My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of traveling around from one island to another in Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. During these very same travels, we met many underprivileged children who touched our hearts.
Moved to provide opportunities for some of these children, we began “Gilbert’s Camp”, dug a community well and connected with several whom we are mentoring and one who is now living in our Indonesia home and attending the university there. Sharing these stories with our friends, we saw an interest on the part of others to join in this type of effort to reach out to those in need. And so…… another story begins, that of expanding our outreach by telling others and accepting donations for our cause, Pemimpin Idola. With this new step, the excitement of adventure travel has now been replaced with the fulfillment that comes when one can make a difference in the lives of others.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Rina and her young children
Ever since meeting Rina and her two children in November 2011, I have made regular visits to the town of Weleri where they live, bringing them food, clothing, and toys .... and talking to them, giving them hope for better education and better life. I encouraged Rina and her husband to let Melanie (11) attend school in Semarang after elementary school. I assured them that Mitch and I would give her better education and hope for better future.
The family lives in a small 3 bedroom home with a dirt floor where they rent one of the rooms for the 4 of them. The other 2 bedrooms are also occupied by small families. Twelve people share one bathroom and one "kitchen" .... a u-shape brick stack full of ashes that looks like a small camp fire on which they place the pot to boil rice, cook vegetables and fry bananas and casavas. Many underprivileged families cook their meals using this open fire.... if they have the food to cook.
The family came to stay at our house in the city several times. By developing a good relationship with them, I can only hope that the family will accept my offer to sponsor Melanie to get a better education in Semarang. Without our help, Melanie (like many children) will only be able to finish elementary school because further schooling is not free in Indonesia. During my May visit this year, I received a word from Rina's husband, Rofa, that they support my idea of bringing Melanie to Semarang after she finishes elementary school in 2013.
The family lives in a small 3 bedroom home with a dirt floor where they rent one of the rooms for the 4 of them. The other 2 bedrooms are also occupied by small families. Twelve people share one bathroom and one "kitchen" .... a u-shape brick stack full of ashes that looks like a small camp fire on which they place the pot to boil rice, cook vegetables and fry bananas and casavas. Many underprivileged families cook their meals using this open fire.... if they have the food to cook.
The family came to stay at our house in the city several times. By developing a good relationship with them, I can only hope that the family will accept my offer to sponsor Melanie to get a better education in Semarang. Without our help, Melanie (like many children) will only be able to finish elementary school because further schooling is not free in Indonesia. During my May visit this year, I received a word from Rina's husband, Rofa, that they support my idea of bringing Melanie to Semarang after she finishes elementary school in 2013.
High School Graduation in the town of Gringsing (May 2012)
In May of 2012 I returned to Semarang to attend the graduation party of Irawan's school. Unlike many other cultures, it is not the custom of Indonesian schools for parents to be invited to attend a graduation. However, through the music teacher, Irawan was able to convince the school to invite me. When I arrived, Mr. Yudi the music teacher greeted me and led me to the guests' rows of seats. I saw local government officials sitting in a somewhat rigid position, and some police officers in uniforms which made the event feel and look more official. I had brought from the United States a roll of raffle tickets with the twin numbers side by side for a gift giveaway (door prize) as my contribution to help celebrate the graduation. I was introduced to the principal, the counselor and several teachers who warmly welcome me .... at first.
After explaining about the gift giveaway that I wanted to raffle, the principal agreed that he would pick 3 winning numbers during the ceremony and he would announce the lucky numbers. The lucky ticket holders would win a 4-day getaway to the city of Semarang where we live in Indonesia. A few minutes later, my husband Mitch came on my Android video chat. Excited, I approached the principal and "introduced" Mitch unilaterally. Mr. Principal didn't make any comment, other than "that look" on his face..... And some 15 minutes later, the counselor asked me to step in her office for a discussion. Politely, she expressed her concerns about my motives for bringing the students to Semarang. I explained to her that I intended to give them an educational trip so students may be inspired to go to college and have hope for better life. She then asked me if it would be possible to bring the parents as well..... Though this trip was intended for students, I then stretched my plan to include the parents as well in order to accommodate the situation. The counselor held me "captive" for 15 minutes or so (felt like an hour) while she counseled with the principal.
Out in the school yard on the stage, Irawan was playing in 2 bands, playing both the drums and a bass guitar. The quiet little town suddenly turned into some kind of a rock festival where teenagers and students from other schools tried to crash the party. Many were "caught" inappropriately wearing the uniform of the school and were turned away. Once in a while Mr. Yudi the music teacher took the microphone and stopped the band when students danced too much. I didn't see any danger whatsoever, for their manner was mild compared to dancing to a rock concert in America. Since there is no regular entertainment in the town, the young people take advantage of a happening like this school graduation party. Yet, they were told to behave and were warned of the police officers standing by to discipline them.
The principal and the counselor at this time had finished the discussion regarding the raffle prizes, and we all reached an agreement. The students would be accompanied by the parents, otherwise they wouldn't leave the town. The principal pulled one winning ticket at a time and called the winner. After the party was over, the counselor and I gathered with the winners and discussed the trip, made the arrangement for transportation, etc. They were all excited.
After explaining about the gift giveaway that I wanted to raffle, the principal agreed that he would pick 3 winning numbers during the ceremony and he would announce the lucky numbers. The lucky ticket holders would win a 4-day getaway to the city of Semarang where we live in Indonesia. A few minutes later, my husband Mitch came on my Android video chat. Excited, I approached the principal and "introduced" Mitch unilaterally. Mr. Principal didn't make any comment, other than "that look" on his face..... And some 15 minutes later, the counselor asked me to step in her office for a discussion. Politely, she expressed her concerns about my motives for bringing the students to Semarang. I explained to her that I intended to give them an educational trip so students may be inspired to go to college and have hope for better life. She then asked me if it would be possible to bring the parents as well..... Though this trip was intended for students, I then stretched my plan to include the parents as well in order to accommodate the situation. The counselor held me "captive" for 15 minutes or so (felt like an hour) while she counseled with the principal.
Out in the school yard on the stage, Irawan was playing in 2 bands, playing both the drums and a bass guitar. The quiet little town suddenly turned into some kind of a rock festival where teenagers and students from other schools tried to crash the party. Many were "caught" inappropriately wearing the uniform of the school and were turned away. Once in a while Mr. Yudi the music teacher took the microphone and stopped the band when students danced too much. I didn't see any danger whatsoever, for their manner was mild compared to dancing to a rock concert in America. Since there is no regular entertainment in the town, the young people take advantage of a happening like this school graduation party. Yet, they were told to behave and were warned of the police officers standing by to discipline them.
The principal and the counselor at this time had finished the discussion regarding the raffle prizes, and we all reached an agreement. The students would be accompanied by the parents, otherwise they wouldn't leave the town. The principal pulled one winning ticket at a time and called the winner. After the party was over, the counselor and I gathered with the winners and discussed the trip, made the arrangement for transportation, etc. They were all excited.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Irawan, the son we never had.
With Mudjiono's acceptance of our sponsorship for his son Irawan and with the full support of his entire family, my communication with Irawan began on a regular basis. He would come to see me and stay at our home in Semarang when he could, mostly weekends and holidays. For 3 months after we met, we developed a good mutual "mentor - mentee" relationship. From the start, he called me Mama Irien for he had heard other kids in our family call me Mama Irien and later on he called my husband Papa Mitch, as did my nieces and nephews. It is not uncommon for young people in Indonesia to address older people as the age and gender may relate to people in their family, if they feel that it's appropriate. For example, if I feel that there is good chemistry, I would most likely call my friend's mother, Mom.
I sent Irawan to a computer school in Kendal for an intensive 2-month introductory course. The town of Kendal is about 30 miles from Gringsing, the town where he lives. The computer course was given every evening from 5 to 7pm 5 days a week. From January to March, he rode a motorcycle every day, a 45-minute ride each way, rain or shine .... but mostly rain. I was back in the States during that time, and called him once a week for about 10 minutes each call. His older brother reported that he only missed two classes because of the heavy rain.
Soon thereafter 18 year old Irawan graduated from high school in May 2012, after which he moved to Semarang to begin his college education at STEKOM, a computer college where he chose Graphic Art Design as his major.
I sent Irawan to a computer school in Kendal for an intensive 2-month introductory course. The town of Kendal is about 30 miles from Gringsing, the town where he lives. The computer course was given every evening from 5 to 7pm 5 days a week. From January to March, he rode a motorcycle every day, a 45-minute ride each way, rain or shine .... but mostly rain. I was back in the States during that time, and called him once a week for about 10 minutes each call. His older brother reported that he only missed two classes because of the heavy rain.
Soon thereafter 18 year old Irawan graduated from high school in May 2012, after which he moved to Semarang to begin his college education at STEKOM, a computer college where he chose Graphic Art Design as his major.
Mudjiono in Gunung Pati - Beginning of Jan. 2012
Beginning of January 2012
After I met Mudjiono, the father of our would be "son", Irawan in November 2011, I offered him and his family the opportunity to move to Semarang and live at our farm house in Gunung Pati. My thought was that he could work the land and make the farm tools, as that is his trade. However, it was hard for him (or anyone at the age of 50+ ... I suppose) to make a drastic change. After staying for 3 days trying to get accustomed to the house, the land, and the neighbors .... he decided he couldn't leave his own home and neighbors where he's been living for his entire life. The good news is that he accepted our offer to sponsor his son Irawan to further his education after he graduated from high school.
After I met Mudjiono, the father of our would be "son", Irawan in November 2011, I offered him and his family the opportunity to move to Semarang and live at our farm house in Gunung Pati. My thought was that he could work the land and make the farm tools, as that is his trade. However, it was hard for him (or anyone at the age of 50+ ... I suppose) to make a drastic change. After staying for 3 days trying to get accustomed to the house, the land, and the neighbors .... he decided he couldn't leave his own home and neighbors where he's been living for his entire life. The good news is that he accepted our offer to sponsor his son Irawan to further his education after he graduated from high school.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Christmas 2011 at the Gilbert's Camp
December, 2011
The island of Java, Indonesia.
The heavy rains cleared the air and it cooled down the temperature a little bit. I had that feeling again .... here I am again in a moslem country during Christmas time, just like the year before, but different. Last year, My husband and I had celebrated Christmas together with friends and their families in the busy city of Jakarta. There were about 30 of us having lunch at a seafood restaurant that day, and in the evening we gathered once more for Christmas music at Marini's family home. Her nephews who are great musicians entertained us with their piano and violin plays. We all sang Christmas carols. It was one of the nicest Christmas time I have had.
This year,however, ... my husband and I could only celebrate it together in thought and in communication. Thanks to Google Talk that gives us the pleasure of having 24/7 communication without worrying that we will be breaking our wallet. With this, we are constantly connected though the Pacific ocean separates us.
I had made a commitment to bring Rina and her two girls to our house during Christmas holidays. In Indonesia, though the majority of the people embrace Islam, the government observes Christmas as a public holiday, and schools are given a week break. I took this opportunity to bring Rina and the kids from the village to have a "city life". A home with a floor, enough food, clothing, toys, gifts and all..... things they never had. Things they don't imagine could be theirs. It makes me happy to see those eyes brightened with joy.
The island of Java, Indonesia.
The heavy rains cleared the air and it cooled down the temperature a little bit. I had that feeling again .... here I am again in a moslem country during Christmas time, just like the year before, but different. Last year, My husband and I had celebrated Christmas together with friends and their families in the busy city of Jakarta. There were about 30 of us having lunch at a seafood restaurant that day, and in the evening we gathered once more for Christmas music at Marini's family home. Her nephews who are great musicians entertained us with their piano and violin plays. We all sang Christmas carols. It was one of the nicest Christmas time I have had.
This year,however, ... my husband and I could only celebrate it together in thought and in communication. Thanks to Google Talk that gives us the pleasure of having 24/7 communication without worrying that we will be breaking our wallet. With this, we are constantly connected though the Pacific ocean separates us.
I had made a commitment to bring Rina and her two girls to our house during Christmas holidays. In Indonesia, though the majority of the people embrace Islam, the government observes Christmas as a public holiday, and schools are given a week break. I took this opportunity to bring Rina and the kids from the village to have a "city life". A home with a floor, enough food, clothing, toys, gifts and all..... things they never had. Things they don't imagine could be theirs. It makes me happy to see those eyes brightened with joy.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Gringsing, an unknown town ........
The Town of Gringsing, Java,Indonesia
December 2011
The weekend before Christmas, with my sister and our assistant Wiwien, our driver took us to the town of Gringsing. The goal is tracking down another relative. I began to wonder just how many more out there to be found. I had been fascinated about it, and still am.
With the guidance of another relative (Aunt Ruke) whom we picked up from another town along the way, we drove through hundreds of acres of rice fields which looked like a green carpet. Looking far on the horizon were palm tree tops. The sun was starting to go down, and I could see the orange ball behind the palm trees creating picturesque silhouette. On the right side of the road was a small creek. I asked the driver to stop and I rolled my windows down to hear the sound of the creek. For a moment everyone stopped talking to enjoy the serenity.
We drove another kilometer or so and started entering a residential area, passing by a mosque and arrived in front of a single story building with several doors, and soon I could see that the building is sectioned into several units, similar to a temporary military camp. A young handsome man who looked like he was in his early 20s came out on his motorcycle and greeted us. He recognized aunt Ru and regarded her as his grandma. I heard aunt Ru called him Kok. After just a few words of greeting and introduction, everybody in the building started to come out and there were more friendly greetings and introduction. Then Kok's father appeared. His name is Mudjiman. A man in his 50s who had once been married to aunt Ru's oldest daughter, until she died 5 years ago. They had four children. Mudjiman remarried and his new wife brought a son from her previous marriage.
As we were guided to walk towards their unit and were passing by each unit, I took several glances through the open doors ...... as though our host read my mind, Mudjiman said "This building used to be an elementary school." Several years ago the local government decided it was time to build a bigger school on the adjacent property and designated the old school for low-income and no-income housing. The government let several families occupy the classrooms as their living quarters for nothing.
One classroom per family. There were five of them. The unit where Mudjiman occupies has been divided into smaller rooms/cubicles to put mini beds, kitchen, and sitting room. Unlike most men, Mudjiman does not work the farm, but he makes manual farming tools such as shovels, sickles, etc. He barely has enough money to pay for his youngest son's high school tuition. In fact, Irawan who is graduating in a few months, was not allowed to take home the report card for the past semester because he had not paid his tuition for 3 months. When he came out and brought the tea tray to the table, I asked him to sit with us. I asked him what he wanted to do after he graduates and his answer was firm: "Working in a restaurant as a waiter". I don't see any restaurant in this tiny town. I later on found out that it wasn't his dream. He just doesn't know what else to do. No money for further education, no skills to get a good job. No one to reach out to.
The five families share one and only community bath and toilet. If each unit is occupied by a family of four, that bathroom/toilet is shared by 20 people. The bathroom is built outside the main building. They carry an umbrella to the toilet when it rains. Curious, I had to excuse my self to check out the bathroom. Was I lucky or what? No one is using it. Of the five of us visitors, only I had to go to the bathroom. Right next to the toilet is a well that gives them the only source of water for the households. Hmmm..... another well project, I thought.
The town of Gringsing is not all that bad. It has a high school that accommodates a couple hundred students. Only 5 years old, and looks nice..... from the outside. But what I learned that was so compelling was that it only has one computer to be used to teach hundreds of students who don't have computers at home. The residents of Gringsing are mostly farmers, fishermen, or government employees. As an unknown town, Gringsing is not that remote. There is one internet cafe, where young people can go in and spend their time on Facebook.
December 2011
The weekend before Christmas, with my sister and our assistant Wiwien, our driver took us to the town of Gringsing. The goal is tracking down another relative. I began to wonder just how many more out there to be found. I had been fascinated about it, and still am.
With the guidance of another relative (Aunt Ruke) whom we picked up from another town along the way, we drove through hundreds of acres of rice fields which looked like a green carpet. Looking far on the horizon were palm tree tops. The sun was starting to go down, and I could see the orange ball behind the palm trees creating picturesque silhouette. On the right side of the road was a small creek. I asked the driver to stop and I rolled my windows down to hear the sound of the creek. For a moment everyone stopped talking to enjoy the serenity.
We drove another kilometer or so and started entering a residential area, passing by a mosque and arrived in front of a single story building with several doors, and soon I could see that the building is sectioned into several units, similar to a temporary military camp. A young handsome man who looked like he was in his early 20s came out on his motorcycle and greeted us. He recognized aunt Ru and regarded her as his grandma. I heard aunt Ru called him Kok. After just a few words of greeting and introduction, everybody in the building started to come out and there were more friendly greetings and introduction. Then Kok's father appeared. His name is Mudjiman. A man in his 50s who had once been married to aunt Ru's oldest daughter, until she died 5 years ago. They had four children. Mudjiman remarried and his new wife brought a son from her previous marriage.
As we were guided to walk towards their unit and were passing by each unit, I took several glances through the open doors ...... as though our host read my mind, Mudjiman said "This building used to be an elementary school." Several years ago the local government decided it was time to build a bigger school on the adjacent property and designated the old school for low-income and no-income housing. The government let several families occupy the classrooms as their living quarters for nothing.
One classroom per family. There were five of them. The unit where Mudjiman occupies has been divided into smaller rooms/cubicles to put mini beds, kitchen, and sitting room. Unlike most men, Mudjiman does not work the farm, but he makes manual farming tools such as shovels, sickles, etc. He barely has enough money to pay for his youngest son's high school tuition. In fact, Irawan who is graduating in a few months, was not allowed to take home the report card for the past semester because he had not paid his tuition for 3 months. When he came out and brought the tea tray to the table, I asked him to sit with us. I asked him what he wanted to do after he graduates and his answer was firm: "Working in a restaurant as a waiter". I don't see any restaurant in this tiny town. I later on found out that it wasn't his dream. He just doesn't know what else to do. No money for further education, no skills to get a good job. No one to reach out to.
The five families share one and only community bath and toilet. If each unit is occupied by a family of four, that bathroom/toilet is shared by 20 people. The bathroom is built outside the main building. They carry an umbrella to the toilet when it rains. Curious, I had to excuse my self to check out the bathroom. Was I lucky or what? No one is using it. Of the five of us visitors, only I had to go to the bathroom. Right next to the toilet is a well that gives them the only source of water for the households. Hmmm..... another well project, I thought.
The town of Gringsing is not all that bad. It has a high school that accommodates a couple hundred students. Only 5 years old, and looks nice..... from the outside. But what I learned that was so compelling was that it only has one computer to be used to teach hundreds of students who don't have computers at home. The residents of Gringsing are mostly farmers, fishermen, or government employees. As an unknown town, Gringsing is not that remote. There is one internet cafe, where young people can go in and spend their time on Facebook.
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