A Busy Thursday

0On Wednesday I came home early from school with the world's worst migraine. After sleeping most of the day, I felt refreshed and ready to start a new day at school.

It started off like a regular Thursday. We had PYP devotions in the ESL room. Surprisingly, I was one of the first ones there (which is very unusual - because usually I am one to walk in late). After prayer and discussion, we headed back to our rooms to begin the day.

Tomorrow our elementary program is getting re-evaluated for triple accreditation. We have government representatives due on our campus for the better part of the day. They will be reading through documents and walking through classes (checking up on teachers and lesson plans). It is a tense time and we are looking forward to it being over - but we are also praying for a good report. Hopefully we will find out soon.

Since our first quarter of school is completed, we have been working on student portfolios. The first and third quarter of each year has no report cards, rather we create a collection of student work and show them to parents and students in conferences. It sounds quite easy - and in all actuality it is. However, it is incredibly time consuming. There has to be rubrics for every piece of work as well as teacher and student reflections. Then after this, work has to be separated so that one person's work is all together rather than specific assignments all together. Budi and I are so thankful to have a student teacher right now - because we need the extra help (everyone does) and she is a hard worker. Today we were able to plow through about two and a half days of work, thanks to her.

Conferences are another tricky thing. We have one day to schedule conferences (and still have a full day of school). It took a lot of moving things around, but I think we finally have a (hopefully permanent) schedule that caters to the parents and to our availability. It's going to be a hectic the next week or so, but after that, will be the holiday (which means off to Vietnam).

These sorts of things you cannot gain adequate knowledge during college years. Sure, I remember talking about them once or twice, but it is completely different once the time comes to actually do this. However, I am so lucky to have an amazing supporting staff and one of the best teaching partners in the school. Not only do we get lots of work done, but he have lots of fun doing it.

Oh, and a miracle happened today! Grade 3 won the chapel spotter award. Truthfully, the kids weren't on their best behavior. In chapel they never are - even though we practice it. However we won our first award. I was beginning to think we would be the only class that would not be awarded this honor. Then I found out the truth. Pak Budi was in the back with the spotter and gave her a guilt trip into picking us because we were one of the only classes (aside from the class who did the chapel - which disqualifies you from winning the award for the week). If only we got the award because we really deserved it. Okay, to be honest, it did feel good to get the award - even if it wasn't on the proper terms. The kids don't know that - what they don't know, won't hurt them :)

Anyway, have a great night! Pray for a good accreditation visit tomorrow. I will keep you all posted! Love to all!

Meet Scooter and Scamper

It's been quite a week and it's only Tuesday! Yesterday was a day of ups and downs. My computer adapter cord was severed after much wear and tear. Most of the wires fordisconnected. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but after teaching Grade 6 English, there was absolutely no function. I was up in arms because everything we do at school is done in the computer. Since we have IB curriculum, we make up our own worksheets and papers. Usually I back up everything on a flashdrive, but I haven't updated it in quite a while so I had a lot of important documents on it with no access to them.

My teaching partner, Budi, was the hero of the day. He made a few calls to some people he knew and was able to find a new adapter cord for me. It was delivered to me at school this morning. What a relief. He knew that I was stressed and that I do most of the documents that get sent to parents like our newsletter.

Yesterday I also got my two kitties. My friend (the grade 2 teacher) has friends in Bogor that had a litter of kittens and were looking for good homes to put them in because their cat was pregnant again. She brought two of them to school for me. They are very sweet and have a great temperament.

Scooter is a golden and white tabby female. She's my cuddle bug. She likes to sleep on my shoulder or burrow under my chin. She's a whiny thing, and for good reason, because Scamper, my other cat is very aggressive and likes to wrestle and nip at her.

Scamper is a grey kitten with black tiger stripes. He is beautiful but quite the trouble maker. He's an attention hog, and nice for the most part. However, he gets quite restless and pounces Scooter, looking for a good war of physicality. By the time they get all their rambunctiousness out of them, they are curled up on a pillow and fast asleep.

For those of you that don't know. My neighbor is nursing a four week old kitten back to health and it will join my house, now dubbed Kitty Kingdom. He's a precious little thing. He is white with black and brown clusters. His name is Scout.

They are a great addition to my house. I love the companionship that they provide.

A Shocking Discovery

Today I went to Jakarta with Dini and Putri, two of my dearest friends here. Despite the vast age differences between us, we know how to have a great time. We laugh, joke, and can totally be ourselves. It's so great to have friends like this.

Since it was Saturday, Putri had to go to University before joining up with us. So Dini and I mapped out our day - each with a goal in mind. Dini had to get her wireless fixed and I was on a mission to find a cat.

Dini's wireless took a lot longer than either of us expected. Nearly two and a half hours passed and we were coming up with nothing. We took a break and decided to look into finding me a kitten. We were told by a vendor in the basement of the mall to take a taxi to a certain address.

We were fortune to find a taxi, however our taxi was lacking in common sense. That's putting it nicely - he was an idiot. Even with Dini speaking Bahasa and giving directions, the man was adamant that he knew where we were going better than we did. He ended up getting us lost and we had to ask for directions three separate times (racking up our taxi fair). Finally we convinced an ojek driver to guide us (for a small price of 10,000 rupiahs - 1 USD). He led us to the "cattery". We paid our fair of 21,000 rupiahs and entered into a whole new realm of human life.

As we walked up the mucky clay drive, we were graced by the presence of two rare albino monkeys that were fighting in a cage. Keeping monkeys in cages and selling them here is not illegal - but it is not ethical either because they are animals that should be left in their natural habitat.

As we approached the house (which was rather ritzy for the part of town we were in), we found many children slaving away in the muck, working on an addition to the house. There was a foreman yelling at them pushing them around. Dini and I were wide-eyed and shocked at the lack of respect for human life (especially a child's) here. Dini told me that they were most likely trafficked children and not paid anything for their labor.

Dini and I smiled and waved to them. They were so excited to see us and waved incessantly to us. It was as if they had not seen even the slightest bit of kindness. It was heart wrenching. How can people live this way? I guess if they don't have a choice, they don't know any different - but this is not how it's supposed to be.

We were ushered in to a "show room", which was an ammonia smelling room with about 35 cats of high-end breeds. Some were well kept but most showed signs of abuse and reproductive exhaustion. There was one kitten that followed me around. He was precious. If I stopped he stopped and tried to curl up against me. I picked him up and immediately could tell (without being a professional) that he was malnourished and was slapped around as he winced at the sight of my hands.

I then found a kitten that I fell in love with. It was a few months older than the rest and was extremely playful and cuddly. It wasn't like the demon kitties I met the day before. I was convinced this would be the perfect kitten to bring into my house.

Then the owner came in. He was an Asian-American and quite snobby. He was told me a lot about the cats and their breeds and then he started talking about prices. Holy shnikes! My kitten was 5 juta (which is the equivalent of 500 dollars). I loved that kitten - but not enough to pay 500 dollars for him. I carefully put him down and asked a few more questions. I found out that basically the "cattery" was a kitten breeding mill of high end cats and that most of them were not vaccinated or had papers.

I thanked him for his help and told him I had to do "more research" about what I was interested in before I made a decision. Surprisingly the answer seemed acceptable to him - thank goodness. Then he began asking questions of what Dini and I did for a living. We told him we were teachers. He found out that I was an American and that Dini was Australian. Immediately he ignored Dini and began talking my ear off about the "American way of education" - whatever that means. He yelled for his five year old son to join us in the show room.

He asked me to consider teaching his son so that he could be released from his (rich) Singaporean school. He wanted his son to speak English with an American accent rather than a Singaporean accent. His son came sobbing and clinging to his nanny. Then the man informed me that he was severely punished for not wanting to practice his math skills. His son was terrified of even coming close to his father or me.

I talked with the son for a few minutes, in a very consoling and soft voice. He seemed to stop crying and actually responded to me. The man told his son that I may be his new teacher. I looked at Dini and was mind-boggled. I didn't agree to that or even infer that I was the slightest bit interested. He asked for my number so he could contact me further about the cats and teaching his son. I gave a made-up name and wrong number, knowing that I could never work for a man who treated children (even his own) like crap (and not to mention the animals).

Dini and I somehow finagled our way out of that hell hole. We were shell shocked and at a loss for words. It was a sight to see, that's for sure. Talk about an eye-opener. Neither of us had ever seen something quite like what we experienced. Not once did we feel our safety and wellbeing was compromised, which was a good thing, but to see the things we did makes my stomach churn. I will never (as long as I live) forget this.

After catching a taxi and going to Ratu Plaza, we met up with Putri and told her all about our nightmarish adventure. She couldn't believe it. We spent the rest of our day dwelling on the disregard for human life that some seem to think is okay. Even as I sit back at home, typing this, I am overwhelmed that this really happens. Sure I've learned about illegal breeding mills and human trafficking, but I have never experienced it first hand until today.

In Asia this is a very common problem and one of the most booming (illegal) industries world wide. Human trafficking makes more money than the drug trade. I ask all of you readers to keep this in your prayers.

A Friday of Firsts

Today has been an interesting day to say the least. It was an eternal day at school. I don't think I've ever been bored at school until today. I only had to teach 2 classes: English 6 and English 3. In English 6 the students presented their advertisement posters of self-created products (demonstrating persuasion). They were very creative and quite comical. In English 3 we watched the cartoon of Robin Hood (from the 1950's - what a great cartoon) and discussed doing what was morally right and morally acceptable. We also divided the story line into Setting, Characters, Conflict, Solution, and Conclusion. Sure that sounds interesting and it was. However I had a lot of free time and I had nothing to do but dawdle. I guess that's what happens when you're an overachiever and a week ahead in grading and planning. Time just seemed to stand still. I'd rather be busy than sit around.

As my title said - it was a day of "firsts" - and all of these firsts took place after the school day. I had my first big disappointment. I was supposed to be adopting kittens from the vet. However, when I went there - there were only 4 to choose from (which apparently is very unusual because usually there are 2 dozen or so to choose from). Kitten number one had an amputated leg and could barely walk. Kittens two and three were too young to be taken away from the vet. Kitten number four (I am convinced this is true) was a spawn of Satan. I'm sure that kitten number four and my high school baby-think-it-over baby would be the best of buddies. My baby-think-it-over baby, which was named Lucifer, was an evil doll that cried every fifteen minutes on the dot for five straight days. I left the vet feeling really sad. I know it is a little bit lame, but I was looking forward to getting them all week. It was all I talked about. We are supposed to go back in two weeks because the two babies will be ready to go and there are supposed to be a better choice of kittens. In the mean time - I have many eyes looking out for me - just in case :)

My next first was trying a new Indonesian fruit called Rambutan. You buy it on the side of the road, and recently vendors have been popping up because they are finally in season. The fruit looks like a golf-ball sized strawberry with an outside that looks like a blow-fish. To eat it, you crack the skin and out comes a fleshy white ball (which looks like a translucent plum). It has a really sweet taste. There is no taste that I can compare it to. I'll try to think of it as I eat my way through the bunch my neighbor gave me.

My last first (and probably the most reckless one of them all) was carrying a three-tiered end table in my arms while driving a motorbike in the rain. First of all, you have to understand, when it rains here - it blows horizontal and pelts you before a splash explosion. Driving in the rain is always a challenge - but try it with a table cupboard and you'll think again. The end table was considerably light and easy to weave my arm through so I could hold on to both handles. However, it was heavy enough to make the weight on my motorbike unbalanced. It wasn't the smartest thing I've done while I've been here - but it was the last end table in stock and I am in desperate need of an endtable in my basement. Besides - it was on sale - 7 dollars! Who could pass up a deal like that? Not me!

Anyway, that was the extent of my Friday in a nutshell. Now I am just lounging around, trying to figure out what to do with myself until bedtime.

Silence Isn't Always Golden

As I sit here at my desk listening to my student teacher teach a math lesson, it is hard to bite my tongue and let things slide while she teaches. In our classroom, Pak Budi and I demand silence while we speak (although we do have occasional slip ups with our students). As Ibu Jessica teaches, the students blurt out answers and raise their voice about 100 decibels louder than usual.

As loud as I am, I really enjoy a quiet classroom. Sure, I don't mind when students talk amongst themselves when they are working or discussing, but when I am teaching, I want their undivided attention. It is so difficult to watch them fall out of habit.

However, with each minute more Ibu Jessica teaches, the more comfortable she gets with the kids. She is normally quite quiet, but she has a surprisingly loud voice. Sometimes it catches me off guard and I think "who's in my classroom."

Just now she surprised me with her voice when she reprimanded a student for continuously doing pelvic thrusts and dancing (rather than listening). Actually it was quite comical. Who would have thought a Grade 3 student was capable of (realistically) pulling off a pelvic thrust that didn't make you want to purge.

I wonder how my supporting teachers felt when I was teaching. Maybe they felt like I do. Giving up control in my classroom is very difficult. More challenging than I originally thought. Perhaps gradually it will get better.

Grade 3 Chapel

Today was the big day - the day we had to do chapel. We have been practicing intensely the last few days. Our biggest challenge was smooth transitions. There is usually talking and wiggles and jiggles that come from my students in a big bad way.

However, they did just fine. Our chapel was about how we need to stay committed to God even when it's hard. We used the Veggie Tales story of Rack, Shack, and Benny (Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednigo). This really emphasized the meaning of commitment and added a lot of understanding to the conversation that followed.

The students designed skits and they were adorable. They wrote and typed them out themselves. Most of them even memorized their lines before today.

The songs we sang were picked out and practiced by all of the kids. Most of them had motions. While doing the powerpoint, I got really into the motions and forgot to project the words. That was a little embarrassing. Overall, it was a good chapel. I am so proud of the kids. They did a marvelous job!

Transcontinental Excitement Bubbling

For the last few weeks my Grade 6 kids have been wanting pen pals after I suggested it in an open conversation. Since then - they have asked me everyday (or emailed me) when their pen pals will write them.

I have finally (and it really look a long time) connected with a teacher. That teacher happens to by my cousin Karen, who teaches at Highland Christian. My grade 6 and her grade 7 are going to correspond to each other via email for the next few weeks (and hopefully continue throughout the year). Mainly this is to discover similarities between their own culture and other students' cultures on the other side of the world. It also connects both of our classes in a letter writing unit that we will be teaching - so this will be really good practice for them.

After telling my class all of the new developments - I swear there was mental fireworks going off in their heads. They were so thrilled and in awe that I actually pulled it off (after so many days without answers). Have they no faith in their wonderful teacher :P

We will begin writing this week and I am looking forward to seeing the connections and bridges built between these students. Should make for some interesting conversations.

I'm Legal

It's official I'm legal (in two ways now that I think of it).

As of last week I became a resident of the country of Indonesia. I can truly call this home because I can only visit the States until I change my residency back. How crazy is that?

I also got licence plates for Leona. For the last month I have driving around with no proof of ownership or plates. In Sentul they don't really abide by the rest of Java's driving laws - but if I rolled my wheels out of bounds and into another city - I could be in hot water. Today I finally got my plates and proof of ownership.

Hurray - what an accomplishment (and a drastic life change).

1st Quarter Out the Door - In Comes the 2nd One

I cannot believe that we've already completed the first quarter of the school year. It seems like just yesterday that it was my first day of school. So much has happened in the span of a few months that it is mind boggling.

I came back to school showered with gifts from my students from their holiday vacations. Postcards (from Casablanca, Barcelona, and Milan), hand carved wooden boxes, tea from Bali, incense candle burners, and much more. The kids and their parents are very, very generous. Just listening to what they accomplished in a week and a half blows my mind.

A new addition came to our class as well. A student teacher from UPH (University of Pelita Harapan). She is in our classroom for 12 weeks. Her name is Jessica. She is very sweet (and incredibly tall for that matter). I think she'll be a great asset to the classroom - the students like her already. To be honest I almost had to laugh - who puts a student teacher with a first year teacher? Seriously!? But then I thought - I'm applying all of my new and fresh ideas from college - so she can see them in action. Plus I have Budi - who is an experienced teacher. So I feel like it will be a really good experience for her but also us.

With the new quarter comes challenges as well as blessings. There are a lot of student portfolio work that we have to do, Saturday workshops to attend (who likes to give up their weekend?!), and the latest development - my roommate and I separating. We saw it fit best that one of us moved and so she is moving out. Which means - if you're looking into coming to Indonesia - I now have 4 empty rooms instead of 3. Haha! Lots of space for lots of people. I am also getting two new kittens from the vet this weekend. I would totally get a dog (especially since I have a nice sized backyard for it) but dogs are considered "unclean" in Indonesia (for Muslims). It would be difficult to find a maid and a gardener if I had a dog - so I'm sticking to cats (for now).

Aside from that, life is pretty busy. However I feel so relaxed from the holiday break. It's just what I needed. The stress that was looming over my head has dissipated and I just feel rejuvenated. I will definitely be a better teacher from this break.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. God is so good! Love to all!

Idul Fitri Holiday

Hello friends and family,

I feel like it's been a long time since I posted (even though it's been just a few days). I have been on holiday (as they like to call it here) since Wednesday and have all of next week off as well. It's been pretty quiet in Sentul. Most everyone is traveling and celebrating the holiday.

Yesterday and today marks to official Idul Fitri holiday. Idul Fitri is the celebration of the end of Ramadan. All gas stations, restaurants, public transportation, and others are closed. Most muslims are at the mosque praying and taking part in celebration rituals that include forgiving others and praying for their dead (at least from what I'm told). It's been difficult finding things to do aside from Zumba (which is basically the best dancercise activity) or watching movies. At night there is an endless string of fireworks (thank goodness it's nothing like those "atomic bombs" that go off near our house on July 4). I have been sleeping with the AC on high and my iTunes on full blast so I can block out the snap, crackle, and pops.

Today I managed to escape the neighborhood (I felt as if I was on house arrest) and find a restaurant open (shocker). While I was eating a middle aged man sat at the table next to me and we started talking about the Blackhawks (because I was wearing my beloved Kris Versteeg shirt). It was nice to have someone actually understand what hockey was - since most people here do not know of the game. Anyway we talked for a while before his family joined him and I found out that he was from Crown Point, Indiana. How crazy is that? He said that he was back there recently for a funeral and visited CPCRC while he was home. Whoa - small world. Maybe my fellow church friends met him in passing and didn't even know it!

Anyway that's really about it. Sorry - nothing too exciting to report from this side of the world. Hope all is well. Love to everyone!

A Pre-Holiday Expedition

Although I only have two days left of school before Idul Fitri, a group of teachers decided to get a little R&R by going to the island of Tidung. I have to say, out of the many things I've done in Indonesia - this weekend was by far my favorite. So to ensure I do not forget all the many things I encountered, I have to begin my story a few days back.

Friday 11:30 pm:

The moment I walked into my house after school at four o'clock I jumped in bed and cashed out for the night. Around 11:30 I woke up to the sound of heavy rain and a rumbling stomach. After getting some dinner and hopping in the shower, I dove back in bed and watched Finding Nemo (twice).

Saturday 3:40 am:

After downing some coffee (which these days I only drink for emergency caffeination) I jumped on Leona and headed for SPH. I was going to park my bike there for the weekend and get picked up there. It was a good thing security was expecting me, or else I think they'd be thinking that some teacher was off her rocker and ready to work at the wee hours of the morning.

I was the sixth person in a long line of people that had to be picked up. From school we headed into Jakarta to make a group stop at a 24 hour gas station. Febri and I talked almost the entire ride - I was so buzzed from my coffee. I don't think my mouth ever stopped moving until we got to the harbor.

Right around the harbor, it was chaos. Since it is still Ramadan, Muslims are out and about and eating before their fast begins. The fish market was a sea of people, it's amazing that we didn't hit one or six of them. It's like there is no traffic laws in this country (in regards to drivers or pedestrians). We parked and made a trek through a flooded alley way to our boat.

I now know how the pilgrims on the Mayflower felt after being on this boat. There were two levels to this wooden boat, no chairs, just flat tarped surfaces. Seating is first come, first serve, so you want to get their early to get plenty of room. The people who board first make a point of sprawling out getting extra leg room, the people who board last get the short end of the stick and are shoulder to shoulder.

Saturday 6:00 am

The boat hit the open sea a little past six. After sharing some early morning snacks and snapping photos, we curled up into the most comfortable position possible and caught some z's. There were 15 of us on our "pre-holiday" adventure, and we used each other and our bags as pillows for our nap time.

Saturday 9:00 am

We docked at Tidung. Tidung is actually two islands: one small, one large. They are bridged together by a dock and bridge. It was sunny and sweltering from the moment we stepped out of the shade of the boat. Immediately everyone put sunscreen on, as did I. I've learned my lesson by not wearing sunscreen. My philosophy this weekend was "I'm white chicken who will get fried if I don't cake on the sunscreen." This was a big motivational factor for me...I got tan but not burned (first time ever).

We walked through the concrete brick streets that were quite narrow. Immediately I was immersed into "true" Indonesia. Where I live in Sentul is quite developed and westernized. Tidung it is not up to speed, but the simplicity is serene and happiness seems to be pulsating out of the people on the island.

After going through a maze of streets, we arrived at our home for the next 24 hours. There were two rooms and a rather spacious living room. Putri and I shared a room, as did our new friends Erwin and Angie. Everyone else slept on mats and blankets in the living room. There were eight of us bunking here and it was more than enough space for us to enjoy each other's company without being on top of each other.

Saturday 10:30 am

I was ready for snorkeling from the moment I jumped off the boat and onto the dock at Tidung. Within minutes of arriving at our home, I changed into my swimming suit and just for kicks I put on my snorkeling gear. I putzed around the house constantly looking at the clock wondering when we could leave.

I put on a swim suit cover and decided to kill some time by going exploring. I walked down the street as far as I could go and came to an open field. There were many men and women working on wooden boats, repairing them and repainting them. Like a tourist, I started taking photos and walking up to the seashore, trying to find the best photo ops. A man came up to me and asked if I wanted to buy one of the boats (because I can use it in landlocked Sentul - ha) and after politely declining, I decided to take my picture with one instead.

I came back and it was lunch time. One hour closer to snorkeling. Lunch was very interesting. It was coconut rice with fish and fish-paste biscuits. I tried it. Still not much of a fish fan. We also had fried banana and fresh fruit. Yummy, yummy!

Saturday 1:45 pm

Finally snorkeling time! We had been on the boat a good 45 minutes before we anchored. After figuring out whose fins were whose, we plunged into the warm gentle waters of the Java Sea. How pretty! So many different kinds of coral and fish! I wish I had an underwater camera so I could capture all the breathtakingly beautiful things I saw beneath the surface.

No snorkeling trip would be complete without oodles amounts of photos - especially when you have so many people with cameras in their hands every time you lift your head out of the water.

We went to three separate snorkeling spots. Each area was unique and lush. The last spot was quite wavy and difficult not to get pushed back by the current. After the last dive, we were wiped and ready to call it a (successful) day. We anchored right near the bridge between the two islands and watched the sunset before returning back home.

Saturday 6:45 pm

After showering (with a tub of cold water and a plastic bucket - very refreshing but quite comical), we had a barbecue on the seashore. We sat on concrete blocks, under a blanket of stars that hung over us, and enjoyed dinner and much laughter.

The mosque worship service began at seven o'clock. It went off at six as well to signal breaking of the fast, but at seven, the worship service and chanting is projected throughout the whole island. A new experience for me to hear. Although there are a number of mosques in Sentul, I do not live near any of them and I rarely hear them.

Saturday 8:00 pm

Putri and I decided to hit the sack (as did much of the rest of our house). We were planning on getting up at 5:30 for sunrise. However after laying in bed (with the lights on) the mosque was still going. It was so loud (especially with just being a few doors down from us). We talked until the worship service ended - although I can't quite remember what we talked about. It didn't take long after for us to fall asleep.

Sunday 2:00 am

Que the mosque. I remember waking up but I'm not quite sure for how long. Putri got to experience my sleep talk. It's becoming more and more of a bad habit.

Sunday 5:45 am

I set my alarm for 5:15. It's a good thing Putri woke up to it. I did the same thing I do most school days - push the snooze button and hope for a few more minutes of sleep time. Putri shook me awake and said that everyone was ready and just about out the door. I jumped out of bed and was instantly ready to conquer whatever adventure was calling my name.

Putri, Febri, Ririn, and I walked to the docks. Sadly there wasn't much of a sunrise. It was very cloudy. However we managed to make a unique (and disturbing) discovery: a decapitated baby crocodile. Yikes!

We went back for breakfast before round two of exploring. I have never been much of a breakfast person, but I was cajoled into trying it. Rice and squid. I got the heebie jeebies just typing the word "squid". I tried the squid and it was spice and tasty, but to think that I actually devoured (even a small portion) makes me cringe. Squid freaks me out to a whole other level of discomfort. However I was brave and scraped my plate clean.

After this I had to use the bathroom. You may think, why are you putting this in your blog? Normally I wouldn't tell write on trips to the potty, but where we were staying had the one and only squatty potty. I have been avoiding these things since I came to Indonesia and now I finally had to use the bathroom and couldn't put it off any longer.

Sure, I know how to use a squatty potty - especially after some family vacations where my father pulled off on the side of the road instead of stopping at a public restroom. Still it's awkward and takes a lot of effort to make it in the porcelain express rather than the tile that you are standing on.

Sunday 7:00 am

Everyone hopped on their bikes and we pedaled to the end of the island. After parking our bikes in a pit of sand, we began walking across the connecting bridge/dock. It is nicknamed the "love" bridge after many people meeting their spouse on that bridge (sadly no such luck on this trip - maybe next time). The bridge is deteriorating and rotting. I felt as if I was playing hopscotch, only I was 5 feet up and the result of a wrong move could end up costing you a concussion, broken limb, or a splash in the sea.

We came to the infamous bridge, where lots of people jump into the water. I had been talking the big talk and saying I'd jump. It was a 25 - 30 foot drop, how scary could it be? I climbed the bridge and immediately backed down. Everyone jumped in with their two cents saying "I promised" - which I did no such thing. We continued walking and Ririn suggested that she would do it if I did it. I decided I might reconsider my withdraw as we got to small Tidung island and relaxed under some palm and pine trees with some fresh coconut water.

Out came the cameras - and you can pretty much guess what came next. If you are clueless - just check out facebook and you'll see there is no shortage of pictures :P

Sunday 10:00 am

I came up to the bridge, looking it square in the face. I got to the top and gave in. I handed off my belongings to Putri, giving her full responsibility of things in case I die (In case you are wondering, I'm one of those drastic "what if" people). My heart was racing and I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. Holding onto the railing with nothing but air between you and the water is terrifying.

A few deep breaths later, I just did it. It was incredibly exhilarating. When I emerged I was energized and excited - so I decided to do it once again. My friend Ririn was holding on for dear life at the top. She couldn't quite be convinced to jump, so I went.

After jumping a second time (like a pro) my friend Leon jumped off the bridge. Ririn was still holding onto the bridge as if it were the last thing she might ever do in her entire life. I swear I probably counted "3...2...1..." twenty times. However finally she jumped in and did it! A huge round of applause erupted and I felt like a movie star. I definitely got my 15 seconds (not minutes - ha) of fame. I loved every moment of it and I'm so glad I did it.

Sunday 12:00 pm

With lunch on the go, we headed over to the loading dock and got on the boat. It was a different boat than the one we arrived on (same set up just smaller). However by the time Febri and I stepped aboard, it was packed. Instead of trying to find a small cramped space, we sprawled out in the uncovered bow and loaded up on sunscreen.

Sunday 1:00 pm

Within an hour at sea, a storm was brewing on the eastern front. Somehow we caught the tail end of it with some cold rain and wisps of wind. We covered up in sarongs, blankets, and towels, preparing to get drenched. The storm left just as fast as it came and just as it cleared up, Jakarta was within sight range.

Sunday 6:00 pm

Home at last! With the van full of people we had, I was one of the last to get home. I made it home just before the rain bombarded Sentul for the evening. This has been one of the best weekends since I've been in Indonesia.

Photos from Tidung

The Jakarta harbor at dawn.

Group photo before our ferry ride to Tidung.

Very close quarters.

Our bikes were ready and waiting anytime we wanted to pedal the day away.

The infamous squatty - potty and shower room. Yikes!

On the seashore of Tidung.

Ready to hit the water! Bring on the snorkeling!

Snorkeling - the water was so clear and the coral was gorgeous!

Friends! (Left to Right: Febri, Putri, and I)

Enjoying the view of the Java Sea.

Taking the plunge from the "Love" bridge.

A D@mn Good Time

Okay, so why the title? I know, I know. However it is fitting for what I am about to tell you. So as you know from the post below, chapel was today. Grade 4 was in charge of chapel. They did a great job. The main message that was given to the kids was about not being prideful and showing off when we pray to God.

The skits that the Grade 4 did were really short and to the point. However there was one that caught everyone's attention.

There was a pharisee that stood on stage and said "Excuse me, I'm going to pray now. Everyone listen to me."

A student who was portraying an average joe Israelite told the pharisee that he was a being a hypocrite.

The pharisee proceeded to go on and tell the students about all the laws that he followed and ignored the Israelite.

The Israelite interrupted the pharisee and said, "I don't give a damn about your laws."

Whoa! My mouth dropped. I'm pretty sure a pool of absentminded drool puddled at my feet. All the teachers were wide eyed and caught off guard. For some of the students (since a number of them are ESL) - this flew right over their heads. However there were a select some (mostly all the students in my Grade 3 class) that gobbled this up and found it as an opportunity to spout the word like regurgitated chocolate milk. The word bubbled up throughout the day after chapel and by the time the dismissal bell rang, I was about to strike my head with a hammer. Sure, there was plenty of reminders about how students should not use words like that, but each time this was talked about - it went in one ear and zoomed out the other.

Budi and I couldn't help but laugh, even though frustration was gurgling inside us. It's not every day you hear something like that - especially in a student led chapel.

Doesn't It Always Happen Like That?

Today is Thursday. What's so special about Thursday, you may ask? Well Thursday is chapel day. The day that I cross my fingers and hope that my class wins the "Spotter" behavior award. Every chapel, a spotter is selected amongst the teacher. That teacher has to choose the class with the best behavior (without bias). Guess who the spotter was? Me.

Now as a personal preference, I do not think choosing your own class is fair when it comes to choosing a class with the best behavior. So my class was out of the running. Of all days - my students chose this chapel period to be on their best behavior. Shocker! (I think there was a leak in confidential information). Seriously! That's no fair!! Just as I was about to give up on their chapel behavior - I become the "spotter" and things shaped up. Oh for the love of all things holy. However, without being biased, I do honestly think that they were the best class during chapel today. What luck...NOT! Hopefully a string of this awesome behavior will continue in future chapels to come :)