The Rumor Weed

Do any of you readers remember the story of Larry Boy and the Rumor Weed (Veggietales)? If not, it's easy to figure out what it's about - rumors. Rumors are always interesting when they aren't about you - partly because you aren't sure if they are true or not - so it stirs a lot of discussion.

Apparently my Grade 6 students started a rumor that I was getting married and today I received a letter from one of my parents congratulating me and asking for more details about the wedding. Well that was news to me - and the first time I've heard an outrageous lie of the sorts. I laughed really hard, but then after I though about it for a while, I tried to figure out how that rumor ever got started.

The best thing I could come up with was that someone asked if I was married and I said "not yet." Now just to give you a heads up - in Indonesia when someone asks you that - you are recommended to say "not yet" instead of "no." Why? I have no idea - I just do what I'm told so I'm not socially awkward.

Anyway despite my best efforts to teach through all the questions about my engagement and pending marriage, I have to admit I did not deliver the most effective lesson. In one 30 minute period I got the question "who are you marrying" three times and "what's his name" four times. I wish I had a nice quick sarcastic answer - but even as I sit here I can't think of anything. I'm not a good on-my-toes thinker. Never have been.

I believe I finally clarified the idea that I am not getting married because I don't even have a boyfriend. Then questions started flying about an ideal man. Sure, I ignored them but they kept coming like fastball strikes over home plate.

I told Dini after class what happened and she laughed and laughed. She said it was a "sign" - she thinks everything is a "sign." She's determined to help me find a nice Javanese (not Japanese but Javanese) man.

Well only time will tell in the scheme of God's great plan. And don't worry - if I am getting married - you'll find out in good time.