“The computer screens were blurred and yet they can see, but we can’t see”
This phrase stuck me eversince I realized how blurred were their computer screens at school. But why they could see and I couldn't?
It struck me that many times, God probably showed me the path I should walk, the things I should see/experience and the things I should do but my screens were blurred. Perhaps all I needed to have is a child-like faith to be able to see images on my screen clearly.
I truly thank God for giving me the opportunity and courage to go for this trip.
Overall, I felt that the trip was fun, relaxing filled with experiences. Although, this mission trip did not have any big impact on me (probably because I went for similar trip before), but it did meet my objectives of going for this trip and even more.
I remembered that my initial objective of going was to test whether how well I am able to blend with the youth. There’s two “groups” of youths. One group is the “more happening” kind… the other is the “quieter” ones. I realized that I don’t have big problem communicating with the “quieter” ones because it’s fits more to my character.
I think I was able to meet my objectives because of God’s strength and reminders given to me. As I signed up for this trip as an individual, I don’t have any clicks, many times, I do felt a little lonely. Therefore, I tend to approach the “older” group people as I would feel more comfortable with them. But constant reminders appeared that I have to try to reach out to the younger ones. Sometimes I am able, sometimes I can’t.
A brief itinerary
1st day: Played Captain’s ball, night stations of the cross and mass
2nd day: Taught powerpoint at St Emmanuel School, visited St Anthony’s Christian Community with mass and Singapore Fellowship Night
3rd day: Taught powerpoint at St Emmanuel School, visited St Thomas’s Christian Community with mass and Indonesian Fellowship Night
4th day: Final mass with the St Emmanuel School’s students and teachers.
Ministry work at St Emmanuel High School
It could be quite disappointing to know that I had to stay at St Emmanuel School instead of going St Joseph where the main work were being done.
However, God’s plan is always greater. He knows best of what I needed to experience. It’s because of the teaching at St Emmanuel that the students were able to recognize me during the Indonesia night and the final mass. It was because I taught there that helps me see the difference in the students from the two schools. It was because I was put in-charge of the teaching at St Emmanuel school that I am able to work with 6 other girls who were the youngest in the group. It was because I taught there that they remained in my heart till today.
My group taught them how to use the powerpoint software. Thank goodness most of the students were able to understand simple English. I was doing the lead teaching while the other girls were attached to the work stations. I wouldn’t say that I did a very good job as a teacher but I knew that I tried my best and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead.
The teachers there were also very supportive. Although not all the teachers could understand English, they stayed in the computer room with their students to give them support.
What amazed me most were the computer screens. Most of the screens were very blur. However, the students could see but we can’t. Example, when ask them to go to “insert”, they could see but we can’t.
After completing 2 sessions of our ministry work, I sat down with the girls for a short debrief session. Here are some of the feedback given.
How we felt in general?
– Satisfied
– Luckily because some things we teach them, we learned them in Primary 2
– Computer screens were blurred… however if we give them a perfect one, they probably would not be use to it.
How we felt when there’s a language barrier?
– Frustrated
– Happy to see them eager to learn
What have we learnt?
– Patience and explain slowly. Explain simply, don’t need to think so complex all the time.
– Have pick up some Bahasa Indonesia words
– Not to take things for granted
– Money cannot buy happiness
– Simple lifestyle
What have I discovered?
I discovered that I enjoyed working with the less fortunate students. Probably, it’s my calling to serve the less fortunate people. I can relate well with them. I could see Jesus in all of them……. I want to give God’s love to them with simple actions such as patting their shoulders, tapping their heads, shaking their hands and even hugging them. The smiles on their eyes touched me.
o The difference between St Joseph and St Emmanuel School
St Joseph School is more for the wealthier students as their school fees are higher, while St Emmanuel School takes in students of lower income household.
When I was at St Joseph School earlier in February this year, the children (primary) there were very rowdy, they would push and pull you in order to get your attention. And also hearing from some friends teaching there that it’s very hard to get the students attention there and some of them simply didn’t want to hear them. Some class even need our guys and people who can speak Indonesian to get their attention especially the older ones.
However, at St Emmanuel High School (Age 13-16), we had no problem capturing their attention. They were very humble people and very keen to learn. Even after class, during the Indonesia night and final mass, they would come to us calling us sister sister….. the younger ones would stand around quietly, waiting for you to shake their hands… when I give them touch on their heads and hug them, they were so happy…. I could see it from their eyes and expressions.
o The humble teachers
The teachers at St Emmanuel School were very humble. Most of the teachers there can either speak little or no English. The students there will always help to translate what I wanted to tell the teacher. When the teacher tries to speak the little English they know, the students will laugh at them. To me, when I see the students laughing at the teacher and the teacher laughing at herself, I felt two things. Firstly, it’s the close student-teacher relationship and secondly, the humbleness of the teacher. I can’t imagine how the teacher would feel when their students were better and have to correct and teach the teachers instead.
o Being with the youth
I realized that when they are out of the “home area”, they like freedom. They won’t like people to nag at them. It’s their chance to do things that they like.
