The beginning of routines

We have been in Indonesia for 12 days and today marked the first day of feeling like a routine is beginning. Last week we were oriented by MCC and Satya Wacana Christian University personnel. I met with folks from the Faculty of Language and Literature and the Faculty of Education to explore options of how I might be involved in both programs. Later this week Ross and I meet with administrators from Mountainview International Christian School to explore their professional development interests (and third-culture kids awareness for Ross). I have been given office space in the Faculty of Language and Literature, the department hosting my visit, and will spend the majority of my time there. I will attend their weekly two-hour department meetings and provide workshops to faculty and students during some of these scheduled meetings. So far I am scheduled for a seminar on beginning teacher development and emotions of teaching to 180 third-year students! Other seminars will be planned as needs of both departments are identified. I plan to visit classes on Micro Teaching, Curriculum and Material Development, and Elementary Science Methods to learn more about the teacher education program and the curriculum and instructional approaches of both programs. The Micro Teaching class, a course offered in both programs, requires 30-minute teaching presentations by each student throughout the semester. In the Education program, I will participate in one section of Micro Teaching by observing student presentations and giving feedback to students. I also hope to visit the university’s K-12 lab school and local schools, and participate in discussions with English teachers in Salatiga. MCC has requested that I do some writing on “education as peacebuilding” so I am exploring possibilities. I am pleased with my schedule and the opportunities for involvement at the university. The university has given me a great deal of flexibility to select activities that suit my schedule and interests and have encouraged me not to over-commit. Seminar presentations fall in line with my interests so they should be very enjoyable. Although there are various options, I can pick and choose as interests and time allow. It feels like a good balance.

One of the most exciting opportunities is that the university is providing basic Indonesian language classes to Ross and me for a total of 20 hours over a 5-week period through the university’s Language and Teaching Center. We are learning a few words already and are eager to learn more through formal instruction. Friday evening we enjoyed a performance by the graduating language students that included demonstrations of batik, dance, food preparation, karate, and music, concluded by a buffet of delicious Indonesian cuisine.

So far I have chosen the 20-minute walk to the university rather than riding a bus. Initially I wanted to acquaint myself with the route on foot prior to signaling to the bus driver where I wanted off. Now I simply enjoy the walk. It is easy to get caught in the afternoon rain so I carry an umbrella and rain poncho should I encounter a downpour typical during this rainy season.

On a personal note, we are finding “home” in a new culture with new routines. Daily we are wakened around 4:00 a.m. by the Muslim call to prayer. At first we found this call disruptive to our sleep but more recently we find ourselves falling back to sleep more quickly. By 6:15 a.m., music plays through a local school’s PA system and is shortly followed by the loud activity of a school playground. Some university classes begin at 7:00 a.m. but faculty have told me not to include the early classes in my schedule. Perhaps it is because everyone is still sleepy! We have significantly adjusted our schedule by going to bed around 9:00 p.m. because we are getting up earlier.

From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, a “pembantu” (helper) comes to our house to assist with cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry, ironing, and yard work. Without her, we would not survive! She cooks delicious meals, including scrumptious fresh fruit beverages, and irons nearly everything to keep us looking presentable in public. Her English vocabulary is limited, as is our Indonesian vocabulary(!), yet we manage to communicate successfully about our basic needs and show our appreciation for her good work even when common language doesn’t exist.

We have been welcomed with much warmth in Indonesia, as promised by U.S. friends who know Indonesians. MCC’s reputation and strong relationship with Satya Wacana Christian University precedes us and has paved the road for our work here. We are well cared for indeed.

~ Cathy