September 19th - 26th was an unforgettable week. Cita Hati had a Connecting Project with John Paul College, Brisbane, Australia. The Cita Hati and JPC students were mixed and divided into 3 groups. There were about 50 people in total from Cita Hati and JPC kids. If one of those 50 people weren’t there, the experience wouldn’t be the same.

While they were here, we did the following activities: Beautification at Laguna Kelurahan Office, Charity work at an orphanage, and being a teacher’s assistant at Buah Hati. We got closer with each other and “connected”. After the first three activities, we planned this trip to go Mangrove planting at Bosem Wonorejo. During the time at the Mangroves, we managed to plant 1000 seedlings and still have time to start a mud fight. This event led to an even closer bond with the JPC students. The next day, we headed out for Malang. Over there, we helped Hope for Humanity build a well for those unfortunate.

We did all these things during the daytime, meanwhile in the nighttime; the JPC students took a trip around Surabaya. They went to places like: Cak Duraism, Mirota, Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxi Mall, and the Night Market. All these places are great places to shop, so if you feel like shopping, go there. It’s a must to go here if you’re a tourist and this next spot is to die for.

We spent our last night together at Sutos (Surabaya Town Square). This night was probably the best night ever excluding it being the last day together. Our time was filled with mixed feelings, but we made due. Dinner, shopping, atmosphere; this is the hottest spot in Surabaya. Karaoke was the best part of the night, because that was when we felt our feelings becoming one.

Our farewell lunch was held at Grand Ocean restaurant. Besides eating, there was a gift exchange between Cita Hati and JPC, speeches, and group performances. It was so sad to say goodbye. Tears filled our eyes and our hearts. It was the end of a heartfelt journey. It was then we realized that we are connected to each other as global citizens and were able to contribute something for a better world. So long JPC. Hope to meet you again soon.

written by Phil Ibrahim and Nadya Joy
Cita Hati Christian Senior School (www.bchati.sch.id)
Twitter on @citahatihs

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connectingproject2010, johnpaulcollege, citahati, mangroveplanting, communityservice, ibdiplomaprogramme, brisbane, australia