Challenging But Worth It
Indonesian on religious understanding, making friends, and pushing herself
It has been three months since I and 20 other Indonesians flew to the United States and officially became exchange students. I am hosted in Indiana by a sweet Christian family. The fact that my natural family and host family have many similarities is a great gift.
I was raised in a Muslim community where everything is set up. I do not have to manage my praying time or check food labels or ingredients. Things are different here. I started forming new habits which is not easy. But I have my people.
Before I officially became an exchange student, all I was concerned about was making friends. I cannot greet random buddies and directly become a friend as I did in Indonesia. It took some time and bravery to meet my people.
Being an exchange student is like mining gold—challenging but worth it.
I went to a choir concert at my school. I took photos of the performance and the next day I showed those photos to one of my classmates who performed. Later on, I was eating lunch and the singers invited me to hang out with them. And our friendship began.
Being an exchange student is like mining gold—challenging but worth it. I am glad that I am involved in serving the community because it is beneficial to both sides. On Sunday, my family attends church near our house. I am so lucky to have this access and see the church closely.
Religious issues are crucial in Indonesia. Though it is a diverse country, we need more tolerance. By seeing Christianity directly I am increasing my understanding. I help Sunday school kids do crafts or wrap gifts. I enjoy it so much.
I help Sunday school kids do crafts or wrap gifts. I enjoy it so much.
At school, I’m learning childhood development which allows me to observe kids’ habits and growth processes. Volunteering at church enables me to apply the things I learn at school.
My main goal is to offer cultural information about my home country, Indonesia. Most of the time, I answer questions people have about Indonesia but on a couple of occasions, I have presented my country formally. Last month, my study hall teacher asked me if I wanted to talk about a natural disaster in Indonesia. I was very nervous. I spent three days talking to a mirror to release my clumsiness. And I did it!
It was a fantastic feeling to accomplish something I assumed I could not do.
I have made friends with people who come from places I never imagined before. I am glad to be surrounded by my amazing friends and host family. They embrace me and we rise up together. They show great tolerance and I wonder what my next experience will be.
—Awwaluna (YES, Indonesia), hosted by the Keller family (IN)
