from the horizon

Two years ago I had my 24th birthday in Banda Aceh. It was a great day, with a trip to the beach with my Indonesian friends and party in the evening with my expat friends. And now, two years later, I’m back in Banda Aceh for my birthday - I would have never guessed.

Virtually all of my expat friends from when I was first here have moved on, however I planned to have another trip to the beach with the same Indonesian friends. Unfortunately the rainy season forced us to stay at home, but didn’t stop us for barbecuing a couple of fish at my house. It was great to see everyone from the NGO who I volunteered with when I first arrived in Aceh.

They had no problem getting the BBQ started - although I really don’t think it was necessary to drain the fuel pump to get the fire started - again!

Syafrin came with his wife, and I got to meet his daughter! The past two years have been good for him!

Davel came too, and I finally got to meet her husband. She also brought me cake - which was great.

On my actual birthday I got up at 6am, and cycled to the fish markets, where the fishing boats come in. I was able to buy 2 tunas, fresh off the boat for 30,000 Rupiah ($3US) each. I kept them cold, took them home, and that evening I had my some friends around for sushi and sashimi.

Turning 26 in Banda Aceh felt a lot different than turning 24. Two years ago I was bright eyed and bushy tailed, totally inexperienced in the NGO world. I still actually thought that I could “Save the World”. The last two years have been interesting and challenging. I’ve traveled to 10 different countries, work in 3 of them. I haven’t always found it rewarding, there are so many challenges to overcome. I now know the importance of focusing on the things around me which I can actually change, the people I have training in databases and IT. Although it is hard to not let the things I can’t change, drive me crazy.- poor systems, poor management, poor government, and poor restaurants.

I’ve had some amazing experiences, met some fantastic people and have learnt so much. 26 feels a whole lot older than 24 did, this worries me because I have less of an idea about what I will do with my life at 26 than I did at 24. But maybe that’s just me coming to realize that it’s a big crazy world out there, and the options a limitless.

I have no idea where I’ll be, or what I’ll be doing, for my 28th birthday. But I’m OK with that.