I am still in Jakarta. It is night, now. The city was a breathtaking sight at night from the 24th floor apartment unit where we (I, my wife and friends) were staying. I had a great experience today. My host in Jakarta, Diana, told us earlier in the morning that she is taking us somewhere special to celebrate early Christmas.



She brought us to her friend's house, a very humble couple. I don't have any permission from them yet to mention their names in the article. As such, I would not mention their names. Quite some time back, this couple noticed some poor children in the slums near their residential area; some were also orphans and illiterate. Most of these children earn a living clearing rubbish in the surrounding areas. They hardly have food on their table, let alone acquiring an education.

Wanting to help these children, the couple volunteered and used their home to give them education. Soon, a number of their friends, including Diana, volunteered to teach the children whenever they had time to do so. They collectively shared and paid for expenses incurred which included books, food, transport, etc., for the children when they come to study. They do not want to form any organization or society but just do their bit in improving the lives of these children.

They also make it a point to celebrate both Hari Raya festival and Christmas each year as the volunteering teachers, and the children were Christians and Muslims. There were no classes today but all were present just to celebrate Christmas. They were singing songs and presenting gifts to the children. Then they sat down to enjoy the meal together as how a normal family would.

Both my wife and I had tears in our eyes. It was a humbling experience. My heart was overflowing with joy, totally touched at what was taking place in front of my eyes. One thing was the greatness of love in the hearts of those who volunteered to educate the children and the other was, watching the followers (both the teachers and children) of two major religions in the world, Christianity and Islam, mingling with each other comfortably as one family, and openly caring for one another.

Observing what was happening before me, I thought to myself that adults can learn so much from those gathered here today, especially from the children. They were so polite and kind. I could not thank Diana enough for such a wonderful experience. Thank you again dear! You are a wonder!

I leave you with the lyrics for the last song they sang for the day. The song is in Indonesian Malay language. I was told that it was written by a popular Indonesian songwriter, Franky Sahilatua. I have translated it into English. I am not confident of the accuracy, though, even though their language has similarity to Malaysia's Malay language. I hope I did justice to the song. I have translated it from Bahasa Indonesia to English. This article is dedicated to Diana and her friends, and of course the children!

English translation:

TOGETHERNESS

One day as we were sitting on the beach, and looking at the waves of the sea that is calming down, birds fly playing in the waters. This voice of Nature warms our soul,

As the rays of the sun begin to set, your guitar plays the melody of Unconditional Love.

In that one moment, hearts become one, vibrating the soul.

Chorus:

This Togetherness, please don't let it go by fast.

This Togetherness, I would like to remember always.

My heart is at peace, my soul calm beside you.

My heart is at peace, my soul calm being with you.

Song written by: Franky Sahilatua.

Beautiful lyrics, isn't it?