Day 24 - No Goodbyes, Just See You Again

A Simple Remembrance

Today is my last day in SMA N1 Baturraden. I woke up feeling refreshed and pray to God that He will give me strength to keep pressing on especially that today is my last day in school. When I arrived in school, I was informed that I have to teach 4 classes equivalent to 6 hours. I was happy since I can use that time to also bid my farewell to my students. I prepared a t-shirt and a marker. I asked each class to write their name and sign it on the white shirt I provided as my souvenir from them when I go back to the Philippines. Everyone was sad but also are excited to write their names on the shirt I provided. After reading my letter of gratitude to student that I translated in Bahasa Indonesia (not through google translate), everyone in the class were standing and clapping their hands. At that very moment I was holding myself not to shed any tears. It was a very emotional moment seeing them appreciate the time I spent with them and the lessons I shared with them despite of language barrier. It was one of the moment in my life that I will forever treasure in my heart.

A Heart Warming Action

Me with Ibu Cici and XII IPS 4 Class with their banner and my signature on it.

Time is running out and after going to one classroom to another to teach and bid my farewell, there is this one class that struck me the most. When this class did their standing ovation after reading my letter of gratitude to them and signing my souvenir shirt they drag me at the back of the aisle where there is a huge banner hanging. It is their section flag. It seems that they taking care of it as it is tidy. They asked me to sign it as a gratitude for teaching them for several weeks. I was really surprised of this request since I will be the first time to sign their unblemished flag. I really felt special this time and a bit emotional. I was just holding my emotion because I don’t normally cry and I don’t look good if I do LOL. After signing their banner, they asked me to take a picture with them. It was a perfect timing because their adviser, Ibu Cici was also outside and so we ask her to join us on our photo opportunity.

Sampai Lain Waktu (Until next time)

Teacher's room became emotional as we bid our farewell message

After our class, Mass and I went to teacher’s room to meet all the teachers for the very last time. We were requested by the teachers to say something or what would be our message before leaving SMA. I browsed my phone and pull-up the message I prepared this afternoon after my last break. I actually constructed my message in English but to make it more understandable and personalized, I translated it to Bahasa Indonesia. As soon as I read the letter, I feel this heavy feeling of sadness consuming my soul. Every words that I utter seems to be difficult to enunciate. As I see the teachers keenly listening to my message and some are already wiping off their tears, I could not help but stutter. Prior towards the end of my message, all teachers in the room are on their feet clapping as if they are witnessing a wonderful performance. I was really moved by their gesture and I couldn’t help myself to be emotional. The teachers in front of me were like me mothers and fathers who may not be communicating with me every day and every hour but they make us feel it through their sweet smile and gestures. I ended my speech by telling them that I will not say good bye but just “see you next time”. I am hoping someday; our path will cross again.

Sons of SMA N1 Baturraden

We arrived as strangers. Two young foreigners who have hesitation whether we will survive a month of battle triumphant or not. But SMA N1 Baturraden showed us and make us feel like one of their sons. We are so grateful for the kindness, thoughtfulness and understanding that despite of having some difficulty in language, they still manage to make us feel that everything is alright. I personally did not miss my family in my stay in school. Because they make me feel that I am home. The memories and learning I gained in this experience will forever be in my mind and in my heart which I will cherish forever.