A Tribute to Mom

For the one who brought me to this world, Mom.

I would like to let you know that you are the best mom on earth.

I remember that day, when I was in kindergarten, you took me to school using our neighbor's bike because the motorbike was broken.
That day when you got mad at me because I bit my friend's ear.

You always reminded me to study all the time even there was no homework or test the next day.
I have no idea who I would be without you.

Seven years ago, you were diagnosed with tumor in your womb and it was very devastating to me. I was only thirteen years old when you had your first surgery. After the surgery when we visited you, my birthday was the first thing you remembered. It was my birthday during your first surgery and I promised to God that I would be a good son for you.

Me and my Mom last summer

I realized that sometimes I am not a good son, getting annoyed little bit because you keep texting me everyday just to remind me to eat and pray. Sometimes I forgot to call you back because I get too busy with stuffs I am doing. But deep in my heart, I love so much.

I know how much you work hard to provide for our daily needs from 9 a.m to 9 p.m everyday. And still get a chance to accompany your children studying in the night. We might not be the richest family, but I know we are one of the happiest family on earth because we always praise God for whatever we have for dinner or whatever we wear on our body. You teach me to never take anything for granted, and not enough thank you for that.

I am the happiest son on Earth when I knew that you are finally tumor-free two months ago. God finally answered my seven years prayer, and I hope that you'll keep healthy so I can make you proud of me.

I can keep writing all day for everything you have done for me and my brother and sister. I love you and miss you very very very much. And I will see you in less than a week.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Sincerely,


Me

Reverse Culture Shock

Hi Readersssss.

It's been a while since my last post (I think I said this for my last three posts, but bear with me!). This post stemmed from a conversation with some friends during a dinner three days ago. Two of my friends asked me: Timmy, do you need to re-adjust when you get back home? Or is it easy for you?

What a question. Before answering the question, I have a great news that I will be in Indonesia over the summer. I'm leaving on the 15th and can't wait to be in my home country.

Let's go straight to the point. I will answer the second part first, Is it easy? I was surprised to find out last summer that going back to Indonesia after spending a whole academic year in the U.S was not as easy as I thought it would be. Why?

Here are why.

1. Language. As weird as it sounds but I need to re-adjust with the language. I use English 90 percent of the time when I am in U.S, watch TV in English, and even think in English. Last summer, I found myself stumbled on Indonesian words [brain-fart alert!] and struggled to compose sentences in Indonesian structure.

2. Culture. The very different culture from Indonesia and the U.S made me have to adjust. Because there are a bunch of different what-is-okay and what-is-not-okay. For example, it is okay to use my left hand to give stuff to people here, but I have to use my right hand to give stuff to people in Indonesia. Another example is saying hi to friends. In the US it is very normal to give hug to your friend, but not normal to do it in Indonesia. Which I get really used to it. So I have to remember where I am to make sure that I would not do something culturally impolite.

3. Friends. Yeah, friends. It is hard for me to maintain conversation with them because I live in a place that is very different than Indonesia. My conversation with my good friend would usually just catch up and what else? I could not start rambling about some TV shows because some of them are not aired in Indonesia. And another problem is that most of my friends have their new friends and activities already; so they do not have time to hangout with me.

Yeah, those are three big things that I would need to re-adjust every time I come back to Indonesia. It is actually fun to live in two different countries, but there are always positives and negatives to every thing. I am grateful with my opportunities, and will make the most out of it. So for some of you that lives in a country, I think you have to be grateful because you have many good friends and you should take a great care of them!

Hope this provide some insight on living on two different countries.

Comments are encouraged!

I promise I will update my blog more often!