August 16, 2018

Most of the schools, this day, has a post-celebration today as a part of the Indonesia Independence Day, I got to this conclusion because the school I’m assigned to had set an activity and also to the school my roommate goes to.

It’s such a good experience to be able to witness what other country do during a very important day. Breaking out from regular classroom sessions, the committee in Great Crystal School planned for lots of games for the students. The students were all so hyper and very joyful of being able to play outside with their friends from the other classes. It was very much fun watching them getting into the act.

In the evening, SEA exchange students in UNESA were invited by Ma’am Tsurroya to join an activity held at the main building. I learned that this is some kind of activity wherein they pray and give alms to the children at the orphanage. I was so amazed because they don’t do something like this in our country (it’s the extent of what I know). But before going in that activity, we three (SEA exchange students) acted funny and worried, because in the message given we are to wear our own clothes from our country. Weird thoughts of presenting our own culture raised through our mind so we practiced at the last minute because honestly we haven’t practiced what to present yet. Then we arrived at the place and saw the style of the ceremony, I thought we worried for nothing.

We we’re properly welcomed at the place and was graciously accepted to join the ceremony. Though I can’t understand the language, people gathered to pray and to commemorate together, it made me realized that I have never been ever thankful whenever we celebrate Independence in our country because usually I just let it pass by, do my everyday routines and just treat it like a normal day. When I saw how the elder tells his story to the crowd, though I can’t understand, wherein he says it with such pride with a big smile plastered on his face, I’m so disappointed in myself. Sure I know the greatness of our National Heroes, but for once I think I haven’t even have treated July 12 (Philippine Independence Day) special. It was such a shame for me that I have to learn its value to another country despite the things I’ve learnt at school.

So now, I promise that when July 12 comes again, I will never let it pass by so easily, not without a prayer.

Day 13