I’m going to Southeast Asia. I keep saying this over and over in my head. Sometimes I raise and lower the pitch of my voice thinking that at some point I might actually believe what I’m saying is true.
It is. During a recent trip to Publix, I accidentally said it out loud in my deepest baritone voice. A lady walking past said “O.K” also in a deep baritone voice. We smiled at each other. I was too surprised by her comical mimic to ask her name but I wish I had. She is obviously my people. I’m going to Southeast Asia. Indonesia to be exact. I leave this Saturday to fly as far away from home and all things familiar as I can possibly travel. A year ago I applied for an incredible Department of State Fellowship called Teachers For Global Classrooms. I spent days writing, revising and writing again essays about global education and why I think it is important for my students. It wasn’t difficult. What could be more important than connecting students to the world outside of their classroom. To help them understand the links between their own lives and those of people throughout the world. To develop empathy, real-world skills, and common values that can really make an impact. I never expected to actually get the opportunity to participate in the fellowship but… I’m going to Southeast Asia. It has been a long road of preparation. In October the TGC cohort spent 10 weeks collaborating and learning in an intense online graduate level course. I was also completing my Masters degree in Library Media and working full-time. I owe my family some apologies. From the first conversations with the TGC cohort I knew that these were the passionate educators I was meant to find. Online friendships formed and in February we all flew to Washington D.C. for a Global Education Symposium. It was incredible to meet everyone face to face. At one point I ate breakfast near Ambassador Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs for the U.S. Department of State. She was poised and articulate and absolutely amazing. I reached for a scone and knocked over my orange juice. I don’t really consider myself educational ambassador material. My first line of defense when I’m uncomfortable is humor and often it is misplaced. I struggle to walk in shoes that don’t have a Nike symbol on the side and I’m never really sure what that fork at the top of a plate is for. And yet, somehow they still chose me. I’m going to Southeast Asia. I have already learned so much and cannot wait to learn even more about Indonesia-- the people, the culture, the educational system and the students. Wow! I am so excited to meet the students. The opportunity to make connections to teachers and students in Indonesia that are willing to collaborate with my students in Madison Alabama makes me giddy inside. It’s going to happen. We have been counseled that some things will be very different and may even be uncomfortable (not every stop will include a western toilet). We have also been encouraged to “lean in” and really embrace the unfamiliar. My goal is to document it all through a travel blog. My primary focus is on the beauty and positivity of this experience. I also plan to be honest. I look forward to the adventure and yes I am a little (lot) scared. I welcome your prayers. I will miss my family the most and am so incredibly thankful for their love and support. I’m going to Southeast Asia. Go with me. Blog letsglobal.weebly.com Instagram @librarianatlarge Twitter mrsB_Howard
8 Comments
"This blog is not an official U.S. Department of State blog. The views and information presented are the grantee's own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State."
7/10/2018 09:20:32 pm
Great opening post!! So excited to share experience with you...
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Cindy Trout
7/11/2018 03:19:01 am
You're going to Southeast Asia.
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Ellen Kraft
7/11/2018 08:26:49 am
Wishing you safe travels! I can't wait to follow your experience.
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Missy King
7/11/2018 02:13:32 pm
I am SO VERY EXCITED for you!!!!! I can’t wait to follow you through Indonesia and read all about your experiences! I’m also hoping (selfishly) that our HS students can connect with you and your students there before you leave. Safe travels and Have a Blast!
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Kathy Barr
7/11/2018 06:27:25 pm
Bonnie, This sounds like a wonderful opportunity! I look forward to living vicariously through your blogs.
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Lesa Vess
7/12/2018 06:34:58 am
Bonnie, I’m so happy for you and eager to follow your journey. Who knew that girl I met the very first day of school at Bradshaw in 1985 would literally travel so far in life. I’m proud to call you one of my oldest friends. You’re an inspiration and you have my prayers for a safe journey.
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Sri Maryati
7/14/2018 08:59:22 am
See you soon in Palembang
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Christie Harper
7/14/2018 12:18:37 pm
Have fun in Southeast Asia!! I can’t wait to read and learn about your journey!! Have fun my friend.
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
September 2018
Categories"This blog is not an official U.S. Department of State blog. The views and information presented are the grantee's own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State."
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