There are no family photographs, only memories. Memories of a five-year old imprisoned by Japanese soldiers. Memories of love, courage and most of all hope. Hope that there was a God who would walk through the valley of death, known as WWII, with her. And He did.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

The House And Garden

I remember when Pappie and Opa were still with us. Oma was with us too. Supper with the whole family was very fun. There were nine of us and we all fit around our djati wooden table in the middle of our dining room. We had so much food that I would never have guessed we would ever go hungry. I loved having everyone living together. Oh, and did I tell you that our marble floor was a very good place for sliding? Well, it was and still is.

Pappie is a very rich man. I don't know how we are rich but it has something to do with electricity. And Opa's brother owns a brick factory. It seems that our family is very blessed. Pappie and Mammie bought all of us children a house. Mine was purchased when I was born. Maybe I will have a garden like we have now.

Our garden has many trees. We have four different kinds of mangoes: Madu, Golak, Gandeng (which grows in pairs like cherries), and Aromanis. Also growing all over our plantation is semanka (papaya), pisang (banana) and assam (tamarind) trees. But it is our Jackfruit tree that will be our main source of food now that the war has started. They are bearing lots of fruit which weigh up to 40 lbs. and grow closest to the house. The villagers are welcome to take what they need. We must share the wealth.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, I have never heard of Jackfruit trees. What do they taste like? I would love to have a papaya tree growing in my back yard.

The Gatekeeper said...

Jackfruit is very, very sweet and juicy and good. Mom says mmmmmmmm. There is canned jackfruit in Chinese supermarkets, but it might not be exactly the same. Click on the picture and you'll see what one looks like from the inside.

Unknown said...

Okay, I'm sold on the fruit. Tastes like Bananas and Juciy Fruit gum. No wonder your mom said "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm"!!!