I've arrived in Jakarta! After a restful flight through Hong Kong, 32 new teachers, including me were greeted enthusiastically by JIS staff at the airport. Our weekender bags and ourselves were whisked away to a fabulous luxury hotel and our other bags were taken to our apartments or homes to await our arrival July 27. Today's orientation talked about culture shock and its remedy, mobile phones and of course, introductions. We not only have a new middle school principal, but also a new Head of School. Everyone was gracious, funny and kind. Most of them have been working here for over 10 years!! I'm looking forward to learning about why the expat life here is so alluring to so many. So far we have seen and have experienced the efficient and architecturally vibrant airport, a very luxurious luxury hotel, and a 6 course meal in the best Indonesian restaurant in Jakarta. So much more to come!!! Stay tuned.

Here is a side fact:JIS is the largest expat employer in Indonesia!

Momentous Momentum

Physics teachers will be the first to tell you that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. I'm sure everyone would agree that Brenda Wright is not an object at rest. And we certainly don't want this blog to be any different. As we all want to continue to be with her, I'm writing this first post to overcome the inertia of the unwritten so that we have a chance to experience and hear about the momentous momentum of her next adventure.

For those of you who have not heard, my mother is about to embark on a next stage of her teaching career. It turns out that students in Indonesia would also like to learn math and science, so my mom is on loan to address this need. They are in for a treat, as her math and science skills have been enriched with the zest of the arts and humanities.

The potential energy of Brenda's Beat is firmly in the kinetic and I, personally, am looking forward to hearing where she'll go from here.