The rainbow never sets

were not available, so Alison's dresses and the clothes for the children had to be made by dressmakers. This took up quite some time and caused some frustrations. Apart from all this there was always Margie to look after. Alison was in charge of running the household, which was quite different from what she was used in Australia, but it was made easier with the staff.

Whenever there were functions on to which I was invited, Alison was expected to attend too. I think in that respect we fitted in very well with Indonesian customs and expectations, as women stood in high regard as managers of the household and in charge of the upbringing of children.

Our family had adjusted quickly and well to the changed conditions in Indonesia. Language after a few months was no longer a problem, and the climate suited us. In fact, Margie, who had suffered from eczema in Australia, recovered completely from it, and apart from the occasional bout of malaria and tropical sores in the first year, we all kept healthy and well.

The isolation was probably more difficult to cope with, especially during the rainy season, when there were long delays in the mail service. Jan Stephens was a great support for Alison, so were the other missionary wives as well as Lilian Teja, the doctor's wife, who was teaching English at the University.

The children didn't miss out on school life with all its fun and excitement, as they attended the local school, but being the only Europeans there made it also sometimes difficult for them. Outside school hours they mainly played with the other European children.

Many of my students from the theological school, who visited us frequently, took great interest in our children, playing cards and other games for hours.

In the back yard was a shed made from bebak, where the Oppelaars had stored their old wooden boxes. These were all riddled with termites. When Zarus rummaged through the pile he asked one day: "What are you going to use this shed for?"

"I don't know," I said, "I don't think we need it really." "How about making it into a Losmen, (guest house)? We will clear it out for you, put up two wooden planks on those beams above the floor, and we are in business."

"What, you mean for you to sleep on?" "Why not. Then me and my friends can stay here over the weekends." "That's all right with me. How many do you think this will sleep?"

"I would say up to three on each side." "Well, you had better tell the others about this. If they want to stay in town and need a roof over their heads, this is where they can stay."

"That'll be great. Thanks a lot." Zarus, Mes and Filus got working on the Losmen. The old boxes and packing material made a big bonfire and in no time the shed was cleared

336