The night before Eid al-Adha, ETA Neelam Vohra was asked to stay at a fellow teacher’s house, so she could more easily attend Eid prayer with the teacher’s family the next morning. While showing her how to cook a traditional Indonesian meal, the teacher and Neelam talked about Indonesian Eid traditions as well as how Neelam experienced Eid in America. Though there were many differences, Neelam was thankful for the similarities that existed, such as the importance of gratitude, family and food. The following day, Neelam attended Eid prayer, visited neighbors, family, friends and other teachers throughout the day and even made it to the beach for some sightseeing. She returned to her room exhausted, but nonetheless well fed, gracious, and happy to have found a family who made it easier to be so far from home on this important holiday.

Neelam Vohra is currently teaching at SMKN 3 Pangkalpinang, Bangka

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All articles from August 2018 edition
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