Getting ready to go to Indonesia

Spent the past week in a mad scramble to make this Indonesia trip happen. I don't know if I really ever thought everything would come together OK, since it was so last minute, but it looks like I'm getting on a plane in 3 days. Can hardly believe it! I got a little scared today when I realized, "Oh, my God, I'm going to Asia."

So, how did this whole thing get started? Well, when I heard about the earthquake and tsunamis in the Indian ocean, of course I was riveted (like most people were) by the scenes of devastation and destruction and felt like there had to be something I could do to help. I remembered the magical six weeks I spent backpacking through Indonesia as part of my S.E. Asia trip after the Peace Corps, almost ten years ago. I remembered how beautiful the people and the landscape were, and how generous and hospitable a country it was.

Somewhere in the back of my mind was brewing the idea that I could go to Indonesia, where the most death and damage had occurred, and somehow contribute to the relief effort. I did a lot of internet research to find out which relief agencies were on the ground there, and how I could volunteer. It was impossible to find information about volunteering, but I did find out that Project Concern International, a non-profit I used to work for in San Diego, was already on the ground providing assistance in Indonesia and India because they have had offices in those countries for years. I decided to call them up and offer some of my time and skills for a few weeks at no cost to them and see if they would bite. (First I called my mom, though, and said: "I want to do this thing, am I crazy?" She said: "Yes, but it doesn't surprise me.") PCI was very excited about the prospect of having more people - especially someone who was known to the organization - to help them out. They even said they might be able to wrangle a free flight for me out of Singapore Airlines.

I was so thrilled to be onboard and get the ball rolling, but I was also in the middle of planning and pulling off my New Year's Eve party with my neighbors. There was so much to do, between the party and the trip, and I didn't want to tell anyone about Indonesia until I was sure I had a flight. (I would have paid for the ticket myself if necessary, but I was hoping it wouldn't come to that.) The last thing I wanted to do was spill the beans and then have the whole trip fall through. Apparently I told a few people at the party because I couldn't help myself - but I also don't really remember talking about it, which I'll blame on champagne... What can I say? It was a good party!!

Over the weekend, PCI's office in Indonesia forwarded me some details about what I would be doing over there, and it was reassuring to know that I had defined functions that would provide measurable benefit to the overworked staff, rather than just standing around with a clipboard or something. It looks like I'll probably be in the Jakarta office on the island of Java, mainly providing logistical support and coordinating PCI's efforts with all the other international organizations and military and governments, etc., plus doing some writing summarizing the progress and reaching out to donors for more financial support. I don't know yet if I'll be in Aceh, where there are still many injured people, unrecovered bodies and ravaged infrastructure.

It was a bit strange going shopping this weekend, spending all my gift certificates from Hannukkah - I need sweaters and boots for DC, but I still didn't know if I was going to be flying over to a tropical climate for 2 weeks.

The next item to tackle was my job. I work for an international development consulting firm in Washington, which basically means we do programs to help people in poor countries, although not in crisis or relief situations. I took a leap of faith by asking my company for a leave of absence before my flight was confirmed, but I knew I couldn't wait too long to talk to them. I was nervous, as I gave them such short notice, but since the need is urgent and any international experience I get helps my career and their corporate portfolio, they were delighted and very supportive.

I decided to sublet my place for the time I was gone, since (a) I wouldn't be drawing a paycheck during that time, and (b) lots of rich Republicans will be in town for the Inauguration, and the hotels are full, so tons of people are subletting. I posted on craigslist and luckily found a cool subletter who is an ex-Peace Corps California blonde - how funny is that? She just moved here and is looking for work, so I'm charging her less than I would if she were a tourist from a red state (ha ha).

By Wednesday I was looking into shots and malaria pills, getting visa authorization paperwork, figuring out what I was going to wear (Muslim country, possible field work, maybe meeting US and foreign government officials, ?), selecting reading and listening material for the gruelling flight, putting together announcements to send to friends, paying bills, pulling cash out of the bank - and still I wasn't confirmed on a flight.

Finally, today, PCI at least got a tentative itinerary for me flying out Sunday on Singapore Airlines. Should be purchased tomorrow.

I'm exhausted and going to bed now... Lots to do before Sunday...