Leaving Home for Home

Today (the day when I am writing this particular paragraph anyway), I spoke a mixture of Bahasa and Mandarin with a little old man selling me coffee (for oleh-olehs, I still don’t drink it myself) while side-nodding my head like an Indian. I probably would have clicked my tongue or raised my eyebrows for ‘no’ like an Arab if the opportunity had come up. I’m a very confused Asian, as I have lived in almost every region of Asia—East Asia (China), South Asia (India), the Middle East or Near East, whichever you prefer (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen), and of course South East Asia (Indonesia). I still need to get to Central Asia. Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and/or Uzbekistan—I will get there someday, probably….I hope…

I gave him the "namaste hands" when I left.
Also, notice that his shop specializes in coffee and toilet paper.

But now I live in Africa.

I think I mentioned this before, but as a kid, someone once told me if I learned Arabic, Mandarin, and Hindi, in addition to the Indonesian that I already spoke, then I could talk to most people in Asia. And at the time, I was convinced that Asians of every region were the coolest people in the world, and the only ones worth talking to…or something like that…anyway, I decided I would learn those languages. While my Mandarin and Hindi aren’t as deep as my Arabic and Indonesian, I can carry on decent conversations on a variety of subjects, and someday I hope that I will be able to improve on that too. But, like I said, now I live in Africa. I figured it would happen some day, and I even hoped it would, but I’m finding that it still doesn’t make it easier to leave here. I won’t just miss my parents and my friends and the wonderful food—I’ll also miss speaking Asian languages, holding up two fingers for photographs, and finding Hello Kitty-brand white sugar for sale in the grocery store.  I just really love it here.

 

Extra-sweet Hello Kitty Sugar

Peace sign photos with cool kids Ica and Jeri from nearby Panti Asuhan.
I love me some orphans.

One time a friend told me, when I was bemoaning the fact that I didn’t want to leave behind ‘my’ people (I was moving on from one of my international jobs), and she said, “Amanda, you have lots of people. You’re not someone who connects with just one.” And she is a very wise woman, and I think she is right. Because I realized recently that I’m already developing some African loyalties.  When a friend commented about how much she loved Asian elephants on a photo I posted from my elephant-riding fun in Thailand, I found myself wanting to get defensive of African elephants, even though my friend hadn’t said anything derogative at all towards the Africa pachyderm with their extra-large ears. When I noticed that defensiveness, I felt pleased that I have clearly started to put down some emotional roots in Africa, and I know I don’t just love their variety of wild life.

I’m looking forward to some more runs and bike rides through the jungle, dancing and singing with my charismatic brothers and sisters in church, hanging with my friends under the mango tree, and feasting my eyes on the most beautiful clear starry night sky I’ve ever seen anywhere. Mundri, South Sudan is my home now, one of many I’ve loved, and I’m sure I’ll be glad to be back once I'm there. But I’m still sad to leave the first home that I knew was home once I knew what home was supposed to be. 

So you can see some of the greatness of Indonesia, here are some photos of some favorite moments/places/people:

Martabak Asin--and tons of other great food.
I love you, Martabak. Bade sono pisan ka temenku, Si Martabak.

Holding cute tiny babies named Amanda.
It is a name that will bring you greatness, Small Child!

Buying veggies at the pasar--we really need better pasar2 in SSudan,
 and we know I can't count on my garden since I have no weeding skills.

Bumbus at the pasar!

Yeah, I like pasars, OK? You should too.

This wasn't a favorite moment, but I wanted to show you how
many network signals were available from one spot in the mall.
 Yes, 21st Century, you have made it to SEAsia.

Worshipping in Bahasa with my Indo family.

Seeing this special friend again! I love you dan keluargamu juga, Iren!

Playing with Iren's kids who are not afraid of me,
though Kasyfi refused to take photos with me.
But Kafya didn't mind the paparazzi.

This was a truly great moment: one of my most favorite people
and one of my most favorite foods.

Best for last: the Ortu. Love them. Blessed to be their daughter.
Will miss them the most.