resurfacing worlds

I can hardly believe it that I have only a few weeks left here in Meulaboh. The time has gone by so quickly, but at the same time my other world seems so distant- was I ever a Seattle resident? Did I EVER teach in Budapest? It seems ages ago in some respects, but as my departure date draws nearer, those other worlds will begin resurfacing and I’ll once again be in that weird state of being everywhere and nowhere and enjoying yet another case of reverse cultural shock.

A couple of weeks ago a team from Phoenix came out. I was somewhat skeptical (to be honest) on how much a short term team could do, and if things like that are worth the expenses. Well, I can say truthfully that this team CERTAINLY was worth it. They were an amazing encouragement to us as staff; they really helped us see that our programs are indeed making a positive difference. And they really helped connect us in a new way with the people we’re working with here. It was a great time, busy, but great.

Now, we’re just real busy catching up on our work here, and preparing for another group to come. I’ve realized that I’ve got at least two more books of curriculum to churn out, and an increasingly diminishing window to get it done!

Yesterday we had an amazing party at the beach complete with an international game of tug-of-war. Indonesians v.s. foreigners, we each won a bout, but never got around to the tie-breaker as grilled fish and a gorgeous sunset distracted all of us. It’s evenings like that that make it extra hard to think about leaving.

Now, onto a completely different note. I just found out my cousin, Jonathan, and his wife, Chris, are going to be teaching in the exact same school I taught in Budapest next year! How cool is that?! Makes the world seem another size smaller.