As we enter a season of giving thanks, two Grade 7 students from Sumba Island are reflecting on an experience that changed the way they see gratitude. Earlier this year, Ika and Aldi joined their classmates on a service trip to remote villages, where they spent time with children, served local communities, and learned what it means to love others through action.
For Ika and Aldi, the journey did more than open their eyes to the needs of others. It helped them recognize how much they had to be thankful for in their own lives.
(Read the story of their trip in our previous article, “Serving Like Jesus”)
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The journey to remote village schools takes students across Sumba’s rugged hills, giving them a glimpse of the distances local children travel to learn.
IKA
I saw children who were so excited to go to school, even with challenges. They walk far under the scorching sun. Some of them didn’t wear shoes.I felt compassionate on them, but also proud. They have such big dreams for their future.
There was a lot of preparation for the trip, such as fundraising. It was tiring. We sold food to raise money. Now I am happy because we used the money to help these kids. I love seeing them smile because of our presence. When I grow up, I want to build a school for them.
This trip reminded me of 1 John 3:18. Jesus invites me to love the children there, not only through my words, but also through our actions that bring the truth to them.
Students and teachers gather in prayer before beginning their activities at one of the village schools, committing their day of learning and serving together to God.
ALDI
I rarely gave thanks before. I complained a lot. When I saw the children in the villages, I realized that some of them were barefooted. Some did not have bags to carry their books. Their classrooms looked unfinished.
During the gratefulness session, they wrote down how thankful they were. They were thankful because they could eat. They were thankful because they could play with their friends. Those things felt small and normal to me. I pray before I eat and thank God, but I guess I didn’t always mean it seriously. I felt so ungrateful and came to the realization that God has blessed me with more than enough.
Sumba School students lead songs and actions with children during one of their village school visits. Classrooms throughout the trip were filled with songs, games, crafts and laughter.
Students lead a classroom activity for younger children. Preparing and teaching their own lessons gave them practical experience in teamwork, communication and serving others.
Older students work alongside village children during a hands-on activity, one of several opportunities for the students to practise teaching with patience and care.
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Watch the video of the trip here:
