Culture Shock
Imagine the shock Tison, the nine year old Indonesian burn survivor, will have when he steps off the warm Alaska Airlines flight onto the frozen walkway into the terminal. Fairbanks Alaska is a very cold place in the winter. I have been told the he is excited about coming to Alaska. I know he is excited but he will experience a cold that he cannot even imagine.
There will be the normal culture issues to overcome. He is a really great little boy. He will be safe and cared for by his host family. I know it will be a challenge but I believe he will do very well. The cold will definitely be something he will tell his children about. Indonesians think 75 degrees F. is cold. They put on sweaters and pull the hoods over their heads.
He is an active boy and might love the winter activities. He will get to have his first real white Christmas.
We are still waiting for the appointment at the Embassy in Jakarta. When he is awarded his visa–he will be on his way to the bitter cold of the north.