Fitting In (Sudah Biasa)

January was the fastest month yet in Indonesia. We are more than a month into the second semester at our high schools (SMA) and see a huge difference with the students compared to starting the first semester. Everyone seems to finally understand we are not going anywhere and the American teacher is capable of living and teaching in Indonesia. Americans are capable of eating rice and local foods without exploding or turning green (Daniel liked to tell people he would turn into the Hulk if he eats too much rice). 

"Generation of Stars" at a local orphanage/nursing home

We recently visited an orphanage/nursing home with the youth from our Church. All together about 15 students and adults played games and sang songs with around 40 young kids who were very excited to have visitors. The kids at the orphanage were outgoing and even brave enough to use their limited English. The highlight of the visit was the beautiful and loud group singing. Even though they don’t have families, the kids were happy and had great leadership and help from the Church. At the nursing home we met many feeble but smiling faces. They also had good care and really enjoyed having the students visit them. We hope to return monthly. 

Our continuously growing library

With our schedules now set, Paige decided to explore the possibilities of teaching elementary students (SD) in our area. We live in a “gong” or small neighborhood with a shared alley way, and in our area alone play with as many as 40 kids, ages 1-10, every week. I am unsure of the population of our town but know it has nearly 20 elementary schools with an attendance averaging 200 students. In the last month, we started going to one of the schools once a week to read English story books and sing songs. It is a really nice change of pace from entering our high schools every day, and the students’ emotions are very mixed and wild. “Hello Misterrrrrrrrrrr!

From this new activity we made two new friends, the SD English teachers, who enjoy American music. The typical Indonesian that enjoyed American music would have Justin Bieber at the top of the list no matter the age, but these women enjoy rock and classic rock. Another outcome of going to the SD is word got out about the lesson we have at our home once a week for the neighborhood kids. Months ago we started with 5-10 kids which grew to 10-15, and just in the last few weeks is now 30+. It is slightly chaotic at times, as we are squeezed on a small porch at the front of our house, but a lot of fun for all. The lesson is always Tuesday night at 7:00 and every week they show up earlier and earlier to play on the porch waiting for us. Usually starting Thursday or Friday every time we see them they ask, “Hari Selasa les, ya?” (Tuesday lesson, right?) We have a small marker board and random small items depending on the week to figure out what we can discuss. Lately it has been time, animals, and singing. If you come visit be ready for “I’m a Little Teapot” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”.

"Red Club" fitness center and friends

As mentioned in past posts we have been fortunate to make a few great friendships and found a good Church. Seeing new places in the community and surrounding areas is always fun, but even better with a group of friends. Slowly this place is feeling like a home and many of the past difficulties are diminishing. We both have seen growth in ourselves and definitely have gained some perspective on life that may not have been possible in Texas. Just tonight we were coming home from a late night walk and I asked Paige “If you had the mindset of a year ago and were dropped where we stand now how would you feel?” She replied “I don’t think I would have walked here without feeling a little scared.” The amazing thing is that feeling has been proven to be somewhat universal, as we are seeing our students and community drop the fear of interacting with us, the American “Bule”. Everyone’s a bit braver, a bit bolder, and still able to laugh at themselves when they both mess up and speak perfect English. This culture loves to laugh.