<p>Thanks Susan,
Every day that passes without an incident is reassuring. But, we have been in varying stages of continuous alert for more than 2 years now....and the factors that have created this situation are not short lived. The holiday season is always tense because of religious conflict within the country- but this is set against a backdrop of ongoing terrorist alerts against Western targets. Basically, the embassy sends us messages periodically to remind us of the "status quo", and every so often they up the ante a bit and then you "really worry." Vermont it isn't. </p>
<p>Son's main essay is about internal and external threats to our community-- and his actions in response to the former in particular- framed in the context of the need for cross cultural understanding. I think he does a nice job of bringing it down to the student level--what it means to him. </p>
<p>Hard to imagine what passes for "normal" these days.</p>
<p>Yeah, who knows what is "normal" these days and what is unique. All I can say is that your son's life living in Indonesia is not the typical life in the states in several ways but in particular in the ways you just mentioned. I think it would be different than other essays and quite interesting. In fact, I think he would be a very interesting person to have in the student body because of his experiences (and other obvious strengths that go without saying). </p>
<p>You are right, it ain't Vermont. Frankly, Vermont is not too much like lots of the continental US either. Sometimes it feels like we live in a different world. I am reminded of that when we go to big cities or even suburbia in other states. I am reminded when I watch the local news when I go back home to NJ in the suburbs of Philly. And when my kids have friends in other parts of the country and they visit or vice versa, I know when we mention our way of life, it is so foreign from their experience (and vice versa). My 16 year old is off for a week's vacation coming up to visit lots of her summer theater friends in Florida (as are other friends from all over) and I know when she went last year, she brought up the lifestyle there as world's apart from the one here. </p>
<p>I can't imagine the threat of terrorism and all that life in your country entails. I know you do live in a beautiful place as I do. But here people do not even lock their doors! </p>
<p>Probably the biggest danger my kids can have here is driving on the snowy roads, as my older one is doing tonight to attend a friend's show 50 miles away and there is snow. Even that can make me nervous but it is all relative. </p>
<p>I think the fact that your son put some flavor of his community and background into his essay, helps show him in context. I recall in one essay my D wrote, even though it had nothing to do with where she was brought up, it came out in subtle ways....I recall a line about how she had to change out of her ski "armor" on one side of the state after a race and into her formal attire in the 90 mile car ride to All State Music Auditions and then again into her dance clothes to attend her tap dance class 30 miles from there (that is what her life is like and the car can be a changing room, dining hall, study hall, restaurant, you name it, lol). </p>
<p>Living in Indonesia has been equally challenging and rewarding. It was a wonderful experience for my son and going back to America for college required some adjustment. Williamstown and Jakarta couldn't be farther apart and still be on the same planet, in more ways than just geographic. </p>
<p>Living in a country like this which is beset by so many problems, really makes us appreciate America, with all her warts! We're not perfect but we have an educational system second to none, accessable health care and most importantly a rule of law that we can count on. People here so desperately -- and basically -- want to send their children to school, afford medicine when they're sick and turn to their government for legal protection. Sadly, these basic needs are not universal rights.</p>
<p>My son wrote his essay on his reaction to being evacuated by the US State Department when Indonesia was in political chaos. Reading it still gives me goose bumps. </p>
<p>In this post 9/11 world, it is certainly heartening that so many kids put study abroad on their priority list as it is essential that they come to understand other cultures and religions. My son will most likely stay in the US because for him, it's still a foreign land.</p>
<p>Now on a lighter note, as some one who's lived outside America for many years (and works in the US retail industry) who would have thought that plush microbes could be a best selling gift-giving item! American certainly has its share of weirdness. :>)</p>
<p>Susan,
Truth be told, Jakarta is mostly far from beautiful, but much of the rest of the country is breathtaking. It is the people and their spirit which are most compelling however. The Balinese have no word in their language for "artist" because to be human is to be an artist in their culture. The Javanese have the capacity to show warmth and dignity in even the most difficulty of situations..either Momrath or I could go on and on. So, while the essays might be about the turmoil, the affection is for the culture and people and the kids come back here year after year, and they move back when they can, because they are drawn to a different way of life, and because they want everything for the Indonesians that the Indonesians want for themselves, genuinely. This won't be my home forever, and there have been days, weeks and even months when I (and all our family in the States) think we are nuts to stay...but we do!</p>
<p>Hope your daughter drives safely and that you have excellent snow tires (both worries we never have here..).</p>
<p>Robyrm, Momrath, thanks for sharing your perspective on life in Indonesia. It is of great interest to some of us. I can't imagine living under the threat of terrorism like that, constantly; after 9/11 there was some anxiety here in the NY-NJ area but nothing compared to what you describe.</p>
<p>Achat, I noticed you asked about Blaineko on the Amherst forum. The last time we crossposted, several weeks ago, I got the idea he was debating changing Amherst from ED to RD, but haven't heard anything since.</p>
<p>Best wishes out to Momrath and Robyrm. I didn't realize you were both in Indonesia. I'm sure I can't imagine what life is like there these days.</p>
<p>I've noticed that US schools are taking more proactive approaches to terror on US soil. My 6 yr old has been coming home telling me of the "lock down" drills at school. I had never heard of this before a few weeks ago. According to her, someone says "lock down" on the speaker system and the teachers move to lock their doors while all students move to their desks to put there heads down. Then, there seems to be another version where students on the ground level floors (where she is) move to upper level floors and repeat the locking/head down drill. When I asked why, she said "so bad men can't get to us through the windows".</p>
<p>Such a life the kids are living these days....</p>
<p>The ironic thing is that although we are living under the very real threat of terrorism, day to day life in this city of 15-20 million souls (who knows?) is actually quite safe. Violent crime is miniscule compared to large American cities and for the most part we are protected by the people who work for us and live in our neighborhoods. Our kids' high school experience is surprisingly old fashioned. Because most foreigners leave the driving to their drivers -- the traffic protocol is impossible for us outsiders to master -- teenagers don't drive. Drugs are available, but not especially problematic. There are no restrictions on drinking so the appeal is low and if they experiment, the driver brings them home. Basically, kids don't grow up too fast here.</p>
<p>On a larger scale Indonesians are often shocked when I describe life in America. Problems with childcare, eldercare, casual crime, offensive language and inattention to religion are alien to them. And even middle class office workers who might employ 3-4 domestic helpers at home are incredulous when I try to explain to them that an American parent not only wouldn't have live in childcare but also would have to wash their own clothes.</p>
<p>This sounds like life in India in a major city such as Calcutta for upper-middle class Indians. Driving is out of the question for most people; almost every family that can afford a car (not many) will hire a driver as well. And teenagers certainly don't drive.</p>
<p>Robyrm and Momrath, your tales are fascinating and terrifying. Your children will bring true diversity to their schools with their experiences. thank you for sharing, and please stay safe.</p>