I WAS HERE

Imagine a day where 1 billion people choose to do something for someone else. To make their mark on someone else’s world. To say I WAS HERE. Here I am..so glad to take part of World Humanitarian Day (August 19, 2012) - making a mark so that the world can see that I do care; that I do want to make a difference; that I do want to change the world and bring a message of HOPE. ;)  My small simple action is that I helped kids at Bukit Harapan Orphanage cleaning the yard and giving them milk and snacks that they may not always have on a daily basis. What's more satisfying than to see others happy with what we've done for them? Indeed, no action is too small. What's your story? :D

Where my heart is at..

Claya with the children at Bukit Harapan Orphanage

Yep. This is where my heart is at. 
The kids and teens at Bukit Harapan Orphanage.
My prayer is that God will continue to water what is within my heart to achieve.

Be blessed and let’s continue to make His name and goodness felt across the earth! ♥

Mission isn't accomplished yet.
Someone gotta ensure that they are anchored to positive values of life.
Yes, they need YOU! :)

[interest to help these kids, feel free to contact me via email]

Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou

One afternoon in Times bookstore, I was stupefied for few minutes while filling the form for a membership card. You know why I was like that? It's because I don't know to answer my occupation whether it's student or employer. Sigh. -.- It's been almost 3 months after my graduation.. and as you may guessed, I'm not signed in in any company, school or institution you could mention. Yep, I'm temporarily unemployed but I'm not jobless. 

This is why I said I'm not jobless, it's by reason of "I work every day." The first month after my hats-off-day I'm free from the questions from people nearby askin "What are you doin now?" or "Where are you working at?". It's because I was with some friends working as Interpreter for Pacific Partnership 2012 featuring US Navy. Indeed, it was an super INCREDIBLE experience. I would have say that was a vacation instead of working.  We travelled to Talaud, the island close to Phillipine. We met incredible people from USNS Mercy Ship and the amazing local people. We had fun in few AWESOME beaches there.. It's just WOW..

The second month after my graduation was a lightly different story. I was busy doing this and that. I took part as a committee in an international seminar held by my university. I joined Indonesia Youth Pioneer Competition held by Manado Department of Sport and Youth (and I won xD ). I participated in Future Leader Summit in Semarang (and not to mention - travelling around the city of Semarang as well as my 'bolang' moment in Jakarta and Tangerang by myself :D ). I took a driving course (Finally,huh? ><). I had a day vacation in Bunaken and snorkeling for the first time. Yeah, last July was golden month! I had a lot of precious experiences and even life lessons :)

Here it comes to August.. it's another exciting month, actually.. It's just I encounter more people asking classic questions above "What in the world are you doing now, cum laude student?" " What company are you working at?" and oh.. tbh it quite sucks to answer. That 'cum laude' stuff is becoming a burden, now..

Well, encountering those questions I used to answer I'm preparing for an AusAID scholarship, yet for now, as that desire sorta dies down (due to the delay of my transcript printing that holds up my way to apply before the deadline) I start to change my answer. I start to 'publish' my voluntary project at the orphanage. Some of my friends know it. Some doesn't. I was voluntarily teaching these kids since the last days I'm claiming myself as a high school student.. which is around 5 years ago (wow.. time does fly) tho there are times I pulled myself up from activities at this orphanage, but I kept these children in mind. Always.

This month as I intensify my visit, I sense greater joy inside. I'm glad to partake in this ministry (so I call it). I never been this enthusiastic before. I look forward impatiently for the next meeting. Tho physically, i feel worn-out because my teaching schedule is from 7pm - 9pm and sometimes from 5pm - 10pm, but it paid off knowing that I was not wasting or simply spending my time but i'm investing it. I reminded by some of my students who finally get scholarship to study in Uni and I pray that there'll be more of them. It's my job to sow the seed and let God makes it grows..

Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou a philosophy from Dr. Sam Ratulangi would be a wonderful reflection for me while workin on this.. a man live to make others live.. as Bible also said.. When you filling other people's cup, God will not let your cup left empty.. and you know, when God fills someone’s cup, He'll fill it abundantly cause He’s the Provider. He’s Almighty God. He’s My Shepherd, and I shall not be in want (Psalm 23:1). J I like reflecting in this truth to keep myself motivated in doing this heavenly task. One day, I’ll reap what I sow.

As for now, I avoid those classic questions no more. I’m proud of what I’m doing. I may not gain money like if I work in certain company but if it’s the time to help these people, I better do what God wants me to do. I want to get my Master Degree somewhere abroad. I want to work with professional company. I simply believe there’ll be time for everything.  

Proverbs 19:17 (MSG)

Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.

James 1:27 (NIV)

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Jeremiah 22:3,16 (NIV)

This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. ¹⁶ He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD.

A story of my never-wear-jeans Daddy

My Dad with his big belly in Liberty Statue,USA

                Here’s a story of an awesome man. A husband to a stunning woman and a Daddy to two gorgeous daughters. He’s been living for ± 21170 days on earth (plus 9 months in his mother’s womb) until today. Yep, today he’s celebrating his 58 of age. Hence, I want to write a story of him and how he inspires me in around 20 years of my age (minus the first 3 years of my ‘babyhood’ when I couldn’t recall any memory of it). Yeah, this is a story of a man I call Daddy.

·                 In my childhood, the only thing I can remember is I was closer to Dad than to Mom. It was because Dad was my place of refuge in my time of need. Dad was there to fulfill my needs when mom says no ;).  You may experience some moments in your childhood when your Mom forbids you to buy some stuffs, then you run to your Dad to ask the very thing and he accedes your request.  I experienced that in my childhood. A nice part to remember. J

The thing that I realize is that, despite of his kindness, he’s not a YES MAN. There are some things that he strictly hindered me doing for the sake of my safety and for my good. Often time his decisions are quite perverse like when he didn’t want me to ride a bike to avoid me having scars or had accident (well yeah, my house was in area where cars and motorcycles often pass by but that couldn’t be a reason for me to not be permitted to learn how to ride bike, right?). In the flip side, he allows me to learn to be independent since my very young age. He let me fly from Manado to Jakarta (transit in Ujung Pandang) by plane and by myself. I was around 8 or 9 at that moment. As a result, I have such confident to do things on my own tho I’m the last in series (read: anak bungsu). J

·         Around my years in Junior High, I admit that I was inspired with the way my Dad works his best for our family. We were living in abundance for God’s grace. Rolling back the time, there is one lowest point of our family life when my Dad got arrested for the case of corruption he didn’t commit. It was right at the time our Governor about to promote him as the head of regency in South Minahasa. I wouldn’t blame those people who didn’t like him. I knew God has plan through that tribulation. My point is, I thank God to see how my Dad and our family respond to this case when we pray together for those who treated us wrong and forgave them. At the end of the day, this case closed and my Dad has been proven true and not committed anything wrong. My dad has a chance to suit or claim the court for putting him in jail, but he didn’t do so. He demonstrated how Christian should love (even our enemies) and should as well forgive. Epic!

·         I was even mesmerized with his faith. It was in the mid of my study in university. It was when my Mom did a medical check-up in some hospitals in Penang, Malaysia and doctors stated that she had a colon cancer. It was another great issue in our family. Another shocking moment, since my Mom spent 3 times going to hospital in Manado and doctors there said it was only gastric inflammation or something. -.- Phew..

Let me get to my point, my mom, my Dad and one care-taker need to fly back and fro Manado-Penang for cemotherapy and some check-ups. And it was costly, for heaven’s sake. So far we spent almost a billion rupiahs. Yet, we can see the hands of God at work in this financial problem. I heard a testimony of my Dad about God’s miracle: One time in a plane to Jakarta, he has a misunderstanding with my mom and finally found out that they didn’t bring enough money to another cemo in Penang. They prayed together in the plane, asking for God’s favor. And you know what’s happen? Just after they arrived in Soe-tta Airport, they met the Head of Talaud regency that quickly gave them around ten millions rupiahs. I believe that’s not a coincidence. More story of God’s favor, when they were still walking in the airport, they met our Governor, to make the long story short, Mr. Governor also hand them the same amount of money right at that time. In another day, the wife of our Governor also hand my mom US$1000 for the sake of her treatment. And many more from some unnamed heroes and givers that God sent to help our family. It’s not our family connection with some well-known people that I want to emphasize here, It is man’s faith and God’s favor that we should pay attention of. (later, I should write another awesome story from my stunning Mom ;) )

·            One last thing about him that inspires me is his habit of giving. My Dad is a cheerful giver. He never considers loss and profit when it comes to giving.. and I start to think that I have that very habit in my DNA. I give generously (and so does my sister).  Our family believes in Proverbs 11: 24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. We do believe that it is happier to give than to receive. Thank God that I was born in this family which has a big concern with the poor, the needy, the unemployed, the sick, and the homeless. <3

In conclusion, although my Dad wasn’t a perfect Dad. He does many things that I dislike, but he still my great Daddy with a big belly and never wear jeans. Haha. I wouldn’t ask God for another Dad. I love him. I love my family.

Happy birthday, PAPA!

Much love from your pretty daughter

*hug&kisses*

20. GRADUATE. CUM LAUDE.

            There’s nothing more I could ask of God this very moment of my life.  I’m still twenty yet I already graduated from uni after 3.8 months studying – travelling – studying. haha J Not to mention, the predicate as best graduate with the not-so-cool souvenir (anyway.. thanks for you my beloved dean :D).  Really, God has been beyond good to me. :D

            I remember the time after I leave high school and was planning to study Visual Communication Design in Bandung. It was neatly planned by me. I already rent a house together with my best friend who is going to study in the same uni with me.. and at the end of the day I have to be grateful with the fact that my parents want me to study in Sam Ratulangi University (Unsrat) for some reason. Yet, after all that’s turned out, I thank God for makin His will be done.

 Tbh, I have no idea why I end up studying English literature after studying Science for 2 years in High School.  Hmm, probably, I should say “it’s fate..”. See, man can only plan but God is the One who directs our steps (Psalm).  Well, despite all my reluctance at first, I know God has divine plan for me.. and I start to see it in my first year of study. I kept it in mind how God open the way that I could be able to join my first competition in uni. It was a national level comp. which took place in Jakarta. A Maengket Dance Comp. to be precise :P . Our team won the 3^rd place. In academic, I remember my first competition was 13^th ALSA E-Comp UI and just right after that I started to participate in debate competition, news casting competition, essay competition, mun, and even pageant ( >3<). Sorta funny yet exciting to recall those moments in mind. How I started with a willy nilly attitude and end with ‘what more can I join’ attitude. I realized that I’m transforming as an achiever at present.

In a nutshell, I thank God for every GREAT prophecy, sermon, and words of encouragement that has been spoken over my life by His servants (regarding my study) which I sometime didn't have enuf confidence to believe (and yet which have been proven time to be true). I believe that God has prepare something BIGGER, BETTER, and way more epic than what I could pray or imagine for my future. I may not see the whole staircase but I do believe it’ll lead me to such an incredible place.

Yesss, this season of my life may seem to come to an end but mann, I’m an insatiable learner. I won’t be contented with what I’ve come to learn so far. I’ll keep on studying things (good for me,huh?).

Blessing,

- Claya

One of the greatest feelings ever. Knowing that, you’re so tired, yet it was all worth it, because your day was just completely amazing. You’re content, and satisfied with how the day treated you or I could say, how life treated you. :)

i need more sleep

Got soo busy this week..

Even busier once I knew I have to off somewhere at the beginning of next month when in the interim, I have to finish my thesis earlier since they changed the deadline of thesis defense into May 4. I couldn’t imagine how I can bear this. Bearing in mind that I also have to give lesson to Student Ambassador 2012 before they compete in the National level, as well, I need to accompany Michelle & Mario practice before competing in NUEDC in MKS. Moreover, I knew I cannot abandon my student (private English course), my Sunday School students, my C.A.R.E (teenager cell group). Overwhelming activities, huh?

If I could, I think I would propose a motion to duplicate my body into 5, 7, or ten perhaps..:P -- one to attend youth service, one to get more sleep, one to work on my thesis, one to coach SMA Lokon debate teams, and the rest I’d use for my overwhelming schedule above.. Pheeeww!!

As you could guess, I have been lacking my beauty sleeping time. Thank God I don’t have morning classes anymore, if so, I think I would probly need a pulley as in the picture above to keep my eyes open wide. J

Well, I need to back to work now.. back to work on my thesis.. (please pray for me yah! J)

And anyway, If any of you are like me -- trapped in the same cage of interminable ‘to-do-stuffs’, I’d like to share this to you:

“Whatever you do , work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. –Colossians 3:23”

Ssshhh..That’s my key to stay in joy while facing these ceaseless activities.. :D

*Motion for cessation of blogging raised*

Cloud Nine December

Wooohooo!!!!!!!

Here I go again..

I've been postponing to write on this blog well let's say due to my hectic schedule (this past holiday season has possibly been the busiest I have encountered :) ) and because I badly want to see how I reach the end of this month before I write like everything on this blog..

At first I'm thinking of writing December Bliss but after some occurrence, I believe that this month has been more than a bliss (serene joy), but it's for me like a cloud nine (a state of elation or great happiness / a state of extreme happiness). What makes me in extreme happiness??

CMUN 2-4 December 2011

Here's the story.. I started this month being in Makassar for 5 days with 4 friends. Even there, God still shows me that He's with me and never leave me alone (Hebrew 13:5).. What's going on in Makassar actually? well, I'm joining a competition namely CMUN (Celebes Model United Nations) and you know I had a PCS (pre-competition syndrome) a syndrome when your heart beat faster a.k.a tachycardia, sometimes nervous, sometimes dizzy, sometimes you feel blackout. I'm not in severe phase,btw. but I had that syndrome as well as my friends and maybe u too :) In this very time God strengthen me with His word until I (along w/ my partner Dave) end up gaining the Honorable Mention Awards at our first MUN experience. Soli Deo Gloria!!! Our coming to Mks not only brought us a MUN experience, knowledge, certificates and awards. It's also brought us friendship with Unhas delegates for HNMUN. I thank God that I know them all. They were very nice and friendly.

Besides, If I have to write like all God's goodness to me this month it will take 3 to 5 pages and I will get u just tired on scrolling. So let me make it short yet compact.

God has sent angels to cheer me up those days. He sent kak Ella to give me 11 coolest outfits a woman would desire this season. He helped me out during the oral test in Subject & Characters in Drama  when somehow Mrs. Ulaen acted very generous and nodding like she agreed with all the thing I'm saying.. Phew! He also helped me coaching debater from SMA St.Nikolaus Lokon (such an experience :D). I even got a job to be the MC of Prof.Lalamentik 'after service' (purnabakti) party. and it all went just well.. Umm.. I also thank God for the Youth GKMI Christmas Celebration.. as the secretary of the committee, I have to testify how great God has been for us. And the best part of it is when we come to visit and feed people with mental disorder at RSJ Ratumbuysang. I have no fear at all unlike some of my kakak2 rohani (no offense,sis :P). The facts are I even give my hands to them, take a picture with them and have an extremely hilarious conversation. I couldn’t imagine how I could be so brave with those people, who some are rated as ‘dangerous’ and were jailed. #God’sannointing

Here comes the reason why I'm postponing to write on this blog.. #visainterview (the very part I’m exciting to write about)

I feel like it's incomplete to write this post without knowing what will be the outcome of my visa interview on 27/12. Well, we just had a bad news on 19-20 dec that our friends @davemailoor @yeshq and @ndawanda's visa just been rejected and it's just shocking. They said the only problem is that they're not convinced with our funding whether we already have the money with us or not. It drives the rest of us worrying and hesitating whether we have to appear in the interview or not because we already by the ticket to Surabaya.. Unfortunately, when we intended to cancel our appointment with ConGen. We’re unable to do it at that very time (3 days before interview). That's why we hastily ask Pemkab Talaud to make us a letter of sponsorship thru Ein's help. We also tried to reach Rector to help us make a letter of sponsorship regarding the fund but he's not willing to (lesson: Do not lean on man! - Jeremiah 17:5) We then make a letter from our parents stating that they will be responsible with the whole trip and willing to pay for it with the attachment of their bank account. And with all that we've got; the complete documents and the plus plus things above, the four of us (Pam, Michelle, Eyn, and me) prayerfully fly to Surabaya.

The thing that I don't know is up until the day we fly to Sby, apparently Michelle and Pam still in the state of uncertainty and hesitation whether they will go for the interview or not as a result of their acquaintance's experience, advice and also the doubt within themselves. Nevertheless, they bring all the docs with them. Conversely, I think I’m the one who has faith on this interview cause God gave the impression in my heart and strengthen me with His words day in day out in my worship time to just go..“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you. Joshua 1:9”

Voila.. (26/12) We’re in Surabaya already. New problems come. Eynstein and Pamela didn’t bring their parents’ bank account, Eyn hasn’t even printed his DS-160 confirmation page, and he and Michelle didn’t bring their photograph along with them. Crap!! If you ask me whether I’m mad or disappoint with them, my answer is NO! I just know that there will be a heavenly way out J. Here’s the chronology, Michelle somehow could reach tante Suzanna (her aunt who lived with her in Brisbane) who treat us extraordinary lunch in her resto *Delisia Resto* and I think I have to mention that I just ate the most delicious Spaghetti Carbonara I’ve ever tasted (з´⌣`ε), provides us a wi-fi and printer to print Eyn’s remaining docs, lends us car for going to photo studio plus polo shirt for Michelle and taking us to Tunjungan Plaza thereafter. God is amazing, huh?!

It’s D+1 after Christmas but our minds were occupied with this visa thing so much.. After we synchronizing our answers while siphoning coffee and enjoying delly espresso brownies at Starbucks, we pray to God for the best to happen in the next day. I even share w/ Michelle the devotional book my Dad suddenly gave me and have been my reason to trust God this time. We read together John 15:16 and pray again. (Lesson: If you pray, means that you give the problem to God, so DO NOT worry anymore! Worry means you didn’t believe God could answer your prayer)

Shortly, (27/12) the judgment day come upon us.. we wake up early for the interview.. haven’t even get our brekkie but our hearts are at peace. We come with total submission to God knowing we cannot do anything without Him. As the result, our visa were approved (except Eyn’s). That day was magical!! That was the best Christmas gift I’ve ever had. Thank Christ Jesus for everything :’)

Have a dazzling holiday! :D