That’s what learning is all about where spirituality is concerned: unlearning almost everything you’ve been taught. A willingness to learn and listen. – Anthony de Mello, SJ It is Sunday and there’s an elephant in the room. It’s because of me—of course—but not because I am “American” or not related to this family or because … Continue reading
1. I go many consecutive days without spending any money and I still live well, eat well and have fun. The bad part: Having to spend no money is a big indicator on how much there actually is to do in my very small town. 2. When I treat myself to something non-Indonesian, I go … Continue reading
I came to my new school right on the cusp of graduation and the graduation ceremony. Because my school is a madrasah all female students and teachers must wear a hijab as part of the uniform. As part of the “staff” it would be appropriate for me to wear a hijab also, but because I … Continue reading
(I am posting this from a beautiful hotel near the sea, where I am having a workshop with all of the teachers in my school and with the principle. Not what I had pictured when I joined the Peace Corps…and it’s not helping the “Beverly Hills” image I will describe…but it’s pretty awesome.) After ten … Continue reading
Last weekend we finally had one day to explore Malang. Using the Lonely Planet Indonesia book as a guide, another volunteer and I hit up Malang’s main attractions, which included the Pasar Senggol (Bird Market), Pasar Bunga (Flower Market) and Hotel Tugu, which has an extensive collection of Asian art. Though birds in cages are … Continue reading
Peace Corps volunteers get many praises for going to a different country and facing all the challenges that we do. However, I think the people that have amazed me the most so far are all the host families who are generous enough to open their home to a total stranger—who is also completely different in … Continue reading
While this playlist could be more appropriately titled Angkots, Buses and Walking now that I am in Indonesia, I compiled this list of 14 songs as I prepared to make the epic journey to the other side of the world. I am posting this a little late, but it still applies…and it may be useful … Continue reading
Teaching in Indonesia is kind of like being a rock star. You spend 90% of the time preparing to perform—I mean teach—and 10% of the time in front of the classroom. Many times you repeat the same show—I mean lesson—over and over and at the end the kids want to take their picture with you … Continue reading
Teguh and Mike at the pesar tradisional – Yes, Mike’s hat says Bamboo Banger – and there’s a panda banging bamboo sticks. Continue reading
This week we started teaching practicum in a real Indonesia school. The volunteers in my village and I walked into a madrassah—an Islamic school maintained by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Although, I have never walked into a prison, I imagine that that was what it feels like. Not because it was gloomy and oppressive. … Continue reading
I traveled half way around the world after two years of supporting myself completely, just to regress on life skills in Indonesia. Not only does my Indonesian host family cook for me, feed me and take care of me to the fullest, but I have now hit a new low. The other day, my Ibu … Continue reading
(* Disclaimer: this covers most of my second week of training in Indonesia. Uploading images was the biggest pain ever, it took me like one solid week to upload these images…so I will seriously reconsider posts with more than one image. I miss fast internet. Meh!) …is never ride a motorcycle. Well, it’s not the … Continue reading
(* I reserve the right to change these thoughts throughout my Indonesian tour.) While I know the Peace Corps is extremely worthwhile and I will gain a lot from the experience, I didn’t actually join the Peace Corps to help myself. I came here to help others. However, I am reluctant to think that teaching … Continue reading
Just as one shouldn’t listen to songs that remind us of ex-lovers, one shouldn’t listen to songs that remind us of an ex-life. It could make one homesick. 1. Youth – Foxes 2. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris 3. Don’t Stop the Levels (Project 46 MashUp) – Avicii vs. Journey 4. Charlie Brown (Dave … Continue reading
The odyssey to Indonesia was so epically long (36 hours!) I even traveled in time. Therefore, it’s worth backtracking a little bit to commemorate the trip, which had been in the making since December 2010. Continue reading
in the land of dragons 