The Surprises Just Keep Coming!

We were able to sleep in a little bit today which was a nice treat. Our driver picked us up and dropped us at the corner of a traditional Indonesian market where we met Yuna. It was clear that this was nothing like a grocery store and that only locals frequented this area.
Yuna brought us in to the building which was about the size of a Costco. It was all open and there were hundreds of vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, Indonesian food, etc. Jennifer and I could not believe our eyes. There was SO much to see! The vendors, like so many others, tried to speak to me thinking I was Indonesian. I think they believe I am Jen's guide. It's quite humorous to watch.








































The enormity of the building and the variety of foods was so beautiful and interesting. The vendors were very kind inviting us to take pictures (unlike the grocery store), especially in the meat section which left something to be desired. Yuna was patient with us answering our endless questions. She even purchased some traditional Indonesian snacks for us to have later in the day!











With groceries in hand, Yuna took us back to her school where we finally observed Yuna's class! We are usually teaching so it was a real treat to actually just watch and assess. Because the school year just began, Yuna is still getting to know her students, but it is obvious she is a very good teacher. She is warm and kind. She has a wonderful sense of humor, which I love. I think the students already feel connected to her. It was interesting to see some similar get-to-know you activities and expectations.
During Yuna's class, Jen checked her email and found that someone had sent her a message asking if she was okay. There was a 6.6 earthquake in Indonesia. We didn't feel a thing, but we immediately worried about our other colleagues who were spread across the country, some even on other islands. I texted with my husband who confirmed the quake and said there was no warning for a tsunami. Thank God. I suddenly felt a little more homesick.

After Yuna's class, she escorted us out to wait for the driver. We were to go to Insan Harapan, a local junior high school. We were asking Yuna a few questions about who or what we might see when she screamed, "Oh my God! I forgot to tell you! You are teaching ALL of them!" What? Come again? What did you say? Yuna explained that they were gathering all of the students for us to teach all at once. Jen and I, wide-eyed, gulped as our car pulled up. We had a five to ten minute drive to figure out what the heck we would be doing with hundreds of junior high students.
Principal Rita Fadilah warmly greeted us. I already felt unnerved knowing they were going to start to gather the students. Ms. Fadilah brought us to the office where we met Assistant Principal Fatnu Siam Soiwatik Rahayu and a student teacher, a former journalist who spoke impeccable English. After brief introductions and "signing in" (a detailed form we had to complete with everything but our social security number!), we were given a special gift. They handed us each a yama (batik pants that are generally used for martial arts or yoga-type activities). They were beautiful! Jen was wearing a dress that would be hard to sit in so we figure it was partially to solve this problem.


















We were taken to a restroom (that wasn't all that sanitary). Jen and I tried to balance on our borrowed slippers - shoes were not allowed in the school - while we changed to a live audience (the assistant principal and two female students who seemed mesmerized). Although a tad bit awkward, Jen and I rocked our new looks. The yama is wonderfully comfortable and we were thrilled to be able to take them with us.

Back to the office while the staff filled a very crammed area with hundreds of students. At our request, they quickly set up a computer and LCD projector so we could use some of our prepared work. I scrambled to run through activities in my mind that could work with junior high kids who were still learning English. Then, it hit me. Link Crew activities. It was worth a shot.

The administration had quite the build up to our introduction. We were kept in a "holding area" while they shared all of the information we had filled out on the paperwork when we first arrived. Finally, we made our entrance to roaring applause. The boys sat on one side and the girls on the other. I will admit, I was nervous and sweating (but you always do that in Indonesia). Before long, I had the students yelling out parts of "Old McDonald" while I channeled my Activity Director's energy to mimic his leadership in such an activity. Jen and I continued by presenting on the U.S., California, and our schools. The students were high energy and we occasionally stopped to use the same discipline strategies we would with junior high kids at home. There is no doubt, kids are kids no matter where you are in the world. We finished with student involvement - lots of singing and dancing. Considering the fact that we were thrown to the wolves unexpectedly, we did beautifully.














The students, staff, and administration seemed thrilled with what we had done and we endured what seemed like a million photos. No joke. Group after group. The students eagerly waited to talk with us about everything from music to education to dance. Some just giggled and said, "Oh God! I can't believe this!" They treated us as though we were superstars. Some acted as though they would pass out from a mere hug or squeeze on the shoulder. They wanted our email, Facebook, twitter. It was tween insanity.
















We were given a tour of their beautiful school. It was refreshing to see colorful, decorated rooms. This campus looked much more like it belonged to the students. When it was time to go, the administration presented us with lovely certificates of appreciation. Jen and I, drenched in sweat and wearing our yama and slippers, said goodbye to one of the kindest, most appreciative group of educators I have ever met. Our very own groupies (no joke) even followed us all the way out waving and giggling as we drove away.




























Back in the hotel, we took our first breath. We cleaned up and had a wonderful lunch in our mall. (Yes, we consider it "our" mall now.) We even spent the extra dollar to order two desserts that had chocolate and cheese - strange, but incredibly popular here. It's not as bad as it sounds. We then headed back to our Starbucks. It's the only way we can stay awake for the afternoon activities. The coffee and work time is great and we love the Ramadan special!















With a little more rest, we were picked up by the school van (half an hour late - apparently the driver forgot to pick us up). The van also contained eight lucky female students who were invited to join our breakfast at their teacher's home. Jen and I were very curious to see an actual Indonesian home. It was a part of the culture we had not yet seen.

Ms. Eva eagerly welcomed us to her home. We immediately sat in her entrance area in a circle on a carpet. Jen and I spoke with the students while Eva busily prepared food and brought it out to a nearby table. She was very concerned that we might think some of the food was strange and we had to reassure her that we liked to try new things. Eating on the floor was a new experience. We talked and ate. It was interesting to watch them eat with their hands so expertly and excuse themselves quietly to another room so that they could pray. I love that I have never felt uncomfortable with their religious beliefs, that they have not forced uncomfortable situations. Everyone is respectful and lovely.














I didn't see much of Eva's home and I wasn't comfortable asking for a tour. I met her husband, daughter, son, and nephew who stayed in another room watching TV although we asked them to join us. I saw her kitchen which was bare, a little dirty, and contained a very small refrigerator. Before long, it was time for goodbyes. It was such a unique opportunity and it was clear that she had honored us with special food and drink. I'm sure she spent more on the meal than she could afford. Their hospitality knows no bounds.
Jen and I were exhausted. We went for our nightly bingtang to unwind and found ourselves retiring not long after. Our brains were fried after such a long day. I think we have learned we have to constantly prepare ourselves mentally for the unexpected. The show must go on...
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