Today started off like any normal day. I woke up late (which has been becoming a habit) - by 6:05 I roll out of bed and jump in and out of the shower before getting dressed and putting my makeup on. The worst part of the morning is drying my hair with an Indo hair-dryer. There is absolutely no power and with my hair being so thick, it takes forever.
I grabbed a ride with my neighbor. It was then when I started staring out of the window on the way to school that I realized something was different. The roadside stands were closed or even MIA. Blinds in restaurants and plazas were pulled down, and handfuls of people look weary and tired.
Today was the first day of Ramadan. With Indonesia being the world's largest Muslim country, it's very evident that Ramadan has commenced. Fasting begins at 4 am and goes until 7 pm. Muslims around the town and country fast from food and drink, and as a tolerant foreigner you are required to not eat or drink in public (unless in shaded areas and restaurants where people cannot see you). Even in my classroom, it is disrespectful to my Muslim students if I even drink coffee or sip on my water bottle.
For some of you that find it surprising that I have Muslim students, I must remind you that I have many students with many different faith background. Yes, SPH is deemed a Christian school - and it is probably one of the strongest, passionate Christian schools I have ever come across. However, being in a Muslim country, SPH has an understanding that students come from different faith backgrounds. However, as teachers, we have a mission right on our front steps - and it is to our students. How great is that?!
Anyway, it will be interesting how the next few weeks unfold. Every day is an adventure.
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