One of the heartfelt family pictures and the happiest volunteering project this year.
These are my mother’s village in raising us. At least, four of these people in this picture had once sent me to YPM when I was little. These are ones that survived my teenager years regular crankiness during two years I lived alone in grandma’s house without my family. One of my aunt’s son accompanied me to school in Tebet, from Tomang, before heading to his office in Kelapa Gading, by bus, daily. I was suddenly turned into a spoiled brat while living with them. I can list more but let’s stop here.
When I knew they wanted to perform umrah, but seemed uncertain and unclear about the time and process, I couldn’t help being fussy. To realize any dreams and good intentions, once the money is there, it’s important to execute it asap. Unless, the distraction will always win.
So, I started bugging and nagging telling them I would take care everything and they just had to pay.
This is their very first trip abroad. I enjoyed all the hassles it brings. From registering and sending them for their first passport book, choosing the umrah travel and the package to the smallest detail that cater what they wanted, registering for vaccines and visiting the travel office to do fitting and travel kit pick up, managing payments, to countless whatsapp chats in a dedicated group giving reminders, answering questions, and many more for the past four month. I emptied days in my calendar to accompany them.
Being a shadow agent, the travel agent officer put me in the umroh group chat so I can enjoy the trip too. Couldn’t help being so teary for the past few days looking at all the pictures and videos. One of my aunts called from the hotel in Madinah then we cried together on the phone while laughing happily. She called me again after returning saying how impressed she was with the service during the trip and hoping to return soon.
Being involved and in-charge for my mother’s family umroh plan is truly an honor.
May Allah accept all the worship and prayers, repay all their kindness, and add more blessings to them and their family. Amin.
(When I looked back, a huge part of me become a giver, some credit goes to them).
A Penny for My Pensieve 