Our first expat assignment was during the baby/preschool years so life revolved around playgroups and naptimes. I didn't realize how different life would be with the school calendar managing most everyone's schedules. The expat women here in Jakarta are amazing and have welcomed me into so many activities and groups, but I'm learning that the end of the school year means saying goodbye to many of them moving on. The past two weeks have been "lasts" in many ways, filled with goodbye brunches and dinners, and celebrating time with some of my best friends who are wrapping up their lives here.
The last Tuesday tennis lesson with my friend Lesley, the very first person I met here because she came by the Kristal hotel within 24 hours of us landing to help me get settled. She even showed up with some life-saving notes (like how you have to dial a zero in front of phone numbers, but since everyone knows that, no one tells you that) that kept me afloat that first week. Jakarta will not be the same without her!
Our last book club with fond farewells to two of the our members.
Our last Bible study and goodbye lunch for three of the ladies.
A great end-of-the-year bash at Andrea's house, which is perfect because it has a stage by the pool for the band!
Our last bootcamp together, where we celebrated by cleaning the most dreaded workout off the mirror after we finally completed it. Can't beat friends who can sweat AND laugh together!
While it's hard to say goodbye, I'll always cherish the time I've had with many of these women. They are the real reason I love it here and don't lose my sanity on the off-day. And lucky for me, Lesley and several others are moving to Houston, so it's not really goodbye...it's see you later.
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