In my family self-reflection is a must. Maybe it’s because Mom and Dad are future-oriented people or maybe it’s because we’re all a little neurotic and self-centered, or maybe it’s a little of both. Regardless of the reasons, Mom and Dad raised us to periodically check up on our progress in life and make a few future projections. New Years Resolutions in the Dunsky house are usually more like annual business reports with charts and 5 and 10-year projections. Ex. “Okay, Kristin, you’re10 years old right now. What are you going to do during this year that’s going to help you get in to college in 8 years?” Okay…so maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but you get the idea. And if you know my parents, you’re probably not surprised.
So…with that explanation, I hope you will understand why I find it necessary to make this little blog post—the State of My Union in 2010.
I am exactly fifteen days away from the last day of my initial year long contract with EF here in Jakarta. Reflecting back to the beginnings of this blog I made the plans for this trip with a lot of excitement and not a lot of thought. I figured since I had been to Indonesia before, this kind of a commitment would be no problemo. On the contrary! When I arrived here in Jakarta, I was surprised to find it didn’t come so naturally for me. I was nervous about branching out and doing things on my own. I couldn’t believe it. I’d been waiting two years to make this trip…my opportunity had come, and I was unhappy. How disappointing. But fortunately, I had some good friends and a crazy city to pull me out of that. By the time Christmas (and my first trip back to the states) arrived, I actually couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be back in the states. And by the time the six-month mark arrived, I was having a blast and a week in Japan/a week away from Jakarta seemed almost a week to long. Amazing.
When it came time to consider the next step, and potentially saying goodbye to Jakarta, I was at a loss. I considered moving back to the USA, or trying Turkey, South Africa, and even an au pair job in Spain. But when it came down to it…the thought of leaving Indonesia—the people and culture which simultaneously entertain and drive me crazy, the travels I hadn’t done yet, and the language I had worked so hard to learn—was very unsatisfying. My very favorite Indonesian expression is “ADUH!”. You use when you stub your toe…or feel frustrated. This one word may be one of the top reasons why I’ve decided to stay. No one in Spain can appreciate aduh!
So anyways..it’s been a year… and here I am. I overheard a conversation between two of my students the other day, in which one high school student told the other that high school is the best time of a person’s life. Now, I enjoyed high school and all, but I definitely am glad my life didn’t peak at 17. Because then there was college….and it was great. And I was always a little worried that life after college might be a little of a letdown. BUT, I’m happy to report that my life seems to be going exactly the way it should. High school was good, college was great, and things just keep getting better.
I’m satisfied with my life here in Indonesia, but not so satisfied that I’ve lost the desire to keep pushing. I feel like I have so many things to look forward to over the next 6 months and in the years to come.
I’ve secured six months more to fulfill my expectations out of Indonesia. I now have the time to travel and to spend with the great people I’ve met here. With some much needed hard work I can get my Indonesian to where it should be.
Based on the past twelve months, its impossible to know what else I’ll come across in these six months. I feel like I’ve done and seen so much in twelve months. And so much has changed. I’ve done a lot of things wrong…but I’ve done some things right too. Teaching is fun and rewarding. And I feel like I have a lot to offer.
Sometimes I get on Facebook and see friends getting married or starting families and I wonder if I’m doing things the right way. But I’m happy and I CAN’T WAIT to see what’s next!
So, for now I think that’s enough of my little me-time reflection.
It’s 2010 and life is good.
Have a great day!
..kristin..
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wit one of my lovely classes
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at a friend’s wedding with some coworkers..all batik-ed out!
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