A few blurbs

one. My list of new and strange foods is quickly growing. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. I got tricked into drinking luwak coffee last week by my dear, sweet housemates. I can now say that I’ve had the most exclusive and expensive coffee in the world. It was not something I would have done on my own, but I guess it makes for a good story, right??

two. We started a new teaching term a couple of weeks ago. I love that I get to change classes and foci every 10 weeks. It’s refreshing for the teachers as well as the students. In the same week, I teach several classes of 3-4 year olds, 5-7 year olds, and 13-16 year olds.  As ill-equipped as I feel at times to teach the older students, I absolutely love the variety of ages.  Maybe something to consider permanently when I move home??

three. I karaoke.  

four. I like to go walking in my neighborhood at night because it’s cooler. It’s also a perfect opportunity to listen to and practice my Indonesian language podcasts.  I like it when my neighbors are outside because then I can have someone with whom I can practice my new words. It’s fun! I think of the language as a secret spy code, and if I speak the magic words correctly, I get inducted into the secret society of Indonesian speakers. But then they say secret spy words back to me. Unfortunately, I swiftly get kicked back out because they realize I’m an Indonesian language imposter.

five. Both campuses of my church are in malls. It seemed a very strange concept at first, but I have come to really like it. It’s so much fun to get a group together and go grab lunch. then grab a coffee. then watch a movie at the mall theater. then go shopping. then go hang out in the church lobby again.  We end up spending the majority of the day together. Sunday is a fun day to spend time with friends and get to know them more. Who knew malls could be so handy??

six. My heart aches for the people living in poverty. The really great thing about living here though, is that it is so easy to be a blessing to someone in need. If I give someone the equivalent of a dollar, that is more than enough needed to buy a good meal.  The streets are lined with people just trying to make ends meet, and they are so grateful when someone is willing to help.

seven. Along the same lines, my heart breaks for those who are being trafficked. As we are on the road stopped at traffic lights, we are constantly approached by men, women, and children who are selling goods, wanting to wash windows, or are simply begging. The women carry their babies out with them (yes, exposing them to exhaust all day) in hopes that passersby will want to help the children most of all.  I can’t help them all, but I do smile at each one, and as I see them walk away, I wonder how they ended up where they are, if they are out here on their own accord, where their family is, and if they are being treated fairly as an employee. There’s a lot of corruption here, and I know more of it goes on in front of me than I can even imagine.  Oh, and the worst thing I learned recently?  The babies, more often than not, have been rented for the day.

eight. Many people have already been asking about what my plans are for next year. Including my current employers. Many of you know that I still have my position at my school in Idaho, and it is being held for me for this one year. Of course, during my moments of homesickness, I am ready to head home as soon as I can, but I know that important decisions are best not made during emotional times. :)   I am confident that I will begin to feel the Lord leading me in one direction or another over the next few months. Please pray for wisdom for me in discerning His voice and His call in this area. 

Could you also please pray for my visa application to go through?? For some reason, it's taking a lot longer than it should and the agent working on it doesn't seem to be in any rush. There is no need to worry about me being forced to leave, but it would just be a lot simpler if everything could be processed sooner rather than later.  Thank you so much!!

God bless :)