The Sisters [Part 1]

                My family has 3 daughters. Three of them are girls. The first daughter is Jane; my big sister, then the second is me and the last is Jacqueline; the youngest one. Now, I will tell you some stories about my big sister.

                Her name is Jane Lionda. She 19 years old, she was born on 21^st February 1991. She has light skin complexion and brown eyes. But she’s a tomboy. She used to wear jeans when she was a little girl until now. She is very smart, eventhough she’s very lazy. But she’s really good in English. I admire her very much in her English. But what makes me mad is she never want to teach me in English. And sometimes she mocks my English. Hey, I’m still learning.

                Anyway, she is a student majoring in English right now in Petra Christian University. She’s also ever played a small character in a drama made by Petra Little Theater. Her drama is very good. But her talent is in singing. She sings everyday. In the car, in the room, everywhere.  I have to admit that her voice is very good. She has her own band called ASASIN. She is the vocalist, Juanta as the bassist, Yosafat as the drummer, Tulus as the guitarist and Kim Jong Hyeon as the keyboardist. But unfortunately, Kim Jong Hyeon no longer as the keyboardist because she moved back to Korea. But my sister still having contact with jong hyeon until now, even they are far away.

                Back to my sister, she is also good at photography. When she moved back to Indonesia, she asked my mom to sent her to Las Vegas to learned about photography. But the price was so expensive, so my mom did not allow her. She ever begged to my mom to buy her Canon 40D. and my mom bought for her. And she negged to my mom again to buy 7D. my mom did not want my sister to have 2 cameras. So, my mom sold the Canon 40D and bought my sister 7D. she takes picture very well. But she never allow me to use her Canon 7D.

                Oh yeah, she also can play guitar. But she rarely play guitar because she has been very busy. And she ever took a piano course with a teacher named Tania. But she stopped and now she only play 1 song.

                She has many bestfriends. But the longest friendship that I have ever known from my sister is Leni. Leni was friends with my sister when they were in kindergarten. And until now, they are still bestfriends. The other bestfriends that I know are Gloria and Sarah Hinckley.

                When she was in 12^th grade on senior high school, she was sent to America. That was so cool. It was unaccidentally. Actually, it was because of her school, YPPI invited EF (English First) to came to YPPI. They tested the students. If any of them got a good score, they would sent the students with good grades to different places in America as exchange students. She tried the test that was given form EF. And she got a good score. EF asked her to be an exchange student in America. So she asked my mom. My mom said that is a good idea. She got an opportunity and she could get an experience. And from that time, my mom and one of the secretary in EF, named Yanti (if I’m not mistaken) helped my sister. Like chosing the place, the foster family and all of it. She chose the place Evanston, Wyoming, near Seattle. And she chose the Bahollopeter family.

                And she left Indonesia on 2007 and stayed in Evanston for 1 year with her foster family. I thought it would be fun 1 year without my sister scolding me or always want to be the first. But, sudeenly I missed her so much. So my dad made me an e-mail so I could having contact with her.

                Day by day, time always moves. She came back to Indonesia on June 2008. And until now, she is living with my family again. She applied at Petra Christian University with Leni and her other besties.

                Even I often fight with her, I know that actually I love her. 

Facebook, The Misused Social Network

Everyone knows Facebook which is the most favourite social network for this time. Even now there’s Twitter, people still use Facebook to contact with their friends. We can send messages to our friends that we haven’t seen for a long time, we can chat with them, comment their status. Moreover, Facebook is very common for the teenagers. But some of them misused this social network. Now, so many teenagers have been taken by men and some of them haven’t got back to their home. Why? It’s because they misused the Facebook. For example, a guy added you and you confirmed him, even you don’t know the guy. One day, he chats with you and you become very close. But you never see him for real, only from the pictures from his profile. And he asked your address, or he asked you to have a meet. Will you say yes? Some girls will say yes. When you meet him, and you realized that’s he’s a bad guy, he can take you to a place, somewhere that no one will know you. And other people won’t know what happened to you. Do you want that? Being taken with a guy that you don’t know and it can risks your life? So please use the Facebook for good things. Don’t be a careless person that give your address or anything. The world is getting worse now. Stand still with God.

Informal Letter

November 4^th 2010

From    : Alexis

            New York

To       : Lily

            San Francisco

Dear Lily,

It’s been a long time we haven’t see each other. I still couldn’t believe that I had moved to New York since two years ago. How do you do? And how’s your family? I miss them so much.

I’m fine in New York. At the first time I arrived here, I didn’t like it and I lost for several times. But im used to be here now. It’s very crowded.

Guess what, I will go to San Francisco to meet you! Isn’t that great? We can play together again. I’ll be there for 1 weel. Starting from 10^th November untuil 17^th November. I’ll be staying at my old house.

Sorry, I couldn’t come on your birthday. Actually, my family planned to go to San Francisco on 7^th November, but my little brother had an accident and he wasn’t allowed to walk for 1 month.

That’s all I can tell you about. I’m excited to see you.

Alexis

Alexis

Sign Your Name Here Please!

About several months ago, I bet with my friends about our mathematics tests’ scores. There were Jessy, Elena, WJ, Silvy, Samuel, Kevin and me (if I’m not mistaken). We were so curious about our scores. If one of us got the lowest score, he or she had to ask the students from 7^th grade, 8^th grade, 9^th grade, and even 10^th grade to sign their names on a paper.

          I was so scared because I couldn’t do the test. I hate math! So that’s why I can’t do it. It was so hard. It was about congruency in triangles. I hate it so much. I did not do well on the test. I couldn’t find the answers until the it was time out. I gave up at that time. I thought that I would failed.

 After few weeks passed, Ms. Ika gave us the scores. Oh no. I got 45! (actually it was 41. But Ms. Ika gave me 4 points). I failed on my math test. (actually I always fail on my math tests) I was so shocked. My tutorer was mad and disappointed at me because I failed it. Jessy asked my score. I was afraid to tell her because I thought that I got the lowest score from all of my friends. And my prediction was true. I lost! I couldn’t imagine myself had to go round and round asking the students to sign their names. Oh yeah, it had to be boys to sign their names. Can you imagine it? I had to collect 10 names from the 7^th graders, 10 names from the 8^th graders, 5 names from the 9^th graders and 5 names from the 10^th graders.

          What made me confused was asking the 7^th graders and the 10^th graders. I don’t know them, I never talk to them. Well, at least I know few students from the 10^th graders. But still, I was so afraid.

          It was lunch time. But I didn’t eat because I had to do my punishment. Firstly, I asked some of the boys from the 7^th graders when they were passing me. Some of them refused, some of them did sign their names. It was so hard. All of the boys from the 7^th graders were laughing at me. I was so embarrassed at that time.

          Finally, I collected all of the names from the 7^th graders, 8^th graders, 9^th graders and 10^th graders. For me, the hardest was asking the 10^th graders. I had to wait for them until it was the time for them to go home. When I got 4 names from the 10^th graders, I found 1 boy that I knew. So I begged him to signed his name.

From the 7^th graders, I collected their names. They were:

1.     - Josh

2.    - Johanes

3.     - Matthew

4.    - LG (Christian)

5.    - Agung

6.    - Marco

7.    - Michael

8.    - Hendri

9.    - Juan

10. - Macvin

I really don’t know any of them. Some of them refused to signed their names until I begged them. I really didn’t have my lunch just because I asked for the 7^th graders only.

From the 8^th graders, I collected their names. They were:

1.     - Joel

2.    - Tommy

3.    -  Moses

4.    - William

5.   -  Jonathan

6.    - Daniel (Henokh)

7.    - Jonathan R.C

8.    - Kenny

9.    - Michael

10. -  Ezra

From the 9^th graders, I collected their names. They were:

1.     - William D

2.    - Ferry

3.     - Yoke

4.   -  Gilbert

5.   -  Darwin

And last but not least, form the 10^th graders. They were:

1.     - Matthew

2.    - Hardi

3.     - David

4.   -  Richmond

5.   -  Benedict

It was so hard but a fun time also. I did it in only 1 day. Because Jessy said if I couldn’t do it in one day, there would be more punishment for me. I promise to myself that I will not lose again if there will be more bets. I had enough with it. But the good thing is it motivates us to get better score. We chase the highest scores so we also can chase the highest scores on the national exam this coming soon. We are in the 9^th grade now. We have to pass all the tests, exams and everything. Pray before study and focus when we are studying. Anything will be useless if we don’t include God in what we do.  

Always be Yourself & What You Are

People says that she’s pretty, perfect, talented, and everything. Neither do I. But the truth, I’m jealous of her. She has everything. Can you imagine that? Having everything what you want (that is so cool). I always compare myself with her. It’s like black and white. I’m black and she’s white. I’m not talking about my skin colour and hers. But what I meant is, we never get along (sometimes). Just like black and white. Sometimes it’s match, but sometimes not.

It feels like I’m wearing a mask infront of her. But infront of my friends, I put off my mask and show the truth. One of my bestfriend, Adel, said to me, “We can’t choose our live.” And I think, yeah. She’s right. God have plan for myself. I don’t need to wear my mask. I have to be the way I am. I don’t need to copy her style or be like her. I have my own style. I might be not as pretty as her, but people don’t see girls just from her appearance right? Some boys see a girl from her inside. Maybe she’s kind or caring, not just beautiful.

I had enough feeling sorry for myself just because I’m not like her. This is my time to be what I am. Maybe I’m not as beautiful as her, but I’m still God’s creation. And He never make His creations ugly. God give what is the best for us.

Just a time ago, I tried to be like her. I was mad. I even didn’t realize that I’ve been changed because my anger and jealousy to her. But suddenly, I felt and asked myself, “what’s wrong with me?”. It’s okay if I want to be like her, taking the positives from her, like to be more diligent. But I don’t need to change myself from the way I am.

Many girls in this world try to be in the “popular girls” group. Wearing lipgloss, cool outfits that make them look pretty, always talk with the “idol” in the school, and more. But we don’t have to be like that. It’s better if we’re not popular but comfortable with ourselves than to be popular but we’re not comfortable with ourselves.

Be a grateful person. Lord has made us like this. And we have to be grateful and try not to compare ourselves with the others. We can see well, hear well, talk well. But the others, some kids can’t see, they are blind. Some kids can’t talk. And some kids can’t hear. But we are perfect. I learned that I don’t need to compare myself with her anymore. Even I know if she’s better than me. I just want to be myself. I want to be like the way I am. I don’t need to copy her style or everything that’s from her. Except for the positives. She’s not a goddess. She’s not a god. The only person that is perfect is only Jesus. No one can be as perfect as Him nor as strong as Him.

I know that sometimes I still jealous for her because of her life and her fancy things. I know if everyone adores her. But I don’t need to wear fancy things like hers just because I want to look like her. It’s just wasting my money. I can use my money for good and usable things.

About a week ago, she started bragging about herself. Actually, I didn’t want to listen to it. But I was so curious. So I listened to it. And the result, it made me want to be perfect or better than her. But I remember again. I don’t need to be like her. She is not a goddess. So I just laughed infront of her. But actually there were anger, jealousy and tears in my heart. I ever asked God, “God, why did You made me and her so different?”. But like I said before, God have plans for us. Good plans.

            Starting from now, I don’t want to wear my mask again. I don’t need to be like her. I don’t want to buy useless things just to be popular. I know I can through this. He’s with me.

I Don't Need to be Afraid of It

 I forget when, but it’s quite long. Long time, I was a girl that scared of the words “the end of the world” or “doomsday”. When I heard that words, I used to get scared and prayed. When it was night, I prayed before I went to sleep. After I prayed, I went to sleep. I remember that I was dreaming about the end of the world. Many Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)s were falling to the world. I remember that I was separated with my parents. I cried and don’t know what to do. I got up and I cried. It was in the midnight. So I got back to sleep.

My dream about doomsday is not just this. I got it so many of I when I was sleeping.

I told my dreams to my friend, Rebecca. She’s older than me and we are like sisters. She’s really close with God. She said that I didn’t need to be scared. I should be happy. But why? It’s because Jesus wants us to tell the world. I asked her tell about what? I was confused. And she said that He wants me to tell the world that He will come for the second time. And He wants us to be prepared for His coming. And she said that I’m chosen to be His servant. That’s why He gives me many dreams about the end of the world. Not only that, He gave me a dream that was about The Book of Life. In my dream, I was talking to Jesus. Then I saw a big, beautiful building. He told me to see the names. So I saw and searched for my name. But I didn’t see it. I cried. My name wasn’t in the Book of Life? How could that be? Then I was awake. I prayed to Him. Im very grateful because He chose to be His servant to tell the world. I mustn’t be afraid for His coming. I have to run. I want to win the race and stay forever with Him in heaven with my family and friends.

The dreams that Jesus gave to me make me to be more closer to Him. Reminds me to worship Him, read the Bible, be a patient girl, and everything.

I have a friend that is not a Christian. He wrote on his status “Doomsday is coming near! 5 days to go!”. He wrote that for 5 days. When I read it, suddenly I felt scared. But Rebecca told me that I know the truth. People don’t know when will He come. But they know it’s almost time. So I don’t need to feel afraid. Yeah. She’s right. I have to be prepared for His coming. Not be afraid. And I sang and worship Him. I felt that I have renewed by Him. I didn’t feel afraid anymore. It was His blessings.

About half month ago, I went to Food Festival at Pakuwon City. I ate and played some games with my little nephew. Usually, when I was at Food Festival, I used to feel that the end of the world will happened. And at the Food Festival, I was on the way to the parking lot and wanted to take my nephew home. And suddenly Food Festival became dark. The lights were out. And I couldn’t see anything. Oh no. Is this the end of the world? My sister told me that we were lucky because we already ate and on the way at home. And she said, “Hope there won’t be an zombies.” And we laughed. But deep inside, I was so scared. But I prayed and keep saying, “in the name of Jesus Christ” all the times. I know He will give me strength.

Finally, I’m home already. I did some activities like watching TV, playing computer and text messaging. And it’s time to sleep. I prayed to God and said, “Thanks for today Lord. You have reminded me about Your Son’s coming. I will be prepared. I am ready to dream about the end of the world. I don’t need to be scared. Because I believe in You. I give my life for You.”

And now, I’m not afraid anymore. Even sometimes Jesus gave me the “doomsday”dream. I’m not afraid because He doesn’t want me to be afraid for His coming. So, I want us to be prepared for His coming. And let us see He’s smiling because we did a great job.

Memories

When I was going up to 8th grade, I was separated with my classmates, 7D. I didn’t want to have a new classmates. I’m already comfortable with 7D. So, I was so worried when I searched my name on the 8^th grade’s name lists. There were 4 classes on 8^th grade. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. I started looking my name on 8A, but I couldn’t find it. And also on 8B and 8C’s class. So I knew that I would be in 8D. I looked at the bottom of the list. I was shocked that my homeroom teacher was Mr. Wahyu. Oh, no. I was afraid of him. He’s very strict and discipline. And I got no girl friends that were from 7D also. I was separated wih the girls in 7D. I asked myself, “how I will survive in this class?”.

First day of school. I just realized that Hartono, Hans and Yansen were also in 8D. they were the ex of 7D. but they seemed didn’t care. Because they already busy with their new classmates like Tommy, Ivan and Mike. Second day of school. Still, nothing happened.

But the time always moves. I started get along with 8D. and also the others. 8D had 18 students int the class. Aaron was the first. He was quite, but when he was with Mike, they would be so loud. He plays guitar and drum. Adela, the girl that I thought so arrogant, she’s a model-wanna-be. She has slim body and pretty. The first time, I didn’t know her and kinda hate her because she looked arrogant at the first time. But after we were getting quite close, she’s actually really kind. The third, Cecilia. She is so smart. I still remember that she scratched Hartono’s hand until his hand was bleeding. And she is so diligent. She’s the smartest girl in 8D. Fourth, Chelsy. She is so loud and talks so fast. Even when the teachers were looking at her, she didn’t realize, until we shouted at her to stop talking. The fifth, Henokh. He was quite naughty in 8D. He always got scold by Mr. Wahyu because of his behaviours. But Henokh always helped me and the others. The sixth, Davin. He’s fat, has chubby face and so smart. He didn’t get any bad score when he was in 8D. We always teased him and laughed together. Seventh, Handi. He was quite actually. He likes making robots until won some robotic competitions. The eighth, Hans. I usually called him “Bobo”. He’s very tall and athletic. He was the captain of the class. He always shouted when we started talking loudly. The ninth, Hartono. I always got in fight with him. But we never fought until we hate each other. But we argued and later we laughed together. Sometimes he teased me. And I remember, when we were in the Geography’s class, I wanted to sit infront and Hartono also. So we fought to get the chair. And I won. Hahaha. The tenth, Ivan. He is so smart. His scores were almost the same with Davin. Or sometimes higher. They were the proffesors in 8D. Well, the eleventh was me. The 12^th, Jasmine. She was so quite. But she’s very good at math. The thirteenth, Mike. He was the class clown in the class. Oh, yeah, and Hartono also. He made us laughing in the middle of the class. Everyday without laughs. Mike always made jokes or imitating someone and made us couldn’t mad but laughing. Until the teachers were also laughing too because of Mike. The 14^th, Novia. But usually called her “Parjo”. I didn’t know why she was called “Parjo”. At the first time I called her Novia, but everyone calls her “Parjo”, so I started call her “Parjo” too. And she’s okay with that. The 15^th, the naughtiest boy in class, Tommy. He made us and the teachers mad. But sometimes he made jokes too. His hobby in 8D was teasing everyone, especially me. He called me Rambo. Because he said I was strong and tomboy and my hairstyle looks like him. Tommy was the best player in every sports in 8D. He can play basketball, softball and etc.  The 16^th, Yansen. He always walked arrogantly. And he always acted cool. But he’s funny too. The 17^th, Yesi. Yesi was quite in the class. And she’s quite tomboy. She’s good at math and sports also. She can play badminton well. And the last but not least, the 18^th, Yosua. For me, Yosua is the smart silent musician. He’s very quite in the class. But he’s very good at math and physics. But he’s very lazy. And I still don’t get it why he always gets good score even he’s so lazy. Like Hartono too. Yosua can play keyboard, piano, guitar and drums also. No wonder Mr. Dikky, our music teacher, admie him.

For me, 8D is the best class ever! I still can’t find any other classes that is better than my 8D. 8D was the strongest class, the smartest class, the funniest class, and the most favorite class among all teachers (I think). But Ms. Maya always admired 8D. I still remember the memories in 8D. in 8D, I learned about friends, love, and everything. 8D changed me to be a tougher girl. Many things happened in 8D. but we never hate each other. Because we LOVE each other. I will always remember you, 8D.

The Greatest Holiday Ever !

In December 2008, I went on a tour with my parents’ friends. I went to Singapore for 2 days. Then I flew to San Francisco with my mom and dad. We stayed there for 1 week. It was so cold. When I arrived at San Francisco, my father’s friend picked us and carry us to the hotel.

In the morning, I had my breakfast and took a walk with my dad at the streets. I still remember it until now. Cold weather, the street, the mall. I love San Francisco. So beautiful. At night, I met my mom’s friend that will with us on tour. I met my friends again, Melissa and William. At night, we walked together along the street. We wanted to cross the Nike Shoes Store, but a man was running and hit my mom’s friend. An other man wanted to chase that man. And I knew, the running man was a robber that robbed Nike shoes. I was shocked that time. After 1 week, we went to the airport and flew to Salt Lake City.

My big sister was at Evanston, Wyoming at that time. She studied there. Before I went with the tour, I visited Salt Lake City. Because Salt Lake City is near with Evanston. So I landed on Salt Lake City, it was so cold. Then I met my big sister with her foster family. We ate dinner together.

The next morning, we went to a mall. Salt Lake City was like a dead city that time. So silent and cold. It was because many people there were on holiday. We visited the mall and bought some clothes. My sister found a little girl that was lost. So, we helped her.

In the morning, we went to the airport and went to Washington D.C. We visited many museums there. Then we visited Canada and Philadelphia.

The last, we visited Orlando, Florida. After we arrived, we immadietly met the tour group. I met Jessica, Melissa, William and Albert, Michelle and Marcia. I met them every year on tour. And my older friends, Jennifer, Sasa and Gary. At the bus, we were playing Mario Kart. It was so fun.

I woke up on 7 o’clock and took a bath. The weather wasn’t so cold that time, so I didn’t wear my white winter jacket. Then I had breakfast. At 9 o’clock, we were on the way to Disney World, the biggest Disneyland that the others. It has Disneyland, Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to ride the jet coaster.

So, I arrived at the Animal Kingdom. I took a ride that is called Mount Everest. It’s so tall. I was scared but I wanted to ride it. So I bravely rode that with my mom. On the ride, we stopped, and suddenly slid back. I screamed so loud. But it was fun. In the afternoon, I had my lunch at Macdonalds. I ordered cheese burger. And I was so full. Then we played the other games and back to the bus.

It was 31 December 2007. We visited EPCOT. I rode a ride that’s about rocket and in the jungle. Very fun. It was New Years Eve. At night almost midnight, we were dancing. There were DJs. It was like a night club. We were dancing, wearing the hat, holding the trumpets. But I was so bored. 2008 still long at that time. So I took a ride that’s called Fast Track with my big sister, Jennifer and Gary.

5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Happy New Year! It’s 2008! I passed 2007 and prayed that I will be a better girl. We ate some chocolate cakes, saying “happy new year” to each other. I still couldn’t believe that I passed 2007 in America. Last year, 2006, I passed 2006 in Switzerland. I felt asleep when I was waiting for the bus. After I arrived at the hotel, before I went to sleep, I prayed to Jesus and said, “Thank you, Jesus. I’m still alive. You gave Your life for me. I promise that I will be a good girl infront of You, my parents, my friends, and I want to be more diligent in this year. Lead me. Amen.”