Dear family, dear friends and dear readers,
It’s now been two whole months since I moved from Germany to Blimbingsari.
So much has happened in that time, and I have grown so much as a person that I really don’t know where to begin – but I’ll give it a go!
To be completely honest, the start was definitely not easy for me. In the first few weeks especially, I struggled with severe homesickness and often felt lost and alone. I have certainly learnt just how important it is for me to have family and friends close by and how much strength and support they give me in everyday life.
Ultimately, though, even the toughest weeks come to an end. Thanks to the wonderful hospitality I experience every day in Blimbingsari – not just at the children’s home, but also at school and on my walks through the village – I have settled in more and more each day. I have found my feet in daily life and, bit by bit, made Blimbingsari my new home with a whole new routine.
I am very grateful for my placement as it gives me a great deal of freedom in terms of how I contribute to daily life. This enables me to do things I enjoy and feel I am truly making a difference and being needed.
During the week, I always go to the primary school in Blimbingsari in the mornings – primary education in Indonesia goes up to Year 6. Here, I assist the English teachers with their lessons. Another part of my role is providing English tuition outside school hours. In the evenings in Blimbingsari, I tutor the children from the children’s home, and in the afternoons I go to the children’s home in Melaya to help the older children with their English.
I really enjoy spending time with the children, helping them, and getting to know them better day by day.
Overall, I would say that I have really settled in over the past few weeks. I have a lovely new daily routine, have made many great and enriching acquaintances, and am surprised anew every day by the Indonesians’ openness and hospitality.
I am very excited to see what the coming weeks and months will bring, and the wonderful experiences and lovely people I will encounter.
See you very soon!
Jona
This text was automatically translated using an AI-powered translation system.
