Timeline: My Mission Trip to Belitung by Aurel Ia

Introduction

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

My name is Aurel, and I am a UPHC student. In UPHC there’s an event named “Youth in Mission." Youth in Mission is an event where we go to a place to serve others. On my first mission, I went to Belitung, a town I’d never been to before. I chose Belitung for my first mission basically because I was curious about the natural view. Youth in Mission is held on 14 September until 20 September, and it was an exciting journey.

Arrival!

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

First, before we went to Belitung, we did a lot of preparation for about 2 months, and it was exhausting. On the day when we landed at Belitung’s airport, I was so shocked because of the really small airport. At that moment, I realized that I was on a mission to help others. My first impression of Belitung is the really hot weather. On the first day, I went to the houses of ealdery who needed help. We gave them some groceries to help them. There is one memorable moment that is when one of the grandma that we helped said, “Terimakasih sudah menyambung nyawa nenek,” which means “Thank you for saving grandma's life.” When I heard that one sentence, my heart was touched.

Day 2

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

On the second day, we went to church and help their Sunday service. When we arrived, we were so confused because we didn’t see any building that looked like a church. It turns out the church is a very small building, it was so small that it is didn’t look like a church. On that day, I was so touched because they still feel blessed even though they are poor. I realize sometimes I like to feel not grateful. Even though they live with less money, they are more grateful than me. I felt welcome in that church, and I felt the enjoyment there. I also felt so cherished to meet them.

D4&5 Memorable experience!

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

Apart from serving from houses to house and church, we also went to school in day 4 and 5. I serve elementary, middle, and high school. I teach them some workshops. I felt I really had a good time there. I met a new friend and felt a new experience. There is one funny experience that I felt the elementary students asked all of the UPHC students their signature. After a very exhausting day, for dinner we ate really delicious pork

D6 New experience

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

Lastly, on the last day, we went to Pulau Lengkuas to go snorkeling and island hopping. Before we go island hopping we did some games, it was really fun and memorable. After we did some games, we start the island hopping journey. It was really fun, but the weather is really hot. On the third island, we did snorkeling. It was my first experience doing snorkeling, and it was a really great experience. I saw the sea habitat with my own eyes. After we do snorkeling, we eat delicious seafood on one of the islands. After we finish eating, we travel and explore a cave on that island. The last day was the most memorable experience.

D3 Lakar Pelangi

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

As we know, Belitung is the land of the Rainbow Warriors. On the third day, we went on a trip to a village and learned about Belitung culture. Apart from that, we go to a replica location where the Laskar Pelangi film was made. Previously, I had never watched the Laskar Pelangi film, but I was very touched when my teacher played the song of Laskar Pelangi in the bus because the lyrics were so deep. A story about the journey of children chasing their dream. My heart was so touched when I heard that song. Apart from visiting the Laskar Pelangi place, we also visited the Laskar Pelangi Museum, it's a really artistic place.

Extraordinary Blessings

aureliadianw — 2024-09-30 05:28:33 UTC

Mission trips are truly life-changing. In my mission trip, I learned a lot about grace. I realize how great God's grace is; I can serve others because of His grace. I realize that people out there, despite their shortcomings, are still grateful because of this, and I feel I should be even more grateful. I hope I can continue to be a blessing and be a bright light to glorify Jesus in my daily life.