First Week

Monday morning I finally started school at IMLAC! At IMLAC they have 9 units, each unit is 4 weeks, and then we have a week off. Unit 1 focuses mostly on the ability to have simple conversations with Indonesians, and works on vocabulary, basic grammar and pronunciation. But by the time I am done with unit 9 I should be able to communicate in most situations, and read and write the language quite well. So far, I am having fun, but I have been much more tired than I anticipated. I go to school every morning at 8 and am there until 12. Four hours really isn't bad...in word, but in reality, day in and day out, it is difficult. I am fortunate that I had been trying to listen and learn while I was here the last time, because now as I am learning the basic things, I have a much better understanding of how it all works. I was at the point where I understood, but I didn't know...I knew that those two words were similar, but I didn't know when one was appropriate and not the other. An example is "kami" versus "kita" both mean "we" but one includes the person you are talking to and the other one does not. Now I know =)

The program is designed to be helpful, but most of the work and practice is entirely up to you as a student. Thus, my homework is to talk to 15 Indonesian people a day, make friends with my neighbors and so on. The reason for this is that they want us to be immersed in the culture so that by the time we are done we have not only the ability to communicate, but we have friends and understand the culture, and have honestly the ability to live in Indonesia. They not only teach the language, but will answer any and all questions that we may have about culture and appropriateness. 

During my 4 hours of class I have 5 teachers. I like them all, and I think (hope) that they will become friends in the future, I am also meeting a lot of people from America and Europe...most of them have trouble finding Indonesian friends, but as I live with all Indonesian people it is kind of novel for me to have American friends. My experience here has been so different from theirs! Most of the students at IMLAC are here with an organization of some kind, and are learning the language as a stepping stone to go to other islands. They have western homes and friends, and know where all of the western places to eat are. In fact, when I tell my teachers that I ate rice for breakfast they are happily surprised. Honestly I am a little bit surprised by how different my experience has been from theirs, but I am glad of it. I like the idea that I am experiencing the real Indonesian culture, and not a westernized version of it. Even the fact that I was my own clothes is very different, yet part of the culture. Honestly it is really difficult sometimes because it is so different, and I am so steeped in the culture here, yet I know it is still not as deep as it could be. During the holiday of Idul Fitri last month I went to some houses in the village, and I saw really how Indonesians live. I feel that I am one step further than some of the other students, but that there are more steps to take. 

All of my friends and students here at Penuai are extremely excited that I am learning the language  Actually, I am at the point where if someone is speaking slowly, I can understand about half of what they say... as long as it is basic language... there are still a lot of words, however, that I don't know, and really need to learn so that I can really understand how it all works. But, that is why I am at IMLAC. Last night I was talking to one of my friends, and I told her something that had happened to me, using Indonesian, and when I was finished, she laughed out loud and asked me to tell it again. I love watching peoples reactions when I speak "bahasa" (they call their language bahasa Indonesia, bahasa for short) Also, usually the question I get more than any other is weather or not I can speak bahasa yet. They are always pleased to hear that I can speak a little bit. 

You know, it is really amazing how much you can show people that you care about them by speaking to them in their language. It really is a testimony to them. That is why I decided to learn the language, besides the practicality...I must learn Indonesian if I am going to spend any amount of time here. It is a way to show them that I want to talk to them, I want to understand them, and know about them. You have heard the saying "People don't care how much you know until the know how much you care." This is a true statement, and the longer I am here the more I care, and the more I want to tell them so. Every time I get tired, or a headache, or don't want to study, this is what I must remember. They are my motivation. My hope is to become their inspiration... to show them that they can do whatever they want, to show them that life can be good, and to tell them that they have a voice, that people care about them. I want them to know that the world knows who Indonesia is. I want them to know that God knows who they are, where they come from, and cares about them and their lives. That is really what I am doing here. I am not just learning one language and teaching another, but I am here to be a live witness of the power and love of God for them. I am a witness, not presently and actively evangelizing, but living proof that God can use young people, and that He cares for these students. He cares for Besta, and Ifan, and Mita and Ceski. All of them. That is my update today, so that you know what I am doing...day to day, and prayer to prayer. So, good night all. I love you. Please keep me in your prayers that I would remember why I am here when it gets difficult. To remember that I really am a missionary, and not just a tourist. Please pray that He has His way here. Talk to you again soon.