I'll be honest, this has been a tough year for me. I've tried to keep this blog nice and happy and positive, but not everything was sunsets and beaches. There have been a lot of rough spots. There have been been language barriers and boring nights and uncomfortable encounters and culture shocks and lonely weekends. Basically, all the things that are probably supposed to happen when you're living across the world for a year. But, as Calvin's Dad would say, they are also all experiences that are supposed to build character. You know, make you a better person, give you a wider outlook on life, produce a better understanding of the world around you, increase grit, determination, and all that jazz. So, has that happened? Couldn't really tell ya. Maybe? Perhaps? I'll let you know when I've readjusted to western life again and had a chance to reflect and absorb the experience. I can probably go ahead and say I haven't become a new and different person, but it's possible that my perspective has shifted a bit. We'll see. In the meantime, I can tell you that I've certainly learned a lot about myself, and about various aspects of the world around us. If, one last time, you will bear with me, I shall elaborate.
I've learned about my own capabilities. I've especially learned these lessons in my school. For instance, if the situation calls for it, I can whistle nearly non-stop for 20-30 minutes. This has been a solution to calm a discontented student on several occasions. Often, however, the more common strategy is to hum or sing various songs or made-up tunes for up to an hour. Didn't know I could do that. I've also learned I'm not really that great of a teacher. I don't command attention very well, and I'm rubbish at discipline. Another hard lesson for me to learn was that I'm not as patient as I originally thought. That's something that I've been working on. However, when it comes to playing with the kids, I can do that. I have no problem getting in contact with my inner child.I've learned to appreciate steaming hot water in a shower, and ice cold water in a drink.
I've learned that whenever I live somewhere new, I need to find a group with which I can run, a gym at which I can exercise, or both. I didn't find those opportunities until long past after I needed them, and I will not deny myself that source of physical and mental health again.I've learned about the Islam religion. This has been a fascinating experience. I've learned about prayer customs, a bit about the Quran, some of the stories that parallel bible stories, rules about cleanliness, and a lot about the food and the eating customs, especially since we just finished the month of Ramadhan. I was raised with a very comprehensive Catholic education, which was supplemented by the Catholic high school and university I attended. But I had learned only the slightest bits of information about Islam, some of which was influenced by an unfortunately skewed media perspective. So, it was an interesting experience to listen and learn about an entirely new world of information, and a different sort of challenge to hear about various laws and stories with an open mind, even if I didn't agree with them.
I've learned that nearly anything can fit on the back of a motorbike. Whether it's loaded on the back of the bike, at the driver's feet, or in the arms of a second rider, there's a way to make it fit. I've seen all sorts of things, including bird cages, construction materials, a bicycle, and a whole family of four.I've learned that it is impossible to exist in a circumstance where money is not a concern. My (naive) hope was that since I wouldn't be getting paid, and I wouldn't have any bills, I wouldn't have to worry about finances for a while. Boy was I wrong. But, there's nothing to be done about it, so one must simply accept it and move on.
I've learned to embrace the sweat. Indonesia is a hot country. There are many circumstances in which people are clumped together as tight as possible. Bus travel is prime example of this. Especially in the trans-city buses; they cram as many people as they can possibly get into the bus. Needless to say, it's hot. You're sweating. And there's not a darn thing you can do about it. Thus, you must embrace the sweat. The slipperiness, the wetness, the smell...it must be embraced. I've learned that OSHA exists for a reason. Ugh. It annoys me to say this. For those who don't know, OSHA is the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. In technical theatre, we know it as a giant pain in the butt. OSHA has very strict regulations about hard hats, ladders, and all sorts of other stuff that, from the workers' perspective, sometimes tends to get in the way of productivity. However, I've realized that I'd rather be over-policed than have no protection at all, at least where safety is concerned. I've seen construction all over this city, and it's been a little frightening. I've seen guys wearing sandals while grinding metal, I've seen somebody welding on a ladder, at night, right next to a busy street, and I've never seen even a hint of safety glasses or ear plugs during any activity. *shudder* So yes. Thank goodness for OSHA.
Finally, I've learned that being disconnected isn't all that great. Before I came here, when asked about the possibility of internet, I would shrug and say I wasn't sure, but I wouldn't mind being unplugged for a little while. Boy was I wrong. Sure, if you go camping for a weekend and there's no service and you get to relax in the absence of any screens, that's great. But when you're halfway across the world, and internet is the only link to friends and family? Being connected becomes pretty important. Many trips to Starbucks were made to take advantage of the free wifi there. Luckily, my school bought a wifi modem in February, so I haven't had that problem for a while!
So, no one can say I haven't learned anything this year. This is the wisdom I can pass on to future generations. I can be the wise old grandpa now, who can tell the kiddies all about the carrying capacity of a motorbike, a thing which, by that time, will hopefully be the stuff of ancient myths. Cause, you know, hoverbikes and stuff. Great, so I've solidified that for my future. However, joking aside, there is yet one matter to be addressed.I had several goals in mind when I decided to volunteer in Indonesia. Some were more selfish, like experiencing a different culture, stepping outside my comfort zone, seeing the world, and so on. But the most important goals involved other people. I wanted to spend a year thinking about someone other than myself. I wanted to help the kids in my school in whatever way I could. And most importantly, I wanted to make a positive impact on whoever I met. I didn't need to "make a difference," though that is the cliche' goal of most volunteer interviews. I merely wanted to have even a slight impression. I hope I did; I like making people happy. But I have no way of really knowing. I would certainly like to think so, but I'm a fairly optimistic person. So in the end, the best I can do is hope that I've made a few peoples' lives a little brighter. And can we really ever hope for more than that?
Thank you again to everyone who has supported me, financially and emotionally, American, Indonesian, and otherwise. This has been one heck of a year. You all have my sincerest gratitude and the promise of my own support in whatever you may need.
Kepada teman-teman saya, semoga kita bisa bertemu lagi.
To my American friends, I'll see you soon!
