04:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/01/17/queenstown-new-zealand-one-more-time/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/glowworm-592x394.jpgglowworm-592x394Fishing lineshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7661.jpgIMG_7661Jetboathttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7663.jpgIMG_7663Jetboat coming back upstream.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/images.jpegimagesLake Te Anuhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_5793.jpgIMG_5793Kylee having a chat with one of the birds.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_6102.jpgIMG_6102Standing in line at Fergburger. The wait was 30 minutes https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7428.jpgIMG_7428The girls riding upstream.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7447.jpgIMG_7447https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7393.jpgIMG_7393There was a river behind the resort that we stayed at that had a kayak. The girls enjoyed joinhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_7576.jpgIMG_7576Kylee2016-03-28T03:54:40+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2016/02/03/roads/2016-02-04T20:59:03+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/07/07/were-on-vacation/2016-01-01T07:29:23+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/10/10/were-on-vacation-3/2016-01-01T07:28:45+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/12/17/were-on-vacation-4/2016-01-01T07:28:01+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/06/22/were-on-vacation-6/2016-01-01T07:27:21+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/12/20/allys-china-trip/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sshot-bullet-train.jpgSShot Bullet TrainWritehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_7362.jpgIMG_7362writehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_6805-fresh-air1.jpgIMG_6805 Fresh Airwritehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_6557-view-from-xian-wall1.jpgIMG_6557 View from Xian Wallwrite2015-12-22T23:06:54+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/12/11/just-another-adventure/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/130804091822-al-qaeda-interpol-terror-alert-indonesia-horizontal-large-gallery.jpg130804091822-al-qaeda-interpol-terror-alert-indonesia-horizontal-large-galleryThe U.S. Embassy in Jakarta (photo courtesy of CNN.com/ ADEK BERRYADEK BERRY/AFP/Getty Images)2015-12-15T11:08:33+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/10/21/stuck-in-bali/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/20150924-newguinea.jpg20150924-newguineaThis natural-color satellite image was collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite on September 24, 2015. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red and there is significant smoke rising from these areas and blowing northwest. NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Caption: NASA/Goddard, Lynn Jenner2015-10-22T09:58:01+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/08/03/were-on-vacation-7/2015-10-06T03:48:23+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/10/07/were-on-vacation-8/2015-10-05T20:53:07+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/09/20/mill-and-mario-brothers-mining/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1358.jpgIMG_1358ffyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1476-24.pngIMG_1476-2??https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_14761.pngIMG_1476https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fullsizerender-2.jpgFullSizeRender-2Kylee (standing against the wooden pillar) and her peers taking a group photo before leaving the school.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1377.jpgIMG_1377??https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1311.jpgIMG_1311The students watching the mill.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1381.jpgIMG_1381??https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1326.jpgIMG_1326??https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_1363.jpgIMG_1363??2015-09-27T20:36:07+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/12/12/currency/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-18.jpgphoto-18My change after purchasing laundry detergent and a liter of milk.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-14-copy-20.jpgphoto-14 copy 20A handful of Kino candies in the change slot, ready to be given to the next customer. 2015-09-22T22:37:20+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/01/11/cairns-australia-2/2015-09-22T22:32:31+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/01/22/relocation/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-4.jpgphoto-20 copy 4Pannershttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-3.jpgphoto-20 copy 3Firehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-2.jpgphoto-20 copy 2Firehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy1.jpgphoto-20 copyFirehttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-10.jpgphoto-20 copy 10https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-9.jpgphoto-20 copy 9Pannershttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-8.jpgphoto-20 copy 8Pannershttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-7.jpgphoto-20 copy 7Panners https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-5.jpgphoto-20 copy 5Pannershttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-20-copy-6.jpgphoto-20 copy 6Panners2015-09-22T22:30:36+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/02/10/lost-in-translation-part-ii/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/lost-in-translation-stick-to-stairholder-stepup-and-down-must-copy.jpgLOST IN TRANSLATION stick to stairholder stepup and down must copyThis message isn't translated incorrectly. I just thought it was funny that the obvious was stated. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sun-outage.jpgSUN OUTAGEDo you remember where you were and what you were doing when the sun went out? The girls were watching an episode of Spongebob Squarepants when the world came to an end. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-19-copy-2.jpgphoto-19 copy 2Made in China. Wrapping paper that I bought at the hobby shop to wrap a baby gift. I'm not sure what it meant to read, but it, clearly, wasn't translated properly. 2015-09-22T22:27:49+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/02/20/fortune-appletune/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/photo-20-copy-11.jpgphoto-20 copy 11Writing2015-09-22T22:25:59+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/03/03/a-field-trip-to-kuala-kencana/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderAlly heading toward the bus that is taking the students and teachers to the lowlands. They will stay in Timika tonight, and then fly to Cairns tomorrow morning. 2015-09-22T22:24:42+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/03/22/another-day-another-strike/2015-09-22T22:23:20+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/04/01/the-five-smells-of-tembagapura/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/images-1.jpegimages-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/unknown2.jpegUnknownhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/images-16.jpegimages-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/images-15.jpegimages-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/images-13.jpegimages-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/images-12.jpegimages-1https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/unknown.jpegUnknown2015-09-22T22:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/05/08/5-5lbs-of-red-vines/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderFood for the soul! 2015-09-22T22:20:53+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/05/25/lost-in-translation-part-iii/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6200.jpgIMG_6200This looks like wrapping paper for a birthday present, but it has "merry christmas" written on it. I'm so confused!https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6173.jpgIMG_6173This sign was posted in a bathroom along the beach in Bali. The person who made the sign used the proper use of "toilet" in the Indonesian section, but somehow referred to the toilet as a "closet" in the English translation. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6006.jpgIMG_6006Indonesian math must be a little different than the math that I'm familiar with.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6203.jpgIMG_6203The department store just received a new shipment of coffee mugs. I BELIEVE someone should have used spellcheck before authorizing the final production of this mug. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6013.jpgIMG_6013A helicopter would have a hard time landing in this area, even in an emergency.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_6008.jpgIMG_6008The product description on the product states that it is "Honeydew" flavored green tea. However, the image is of a canteloupe, not a honeydew. FYI - the Indonesians refer to cantaloupe as "rock melon." Personally, I think that name is much more fitting. 2015-09-22T22:19:18+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/07/28/m7-0-earthquake/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/papua_indonesia_7_0_640_439_c1_c_t.jpgpapua_indonesia_7_0_640_439_c1_c_tTembagapura is located in the Irian Jaya Mountain Range, slightly west of the red dot. Map from Earthscope.com.2015-09-22T22:14:04+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/09/08/the-little-boy-in-the-rainforest/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/img_6353.jpgIMG_6353This river is a primary source of water for jobsite (including the town, the mill, and the mines). In this picture (taken two weeks ago), it looks like a trickling stream.2015-09-22T22:12:05+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2015/04/04/were-on-vacation-5/2015-04-01T10:29:41+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/about/2016-08-04T12:11:20+00:00weekly0.6https://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/11/30/in-the-jungle-the-mighty-jungle/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-241.jpgphoto-14 copy 24The company provided the container and a truck to transport the timber to the village.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-232.jpgphoto-14 copy 23Rolling the timber down the hill to the cargo bed https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-221.jpgphoto-14 copy 22Loading it onto the cargo bed. Photo - only English word they could say.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-211.jpgphoto-14 copy 21Cutting down treeshttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-14-copy-201.jpgphoto-14 copy 20Cooking chicken over the fire.2014-12-30T11:05:00+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/12/06/hard-hats-safety-vests-and-butterfly-nets/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/photo-141.jpgphoto-142015-09-27T20:42:23+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/11/23/ho-ho-ho/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_8625-2.jpgIMG_8625-2Photo courtesy of MIko Sularso2014-11-24T22:13:39+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/08/31/lost-in-translation/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-132.jpgPorcelain Toilet SignI think my grandma would cringe if someone tried to squat on her porcelain. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-2.jpgAssess, not assesWrite something here.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-51.jpgRoad surfingI haven't seen very many surf boards on this road, but there are usually a grader or two busy at work resurfacing it. 2014-11-23T13:55:04+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/11/02/ghosts-goblins-and-equilateral-triangles/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_1878.jpgIMG_1878Ally competing in one of Saturday's sessions. 2014-11-04T14:41:39+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/10/04/demonstrations-rallies-roadblocks-strikes-and-protests/2014-10-09T01:03:22+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/09/15/were-on-vacation-2/2014-09-09T22:46:48+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/08/19/independence-day/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-13-copy.jpgIndependence Day Group PhotoPhoto by ANTARA FOTO/Puspa Perwitasarihttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-13.jpgIndependence Day Flag RaisingPhoto by ANTARA FOTO/Puspa Perwitasarihttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-13-copy-2.jpgIndependence Day Flag RaisingPhoto by ANTARA FOTO/Puspa Perwitasari2014-08-27T00:36:38+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/07/30/export-ban-part-ii/2014-08-20T23:44:53+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/07/04/aroanop-village/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-5-copy-2.jpgInside Amungme hutAn inside view of the hut. As expected, it was very primitive and simple-looking. The only items inside the hut were pillows, blankets, and a pot for cooking/heating water. The fire pit can be seen in the bottom left corner of the picture. It is used at night to keep the occupants warm.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy-31.jpgNo water, you will die signThis sign was posted on the ladies' bathroom door when the water system was decimated during the landslide. https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-13.jpgAmungme kids watching chopper landhis is my favorite picture from the trip. As soon as the helicopter dropped down to pick us up, a group of kids ran into the lush meadow to watch it land. They continued to watch as we boarded the chopper, and playfully waved good-bye as we flew away.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy-21.jpgKids playing on dirt courtKids playing on a dirt court.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy-3.jpgInside Amungme hutThe inside view of the hut. The only things inside were bedding and a pot for cooking or heating water.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy-4.jpgMe with Amungme kids at villageA quick picture with a group of kids before continuing on through the village.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy-5.jpgGirl hiding behind fenceGirl watching us with inquisitive and careful eyes.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy-6.jpgGirl with macheteGirl holding her machete.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-12-copy1.jpgchopper delivery at villageA Bell delivering supplies to the project.https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-121.jpgcoffee plantsPropagated coffee trees growing in a makeshift greenhouse.2014-07-04T23:47:57+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/06/20/life-off-the-mountain/2014-06-30T22:15:41+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/03/06/a-bus-ride/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-5.jpgMilitary on busThis is a clandestine photo of the three polisi who were sitting across from me. 2014-05-26T02:32:52+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/12/25/seasons-greetings/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/images2.jpegsnowman2014-05-26T02:27:59+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/11/squatty-potty/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-2.jpgSquatty Potty cartoonhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-131.jpgSquatty PottyThis is the squatty potty in the maid's quarters. The hose is (normally) used in replacement of toilet paper. All toilets (including the other 3 toilets in our house) are equipped with attached hoses. 2014-05-26T02:22:16+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/22/export-ban-2/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_0841-2.jpgBig GossenBig Gossen Mine, PTFI, Indonesia2014-05-26T02:21:45+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/04/07/vacation-2/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/sorry-out-to-live-be-back-soon.jpgSorry-out-to-live-be-back-soon2014-04-06T22:23:18+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/02/13/air-shipment-v-s-sea-shipment/2014-03-03T07:15:00+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/10/18/beforethey-com/https://7693milesfromhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/screen-shot-2013-10-14-at-8-56-05-am1.pngJimmy Nelson photoA photograph of three Dani Tribe members (taken by Jimmy Nelson)2014-02-02T22:47:44+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2014/01/01/stories/2014-01-02T04:41:50+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.com/2013/10/25/go-pile-go/2013-10-26T18:40:36+00:00monthlyhttps://7693milesfromhome.comdaily1.02026-03-22T23:40:45+00:00