The 2 weeks trip had left a very deep impact on me. So deep that I know I'm gonna hate myself should I let these memories and friendships fade away. Words can never express the sense of loss when I wake up on my bed and not on the floor with my house mates beside me. I miss having lunch and dinner together with the team. I miss going to the market and cooking together. I miss the kids' innocent smiles and laughter. I miss the weird sounds at night when we were trying to sleep. I miss the walk home after team meeting at Bu Tina's house. I miss the muddy roads. I miss the cold showers. I miss the buckets of sweat because of construction work. I miss taking jump shots under the banner. I miss the villagers' friendly greetings and heart-warming smiles. I miss, I miss... So many so many things. All left behind in Jogja. The only comfort we can seek is in the memories and photos we have brought back with us. And the little things in life we have learnt from them.
At the beginning of the trip, some of us girls were saying we wanted to go home, and that we regretted coming over. It's amazing how fast all these negative thoughts just seem to evaporate away once we have immersed ourselves in their culture. Time seems to come to a standstill during the first few days at Getas. The pace of life is much slower than Singapore's. I still remember the first time when my group, Sulawesi was scheduled for construction work; we were told to report at 7.30am but we ended up starting work at 9am! Lol. The workers taught us to rest whenever we feel tired and to do things slow but steadily. Indeed, though they stop for breaks now and then, they were efficient workers. Once they start work they are not just slow and steady, rather, they are fast and furious.
The kids have taught me lots too. I have lots to learn from them. Their happiness comes from the little things that we would never stop and take a second look. Simple activities- playing with soil, playing catching, football or simply making fun of each other are sufficient to fuel their happiness. The activity I enjoyed most with the kids is the kiteflying session. I love to pick up their fallen kites and release them on the count of "satu dua tiga, lari!" :) One kid even passed her kite to me and asked me to run so that she can have a feel of releasing the kite. I gladly obliged. The feeling of running without a single worry is priceless. Though it was only a few seconds of peace and serenity, I think I had experienced the innocence of a child in that fleeting moment, if it's possible. =)
I've learnt so much and received so much that I know some of these memories may be lost before they have a chance to be shared. While it's a regret that I'm unable to hold on to these beautiful memories, I'm glad to have found 16 friends who have been through the same journey as me. The photos are testaments to a common memory locked in our hearts.
Lastly, Project Masyithoh rocks. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment