A Monkey with a Doll Face? And more education...

We started today all together with a nice breakfast in our hotel. While the food was good, I'm starting to feel the need for "home" food. I may have to cave and dine at McDonald's, KFC, A & W, or Burger King, all popular food stops here in Indonesia. (These places even deliver!)

I was so relieved to be able to log on to the WiFi this morning and even got to FaceTime with my kids! I'm missing them terribly and I really needed to see their faces and talk to them. They seemed so happy, which warmed my heart. I also knew my husband would be with them in a matter of hours and they were very excited about seeing their Daddy. I'm still crazy for any Indonesian baby I see and I completely blame it on the fact that I miss my own children so badly.

As I finished my goodbyes, it was time to load on to our bus and make our way to SMPN 49, Lilia's school. School 49 has approximately 700 students, 50 teachers, and 22 administrators! It has grades 7-9 and it is a public school, but students must complete a rigorous application process and interview in hopes to be selected. The school day begins at 6:30 am and ends at 4:00 pm. Students take 10 classes and have an average of two hours of homework each night.





Today was the start of Ramadan and schools actually have the day off. However, the administration, teachers, and students decided they wanted to come today since it was our only day we could possibly attend this school. Remarkable. I wondered how that would work in the U.S. Extra pay? Extra credit?
















We were greeted by all smiles and handshakes. We were then escorted in to a room with many Indonesian teachers where we listened to our IREX representative and the school's principal welcome us. It was a lovely welcoming and it was clear that our presence was exciting to their staff.
We broke in to subject area groups and were escorted to classrooms full of students. The Indonesian children sat with anticipation in their uniforms and smiled politely at us. It wasn't long before we were put on the spot to introduce ourselves and teach for an hour. I (with my two English colleagues) taught the children about the United States, our home towns, and schools.















As we (and the children) became more comfortable, it became increasingly more fun. We shared games (the thumb game and rock, paper, scissors) and under our request, the children sang and performed for us. The children were eager with questions and we marveled at how well they spoke and how much prior knowledge they had about the U.S. They were normal kids, VERY similar to our own students. They have the same hobbies, complaints, interests. Talking to them became familiar territory. I was sad to leave the classroom. I loved interacting with the students, but we had a quick workshop on global education. During our workshop, both the Indonesian and American teachers identified similar goals. Just like the students, we shared many similarities.



























We then broke out in to large groups to discuss the role of global education in our classroom. Our group was made up of teachers of English and Indonesian. Lilia served as our translator as some teachers did not have fluent English, which unfortunately, slowed our discussion down a bit. We started (at the Indonesian teachers' request) by teaching each other a song. We taught "This Land is My Land". Our exchanges were SO much fun! I can't wait to teach my students their song.















I was pleasantly surprised during our introductions that the Indonesian teachers got in to the teaching profession for all of the same reasons Americans do - a great teacher, family had teachers, love for the subject, love for interacting with students, etc. Because we were such a large group and translating was lengthy, we did not get to complete our entire discussion on global education but we did discuss was similar conclusions about what global ed looks like and its importance.
It was time to reconvene as a large group and say our goodbyes. It was an enlightening and lovely visit. I was surprised at their outpour of kindness, their openness and curiosity (even asking us questions like, "How old are you?"), and their diversity. There are Muslim, Hindu, Catholic, and Christian students and teachers. Although religion is studied and practiced, there is choice, which I wasn't expecting. The staff walked us out to the bus (after many, many pictures) and waved as we exited, but not before sending us with water and snacks. True hospitality.














Next we needed lunch and some down time. Lilia took us to a small shopping area to a restaurant called bumbu desa, where we dined on a variety of amazing food and drink. Lilia proudly told us she had ordered everything on the menu, so there was no shortage of food! The fish was especially excellent.
We braved the Jakarta traffic and slowly made our way to the AMINEF/Fulbright office where we were treated with gifts and information about the Indonesian education system and opportunities for both Indonesian and American teachers. It was all very interesting, especially to look around RELO (regional English Language Office) which provides services to Indonesians seeking education in the U.S.
























Back in the bus, we noted the thousands of motorbikes, but the highlight of our transfer was a freaky sight - a monkey who was wearing the face of a baby doll on a leash. We screamed in horror (and morbid curiosity) trying to capture the bizarre moment as we drove by. Strange doesn't begin to describe it.















The group decided we wanted to shop during our break so the bus dropped us at an enormous Jakarta mall. I couldn't believe the number of shops and levels of the mall. Lilia whisked us to stores to find traditional Batik clothing. It was quickly clear that I am dangerous shopping in any country! I loved the colorful, sparkly tunics and tried on a dozen before settling on my choices. Lilia is a terrible influence encouraging me to continue to buy more!

With our purchases in tow (and a VERY special treat - a Starbucks! Yum!), we went back to the hotel for dinner (and live country music - too funny) and then a special session on Indonesian history and culture. Lilia was very thorough teaching us about ALL of Indonesia's history, both pre and post colonization. I was particularly interested in hearing her perspective on the 1965-66 massacre and transfer of power which I have studied. Lilia confirmed everything I had researched and answered several of my questions.

It was getting late and people were starting to fade at the end of our session, so we called it a night. Our day was extremely busy, but one filled with many enlightening moments.



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