Indonesia after 3 year

Wow it’s been 3 years...

As we pass the 3-year-mark living in Indonesia, we find ourselves at an interesting time in our lives. Just like many Peace Corps Volunteers who finish their service, we live much differently than we did 10 months ago, and we only live 3 hours from our PC site! As many know, we live in Surakarta, a large but still traditional city. We quickly found a home, motorcycle, and jobs that allow us to speak English (often). No, we don’t live as we would back in Texas, but, yes we have steered away from many actions we previously understood came with living in Indonesia. No more bucket baths, zero access to A/C, everyday bicycle rides, neighborhood kids running through the house every evening, constant attention… Yes! and yet, bummer. We are extremely blessed to be working full time jobs and really for the foreseeable future, would not see ourselves going back to PC life. 

A few weekends ago we were fortunate enough to join a group of current volunteers

back in our old area holding a 3-day event called Indonesian Girls Leading Our World (IGLOW). Paige led a morning aerobics class again this year. The day before the aerobics class, we woke up early and excited to make the trek, which is about a 4 hour trip by public bus. Quickly we realized our old toughness had worn away. About 30 minutes in to the bus ride, we were sweating non-stop and grumbling about the heat. Then, the continuous stopping tested our patience, even to the point that we got into a small argument between ourselves. During PC time, this style trip was a regular occurrence, and one that we could handle without discomfort or complaints. 

This was a very revealing moment that proved again that Peace Corps Volunteers grow tough during their service. Many of us come back home not sure really how to explain our experiences, and then quickly it feels like it is gone. We never lose our memories but the feels, tastes, smells, and emotions are shadowed. As we met the volunteers, we found ourselves talking with excitement about their daily lives. We missed it! 

It seems important now to embrace the past for what it was and use it to propel our futures. The good, bad, and ugly is who we were and most likely who we will continue to be. Paige and I are proud of our lives and believe deeply that our Savior Jesus Christ still has purpose for us here in Indonesia. To all our past volunteer friends, we are thankful for the time we spent with you, no matter how small. May your time in Indonesia help you to excel and be happy in life. 

For those who made it to this point in this letter, we appreciate your concern for our lives and want to share that Paige is 4 months pregnant! We are definitely excited, but ask that you avoid Facebook shout outs and comments. We are enjoying this time, especially the intimacy and privacy of sharing with close friends and family. Instead of Facebook comments, we’d prefer to hear from you through emails or phone calls. We would love to use this amazing time to catch up with you all.

Love and Respect,

Paige and Daniel

817-945-3433

Paige.Gable@live.com, Rockwall6@hotmail.com