When I first saw Indonesia on the list of countries for the Fusion route, I’ll admit, I was less than thrilled…! Recent plane disappearances in the area made me apprehensive… However, since arriving on the island of Java, I’ve been delighted and intrigued…!
Upon disembarking the Boeing 737, we were greeted by a downpour of rain! I never knew rain could invoke such joy within me! It was so refreshing after months of sunshine!
Though our first meal contained rice, it was quite diverse. Our plates boasted of such things as soybean cakes, fried tofu, well-seasoned chicken, and mixed veggies complimented by the local tea. Each bite exploded with flavor!
Our days begin with a time of prayer at 4am, the same time as the first call to prayer for our Muslim friends. It’s early, but even in the darkness and grogginess of the dawn, God is faithful and present.
People here are warm, friendly, and have a natural curiosity for foreigners.Within our first week, we visited a local high school to help the students practice their English. They were so excited simply to pose for a photo with us! Later in the week, we visited the home of our host’s landlord for afternoon tea. They served us the local tea, bandrek, and several treats before treating us to dinner!
So, now that it’s been over a week and we’ve been out into the community, I’m happy to say that not only do I feel safe here, but I’m also thrilled to be learning about a culture so different from my own!
Moral of the story – don’t judge a book by it’s cover nor let headlines deter you from new experiences with beautiful people!
