Timeline by Evangeline Willand

Youth in Mission - Tasikmalaya Day 1

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-23 02:54:34 UTC

To start our mission trip, my group and I left for Tasikmalaya at 6:30 a.m. by bus, which took about six hours. When we arrived, we went straight to our hotel to unpack quickly before performing at GKI Sion church. I was very tired from the long ride but wanted to glorify God by dancing. After the performance, which went well, I felt even more exhausted, but we still needed to shop for food to donate to a nursing home the next day. Finally, we returned to the hotel to rest for the next day.

Youth in Mission - Tasikmalaya Day 2

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-23 02:55:05 UTC

On the second day, we mostly performed in churches and visited a nursing home called Panti Jompo Welas Asih. We started at GBI Empang Sari, where we performed a dance to "Praise" and sang Grace Alone. After the performance, we listened to God’s word and learned something new from the Bible. Next, we went to the nursing home, where we met many elderly people who shared their life stories. There were both tears and laughter, filling the place with joy. Lastly, we visited GKI Veteran, where we performed the same program as in the morning and listened to the pastor that evening. Afterward, we returned to the hotel to rest for the next day.

Youth in mission - Tasikmalaya Day 3

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 06:56:38 UTC

On the third day, we went to SMP Parahyangan Mulia in Tasikmalaya to teach the student council about leadership and public speaking. The sessions were especially helpful for the student council president. My job was to take photos, and I saw that the students were focused and having fun, especially during group activities. Afterward, we played a scavenger hunt and made puzzles, which helped me get to know the students better. Later, we visited Curug, a beautiful waterfall, and enjoyed our time together. Finally, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the next day.

Youth in mission - Tasikmalaya Day 4

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 06:57:09 UTC

On the fourth day of our mission trip, we taught the entire SMP Parahyangan Mulia school. We started with a Zumba session at the church, where I was the MC and encouraged shy students to join in. Soon, about 80% of them were dancing on stage. After Zumba, we held sessions on writing, reading, and being active in high school. I also helped teach a dance class, which was a lot of fun and full of laughs.

Youth in Mission - Tasikmalaya Day 5

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 07:01:13 UTC

At the end of our trip, we visited SD Joykids, where the kids treated us like celebrities, asking for autographs and wanting us to stay forever. We had fun doing activities like Zumba, painting, and Bingo. I taught fourth graders algebra, which they surprisingly found easy. We were impressed by their talent and excited responses to our questions. I also got to know them better and shared jokes. Then we went to a place where we could make our own batik cloth which was fun. After a busy day, we went to a hot spring where we all had a relaxing time and finally, we enjoyed dinner and returned to the hotel to rest.

Youth in Mission - Tasikmalaya Day 6

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 07:02:00 UTC

On our last day in Tasikmalaya, we visited SD Bethel, where the kids were excited to see us from UPHC. I taught third grade, focusing on fractions, which was challenging, but they all understood and aced the quiz. After math, we made bracelets, and the girls had a blast, while the boys either made bracelets for their mothers or continued with math. We handed out goodie bags and took lots of photos. Before leaving, I made wool flowers, and many kids asked for them. The day ended with us feeling tired but missing the wonderful experiences we shared.

Introduction

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 14:23:23 UTC

On the fourteenth of September 2024, my school began the Youth in Mission event, where we travelled to different areas of Indonesia to serve and assist schools or nursing homes in need. My experience took place in Tasikmalaya, a city somewhat like Bandung. Although it’s a small city and doesn't offer as much as Jakarta, the kindness of the citizens made this trip a wonderful journey. Many memories were made during this trip, and I would love to go on another one next year.

Reflection

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 14:29:18 UTC

Over these six days, my friends and I had the chance to serve schools and nursing homes in need, and I'm truly grateful for the experience. Seeing their happy faces and the joy we shared opened my eyes to a different way of living. I realized that while I knew some people struggled, I had often ignored it. But witnessing the joy I brought to others reminded me of how God shares His joy with me in tough times. It showed me that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference, just as God teaches us to share His light with others.

Youth in Mission - Tasikmalaya Day 7

evangelinewilland — 2024-09-24 14:55:09 UTC

The last day in Tasikmalaya started with the whole group celebrating Kennard and my birthday as well. It was so nice, and they all bought cakes for both of us. But after we finished celebrating, Bu Marshella prayed for both of us which I am really thankful for. Soon we went to the bus and started our journey back home.