Friday, December 24, 2010

Onara Onara...

Our Korean class chose Dae Jang Geum soundtrack to be presented at the Christmas Celebration. Six Chinese students were the dancers while Altaf (my Pakistan classmate) and I were the singers. In order to be match with the song, all of us wore "Hanbok" which is the Korean traditional costume. Personally, I had been waiting for a long time to wear Hanbok, and this was the right time.

My Hanbok color is not as that colorful as the others. My friends chose the costumes first and the one that I had is the rest that the Korean Language Institute has. I don't mind with that.

The lyrics for Dae Jang Geum soundtrack is not difficult, but it is not the daily Korean language. The language in the song is not used anymore presently.

Here is what I found about the song (taken from Wikipedia):
"Onara" (Korean: 오나라) is the theme song to the popular Korean television drama series Dae Jang Geum (2003). Im Se-hyeon (임세현 / 林世賢) composed the song in archaic Korean, and the lyrics are unintelligible to most Koreans today.


And the lyric:
오나라 오나라 아주 오나
가나라 가나라 아주 가나
나나니 다려도 못 노나니
아니리 아니리 아니 노네

헤이야 디이야 헤이야나 라니노
오지도 못하나 다려가마
헤이야 디이야 헤이야나 라니노
오지도 못하나 다려가마

And also the pictures!


Monday, December 20, 2010

Joshua is My Teacher

This is a post by San on his Facebook. I want to treasure it here, too. It was written in Indonesian and I think I will spend a lot of time to translate it. Perhaps, for those who wants to read this you can use Google Translation. ^^

Malam ini saya belajar tentang Christian Education dari seorang bayi. Dia adalah anak saya sendiri. Namanya Joshua Songmin Haniel Liem dimana umurnya tepat 100 hari pada hari ini. Mulanya saya selalu mengira bahwa dia adalah murid saya. Ternyata anggapan itu tidak sepenuhnya benar, karena sebenarnya dia adalah sekaligus guru saya.

Begini ceritanya:

Setiap hari saya bertugas memandikan Joshua sekitar pukul 10.30 malam, tepat sebelum minum susu terakhir tiap harinya sebelum tidur malam. Pada malam itu saya enggan beranjak memandikan dia tepat waktu karena lebih memilih untuk menonton sepak bola hingga akhir pertandingan sekitar pukul 11.10. Seperti biasa saya menyiapkan air hangat untuknya, sambil mempersiapkan peralatan yang lain. Waktu itu dia masih terlelap. Ketika air hangat sudah hampir siap, saya mencoba membangunkannya. Dia tidak mau bangun. Saya mulai memaksa dia untuk segera bangun. Dia menangis, dan saya kemudian tahu bahwa tangisan itu adalah reaksi marah dia. Ketika saya makin keras membujuk dia untuk mandi dan dia tetap tidak mau, saya mengira dia sedang melawan dan tidak patuh terhadap saya sebagai orang tua-nya.

Berikut kira-kira dialog diantara kami sekeluarga:

Saya : Haniel, ayo mandi! Sekarang waktunya mandi, sebelum minum susu.
Haniel : oek oek hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wuahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Saya : Haniel, ayo jangan nangis, sekarang waktu mandi, air hangat sudah siap.
(Haniel tetap menangis dan mengerang)

Dita : Haniel betul, karena sekarang sudah lewat jamnya mandi, dan wajar kalau dia marah. Kamu menunda untuk memandikan dia karena bola kan?
Saya : Kamu kok tidak mendukung aku sih, kita kan sudah janjian kalau salah satu dari kita berbuat salah kepada anak kita, maka janganlah kita saling menyalahkan di depan dia. Biarlah pihak yang jika memang terbukti bersalah mengakuinya sendiri di waktu yang kemudian.
Dita : Lalu kapan kita mengakui kesalahan kita?
Saya : Ya besok, atau beberapa hari kemudian ketika permasalahan ini sudah reda.
(Dita tetap tidak bisa menerima sambil tetap melontarkan pertanyaan di atas)

1 menit kemudian......

Saya mencoba mengganti nada suara saya. Saya tidak lagi diliputi rasa marah saya karena saya merasa dilecehkan isteri di depan anak sendiri ketika anak saya seakan menentang saya ketika memintanya untuk saya mandikan.

Saya : Haniel, papa minta maaf, papa yang salah.
Haniel : (tersenyum)

Saya : Papa sebenarnya tahu kalau sekarang bukan jamnya mandi. Tadi papa terlalu asyik menonton bola hingga selesai tanpa mempedulikan jam mandi kamu. Tapi sekarang kamu tetap harus mandi, karena badan kamu bau. Mau mandi ya? (Saya berusaha membujuknya lagi dengan lebih lembut dan rendah hati)

Haniel : (lagi-lagi tersenyum)

Saya : Terimakasih ya Haniel. Kamu mau memaafkan papa kan? Ayo kita mandi ya, sehabis itu kamu akan minum susu, lalu tidur.

Sungguh mengherankan. Sungguh ajaib. Saya terkesima, saya takjub. Saya diliputi dengan rasa malu, sekaligus senang karena saya telah belajar satu hal untuk rendah hati, mengakui kesalahan saya dan ‘lulus ujian’ dari anak saya sendiri. Saya berterimakasih kepada Tuhan, karena dengan Roh Kudus-Nya, saya disadarkan akan keegoisan saya melalui seorang anak kecil. Meskipun anak kecil belum bisa berkomunikasi dengan sebuah bahasa, mereka sudah mengerti bahasa kasih dari suara, mimik wajah, dan bahasa tubuh orang dewasa.

Sebenarnya saya telah belajar teori tentang perkembangan seorang anak. Seorang anak kecil paling suka akan rutinitas, dan dia akan mengingat waktu-waktu kapan dia akan minum susu, mandi, bermain, dan lain sebagainya. Meskipun dia belum belajar tentang jam, dia dapat mengenal pola dari rutinitas sehari-hari, bahkan dia tahu kalau pola-nya sedang kita ubah menuju pola yang baru misalnya.


Hari ini saya mendapatkan pendalaman akan teori tersebut dari Tuhan melalui seorang bayi. Terimakakasih Tuhan untuk anugerahMu malam ini. Saya mengasihiMu dan mau terus belajar mengasihi anakMu yang Kau percayakan kepada kami.







Prof. Joshua Songmin Liem

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Farewell

Facebook status:
Pertemuan memungkinkan adanya perpisahan. Kedua-duanya tak kusesali. Pertemuan membuatku mengenal dan belajar banyak darinya. Perpisahan memang membuat pilu, tapi dia pergi ke rumah yang kekal. Di sana kelak kita akan bertemu kembali. Selamat jalan, Om.

My aunt's husband passed away today. Thank you for being a part in my life. May you find rest in the arms of Jesus. Amen.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Joshua Songmin- 3 months

Facebook status:
Joshua Songmin - 3 months : You bring us lots of fun! Your smiling, cooing, giggling make us happy!

 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Who I can trust?

Facebook status:
Kalau orang yang kita percayai ternyata tidak berperilaku seperti yang kita harapkan, memang sedih rasanya, tapi percayalah Tuhan yang akan mengambil tindakan terhadapnya. ^^ Keep smiling!

I was disappointed with a friend. He asked me for a help and promise that he will return it to me. After some time and there was no news from him, I tried to contact him. But, he didn't reply my messages, even remove me from his facebook friend's list and didn't keep his promise. Oh...the price of a friendship for him is so cheap...I have nothing to say anymore.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Silla University - KGSP 2010

It was a clear day when we were walking together as a family in my campus.





Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Diperebutkan 2 pria

Facebook status:
begini rasanya diperebutkan dua orang pria...^^

papanya cium mamanya, anaknya nangis...gak bolehin papanya cium...nah lo...^^

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Joshua, your smile ^^

Facebook status:
Looking at his peacefully sleeping face and his smiles, I don't want anything else...^^


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Joshua and Grandma

Facebook status:
Joshua ngobrol ama Emak lewat telepon: aaaaa...ahuhu...ahu...^^

My mom called me and asked me to put the cellphone near to Joshua's ears. She wanted to talk with him. I'm amazed to see how the baby responded to my mother. Since then, my mother always asked me to do the same thing whenever the baby is wake up when she calls.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Joshua Songmin - 2 months

Favebook status:
Dua bulan sudah Joshua Songmin bersama kami, sampai detik ini masih saja kami takjub melihat begitu ajaib dia dicipta. Terima kasih buat sang Pencipta, kami belajar mengerti bahwa diri kami juga diciptakan sedemikian indahnya.

(Joshua Songmin has been living with us for two months.Until this time, we are still amazed seeing how wonderful he was created. Thank you for the Creator, we learn to understand that we also were created beautifully.)

Monday, November 8, 2010

All because of God's help

Facebook status:
Kalau bukan karena pertolongan Tuhan, dari mana kami yang tidak berpengalaman ini mendapat kekuatan untuk merawat Joshua...semua hanya karena anugerahNya.

(If not because of God's help, how come we who don't have any experiences get the strength to take care of Joshua...It's all because of His grace.)


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Google translate ^^

Kadang-kadang fasilitas google translate tidak bisa menerjemahkan dengan tepat artinya. Suatu kali setelah pulang dari kampus, aku menulis sebuah status dalam bahasa Korea "가는 말이 고와야 오 는 말이 곱다…" tanpa mengecek terlebih dahulu apakah artinya akan berubah jika diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia dengan fasilitas google translate.

Ternyata comment teman-teman atas statusku itu agak membingungkan...Penasaran, jangan-ketika kucoba menerjemahkannya ternyata artinya jauh berbeda...pantes saja comment2nya kok ga gitu nyambung ya? hehehe...

Arti statusku itu adalah:
Jika saya berbicara dengan baik terlebih dahulu, maka orang lain akan berbicara dengan baik pula kepada saya.

Dan...ternyata ini artinya jika menggunakan fasilitas penerjemahan:
Lima dari layanan kereta api terganggu.

Hehehehe.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Joshua Songmin - 7 weeks

Facebook status:
Joshua Songmin is 7 weeks old...He brings us joy and happiness. Thank you Lord for Your amazing blessing for my family ^^


Sunday, October 17, 2010

Cross-Cultural Awareness Program (CCAP)

CCAP is organised by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and supported by the Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development. It has been introducing a diversity of cultures from around the world to the Korean youth since 1998. (Official website of CCAP).


My husband and I have been teaching and sharing Indonesian culture for over than two years. Yesterday was a special day because we brought Joshua, our son in our CCAP class, and through these pictures below, you can figure out how students were amazed seeing 'our baby'.











Monday, October 11, 2010

Joshua Songmin Haniel Liem

I wrote a report of our son who is one month old now.

Please check my blog:
http://santo77.blogspot.com/2010/10/joshua-songmin-haniel-liem.html

Have a great day. God bless you.

Joshua Songmin - 1 month

Someday I will look at you and say "It seems just yesterday I hold a baby in my arms". Joshua, you grow up so quickly. You will always be my sweet baby. Happy 1-month!


Saturday, September 11, 2010

Welcome, Joshua Songmin!


Welcome Joshua Songmin!
Now you can see Papa and Mama.
You can feel our hands hold and hug you.
You can feel the kisses landed on your cheek.
We had been waiting for you.

Your parents,
Papa & Mama

 Joshua Songmin was born at Kosin University Gospel Hospital. We were blessed to be able to deliver him here at the hospital. We were indebted to the kindness of the doctors, nurses and the people there. 


This was us taken the next day after the C-section.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

I Love You!

I love you Bun-bun!

Here we are at our 2nd wedding anniversary!
And we're not just two anymore, but three...with the little one...
I can't imagine how next year wedding anniversary will be with the baby is around us ^^
No special plan for today since we have to pack and move to a new house.

Thanks for God for His guidance and blessings during this two years marriage life.
Thanks for San for being such a lovely and super patient hubby.
Thanks for family and friends who have supported us to walk through this journey together.

Have I said "I love you Bun-bun?"

Friday, August 6, 2010

Happy birthday, dear!

Today is San's birthday!
What shall I say except giving thanks for God who always guides him in his life. I don't prepare any special gift for him this year, but he has received many gifts he never imagined.
He is gonna be a father in a few weeks later! He is so excited when he imagines what he will do with his son...soccer, running, badminton, swimming...what he thinks is all about sport! He likes to talk with the baby in my belly and always be surprised and amazed to feel the little one's movement.
God has guided you through many circumstances and He will not leave you alone. He is in control of every single aspect in our life.
God loves you! I love you! Baby loves you, too!
Happy birthday, Daddy...

Thursday, August 5, 2010

A strong mother to be...

What I always imagined before getting married is delivering my first baby with my mother besides me. Being the only daughter in the family makes me close to Mama and Papa. To both of them, I can share many things. When I want to talk about study or work, I would talk to Papa; when it is about other things, I would call Mama.

I guess Mama has the same dream, too; that is to be able to stay close to me when I need her help the most, especially giving birth to a baby is a first time experience for me.

When I was at Church with her, a friend's mother came over and said that she invited her mother to accompany her while she gave birth to her three children. She asked why I still wanted to born my baby in Busan. The most comfortable thing is to have your mother with you before, during and after the process. I almost couldn't hold my tears. Indeed, it is not my own will to go back to Busan and struggle by myself.  

That's why Mama cried a lot when she had to leave me in the airport. I tried not to cry badly, but after she disappeared from my sight, I couldn't stand anymore. I cried deeply...

Before we took the decision, San has reminded me that God is always with us. Mama can't be here with me, but God is here with me. What I should ask for more if He is with me. It reminded me to the lyrics of Be Thou My Vision, translated into Indonesian:

Kaulah, ya Tuhan, Surya hidupku
Asal Kau ada yang lain tak perlu
Siang dan malam Engkau kukenang
Di hadiratMu jiwaku tenang

It doesn't mean that I don't need mother, father or husband; but it wants to remind me that God is my strength. Through this experience of life, God will make me stronger, a stronger mother for my baby and a stronger wife for supporting my husband.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The 4th Global Academy 2010

It's fun to take part in any events in Busan. As foreigners, we love and enjoy any activities where we can meet Korean and other foreigners as well. This event is a preparatory for IPCC that will be held in Busan on October, 2010. The theme is "Save the Earth, 4U & Me".

photo courtesy of www.befm.or.kr

San and I were eagerly join for the speech contest. We had to speak in English for 8 minutes to present our idea about Save the Earth and Global Governance. This is San's first experience to speak in front of public in English for a competition. I could see that he is nervous yet excited about the contest.


Unfortunately, no 1st winner for foreigners since the judges thought that the speech content of the foreigners were not balance enough compared to the Korean 1st winner. So I ended up being the 3rd winner. San didn't got the prize but it was an unforgetable experience for him ^^.

Link:
To see the video clip, click the link below and choose No. 29
http://befm.or.kr/program/seetheworld/CafeAction.do?cmd=CafeUserBbsL&prgmId=seetheworld&bbsId=VIDEO&URL=/cafe/CafeUserBbsK.jsp

To hear the interview, click the link below and choose No. 340, minute-23
http://befm.or.kr/program/seetheworld/ProgramAction.do?cmd=PlayAgain&prgmId=seetheworld

Monday, July 12, 2010

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary!

I still remember when I really wanted to go back to my hometown to celebrate my Papa & Mama's 25th wedding anniversary, five years ago. I couldn't make it though, since I had to work in Surabaya at that time, so no special celebration happened on that day.

After I came back from my one-month vacation in hometown, suddenly I realized that this year will be their 30th wedding anniversary! Wow! I will miss it again...but I swore to myself, I can't let it pass without living at least a sweet memory for both of them...

So my teammates were my borthers who were in hometown for school vacation. Diar came up with a very good idea to make a photo collage of Papa & Mama. He would get a friend to help him create that.

For the cake, at first I would like to order a cake with figurines, but the price was too expensive and they needed a good travel agent to deliver it from Surabaya to hometown. So, I tried to order from another bakery shop, but even though this shop has a facebook account, I think the owner didn't get used to receive online order. He didn't reply to my queries and order...so communication was the problem. Finally, Dion managed to order from another person and she gave my parents a flower bouquet as a gift! Wonderful!

Both Papa and Mama forgot that the day was their memorable day, and it was Pearl Anniversary! I called them, and they were surprised...even more surprised when they received the cake, flower and picture ^^ Yey!


Thanks God for both of them. We love you Papa & Mama.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Scholarship...

I got a big big big surprise...Honestly, I cried when I read my name on the list of KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program) 2010. So, San were busy to calm me down. He said that normally people would shout and smile when they received a scholarship, but why I cried...

Initially, it wasn't my own idea or interest to apply for the scholarship since I am expecting a baby and thinking that taking care a baby will be heavy and busy enough for me. The school will start on September 1, 2010 and my due date is September 11, 2010.

Well, I never thought about that scholarship until one day, my Korean teacher called me and said that a university is willing to recommend me as a scholarship recipient for KGSP 2010. He, with his own initiative, has brought my canceled application for Korean Language Course in another university (because of financial matter) to that university. Then the staff called me requesting me to complete the apllication only within two weeks.

It totally changed my whole plan! I have bought flight ticket to return to Indonesia, arranged domestic flights for my family trip in Korea and dreamed to deliver the baby in Indonesia with my mom & family around me and...will not come back to Korea anymore.

It might have been the toughest days in my life when San and I had to discussed and prayed for the suddened offer. The road in front of us is uncertain...I may get it or I may not get it. If I choose to stay in Korea, but I couldn't get the scholarship; it would be hard for us financially.

One reason that drove us to make this decision was that it is wiser to stay together as a family. If I go to Indonesia, San would not be able to see, touch and talk with the baby. San's professor reminded us that even though a baby can't exactly remember the face or voice of the parents, but baby can feel the existence of her parents.

My mom, I know that she got dissapointed and worried so much when I told her that I will deliver the baby in Busan, without her besides me. Still she could say like this "If the father (San) said that he doesn't want to be far away from his baby, I believe he will be responsible for you and the baby".

It reminded me straight away to our Father in heaven. If this is His way, and He wants me to pass through it, He will guide, help and strengthen me. He will be responsible for my baby and my family.

Please pray for me and my family.

"Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me"
Psalm 54:4

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Beautiful May!

What can I say...

The best place in my life is home...
Having traveled for almost 36 hours from Busan - Incheon - Denpasar - Surabaya - Bojonegoro definitely made me tired. But, when my father and mother hugged me, I could feel no pain anymore...

They treated me like I am a princess. I could eat whatever I wanted to eat. Even though I didn't request for a certain food, but my mom provided those food for me. Everyday, I tried different kind of food, and drinks, and snacks...yey!

Mom and I hunted for several baby needs. She sewed and crochetted some clothes for my baby, too! Awesome! I wish I could crochet just like my mom.

Will show you what my mom successfully crochetted for my baby when I got my camera back.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Practice makes perfect

As a native Indonesian speaker, we sometimes don't feel confident to speak or write in English. Although we might have learnt English since we were in the elementary school, yet English is not our mother tongue.

I still remember when I was in the university, I took an English course at English Learning Center to improve my skill. My teacher gave me a writing homework and scored me 85/100. One random evening, a boarding-house mate who majored in English Literature went in to my room and found the paper on the desk. My English teacher is her friend, both of them were smart. She said, "How come your teacher give you 85? If I were your teacher, I would just give this kind of writing less than 60."

*slapped*

I said to myself, see from another point of view...if I was an English literature student, you may score me like that. I think my teacher tried to see from another way different with my friend. She looked at my background, too and she scored the effort I did.

Another day in Busan, accidentally I met the wife of San's professor on the bus.
After talked for a while, she said "Dita, you can speak English well."
"umm...but my accent is Asian accent..."
"Of course, you're Asian! Nothing's wrong with that!"

*blushed*

We often feel not confident enough to speak, do presentation or discuss with others in English. We worry too much with our grammar and accent which hold us to step further. We are Indonesian, or Asian who speak with Indonesian/Asian accent. That's all right! The most important thing is that your partner can understand what do you want to say. Don't make language hold you back!

Practice makes perfect. Do it regularly. Learn from your mistakes. Study hard.
You will see the difference!

Image is taken from http://www.everythingcounts.com/practice-makes-perfect/

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Study and Generation Gap

I always agree that we have to study all the time through out our life. 


Some people think that after graduated from High School or University they can stop study. 


Study is not only the matter of academic study where you are required to sit in the class, listen to teachers and do exam. Study can be anywhere and anytime. It doesn't need you to go to school or do your homework to get good point or score.


What I mean with study here is to update yourself with any new information, technology, method, design or any news around the world. Listening to radio, watching television, reading newspaper both online or hard-copy, browsing internet, attending seminar or training can be several ways to equip yourself to aware with today's world.


San and I were discussing about this subject when we were having dinner yesterday. He noticed that many parents stopped 'studying' and just focus on their job which cause them not aware with their children's world and their way of thinking. It is so called 'generation gap'. 


Parents don't want to know about new technology such as internet, blackberry, online-game, facebook, blog, etc, which are popular these days. Parents are far behind in their knowledge of new scientist invention or medical research. 


San told me about his professor who always read the latest published books and share to his students. He can just share any famous books he has read that were written by famous author in the past 5, 10 or 20 years. The content of those good books might be relevant on those era, but not exactly for today's era. So, it will be great if he can share a new book which is relevant for today's situation. That's why he doesn't stop reading.


We were reminded to keep studying since we are going to be parents. We have to equip ourself and aware of any changes in the world. Our child's world will be different from ours, that's why we have to reduce the generation gap to be able to understand our child better. 


Let's study!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Wide or narrow road?

Last week, I went to Busan Station to accompany two friends who wanted to take KTX train to Seoul as part of their journey back to Indonesia.

We took a taxi to the station. It's not too far, just about 15-20 minutes. I sat in front next to the driver.

Last year, San usually took me to his campus at Yeoung-do by bus and transfered  to another bus right on the opposite of Busan Station. So, I know the way to go there quite well.


Suddenly, the taxi driver took another direction other than what I used to know. Instead of driving on the wide road (which is about 6 lanes), he chose a one-direction and narrow road. The road was just enough for two cars if no cars park in one side of the road. So, he couldn't drive as fast as if he took the wide road.

I was curious to know why he chose this road instead of the wide one which I also knew. But, I kept silent and just saw where he wanted to bring us.

Finally, I could see the open area in front of Busan Station! I then realized that he took us to the right way. He chose the narrow road so that he would not need to find a u-turn which is probably far away from the station, he chose the shorter distance even though it was slower a bit than the wide road.

Many times in our life, we ask God why we have to walk in such a way. Why He doesn't permit us to walk on the wide and easy road just like other people? Why He lets us to walk in a small, narrow, bad, road where we have to be careful and could not run?

He knows the answer! He knows which way is better for us. He is the Creator which means that He knows everything and He would not let His children in danger.

Just trust His heart!

"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Picture is taken from http://images.google.co.kr/images?hl=ko&newwindow=1&gbv=2&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=narrow+road&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&start=0

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Housewife?

An old friends suddenly wanted to chat on Facebook, and asked some questions...

Q: Where are you now?
A: I'am in Busan.
Q: O...Busan. South Korea?
A: Yes
Q: For what? Study or working?
A: Accompany husband. He is studying here.
Q: So what are you doing?
A: I'm a housewife.
Q: What? So pity...You're so smart and now you're just an housewife? Eman-emane rek...(In Indonesian)

So what's wrong with being a housewife? If I am smart, can't I be a housewife?

I knew many mommies and wives out there who are smarter than me yet still choose to be a mother and wife. Taking care of their husband and children, making their house clean and homy, cook healthy and delicious food for family, etc. It's not an easy job to do though.

When I shared to hubby about the conversation on that day, he said to me that people judge the value of a man as a commodity. If a man can't produce a lot of money or have a high position/career, he is useless. He told me about Kim Yu-na, a talented ice skater from South Korea who won the Winter Olympic Figure Skating 2010. South Korean people expected her to always be number 1. Unfortunately, Yu-na is a human, too who someday can fail to be the best in competition. In one of The Korea Times' article, the newspaper even called Yu-na as 'item'. What a pity!

The most important thing in your life is not whether you can get a lot of money, or good position in a company, or being what your parents or other want you to be, BUT being what God wants you to be and faithfully follow His guidance.

Not just one person thought that I was stupid for leaving my job in one of the biggest companies in Singapore. Many people thought that I was crazy to go back to Indonesia for getting married and had no certainty about my future. A lot of people regretted my decision to follow my husband to South Korea where I would find language and culture barrier, and struggle to find a suitable job, when I could just accept a good position in a company in Indonesia.

But I have chosen the right decision. Being together with my husband is the best thing ever in life. This is the place where I suppose to be. I can support him, love him, take care of him and having many good times with him. Moreover, God gives us the precious gift which is still in my womb. Nothing can be compared to our happiness.

Being a housewife is a privilege.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Kosin University - Do you want to know more?

Recently, San and I looked at the Life Traffic Feed we put in our blog sponsored by Feedjit. We noticed that many people around the world searched for Kosin University, Busan, South Korea and many of them clicked on our post "Welcome to Kosin University" here.

You may find difficulties to read Hangeul (Korean letters) on their Korean website, and not so many information about Kosin University are available in English. We experienced that, too before we arrived at Kosin.

If you have any interest about Kosin University and want to know more, please feel free to drop us an email to santo77@gmail.com

San will be pleased to share any information especially about the student's life and study at Kosin University.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Lost Voice

Last Sunday (2010-03-21), one of my Professors preached at church. Most of the audiences were mental disable people (read: special need people). My Professor shared to us when he watched a choir who sang a song. He was amazed when he saw a man who cannot speak well also came in front to join with choir team. Even this man only can say: ah…ah… nothing else. After worship time, my Professor asked him why he still wanted to be a choir member. He said through his translator that one day when he will meet Jesus in Heaven, he will also sing for His glory. He realized that he may not sing well today, but someday he will.


One week later, I experienced almost the same case with that man. Today I could not sing at all at my church. I get a cold and sore throat. I cannot sing at all even speak well because this illness. I remember the man. I can feel how great our Lord not only because of my voice or because I can sing but also by sitting at church and surrounded by many people who praised Him I can feel His presence.

I said to myself: Thank you Lord for this experience. Yes, I asked God to heal me as soon as possible. But the most important thing: He is always beside us whenever and wherever we are, right? God always be with us in every situations or conditions. He loves me. He loves you too.

-San-

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Facebook Status ^^

Some of my facebook status in March that I would like to keep as treasure:

March 18, 2010
It's a God's grace to be able to stay with your hubby everyday, eventhough hubby can't be with you the whole 24 hours. There are a lot of wives who stay far away from their hubby and only meet each other once a month or year. Hey wifey, if you keep grumbling, there are many who want to be in your position right now. Give thanks!

March 17, 2010
Jangan menunda-nunda dan milikilah ketekunan, seekor semut tidak pernah akan mencapai puncak gunung jika dia tidak pernah mulai melangkah. Semangat!

Berkat Tuhan benar-benar tak berkesudahan dan kita tidak pernah akan bisa menghitungnya satu persatu. Terima kasih Tuhan, Engkau sungguh luar biasa!

March 16, 2010
A friend said to me this morning: Hey Mommy, you have to be happy...baby will be happy, too!

March 10, 2010
What a busy morning! Snow in spring! Packed subways, no buses, and many people are cleaning the streets now! (Hubby is on the way home, too...haha)

March 03, 2010
when I wasn't pregnant, eating is a hobby...when I am pregnant, eating is something that I MUST do...I lose my appetite. what to do?

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

To share or not to share?

When you find that you're pregnant, what will you do?

Will you keep that good news just for you and husband? Or will you share it with everyone you know, included family and friends?

For me, I chose the last.

There was a discussion I read on the internet whether to tell other people or keep it secret until the pregnancy enter the 2nd trimester (4-6 months). There are pro and cons about the two options.

The first said that it's better to keep it private because the 1st trimester is the vital period where miscarriage can happen anytime. Of course we would not expect it happens but we never know. So, be patient and wait till you have passed the important- first-three-months which means that the probability of miscarriage will drop to 0%.

The second opinion is to share it because it is a great joy and happiness for not only both of you but also for family and friends. They can support you in your not-so-good-first-trimester if you experience nausea, vomitting and other morning sickness. They can give you advice if this is your first time pregnancy. And the most important thing according to me is that you will not feel alone if you experience miscarriage. Hubby , family and friends can be your strength to get through the sadness and tears.

I thanks God that I can pass the 1st trimester without vomitting at all. Yes, I felt exhausted and easily tired or sleepy. Entering the 2nd trimester, I feel better and somehow get back to my normal life.

One of my bestfriend had miscarriage two weeks ago. I guess she chose the first option above, but still told some friends offline. Her pregnancy was one month younger than mine. I wish I can be beside you to comfort and hug you. I only can pray that Jesus hugs you there, always. Be strong, sis!
Miss you!

Monday, March 15, 2010

When Hubby Falls in Love with You AGAIN!

When your hubby said he falls in love with you as if the first time you go for dating?

My hubby said that when he heard that I was pregnant. He was so etremely happy, couldn't say anything except that he fell in love with me again.

Marriage is about love and commitment.

Long before we got married, San shared to me that love is like a garden full of flowers. Firstly, the two gardeners would fill the garden with many beautiful and colorful flowers, water them everyday so that the fragrance could fill the two-loving-hearts.

As time goes by, the two gardeners are busy with other businesses, so they don't concentrate on that garden anymore. The number of flowers decreases, but the garden is still there. Ocassionaly, on special events, the two gardeners will be back working on the garden, but they will soon do other business as well.

Heard about he will be a father is a Great News for San, so that he hurries back to the garden to plant and water flowers. He saw that the roses, jasmine, orchids, etc on our garden bloom beautifully and he felt IN LOVE again!

Anyway, it's not just about the two gardeners. We miss out the Chief Gardener! He is the one who takes care of our garden since 2005 and protect our commitment in front of Him 1,5 years ago.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Snow Experience

I am living in Busan, South Korea now. Busan is in southern part of this country. Yesterday when I checked the weather forecasting on the internet shows that today will be snow in Busan. But as I know before, the snow will not come to our house, because our location is not too high enough to get the snow. When I woke up this morning, I was trying to open our room’s window to see if there is snow or not. Holaaaa…. I can see the thin ice in our neighbor’s roof. I can see also the snow was coming down. Wow, I amazed and surprised. Then I woke up my wife to see the snow together. (We never saw the falling snow together…^..^)

After that I have prepared quickly to go to school. Before go to school, I want to see upstairs how’s the view of Busan from the roof of our house. First, I found our friend’s dog (named Lucky) seemed frozen up there. I think it is not as lucky as its name. I took some pictures up there.


When I am on the way to subway station, I saw much ice on the road and still snowing at that time. I saw so many people going to subway station. I was thinking that it’s unusual at those times still many people everywhere, because it’s almost working time. Usually, when I went to school, there are few people using subway together with me. My wonder was true. It’s very hard to enter the subway, because it’s already full inside the subway. We had to wait for next subway, because it’s too crowded. The same situation came for the next subway. I jumped to subway with many people around. We pushed and being pushed each other to get the space. Fiuhhh, my memory was flashing back to my home country, Indonesia. There we can find a lot of incidents like this when a lot of people snatch up space for themselves. In Indonesia, I hope it happens because little transportation we have rather than our furious characters.

Inside the subway, I can only stand up in the middle crowded situation. While I was standing in front of the old man, suddenly he grasped my bag. At that time I knew that he will not do something bad to me, because my Korean friends told me already that it’s usual here the people who were sitting to carry standing people’s load. Once again, my mind was comparing this incident to my home country. In Indonesia, it will not happen like that. If someone grasped our belonging without permission, he or she might be a theft. Here, I saw the kindness of people helps another while in difficult situation.

Since my school is in another island-Yeongdo Island, I have to stop in one station called Nampo-dong then change by bus. When I leaved the station, I saw the road was full of ice everywhere. I saw it still snowing there. I don’t think that I can go to school because my school is in another island and the bus has to climb the mountainous road. Right again, there’s no busses will operate to go up there. Then I saw many people tried to stop any cars or taxis to ask their destination to Yeongdo Island. I saw many cars willing to stop to hear from some people there if they have match destination or not. What a wonderful heart of sharing and attention to others.

Meanwhile I was waiting there; there were some text messages and calls from my friend and Professor. We communicated about what we should do next? Is there any class or not? Because my Professor is also live far away from campus. It means that he can’t reach the campus as well. Then I received text message from my Professor to inform me that school decided already not to operate class hours for this day due to snow. Then I walked back to subway station went home.

In the subway station, I experienced the same situation like this morning time. So many people there were waiting for the train. I don’t know why, but this is a story of my second experience to see falling snow and first time in the crowded situation everywhere.

-San-

Sunday, February 21, 2010

We saw the baby! - Week 11

Doctor said that I had to come after Lunar New Year to check how the baby is. This time San came with me and we insisted that he must come in together with me to see the USG monitor.

Firstly doctor asked me how about the last three weeks, did I take a lot of rest and eat well...I said yes. I slept many many hours since I felt tired easily. Then she asked did I experience vomit or morning sickness....I said no. She seemed surprise to hear my answer. (On the first visit, she had asked me the same question and my answer was NO). To reassure herself, she asked the same question one more time.

She said that God helps me because I didn't experience any vomit or morning sickness which is normal for early pregnancy. God makes my physical condition so good and healthy. He knows that I live far away from hometown and the weather in Korea is totally different from Indonesia. This year winter is the worst winter in Korea, it is extremely cold compare to previous years. Thanks God!

Doctor started to put the USG scan to my tummy and we saw the cute small baby. Baby was idle at first but when San wanted to take some pictures, baby started to wave its hands and legs. All of us were so happy to see the movement, especially San, because it was the first time for him to see the baby. He successfully recorded the baby's movement!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

What a great husband!

He was so nice and helpful during this tiring week.
I got terrible headache and caught a bad flu these few days.
San was always there for me, offered helps and even replaced me to teach English at night class (something that he would not do in the past even though I begged him hihi^^).

He helped to clean the room (actually he did it himself without my help ^^) and also cooked for me. Surprised!

Thanks bun2!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Week by week

Today is a very important day in our life. Today we know that Dita is not sick as what doctor diagnosed her two weeks ago. Instead, there is a big surprise in the tummy which is growing bigger and bigger.This could be a long post as we tried to tell you what have happened starting from the beginning.

Week 1:
Of course we never knew that this was indeed the first week of pregnancy. We just enjoyed everyday and been busy preparing Christmas Service on December 13, 2009. It was a hectic week for me since I was responsible for the event and preparing many things for the service (candle, liturgy book, songs, decoration, etc.).
The Kosin Christmas Tree Festival Pictures might be the last pictures before the first week of pregnancy.

Week 2:
Done with Christmas service at Church. Felt relief and happy. Even though many things were not properly done and not following the original plan, but it was a joyful Christmas where many people could attend our Church service. The number of guests was more than what we had expected. The Church was kind of full and crowded.

Week 3:
On Saturday (Dec 19), we went to Kosin university again to take another pictures with friends. It was a freezing night felt like -10 degree Celcius. We took tons of pictures as if we didn't want to miss every single corner at Kosin. The next day we went to Changwon, about 45mins-1 hour from Busan to attend a Christmas Service held by our Indonesian friends. I liked this trip, met many people, experienced another Christmas Service atmosphere and tasted delicious Indonesian food! Yummy.

Usually back in my hometown, we always spend Christmas Eve at Church together with family. We have a service and celebration afterward. Dec 25 is again another Christmas Service. But here in Korea, there is no Christmas Eve service and previously I heard that there was no Christmas service on Dec 25, too. So, we spent Christmas Eve together with my students watching 'Sherlock Holmes'...not a good idea though, but there was schedule conflict on that week.

Week 4:
Yeehaa! It's Christmas Day! Merry Christmas to all of you!
We had a Christmas Service at Church, even though it is a simple service but it is very meaningful for all of the congregation. We had lunch together and headed to Seomyeon (city centre) for Christmas Caroling. Some of us were singing Korean, Indonesia, Chinese Christian Songs, and the rest ofteams distribute a Christmas Wish and an Indonesian souvenir. Unforgettable experience!


At night, we were invited to come to a Christmas Service at Korean Church somewhere in Daeyon. We would sing Indonesian songs arranged by me...haha ^^...it's funny and soooooo interesting! Apparently, this service was for foreigners living in Busan because at the end of service, the drew ballots for Door Prize. The main prize was a washing machine. Woohoo! And guess...who won that first prize? hoho...San got it!


We don't need a washing machine, but we got it. The next week, San asked the shop whether we can change the washing machine into another thing that we need or we can use. Thanks God, we have some friends who willing to buy MP3s, so we can get the money instead.

This week was a hectic week. On Saturday, we made a trip to Changwon, AGAIN, for a Christmas Service, AGAIN, as we were invited by another Indonesian Church over there. The next day, we went to Daegu, which is about 2 hours from Busan. The temperature was going down and I felt so cold. Despite the cold temperature, it was a great service with Pdt. Daniel Alexander specially came to Busan to preach.

Week 5:
Happy New Year! I felt terribly tired especially after New Year's eve. We slept late, perhaps at 3am. The next day, San went to another Christmas (can't remember how many CHristmas service we had attended during December) but I had to designing something for a friend.

I still run and walked fast during this week, had tight schedule and even started join a Korean class twice a week.

This week, I noticed that I didn't get my period, but I was not surprise because there was one time it changed to 50 days. I just talked to myself to wait until the 50th. And life went on...

Week 6:
I started to feel tired and sleepy easily. If I had even only 30 minutes free time, I would choose to sleep and sleep. I used to read books in the subway but this week I was to exhausted. I lost my appetite. I didn't want to eat and just slept. Korean food became strange food to me, especially Kimchi which I loved so much previously. I often stopped in the middle of meal time and offered my-half-eaten-food to San. I missed Indonesian food so much!

Week 7:
San insisted that I had to see doctor to ask why my period was changed from normally 28 days to 50 days. Fortunately, there was a free medical check-up at PMF so we decided to check my health. The doctor took USG check-up to my tummy and found out that there was endometriosis with a small cyst. Another doctor who can speak English translated that to me. He suggested that I should meet an obstetrician and he would schedule my meeting with her the next week.

We never expected that this was a cyst and endometriosis. As I remember, none of my family had this kind of problem. But, I didn't worry too much, as I knew the size of the cyst is very small (smaller than 1x1cm) and the only medicine for this disease is 'to be pregnant'...

Doctor called that the appointment with the obstretrician was delayed one week. So we went to Ice Rink at Shinsegae. What...? Yes...Ice Skating! I got a free gift for two person, so we went there to try. I was afraid that I was going to fall. I can't ice skating but San can do it well. He said that 'Maybe you have to try to fall down once so that you won't be afraid anymore". Luckily, I didn't follow his advice. He would regret it later.


Week 8:
Everything was still the same. Tired easily, no appetite, etc.
The 50th day was during this week. My Mom called me on day and asked "Are you pregnant?". I said "No. Who told you the news?"
After talked to her, I said to myself, why don't I try to test it? I had the pregnancy test my auntie gave me before I went to Busan.
That's what happened on Monday, Jan 25. It was positive!
I can't wait anymore...I called San. He was surprised yet asked me to stay calm.
I called Mom on Tuesday, I can't hide anything from her...She urged me to see doctor as soon as possible because she worried that my pregnancy had been more than 6 weeks at that time. But I wanted to keep my promise with the doctor to see him on Sunday.

Week 9:
Finally...here is the day. The day before, we shared to our friends at night fellowship at Church that something happened with me and we're not sure what it was. So, all of them pray for my health. Thanks!
We met Dr. Shin who helped us with the translation. He told us that he was not sure if the obstetrician would really come as she had promised. He asked me to wait.

Then...you know the result already. Dita is pregnant. 8 wks pregnancy. We really thanked God for His blessing. Doctor said that the baby's heartbeat was good and everything was fine.

Thanks for all your love & support.


You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother's body.
I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way.
What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.
You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body.
When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed.
All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.
Psalm 139:13-16