Indonesia Raya, Merdeka Merdeka

Above the clouds, Mt. Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia 6/28/08

In a far away land where the clock reads 12 hours ahead, it is Independence Day (Merdeka) for Indonesia!

Like every country, Indonesia has its struggles and darkness, and also its successes and beauty.
Without fireworks here in Florida, I will write in celebration of Indonesia's efforts to be better and all its wonders.

This time last year was the first time I celebrated Merdeka in Indonesia. While BBQ and beer are essentials for many celebrations of 4th of July, it works a bit differently in Indonesia.

August 17, 1945 is celebrated through marching, singing, dancing, playing sports, eating, loud horns, and fireworks with schoolmates, workmates, family and often dangdut music. "Dangdut is the music of my countryyy!" I wish I could be a part of those activities today, but there will always be things I miss about Indonesia.
- My students that will be the future of Indonesia.
- My grandfather whose LOVE for Indonesia outweighs all that he dislikes about it.
- My family always with a lending hand and a gossip trail to keep me in check.
- My fellow teachers who loved to show me the food, sites and culture of Indonesia.
- Struggling musicians on the street appreciative of a listen, smile... and some change.
- Bottled water, toys, maps, and food as street intersection service.
- Beautiful beaches, mountains, hills, reefs, and monuments.
- Street food that's both delicious and cheap.
- Bahasa Indonesia.
- Jam karet ~ rubber time ;)

... and much more.

Selamat Ulang Tahun yang ke 63, Indonesia!
Selamat Merdeka!!!

10 Things I Learned

8/10

- My parents aren’t insane. They’re actually quite amazing parents who have worked hard to get to the US and came for the opportunities, but they don’t want us kids to take advantage of ALL the opportunities ;)
- Accept a lending hand. If it’s handing out food, advice, lectures, ill-informed theories, or general genuine help, just take it. I can do with it what I please, but I don’t live in this world by myself. I like warm cultures better than cold ones.
- Reciprocity. If compromise for a single situation doesn’t work, I can wait till the next time to give or accept. The exchange doesn’t have to be the same form.
- Take language classes even when abroad. Proper Indonesian is not the easiest language to learn! I shoulda taken formal classes cuz the informal meetings don’t always work out, especially in Indonesia. … and Mexico. It doesn’t hurt. Only helps.
- Respect my elders. And others that deserve that respect. I can further limit my options for those I respect. It can be a small effort for me, but a huge deal for others.
- It’s ok to say, “I don’t know.” My English grammar sucks and I didn’t want to teach the wrong thing. Sometimes I don’t know all the answers to their questions about English, US, or anything. Who does know ALL the answers?!
- Body language is a universal language.
Forget this English is a universal language crap. Although body language can have its accents, it speaks volumes in any country. Certainly in Indonesia where music, dancing, and singin is everywhere.
- Critical and creative thinking are gifts. Thinking outside the box is a luxury not everyone in the world is afforded.
- Asking “why?” is important, but sometimes the answer isn’t always important. I encourage my students to always ask why to anything they learn. To take everything they learn with a grain of salt. Yet the answer to why someone believes something doesn’t always matter. Whether it’s fasting during Ramadhan, eating turkey on “thanksgiving” day, shooting fireworks on July 4th, praying 5 times a day, celebrating the body & blood of Christ… all these things are interpreted in different ways, but the results to me can show community, peace and beauty.
- Bureaucracy taunts me. In the past, present, and future, bureaucracy will stay. The Fulbright mission of mutual understanding between nations has been red taped to only allow the understanding of the U.S. English language and culture. While we tried to open minds, we are not allowed to present the students with scholarships outside of the US, or debrief, or publish what we learned.
and where are there US high school students learning Indonesian language or at least culture? …

These are the first that came to mind...there's more where that came from.

Hopeful Critic Lagi Bingung

7/31/08

Today this hopeful critic is bingung – confused.
For about a month I was traveling with my brother around Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia… and I got back to Florida, my home state July 8th, and since then I’ve been ok chillin/entertaining family, job searching, catching up with people, and but of course playin’ capoeira.

I’ve had a few weeks to write , but I didn’t know the words to wrap this up. I guess it’s an unfinished journey … but the Fulbright ETA part has surely ended. So I’ll tell you about my transition thoughts…

For the first time since I’ve been back in the US, an overwhelming weight has settled on my heart and in my throat. (That sounds so cheesy, but that’s really how it feels!)
ahm.. In capoeira today the professor was talking about the family vibe you can find in capoeira groups… He made me think of my family networks that have grown out of not only capoeira, but also dance, school, sports, and livin with my grandpa ;)

I am blessed to have these friends and family around the world that have connected with me at different points in my life… and I know that I’m lucky to live in this generation where I can keep these ties with a click of a button. … but I can’t be there.

So much of me is attached to different places, groups, issues, and people that all that’s left is salty cheeks and a wandering mind.

Now I’m not sure what’s the next step, but hopefully something that I can go into with the same passion and excitement that I had for being a Fulbright ETA in Indonesia. After catching up with people with varying stories of success, struggle, and life at square one … I’m stoked to get through one of these open doors, but there’s so much research to do! And when you like to hike and you like to cruise, how do you know whether to take the paved or unpaved roads? Why can’t there just be a choice of blue or red pill?

Mt. Rinjani, Lombok ~ 3 day hike 6/28/08