Pack, unpack, repack.

It has been about three months since I got accepted to the English Language Fellow Program and signed up to go to Indonesia. However, this last month has been hectic, exciting, full of anxiety, and now I'm starting to count down the days left before the big move across the ocean. It's finally happening!

Moving out of my old apartment was a piece of cake. The new tenant bought all of my furniture so I didn't have to worry about moving it or storing it. I just had to get my clothes and books out of the place, pack some boxes with trinkets and random stuff, and start picking and choosing what to take with me to Lombok. I have probably packed my suitcase about twenty times, going through everything that's in there and deciding that I don't really need this or that, rearranging the contents, and making sure that I have everything I will need in the other side of the world. But what do I really need? The question pops into my head and I realize that even here in the United States I have always tried to live minimally and I don't need much to subsist. A change of clothes and a toothbrush and I'll be fine. Stop worrying.

The last few weeks in Carbondale have been great, and I have been making sure that I enjoy every minute of my time here. Swimming in the lake, hiking in the woods, cycling to the river, hanging out with friends, visiting CESL (my old workplace) and helping out with an opening event for its 50th anniversary. Nothing too different from what I regularly do, but I am taking it all in, knowing that in a few days I'll be in a different environment, surrounded by new people, customs, a strange language. Everything will be new, so it's time to bask in the familiar places, sounds, and faces. I will surely miss Carbondale and the people here. This place has become my home and claimed a spot in my heart.

Now it's time to finish packing and see some dear people one more time before I leave. I'll be somewhere in Indonesia the next time I post something. xoxo.

A hike in the woods with Jen and Aya. I'll miss these ladies.

A lucky fellow

Thinking back about the path that led me to Lombok makes me realize how life slowly works itself into something wonderful even when you are not aware of what is happening. Little by little all the pieces arrange themselves and become meaningful, become part of a larger picture, and all of a sudden you see how the dots connect.

During the cold months of the winter when I was feeling stuck in a bleak existence, I decided to change course and applied to the English Language Fellow Program --an exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State that sends English teachers around the world to promote mutual understanding and enhance English language teaching. I had gotten some brochures about the program a few months earlier during a conference, and even though I was happy with my job situation, I really felt like there were some things missing in my life. I sat down, filled out the application, doubted my qualifications, and waited for a possibly unfavorable response.

Forward a few months. Guess who got accepted into the program!!! I got offered to go to Indonesia to train English teachers for ten months and I didn't think it twice before enthusiastically replying "YES!" The director of the program where I was working at the time was extremely supportive, gave me wise advise and guidance, and even mentioned the possibility of taking a leave of absence for a year if I wanted to. Everything seemed to be falling into place, so my decision to leave for Indonesia was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made.

Last week we had Pre-departure orientation in Washington D.C. I got to meet new and returning fellows going to Indonesia among many other fellows going all over the world. In a matter of hours I had made many new friends that will become part of an extensive support group, along with our Regional English Language officer (RELO) who proved to be an amazing woman with a sense of humor and a clear understanding of the role of education overall and the workings of the Indonesian educational system in particular. I left orientation with a sense of security and optimism. I know I will have someone offering me support whenever the going gets rough, and I know this is an incredible opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Anything seems possible when I trust myself.

Sometimes I get really lucky. Lets see how I face the challenges coming ahead and how I get transformed in the way. I'm ready to do this!

2015-2016 Indonesia Fellows at PDO.