Glenn Madden is a true renaissance man—a minister, independent researcher, author, designer, teacher, electronics engineer, and web designer all rolled into one. Born in Clinton, South Carolina, on November 23, 1961, Glenn pursued formal education in Electronics Engineering and Computer Science. However, his journey didn’t stop there. For over 40 years, he has delved deep into the realms of metaphysics and religious sciences, exploring the teachings of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Catholicism. Now residing in Bandung, Indonesia, Glenn shares his life with his wife and daughter, continuing his diverse pursuits with a passion that knows no bounds.
Glenn Madden – My story
Life as a Boomerang: A Whirlwind Journey from the Carolinas to Java
They say life is a highway, but for this baby boomer, it’s been more like a boomerang—a wild, looping journey that’s taken me from the heart of South Carolina to the tropical shores of Indonesia, with a few unexpected twists and turns along the way.
Born in 1961, I grew up in the era of tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and free love. We rode our bikes without helmets, drank water from garden hoses, and spent countless hours exploring the woods behind our house, blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking in the world. School in the ’70s and ’80s was a time of feathered hair, disco music, and Star Trek. We dreamed of becoming astronauts, and worried about the Cold War and the threat of nuclear annihilation.
After graduating, I joined the workforce, got married, and started a family. But the wanderlust bug bit me hard, and I soon found myself traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and experiencing life in all its messy, glorious diversity. Like a seed blown in the wind, I drifted from place to place, never quite settling down. Along the way, I collected two divorces, a daughter in the USA (complete with a grandkid), and a son in Mexico.
Then, fate took an unexpected turn, and I landed in Indonesia, a country as far removed from my Southern roots as one could imagine. Here, I found a new home, a new wife, a new family, and a new sense of purpose. My latest daughter now 24 years old, born in America but raised in Indonesia since she was a baby, welcomed me and her mom with open arms, and we now live as neighbors in this vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating country.
At 61, I’ve finally found a place to put down roots. I spend my days writing books, drawing my well-deserved retirement, teaching English to eager students, and designing websites for local businesses. I’ve even embraced the Indonesian lifestyle, learning to eat spicy food, ride a scooter through the traffic-choked streets, and communicate in broken Bahasa Indonesia. My wife Teti is not only my confidant, but my translator, my friend, my guide, and the love of my life that is always by my side.
Life as a boomerang hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced challenges, heartbreaks, and setbacks along the way. But I’ve also experienced incredible joy, adventure, and personal growth. I’ve learned to adapt to new environments, embrace different cultures, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. And I’ve discovered that home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling of belonging, a sense of connection to the people and places that matter most.
So, here’s to the boomers, the wanderers, the dreamers, and the seekers. May our journeys be filled with laughter, love, and unexpected detours. And may we always find our way back home, wherever that may be.
Life’s Twisted Paths
This is a collection of stories from my earliest memories as a child in South Carolina to living the past 21 years in Indonesia. My full name is Glenn Keith Madden.
The tapestry of my life is woven with threads from two vastly different worlds: the sun-drenched fields of South Carolina and the bustling streets of Bandung, Indonesia. A barefoot boy born in the humble town of Ware Shoals; I now call this vibrant Indonesian city of Bandung my home.
Like a weathered quilt, my memories are stitched together in ten-year increments, each decade a distinct chapter in my life’s story. The naive wonder of childhood gave way to the adventurous spirit of a young man, eventually leading me to share first-class cabins with President Jimmy Carter, a far cry from my modest beginnings.
My career path has been a winding road, filled with unexpected twists and turns. I’ve donned the apron of a grocery store manager, deciphered coded messages as an army radio operator, and delved into the depths of the ocean as a naval submarine technician. The intricacies of electronics engineering captivated me, followed by the artistry of furniture design and the digital realm of website creation.
As a writer, English teacher, and marketer, I’ve honed my ability to communicate and connect with others. But it was in the heart of Indonesia that I truly found my calling, establishing a furniture factory that has become a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit.
Through it all, I’ve clung to the wisdom of Winston Churchill: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Life’s challenges have tested my mettle, but I’ve emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever to shape my own destiny.
I believe that within each of us lies a dormant universe, a reservoir of untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. It is not our innate abilities that set us apart, but our unwavering belief in ourselves and our willingness to embrace the unknown. We are not mere passengers on this journey called life, but active participants, architects of our own futures.
As I continue to pen my life’s story, one chapter at a time, I am reminded that the journey is far from over. The tapestry of my life is still being woven, each new thread a testament to the transformative power of time, experience, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
From barefoot boy of South Carolina to a pair of old sandals in Bandung Indonesia, my life has been a vibrant tapestry of challenges and triumphs, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.