Meet our Indonesian Family

I've neglected to properly introduce our new Indonesian family so let me do so now.

We met Nana when she was an exchange student in Stockton in about 2000. We were her liaison family and got to know her well. Nana was easy to love--she was bright and fun and full of life. We have stayed in touch and Nana came back to visit a couple of years ago. We knew the rest of the family by name and from a couple of phone calls but that was all. Now, after a week, they're old friends.

Nana and Eko

We just met Eko on the wedding day but were fortunate to be able to spend a couple of days after that with him. I think he is a great match for Nana. Eko is very smart, warm, and friendly. He has a beautiful smile and laughs often. We have enjoyed our time with him.

Tiin, nicknamed Iin, is Nana's sister, about one year older than Nana. Iin is lovely and friendly. She's obviously the older sister as she takes care of the others and they rely on her. She is an immaculate housekeeper and the best ironer I've ever known (I'm hoping for lessons). I have had some special times with Iin sitting over tea or talking together.

Iin and Reza at the National Museum.

Reza is Iin's husband of less than one year. He seems very serious at first, but then he smiles and it warms the room. Reza is the one everyone relies on. You hear "we'll ask Reza" or "Reza will know" whenever any question comes up. He carries a map of Jakarta in his head (if you know Jakarta you'll know that is truly a sign of genius) and is often called to direct Nana or Iin through the streets by telephone. Reza is the official photographer for this trip--he knows my camera much better than I do.

Kiki is one of the twins, a little younger than Nana. He is very funny, likes to be silly, and is a hard rock musician. Kiki has a good job in the oil fields and was able to buy a nice house, which we stayed in one night. We were lucky that he was off for about a week so we got to spend some time with him.

Reza and Kiki

Koko, the other twin, is married to Ayu but we didn't have much time with either of them. Koko was sick during the wedding and he's had to work so couldn't come with us on family trips. We may have a chance to visit with him on our return to Jakarta.

Didid is the youngest. He turned 17 last week, which is majority age in Indonesia. He's the only one still living at home. Didid's English is very good but he's a teenager so didn't say much during the time we were there.

Papa Nana, Junizir, in Stevie Wonder disguise.

Junizir is Nana's dad. We were led to believe he didn't speak English so were surprised to find that he has a broad English vocabulary and can talk on any subject. He has been a great friend to us--introduced us to many new dishes, gave advice, explained things, and made sure we were never hungry. Junizir is a strong personality and fills the house with good humor.

Mama Nana and Eko on the wedding day.

Mama Nana is very lovely and lively. A petite and beautiful woman, she dresses exquisitely with wonderful taste. That must be where Nana and Iin get their perfect dress sense. Mama Nana doesn't speak much English so we do a lot of pantomimes with the odd bits of Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa English thrown in.

Nana has a loving, happy family. They truly love being together and there is a lot of laughter and joy around them. The new in-laws, like Reza and Eko, seem to be absorbed easily into the family. Nana intimates that they are an unusual family, but I don't have any other Indonesian families to compare them to so they are my norm. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful family here. I'm hoping to have the opportunity to show them around California one day soon.