My service experience

 

The Saint Mary Way (SMW) Program at Santa Maria Junior High School is not just an ordinary school activity. This program is an opportunity for us to emulate the noble values of the Virgin Mary, and this time, we focused on the value of humility through a visit to a nursing home on Cikutra Street, near Odilia Church.

      This experience was not sudden. Our

group first had to go through a series of meticulous preparations. First, we prepared a detailed rundown of the activities we would conduct there. Second, we created and submitted an official proposal to the Principal to obtain permission and direction. After the proposal was approved, we had intensive discussions about the equipment and materials we would bring to support the planned activities. Once all the administrative and logistical preparations were complete, we were finally ready to make the visit.

      We arrived at the nursing home. A warm atmosphere immediately welcomed us; the nuns greeted our arrival very kindly. Since we had divided the tasks from the beginning, we immediately took our respective positions. My friend, Adi from class 9.2, and I were assigned the important task of being the speakers and leading the opening of the event. To be honest, at first, I felt doubtful and a little nervous. Speaking in front of many people, especially in front of the grandmothers (Omas), was not something I was used to. However, keeping the noble goal of SMW in mind, I gathered all my courage to start the event.

     After a brief opening and a joint prayer, we began the series of events according to the rundown. I started by leading the opening song, "Selamat Pagi Bapa" (Good Morning Father). My nervousness instantly disappeared when I saw the grandmothers' reactions. It turned out that they recognized the song very well!

 

    They did not just listen but also sang along

happily. That moment felt very joyful. Seeing the smiles and enthusiasm of the grandmothers joining in worshipping God through praise made me realize that humility is about serving without expecting anything in return, and the joy we brought was the reward.

     After the cheerful opening song, we continued with the other planned service activities. Overall, I felt very happy and grateful to be able to carry out this SMW activity. This was not just a community service activity, but also a life lesson that connected real experience with the example of love and humility of the Virgin Mary.