David and I aren’t career international teachers. We didn’t move over here planning to retire in Indonesia; rather we were seeking to be faithful in “next steps.” It began as a two year commitment and has grown into five. This is our fifth year living overseas! It doesn’t seem that long although I imagine our families would beg to differ.
Last year I went back to work part time teaching one section each of 11th and 12th grade English, and I could not love it more. I always tell people I get the best of both worlds. I get to spend time with my daughter as her primary caregiver while also taking on something mentally challenging and exercising my gifts. It’s a sweet spot, for sure. I’m not ready to go back full time, and for now we’re thankful to be in this somewhat odd situation that allows so much flexibility for our family.
Next year C will begin K-1 (school starts at 3 years old over here), and she’s already so excited about going to school “as a student.” I’ll be able to teach while she’s in school and be there for drop off and pick up each day with the peace of mind that both David and I are in the same building with her should anything happen. Our decision to renew contracts for another year was a bit tougher this year with my mom’s health issues, and we’re certainly keeping everything in mind moving forward. For now we are looking forward to spending quality time with her and the rest of our family over the summer before returning to Jakarta for a sixth year in the fall of 2018.
I’ve fallen a bit behind on these end of year updates due to 1) potty training the first week of Christmas break, 2) an amoeba that destroyed our Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning, and 3) a desire to finish 30 books in 2017 … I finished the 29th today. I’ll wrap up this blog series with a reflection on our Buy (Almost) Nothing Year sometime early in the new year, but for now Happy New Year to all and to all a good night!
The D&SH 