The time has arrived. I never thought it would, actually. I have known for years that when I reached the age of 60 (in February), I would be forced to retire from Jakarta International School. I’m still not sure if it is an actual Indonesian law or just a school policy. It is a mystery that will live on, I guess. The school maintains it is Indonesian Law. I fought it the best I could, but when you’re going against a huge bureaucracy, the little guy (me) will always lose.
So, after 27 incredible years in Indonesia (minus two years in Korea 96-97), the Graham family is moving onto a new adventure! I was hired as a full time photography teacher by the American Embassy School (AES) in New Delhi, India. I feel very fortunate to find this job. In the international schools, it is rare to find a school that actually has a photography program, and to find one of these schools that is not only a great school but had an open position is even more rare. Someone above was looking after me and my family. My youngest daughter Kelly still needs five more years of school to graduate so the move to India is perfect for her as AES has a fantastic reputation, and will be great school for her to finish her middle school and high school education.
As a photographer, there couldn’t be a better place to live than India. India is the mecca for street photographers. Colors, culture, people, temples, landscapes, nature, mountains…India has it all. There is a reason they advertise India as “Incredible India”… I look forward to exploring every corner of the country and creating new and exciting images. Of course, I am also excited to be sharing my passion with the students (and the community) at AES, and hope to inspire the next generation of photographers!
Kayla will be graduating in May this year. She has applied to 6 schools, and has already been accepted to two of them. The rest she will hear back from in January or February. She is also applying for an AFROTC scholarship, and just had her interview this morning which she said went well.
The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place. The biggest piece has been placed into the puzzle as complete…now to fill in the rest. After 27 years, we have deep deep deep roots here…pulling up those roots and replanting will not be easy, but we will make it happen.
Don’t worry, Indonesia! The Grahams will be back!!
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