We all have a tipping point, but mine has changed drastically since moving to Indonesia. As an Expat living in Jakarta, it could be the traffic, or the pollution, the burning trash, or the amount of time it takes to make a simple bank transaction, the staring, the photos, or being called a Bule. For me, it's the elbowing to get to the front of the line - the blatant disregard for any line whatsoever and flat out cutting. It's such a silly thing, but this is what gets me to my tipping point, the point where I want to throw up my hands, pack everything, and head "home" (or at the very least never leave the comforts of our little apartment). 
The other day I was next in line at the bakery (because why in the world would bread possibly be sold at the grocery store?), and this woman looked at the cashier, turned and looked me straight in the eyes and cut right in front of me. I don't know if it's a cultural thing, or if it's because I'm a foreigner - or perhaps it's a combination of both, but either way, I take offense. On this particular day, it set me into a tailspin and I was ready to pack it all in and head back to the States (because no one EVER cuts in line in America!). 
But here's the thing, just as I reach that point where I want to pack my bags, there is always something that keeps me right here in Indonesia (besides my husband's job, of course). And on the same day that the rude lady from the bakery got me going, I found yet another reason to stay here. This time it was a group of local kids willing to play with a crazy lady and her camera.
As you may or may not know, Jakarta gets inundated with rain (we do live in the tropics) and every January/February these rains result in floods. I have been very fortunate to be able to work with the kids' school as they offer flood relief. We have done several trips delivering needed items to local communities. On this particular day, after handing out flood relief buckets, we went for a walk through the community and two little girls started playing a game of hide and seek with me and my camera. Soon, several others joined in. There was so much joy in this impromptu game. It was contagious. What fun they had teasing me as they ran away and then coming back to see what photos I had captured of them. One of the Middle School teachers started recording our little game and OH BOY!!! did they LOVE seeing themselves being played back on his phone. These kids are hams!
It's the people of these communities who always set me straight once I reach my tipping point. I wish they could know how much I enjoy playing little games like this with them. They have given so much more to me than I could ever offer them in a little bit of flood relief.
