HIV negative...random visa requirement

So, I have no new updates as of late.  Well, I am NOT HIV positive, which is a plus.  I found out a couple of weeks ago that I had to send proof of that as part of the new visa requirements for Indonesia.  Not that I was worried about the actual results, since I regularly donate blood at The Red Cross, but it was reassuring to know that someone at the school is actually in the process of getting my visa paperwork taken care of.  In the same email, the woman from the school asked when it would be convenient for me to come to Indonesia.  First of all, I found it strange that I had a choice in the date, since she's the one booking and buying the plane ticket, but I suggested we have a chance to arrive a few days early to get over our jet lag and have a chance to settle in.  Apparently, our school's orientation begins on Thursday, June 21st, so that's the latest day we should be getting there.  Anywho, I suggested we leave the States on June 16th, so with the travel time and time change (12 hours ahead there), it wouldn't be too quick of a turn-around.  She said she would let me know the flight details before she books a ticket, so now I continue to wait patiently.

I have begun planning my going away party, as well.  I sent out a Facebook invite tonight, and I will be making an invitation to mail to people this week.  Luckily, Veronica has so graciously agreed to come home with me on Memorial Day weekend to help me get ready for the party.  If you don't already know the details, it will be on Sunday, May 27, around 3 p.m. at my Dad's house in Highland.  We'll have plenty of food and beer, so come one, come all.

I am planning a meeting with three other teachers going to Jakarta with me.  Three of us live in the Twin Cities area, and the other is in LaCrosse, so we're figuring on everyone meeting up for dinner soon.  I already met Aasha at the UNI Job Fair, after we both accepted the offers from Bina Bangsa school; I had dinner with Danna a couple of weeks ago near Stillwater; I have yet to meet Ike.  I'm excited for all four of us to hang out and talk about Indonesia.  It will also be especially helpful to meet everyone before we're put into the already stressful situation of traveling across the world, not the mention the fact that we'll all be leaving our homes and families for the next two years (we're all supposed to be flying out of Minneapolis together).

That's basically it for now.  I just thought I should write an update for anyone who is actually following this blog already.  I hope to see you at the bittersweet farewell party!  Please call me or leave me a comment here if you have any questions or concerns (about the party, specifically, or Indonesia, in general).

Why Jakarta, you may ask?

So, as I keep thinking about telling people (i.e. my family, but mostly my mom) about my blog, I realize that many people reading it may not know much about me, for example, why I'm leaving and/or why I chose Indonesia.  Well, long story short, they're the ones who offered me a job. 

I've wanted to continue traveling abroad ever since I was a part of a study abroad program to Oaxaca, Mexico, during the Summer of 2008.  I had an amazing experience meeting new people, making friends (Julia and Josh, just to name a few), and volunteering at an elementary school.  I taught English to classes ranging from students in 1st grade to 6th grade, and that was when I realized that I truly was meant to become a teacher.  Fast forward almost four years, and Jakarta is going to be the opportunity of a lifetime, and why not go to the other side of the world while I have the chance to take advantage of learning about and living in a country first hand that is as diverse and different than the States?  I am learning so much about the country and my school already, but at the same time I have a ton of questions ranging from "How much is actually furnished in my apartment/living situation? to "What in the world consists of the English curriculum that I'll be using?"

This may be a stepping stone to many teaching jobs abroad in a range of countries, it may be the beginning of many years (obviously, more than 2) of teaching in Indonesia, or it may just be something fun and amazing that I get to be a part of for the next two years, only to be followed by my return home where I'll find a job in the States and spend the rest of my days (get married, have a family, etc.).

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

So, I've been thinking about things that I think I'll miss when I move to Jakarta, Indonesia for the next two years, and here is a list of what I've come up with so far.  If anything, I think it will be interesting to look back at this list over time and compare it to what I actually miss.
  

1. my friends, 

1. my family, and the Polinske family

1. getting together with friends for lunch/dinner 

1. going to Madison for the weekend 

1. calling to chat and catch up with friends whenever I think of it 

1. the change of seasons (I love Spring and Fall) 

1. the lilacs at my dad’s farm 

1. my new bed (one of my first, "real, adult" purchases)

1. the Badgers and Packers 

1. snow days -- no school and so I can wear my new scarf, favorite hat and mittens 

1. singing at church (and seeing everyone there) 

1. volleyball on Sunday nights (getting dirty in the sand) 

1. the public library (with the endless supply of books...in English) 

1. my car and being able to drivewhenever/wherever I want and get there in a timely manner 

1. going home to hang out with my dad (he’s so amazing that he deserves a place on the list in addition to the family spot) 

1. sending “snail mail” (I realize it will be much easier to update my blog or facebook, but I think mailing letters is so much more fun and makes me feel nostalgic...or something