Ask the Woods Wednesday #4

“Was learning the language difficult?”

Both Matt and I will agree that learning Indonesian was not difficult. But we wouldn’t qualify it as easy, either.

The language itself is pretty easy. It uses the Roman alphabet and each letter makes the same sound with very few exceptions.

When we first moved to Sumatra in 2019, we enrolled in language classes right away. Matt and I were in class together and we had 6 units to complete. Each unit was 4 weeks long. We had class 2 hours a day and 5 days per week. Each day we were expected to spend 2 hours after class interviewing the locals and practicing our verbal skills and 2 hours on our written homework and general studying. So for about 6 months our full-time job was learning Indonesian. While we were exhausted during this time, the schedule made it easy for us to learn the language because we were constantly immersed in it.

Matt and I on our way to our last language class on March 20, 2020.

Let’s fast forward to almost 5 years later. How are we doing with language now?

Matt has retained most of his language skills and has added to his vocabulary exponentially. He even did some translating when other LCMS workers came to Medan for our family retreat in January.

My language has definitely lessened. I am good with everyday tasks and getting around, but I struggle having an in depth conversation in Indonesian. I’m hoping to go back to “school” for a language unit this summer when I have a break from teaching the kids to help me improve.

Laurel has even take a language unit with other expat kids last spring. It was a good introductory course for her and taught her the basics. She is more willing to ask how to say things in Indonesian and to try and figure out Indonesian signs when we are out and about.

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What do you want to know next? Please comment with a question for next week’s installment of “Ask the Woods Wednesday.”

Ask the Woods Wednesday #2

Here’s our second installment of Ask the Woods Wednesday!

“What seems weird now when you visit America?”

— Anne G.

Matt’s response:

When we first arrived in Medan I was shocked by the chaos. It seemed like there were no rules. Food being sold wherever anyone could set up a stand. Traffic moving according to a mysterious rythm. And it was dirty. Now that we have made this city our home I have grown to understand it all better and to love it. When we are back in the States it's shockingly clean and orderly. It seems sterile and while it makes some things easier it does seem strange and I often long for the chaos of the streets of Medan.

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Kali’s response:

When I am in America, I am always surprised by not hearing the call to prayer 5 times a day. In Medan, it is broadcast from every mosque in the city. We have 3 within walking distance of our house, so it gets pretty loud. It has become embedded in the background of our every day life. When we are the States it seems quiet.

Connected to Islamic culture, I’m always very aware of the lack of clothes people wear in the States. We have become accustomed to seeing girls and women dress in very modest clothes despite the heat, humidity and lack of appropriate air conditioning. Even bathing suits are long sleeved and often accompanied by leggings.

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Laurel’s response:

All the people with white skin and not having to speak Indonesian (such as: Permisi=excuse me, terima kasih=thank you, sama-sama= you’re welcome, and maaf=I’m sorry.)

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This is Kali’s commentary on Laurel’s response: While there are quite a few bule (white people) living in Medan, we don’t see them often when we are out and about. If we see a bule at the store, we do a double take. Unless we are intentionally meeting up with friends we are not likely to see anyone with white skin.

Ask the Woods Wednesday

Welcome to our first installment of “Ask the Woods Wednesday”. Each week we will post an answer to a question that you have submitted. If you have a question for next week, please post it in the comments.

“What is the best thing about where you live?”

— Submitted by Anne G.

Laurel says:

Friends, going to malls, swimming pools and taking weekend trips.

Eleanor says:

Friends, going to the pool, and the cats in the neighborhood

Caroline says:

Friends and gymnastics class.

Kermit thinks:

While he doesn’t talk yet, my guess would be the abundance of bananas here and our cat, Ginger.

Kali says:

Hands down, my favorite thing about Indonesia is the people. Indonesians have been so kind and friendly to us ever since we arrived. They are gracious with our language or cultural mistakes. They dote on our children. While we stick out wherever we go, we have always felt welcome.

My second favorite thing in this country is the food. I enjoyed mildly spicy food before we arrived here and now I crave the spicy dishes that are made here.

Matt says:

What I like best about lining in Indonesia is the opportunity to teach those who joyfully desire to learn about and proclaim the story of Jesus' death and resurrection for us. The humility and friendliness of the people here combined with the deep faith in Christ that the Christian minority has is inspiring. I also enjoy that so much of Indonesia remains very local. Each city provides it's own unique foods and customs that have not yet been corporatized which makes for unique discoveries and experiences everywhere you go.