Southwest Sumba Transforms Martin's Life
"At that time, I felt that we were allowed to exist in the world, we were allowed to get blessings from our parents, from work, from the neighborhood, even allowed by God to breathe, all for free. So in my opinion, we should realize that this life does not belong to us alone. So the goal is that if we have been given blessings, we should share them. Contribution, we share and benefit others," said Martin, sharing his reasons for becoming a child sponsor since 2018.
In addition to making life more meaningful, Martin also has an affinity with children. Martin's love for the world of children intensified when the pandemic occurred in 2019. Martin was previously involved in all the ministries in the Church but when the pandemic hit, Martin realized that he wanted to focus on living out his calling as a Sunday school teacher. Through Sunday school, Martin feels that his faith is growing. Because as a Sunday school teacher, before the class starts, he must prepare himself as much as possible, both in terms of teaching skills and spirituality.
After six years as a child sponsor, Martin had the opportunity to do his second sponsor visit in June 2023. Previously in 2019 Martin visited Sikka Regency, this time he and his nephew visited Southwest Sumba Regency where the child he sponsored live. With enthusiasm, Martin prepared many things that he would share when meeting with children and communities in one of WVI's assisted villages in Southwest Sumba. For example, knowing that there is no electricity in the village, Martin has prepared a small speaker that runs on batteries so that he can do fun activities with the children. Martin wants to give the best for the children in Southwest Sumba.
The trip that had been prepared so well was not as smooth as imagined. A few days before departure, the airline suddenly canceled Martin and the WVI team's departure. "I imagined the faces of the children and if I canceled, I would regret it," he said. His good intentions were honored, and with extra effort, Martin still managed to leave and arrive in Southwest Sumba.
During the two days Martin was in the village, he gained many meaningful experiences and stories. Meeting the sponsored children, the children in the village, and the community was the most memorable thing. Martin also lived his daily life like a villager. Cooking with firewood, seeing people carrying a jug of clean water for Rp 2,000, - for approximately 6 KM, visiting community’s nutritious gardens, meeting and discussing with people who have left for gardening since 3 am to fulfill children's nutrition, to avoid stunting.
"What touches my heart is that they show all that not to be pittied, no, they do not complain, do not despair to fight and pray for essential things. They told me they have done this and that and will do this and that, they are excited," said Martin.
Martin also meets the sponsored children he supports and does activities with the children in the village. Singing and telling stories together, listening to the children's dreams. "One day, there will be a president from eastern Indonesia," he said, encouraging the children who enthusiastically participated in the activities. Martin believes that children in eastern Indonesia also deserve the best education, it's just that they don't have access.
"I am grateful, I came home with lessons that I will remember for the rest of my life. The happiest thing is to be happy in the midst of hardship. Even a little light will be useful in the midst of darkness. It was not me who blessed Southwest Sumba, but Southwest Sumba who blessed me," Martin concluded.
Writer: Priskila Estauli (Supporter Service Executive)
