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Memories from The Jamboree

"KAK DON'T FORGET ME!"

“Dek, why haven't you eaten yet?”

“I'm waiting for my Kakak.”

“Oh really, where is she anyway?”

 “She's going to the bathroom, Kak.”

Above dialogue took place on SA 11 th Jamboree last July 7 & 8, 2007 when I saw one of the children participants just sat and held his still sealed lunch box while the others have started to enjoy theirs. Then I saw another lunch box also still sealed located near to him which turned out he has saved for his Kakak (the chaperone who is volunteered to accompany the participant/street kids). When his Kakak returned from the bathroom, he immediately shouted and invited her to join him for lunch. “Kak, here's your lunch box, I take it for you”.

I smiled watching that scene. I wanted to speak, but there were no words that could speak for my heart. What I felt was indescribable. The most important thing for that kid was not that free lunch box but the togetherness with Kakak. That was what he expected the most.

Every time I involve myself in Jamboree specially arranged for the street children, every year God teaches me new things. By serving the street children, God has showed me many things to learn in life, also from the children who live in the street. Even though they have to stay tough and harsh on the street and often so many times considered as menace by some people, but inside they are still kids longing for love and care from other human, who's willing to spare some time with them, sharing lives… they simply need a friend (Sahabat).

During the 2 day one night camping, many things thought by God to me through the children. Their innocence, simply they way they are, and also their different yet unique point of view.

Like during one of the game session, having followed sex seminar, one Kakak leading the game gave a question, “What is the cause of free sex?” A 15 year old kid spontaneously answered with high confidence “Will want more!” Me with the rest of Kakak can't hold ourselves, we laughed so hard. But behind my laughs sadness occurred. I knew that the kid was just joking, but maybe, perhaps his answer was based on his daily experience.

God also taught me that street kid could also be a good friend. Just pay attention to this following. One moment I was distributing food to those children then I gave an instruction, “Kids, who wants sambel (traditional spices) chips and fruits please take from here, OK.” Then suddenly one kid replied, “Kak, don't just ask us to take food. You too, you have to eat too, Kak.” What a lesson! God used that kid to teach me how to be good and decent friend.

I believe that I'm not the only person who experienced this kind of faith lesson during last Jamboree. I believe that other 270 kakak and 60 committees also experienced something which enriched their soul through the presence of more than 600 street children. Even until the end of the event God still gave me something to learn. When time came for us to say goodbye, we walked the kids to their buses and shook hands with them. We can't hold our tears when we saw them crying. Before I got off the bus I hugged the only girl participant in my tent. Slowly she whispered in my ear, “Kak, don't forget me.”

"I won't, you take care"

 When we all got off the bus, all the kids rush to the window side of the bus waving their hands until the bus gone from our sight.

I said a little prayer in my heart, “God help me as time goes by let me not forget them. Don't let my busyness erase the soul lesson you've given me, and not let this love you've given me fade away”.

My big thanks to everybody who's been so supportive in making this SA Jamboree realized.

Thanks for being a FRIEND.

Dian Novita Elfrida 2007 Sahabat Anak Jamboree Tent's Leader.