Lebaran

Lebaran the day that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for muslims. My family and I all got up really early to go to the center of town to listen to the call to prayer with the rest of the community. It was really fun, though, because now that people aren't fasting anymore there were ice cream and cotton candy vendors and people selling balloons that came in all shapes and sizes. In the afternoon, everyone goes to at least 5 or 6 houses and eats a huge meal at all of them. I'm so lucky that I came here to Indonesia in time to be a part of this special celebration with my family.

 My host sister who is pregnant wasn't fasting, so according to Islam she has to 'pay it forward' in a different way, like volunteering in the community. So a few days ago, we went to the local panti asuhan, or orphanage, to hang out with the kids and donate money to help repair some of the school buildings. I can't wait to go back there the kids were so thankful for us being there and I saw nothing but happy smiling faces when we were playing with them. Next week, I'll be getting my PADI scuba diving certification through a Rotarian and also getting the chance to go snorkeling around some of the smaller islands near Makassar. On the 23rd of August, I'll be starting school, which is sure to be a very interesting experience, especially considering that my school has never had a foreign exchange student! 

I couldn't be happier with where I am, and I'm so excited for all of my adventures yet to come!