I mentioned previously that I am now in Indonesia. What brings me here? Teaching. Truth is, I have always been an adventurer at heart so while I am still able to move around without any strings to hold me back, I shall venture.
But why Indonesia, you might ask. To be honest, I have NEVER ever dreamt in my life that I would find myself working and living in Indonesia. All my life, I thought that if I lived overseas, it would be somewhere in Europe, particularly England since I lived there for 4 years and discovered myself. I suppose for practical reasons, Indonesia is a sensible place to be since it is just 1.5 hours from Singapore. But I think learning to live in a whole new culture and a completely different environment is a challenge that I want to take on.
I suppose God has exciting plans for me to be here. Maybe I will teach someone who will grow up and do something that will change the world for the good of mankind. Maybe I can serve God in some way (well, teaching is service in a way, isn't it?). Or something bizarre (with that snigger and pinch of salt): maybe the love of my life is already somewhere on this vast archipelago and is waiting for me to claim him. So many possibilities because nothing is impossible with my God.
The past month has been interesting and has surprised me in so many ways.
1. Indonesia is live-able. Contrary to what many people have told me and warned me, based on their preconceived notions and hearsay from whatever sources, I have taken on and adapted to life in Jakarta very easily. For sure, I had my apprehensions but common-sense and heeding the advice of those who have lived in Indonesia and ARE Indonesians has made all the difference. God has been good and has sent His angels to watch over me. Nonetheless, I will not take things for granted and let my guard down.
2. My students have been an interesting bunch. They are same yet different from the students I have worked with in Singapore. One thing for sure, is that they are much nicer and more polite than the students I had in Singapore. It is nice to hear random "Hello, Miss!" along the corridor, suffice to say that there are some who just don't care simply because. It does help to have a small class. Having taught up to 44 in a class before, to have just 20 is a dream. By the standards of this school, 26 is deemed a big class. What can I say? Thank God for the experience in Singapore. My smallest class has a grand total of 5 students.
3. Maid culture here is BIG. It is not rare to see families with more than 1 or 2 maids accompanying them at an outing to the shopping mall. I was told that some families have up to 10 maids - each child has an individual maid, then there is a maid who does the cooking, and another maid that does the cleaning and another maid that looks after the elderly and another maid that does the gardening, etc. The first thing that comes to mind is that labour here must be cheap. True, their wages may not be fantastic at all but in another sense, it is giving these maids employment and something to do in their lives than to remain unemployed. But the impact it has on the kids is another story to be told. I have an issue with kids who cannot do their own thing, like carry their own schoolbags for one.
4. Shopping malls are BIG too. Honestly, there really isn't very much to do in Jakarta except to go to malls. That is why there are malls everywhere (and I live within walking distance of 2). It does get boring after a while because malls are malls are malls. But it is the only place where one gets to enjoy air-con and while away time on a weekend. Drinking and partying is another but I have past my prime so that is a no-go for me.
5. Massages. I have spoilt myself by going for a massage at the end of the week and a foot reflexology sometime in the middle of the week. They don't cost much at all. In fact, they cost only a fraction of what it would cost in Singapore. And the best part is that they are good!
6. Infamous traffic jams. Macet. Jakarta comes to a gridlock with the convergence of vehicles in the city. It doesn't shock or surprise that a 8km journey takes 2 hours. I have learnt to take it in my stride when I am caught in one. I constantly remind myself orang sabar disayang Tuhan ('patient people are loved by God') so ooohhhhmmmmm.....
Come to think of it, I will not be surprised if I live in Indonesia for a long time but perhaps, not in Jakarta. It is far too polluted. To some, the wealth the city generates is the soul but to me, culture is the soul. As I said before, I don't know why I am here but while I am here, I shall make the most of my time.
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