Day four. For four days, my life has been shielded/separated from Indonesia by a pane of glass. I view the city from my hotel room, watch the traffic jams from the windows in our conference rooms, even observe the people of Indonesia through the bus window as they weave skillfully around our bus with chickens dangling from their motorbikes (sorry there was no picture to accompany this). For four days we have been escorted from place to place by friendly, English-speaking guides, and we had the constant companionship of nine other ELFs to keep us sane. Tomorrow, the glass will be shattered, and we'll be pushed toward our new jobs, relationships, and daily living in Indonesia. This. Is. Huge.
I am excited, nervous, overwhelmed, thankful, tired, and scattered. I did not bring enough comfort food (hint hint to ya'll who will be sending care packages...send gummy/sour candy. Also, Little Debbie snacks ;). Being in a room full of nine other English professionals and forty-plus Fulbrighters has been both inspirational and intimidating. They have so many wonderful ideas for their time here, and each time I hear one, my goal list expands. Yesterday, I met four young fullbrighters who will be living near me in West Java and working in high schools. I'm looking forward to working with them and visiting their sites. As we mingled with the 40+ other fulbrighters and inquired about their sites, it became very plain to me how much I don't know about even the geography of this gigantic country (Oh American maps, how you have lied to me). Geography, language, religion, history, culture...if I get a handle on even a small percentage of this in the span of ten months, I will count myself lucky.
On a more positive point: Today I finally made contact with my job placement: Sebasa - the Police Language School in Jakarta. I met my counterpart Ibu Soegma - a super kind woman who is tasked with helping my settle in. As a special (read: totally unexpected) bonus, I also got to meet the Police Commissioner and head of Sebasa, Pak Usman and my ultimate boss, Ed, a man who works with the US Department of Justice. There are many stakeholders in my position at Sebasa. I just hope not to disappoint!
I'm happy to report my feelings here. I wrote in one of my application essays that I wanted this experience so I could better empathize with my students who find themselves surviving in a new world. I want to record my own experiences so I never forget how it felt to be in their shoes. Tomorrow I step out of my glass box and into those shoes.
Prayers being said for the day love. I know you've already experienced it and I'm praying you have a great night's rest. I miss you!
ReplyDeleteAhhh, the thrill of standing on the precipice of total cultural immersion——nothing quite like it eh?!
ReplyDeleteWhere in Jawa Barat are the ETAs?
Love the "shattered glass" imagery! I am so excited about the ways this experience is going to change your life. Praying for you! Sending a big virtual hug your way and encouragement in my silliest deep voice.
ReplyDeleteDear Jackie,
ReplyDeleteThe Glass Box is an eloquent piece of writing. I hope you consider publishing in print your year's blog with this as a Prologue. It's a wonderful lesson for we Americans. Here we live, in the land of diversity, and yet, we are so very unaware of how others live around the globe.
Byron and I left South Florida/Coral Springs with a true appreciation for the diversity found there, and have missed it ever since. But what you are experiencing, and more importantly, giving, is beyond measure.
I shall follow your blog faithfully, both thinking of you - and all your family & friends who miss you so very much - and appreciating the virtual learning experience you're offering those of us here.
Bless you, Sweetie!
Marcia
I love this post. So real.
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