Jacque in Jakarta: The view from my new apartment

After five months in Jakarta, we have now moved three times. Thus, in less than a year of marriage Alexander and I have had 1 graduation, 1 new job, 1 TEFL certification, 2 hospitalizations, 2 flood days, 5 moves, 6 countries visited....and a partridge in a pear tree ;). I can honestly say that I'm ready for a break from the craziness and look forward to being somewhat settled for at least the next 6 months, and possibly longer.

The new stove top

The new living room/dining room

Our new apartment is actually brand new. Not only is it newly built, but there is also a lot of new things in it (T.V., stove top, fridge, shower). All that is obviously an improvement from the last. However, our stove top only allows for one pot at a time, so it's a bit more challenging to cook, and we also have a lot less storage space. But all in all, I still see it as an improvement, and by Indonesian standards, it's actually a luxuary apartment, so I really can't complain.

I especially can't complain when I see the view from my balcony. It's incredibly humbling to look out and see the shacks that the average Indonesian lives in. In fact, the average Indonesian makes a measly 2 dollars a day, which means they make less in an entire year what we individually make in a month. Although our salary isn't large by Western standards, I feel very spoiled by Indonesian standards. On average we go out to eat three times a week, take a taxi to and from church every week, go to the movies once or twice a month, get a massage twice a month and generally live a very comfortable lifestyle. So whenever I even consider complaining about my salary, I just look outside to remind myself of my neighbors who live like this:

We as Westerners live an incredibly priveleged life. Of course, not all Westerners are well-off, and plenty live in conditions that are similar. However, on the whole our governments have programs in place that take care of us. Food stamp programs ensure that our children are fed and don't have to beg on the streets. Medicare and Medicaid programs allow elderly and poor to seek affordable healthcare as opposed to suffering through life-threatening illnesses. Although these systems are not fail-proof, at least they are in place.

Since Jakarta is currently my home, I hope I can do something to raise human rights awareness. People need to understand that life can be improved. I'm not sure how to do it, but I guess the best place to start is with myself. I vow to no longer complain about First World Problems and instead dedicate myself to addressing real world problems. Will you join me?

WaterAid
Save the Children
Children International
World Vision
ActionAid