i promised i would update more but i didn't...sorry

Ahhh well, February came and went and here we are now in halfway through March. I tried to get this post done numerous times but didn’t want to write just to write and waited until I truly felt inspired. Huge things have happened since I last updated all of you. The biggest of these things was my birthday. WOW, was it a birthday to remember.

I just want to start by saying I have had a fair amount of incredible birthday parties in my life. I mean major celebrations that I am so blessed to have had. But this was other worldly (country-ly—pun intended). My birthday fell on a Tuesday this year and I welcomed year 24 at my new school. Upon arrival to the staff room was cake #1 and so many handshakes/hugs. I went to my first class and they had a legitimate birthday party ready for me. They had a cake (#2), balloons, cameras, a decorated whiteboard and music. They sang Happy Birthday in two languages as fed me cake as traditionally done in Indonesia. We did the chicken dance and took more photos than years old I turned. Tuesdays are my busiest day and EACH CLASS HAD A CAKE..this means cakes #3, 4, 5, 6. One class bought me a traditional batik shirt. Two boys ran up to me with flowers, and I was serenaded with guitars. I brought home a full outfit from my English club and all of my favorite snacks. Spoiled does not even begin to explain it. One class made a 6-minute video for me. Nobody told the students to do this, they are just that incredible. I am not trying to boast, I just want to paint a picture of how absolutely unreal this day was. ***there are photos for proof. After going home, my sister had driven 2 hours home just to say happy birthday. My Ibu cooked a full feast filled with chicken sate, noodles, all of my favorite dishes, a traditional Indonesian rice cone (they use for all special occasions) and you guessed it, another cake (#7). I went to bed with a very full stomach and an even fuller (not a good word but this is how I felt) heart. The next day (the day AFTER my birthday, meaning my birthday was over) there was ANOTHER cake. My students who I did not have class with the day before wanted to join the festivities, too. I mean it doesn’t get better than that. How can any future birthday ever compete? I can tell you right now, it won’t ever come close. I am at a loss for words, truly. I will forever remember this birthday and continue to try to emulate the kindness and warmth I felt while so far from home. First birthday in new country, check. With a new culture and new people, also, check. But still feeling so loved, also a big, fat CHECK!!!!

The BEST students. try to tell me otherwise

Other than the birthday, I have been teaching a lot. Spending most of my days with students and teachers. When I get home from school, I hold informal lessons at my house. On Monday, it is with students from Class 12. On Tuesdays, my youngest sister and her friends from elementary school. On Wednesdays, I have English club with students and my dear friend Eva. Thursday’s activities are a new development. I have officially accepted the coaching position for my school’s basketball team LOL. I am full on making practice schedules and even bought shoes (which completely broke after practice number two). There are moments where I can’t tell if I want to cry from frustration or happiness. Witnessing my students understand something or at least watching them try to, nothing beats that moment. Their genuine excitement and creativity makes the tough days feel a little less tough. I am still always exhausted but that is the point, right? Always challenges, but also always joy.

In this blog post, I really wanted to start spotlighting one person who inspires me. This experience has been about people for me and the connections that I make. Maybe a teacher, family member or students. This time it is my sister. For background, her name is Falita Raudina Manzilina, she’s 21 years old and goes to college in a city about 2 hours away and is majoring in nursing. She comes home on the weekend which is definitely one of the highlights of my week! Didin (her nickname) is always helping. Always doing whatever someone asks her to do and more, whole-heartedly. Actually, helpful might not be enough, but selfless definitely is. She’s an observer and a listener, kind and patient. Not to mention, she is extremely smart. Her English is amazing. It’s not often you meet someone who is easy to talk to and connect with, let alone someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you, but is fully willing to try and yet, still easy to talk to. I am lucky to have her in my life and as a sister. I hope she knows that.

Next week, I will be in Surabaya for our first In-Service training. V excited to see my fellow volunteers.

What I am reading: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah—Thank you, Andrew!

What I am listening to: More and more KPOP lol—Thank you, Students!

What I am watching: The entire 3rd season of Queer Eye, in. one. day.—Thank you, Fab Five!

I am living life and loving it. xo Sarah

PS head over to the photos tab to see more of my journey!