Because of her...

From the day that we arrived in Indonesia it was very apparent that language was going to be an issue.  Unlike where we lived before -- both in India and in Malaysia -- almost no one here speaks English.  Even basic words and phrases are no known or understood.  And rather than our previous experiences where if you are a foreigner they assume you don't speak the local language, everyone here assumes that you do.  Constantly people are rattling off anything and everything in Bahasa Indonesia and assuming that I understand.  Which I do not.

So, I knew something would have to be done about it.  And when I found out that an amazing language school was opening a satellite campus across the street from our school, I knew it was something that I wanted (and needed) to do.  There were a few obstacles though -- getting Caleb home from school every day (the class goes until 12 and he gets done at 10:45) and the fact that Katelynn doesn't take a bottle (four hours is a long time to go between feedings).  I was trying to work it out but feeling okay with waiting a month or two to start.

Then comes the little girl pictured above.  She lives next door to us and is sweet as can be.  Last week sometime I was outside watching Alaina play with her older sisters and she came up to me and starting talking (in Bahasa Indonsia, of course).  I didn't understand a thing.  But she just kept talking.  And then she would look at me in a dissappointed way because I was not responding to her.  She would ask me questions and all I could do was stare blankly at her.  She went from looking confused to looking sad.  She just thought I was ignoring her!  Since she is so young I couldn't even attempt to tell her "I only speak English."  As she kept talking and kept looking sad my heart just broke.  I eventually just had to walk away and go inside because I knew it wasn't registering with her that I COULDN'T talk with her. My heart was broken too.

And so I decided that any and all obstacles would be removed from my path and I WOULD start language school as soon as possible.  As soon as possible meant this week (a new session starts once a month). I found a ride for Caleb, am coming home during my break to feed Katelynn, and now am completely immersed in a language that I don't understand, but hopefully soon will.

Class runs for four hours every day and works in one-month units (yes, Vicki and Kelly, IMLAC opened a satellite campus out here in Kota Baru...please tell me that I CAN do this!)  It is intense, but thankfully Bahasa Indonesia is supposed to be one of the easiest languages in the world to learn.  I have my doubts about *my* ability and am convinced I will be the *one* person that this program doesn't work for, but I will be plugging away, trying to make sense of it all.

The whole program goes for nine months but a lot of people just do the first three months -- it is enough to get through every-day-life kind of stuff.  I haven't made a decision yet -- we'll just see how it goes.  I want to make sure that my life is balanced...not too much of any one thing. The time away from home (and then the time needed outside of class) will be hard, but oh so worth it. Just look at the sweetness above!

Comments

[Jen Caputo]

OH Janet that is sooo exciting!!! Congrats, what a wonderful thing for you to do! She is just so beautiful and it will be so great to be able to tell her so!

[joelsgirl_Kellie]

Girl, of course you can do it! I'm way proud of you for pushing through right now; you'll be glad you did. It's never EASY to learn a new language, but if you have to learn one, Bahasa Indon is the one to learn. It's even easier than BM, imo, because there are rules that actually get followed. I still remember the first time someone asked me, "Dari mana?" and I understood AND answered. It was such a huge step, lol. It won't be long before you and the little girl are having heartfelt conversations. :)

[Jacki]

You can do it, you CAN do it! Yeah for you! I only took BM for 1 yr. and have wished to continue. You'll get lots of chances to practice so that'll be super helpful.

[Holly in Japan]

Janet,

You CAN do it. You are so awesome to even try. God will bless your willing heart and able mind. I admire your adventurous spirit!