Okay so this was Obama's THIRD try at coming out to Indonesia. The first attempt was back in March. He didn't show because he was trying to get the health care bill passed. Good thing he stayed right?!! ;-) The second time he was slated to come was in June and was the reason we rushed like crazy to get out here instead of when we were slated to come in July. But then some tiny little oil spill happened in the gulf, and then it turned out not to be so tiny, so the second visit got axed. The third visit was looking promising until the earth started to shake, tsunami's crashed ashore, and oh a volcano decided to erupt...numerous times. It has all been very sad to watch and read the local news reports here. It feels like we are so far away from where everything is happening because we haven't been directly affected, but we're not so very far. Anyway, it was touch and go there for a while, even up until the day before he came. Everyone at the embassy was crazy busy coordinating with Secret Service and there were lots of late nights leading up to the visit. They had planned a meet and greet with the President and the First Lady for the embassy staffers and families, but I wasn't sure if I was going to go because of stupid logistical reasons and not to mention my own political affiliations. BUT, we decided it was really a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the President of the United States up close and personal in the flesh so we decided to go. We had to wake up at 5am but other than that, there were no real inconveniences to be had. Everyone waited in a ballroom at the hotel and then the President and First Lady came out, and he spoke a few words and then came down to shake hands.
I'm not gonna lie, it was a little surreal at first, but then as he was speaking I was just thinking about how he is just a man who holds a very important position of power, but he is just a flawed, imperfect man like the rest of us. And frankly, I feel kinda bad for him. He's had a rough couple of years, and while everyone can argue all day long about whether or not he brought it upon himself (he did), he still has to be a husband and father while also at times feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders more than any of the rest of us ever will. So while Barack and I have a lot of 'issues' between us :-), he does deserve some respect if for no other reason than for the office he holds. It's a lot easier throwing rocks when you've never actually seen or met a person, but when they are suddenly very real and right in front of your face...it's a little bit humbling. I for one am glad to have had the experience just for the sake of the perspective it provided for me personally.
(just look at the looks on those kids' faces...super adorable)
4 comments:
Words to make your mother proud ;)
I was waiting for this post! So fascinating to meet him. Loved your perspective. W has a book out - I think I'll read it.
It looks like you were able to get rather close. How many people would you say were there? Did your kids go?
I agree with you Cherylyn, he is just a man. Human, like the rest of us. I think it is neat that you got that exerience, regardless of the man that actually holds that position. Like him or not. ;)
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