Love More

Well there has been an interesting turn of events in my life lately. When I moved here there were some complications with my Visa that I found out about around week 2, so I always knew that this might happen - but I also know that the Indonesian government changes laws every other day so the chances that I would get my full visa and be able to stay here for a year where equally as possible. Basically right now I am on a training visa which is a 30 day visa that can only be extended a maximum of 6 times. Mine has now been extended 4 times. In order to get my full visa I need to apply for my kitosk which is basically my Indonesian citizenship, unfortunately the government recently put up strict restrictions about foreigners who can get this kitosk, the government doesn't believe that I am qualified enough and has kept rejecting my visa application. Recently some English teachers from another prominent English school in Surabaya got caught with drugs, which is a HUGE HUGE deal here in

I am fortunate to live in a country where there are many diverse religions, this is nice for many reasons. One being I get so many random days off due to all the religious holidays recognized in Indonesia. Another being the experience of being immersed in a country of culture and diversity. Surabaya is predominately muslim, there are temples across the city. While driving out of Surabaya we pass the biggest Mosque in south East asia - it is gorgeous. I don't want you to start thinking that I am converting to Islam or Hinduism, but since living here I have developed a totally different outlook on different world religions. Due to some recent historical events I feel that as a western culture we have a very tainted view of the people behind the religion. How many of you after 911 were a little nervous flying with a person who was wearing a turban? How many of you jump to fast conclusions when you see a woman wearing a Burqa? I am not judging or pointing fingers, there is no way that

I am currently reading the book "Eat, Pray, Love" and I am finding myself relating to the author on SO many levels. If you have never read it I strongly encourage you to it is a good read, and there is a movie coming out starring Julia Roberts . . . Anyways, it is about a woman who decides to take a year of her life and make it her own and travel - something she loves. There is a part in the book that I feel is straight from my experience here so far. She is talking about when she was in China parents would bring their terrified children up to her to shake her hand, which upon happening the children would burst into tears. I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me since moving here, they see a buliea (Indonesian for foreigner) and bring their poor chid up to this towering blonde giant and make them shake my hand. Considering the size of Surabaya (it is the second largest city in Indonesia) there are not very many foreigners here. When I first came here it r