On Thursday we had an inter-faith discussion with the Indonesian students. There was a huge turnout. They had many questions and we attempted to answer them un-biased and fairly. Thursday night was the last night with our families. My cousin, Nysa gave me a little cat figurine. I had told her about Charlie and the cat that I played with at the Pesantren. She also gave me a beautiful bracelet. My mother gave me some batik fabric to make a shirt or clothing once I returned to America.
On Friday we packed our belongings and headed to UGM for our midterm. Since our final month is spent doing independent projects, we only have one more month of group classes. The midterm was on everything we have experienced while we have been in Java.
Saturday was a lounging day. We slept in and enjoyed the air conditioning in our hotel.
Saturday afternoon we headed to the village to get ready for our dance performance at the final party. We looked ridiculous with the drawn on eyebrows and dark makeup. However, our families loved every second of our dancing.
I passed my mom in the car on the way to the restaurant and she ran up to the car to shake my hand.
At the final party of Java, students, faculty, and family members from Java ate, danced, and sang together. It was very difficult to say goodbye. Tears streamed down my cheeks and my mother and cousin told me they loved me. They wanted me to stay at their house one last time.
I hope to visit Java again before I leave Indonesia. They have offered me their home and their family.
Tomorrow we head back to Bali and our Balinese Families. I look forward to seeing my little sisters, but I already miss my family here in Java.
Dah-Dah (bye bye) for now.
Lots of love, Kak Shelly
From Left to Right,
Nysa (Cousin), Ibu, Me, Novan (brother), Bapak
Far Right
Kindi (brother)
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