Starting at Nothing

So when I came to Jakarta I had an idea in my head of what it would be like teaching and living here. Some of these things were pretty accurate, like drinking bottled water all the time, living many stories above my comfort zone, and that there would be pollution and a lot of people. That is pretty much where my preconceived notions all abruptly ended.
Let me just start with the apartment, I love it. It has furniture, washer/dryer combo, oven, stove, refrigerator, couches, chairs, tables, a bed, great bathroom, some dishes, lamps, and a TV. But this being the first time that I lived in a place without other people was an eye-opener to me on how much stuff of other people I used. The first full day we were here, all of the new staff was taken to the mall next door to a place called Hypermart I would say an equivalent of a K-Mart (AKA Big K) with a grocery section as well. We were supposed to find things to help us in our apartments. Can you say overwhelming? Because that is exactly what it was, overwhelming with a loud aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh in my head of course :) I think all I walked out with that day was laundry soap, trash cans, hangers, toilet brush, and hand soap. You are probably think random, right? Remember AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH was all that was in my head. All that to say thanks to all those who have made it so I was not alone these last 27 years, because I am still slowly figuring out what is needed. I did finally get pots, pans, and some cooking utensils. Finally today I actually bought food.

I also knew this was one of the largest Muslim countries (they are referred to as cousins). I just had not fully prepared for what that meant. During my first month here they are celebrating Ramadan. So everybody fasts during the day and is not allowed to break fast until sundown. This holiday is like Christmas is in the states. Every mall that we have gone in has a replica of a mosque. All the stores have leberan (sp) sales, which this is the 5 day holiday in Ramadan where many people go back to be with their family, this begins on this coming Saturday.

School wise it seems like I have always had things at my fingertips. Not so here, posters that I would have, all my books bought or given. So it is taking time to adjust and be stretched as a teacher. I also met my co-teacher today she has been teaching for 12 years so it should help me learn a great deal of things.

There is so much more, but I have been working on this since Sunday so I should get it out.

Please pray for this week of meetings and getting to know how my co-teacher works
Thanks