5/16/2007 - Firsts in the U.S.
by Ontin Fatmakartika, Indonesia 2006-2007 hosted in Williamson, PA
The first time witnessing how Americans actually care for others…
I volunteered to help the bell choir for mentally and physically handicapped adults in the church nearby, even though i had no idea what it was! I’m not musical, and i had never worked with any handicapped people before. I was anxious, of course, because i had no experience, but i decided to give it a try. it was pretty cool, and i have more knowledge not only in bell choir how, but also in helping those who are less fortunate than us. They live their life so simply that sometimes i’m wondering how we make things so much more complicated than they are and forget about helping others.
We can’t get away from prejudice. Before i came here, i thought that Americans are so selfish and arrogant. Now i know that it’s simply misjudgement and there are always people who care for others more than themselves. In every country there will always be ignorant people, but there will always be caring people, too. And that’s why i came here, to build mutual understanding for a better world.
i love my family, my friends, and my neighbors so much that i don’t want to leave them. Somehow, me and them are perfect together.
i just love to discuss history, politics, and government with my host dad. He also influences me with his old movies and soccer—the first time i learned about it.
i love to spend time with kids. And here, i have a cute little sister who is so irresistible, along with another 5 younger sisters—the first time i’ve really done any baby- sitting!
my friends are so nice. they are so warmhearted and take me into their world and teach me some new things i’ve never heard of—line dancing, school dances, holiday rituals, cool foods and drinks, and how to be a good shopper.
I am so thankful to God for everything that i have, and i couldn’t ask more than this. Thank you for all the people that helped us to get here and find our precious treasure of life.
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