Personal Letter about "Stay at home" in coronavirus outbreak

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Dear Chindrian Mude,

Hallo Chindrian, I think it’s fair to assume something is bothering you right now. I hope you and your family are always in a good condition. Right now, I have no idea what that may be but I need you to know everything is going to be okay. Today, everything may seem scary from the world.  

In this letter, I would like to share my feelings about our “stay at home” activities. We acknowledge that Regina Pacis Bajawa is one of best senior high school in East Nuasa Tenggara Province but as a student, during these e-learning sessions 1 and 2, I was so busy as usual. That’s why, I think our teachers feel students are without any work, so they tend to give us as much more assignments and projects to finish. Some of them even teach during breaks. I think, teachers should understand the situation and the stress on the students felt these tough times. All subjects gave their tasks for instance, English, making summary of up to date news about coronavirus outbreak, after that, push us to be a news reader in form of a video. The other one is geography, making an instruction to avoid the coronavirus outbreak and post it via face book account and many more. Moreover, all tasks should be sent via email, whatsap, Google classroom applications. 

If we remind them of these, we get scolded. But all of these, the most important is even after the National Minister of Education, Nadiem Makarim instructed that the students and teachers should learn from home. Therefore, I realize that, there’s no way to avoid our responsibility as a student although has been stressful. So, what about you? Do you feel as like me? I got bored a day long to face my smartphone with a limited pulse and data charged. On the other hand, right now, the world is fighting against coronavirus outbreak. But we trust that our teachers and school staffs love us also and keep in touch with us. It is not a bad way to educate us but we should support it. Let’s concentrate on that, the humanity comes first. Although my head got dizzy of these, they did the best for us. Let us all pray that world is saved from this pandemic. It is our duty to obey the safety instructions issued to us by Indonesian government. So, stay safe at home, obey the healthy protocols of our government. We need to take it seriously, to end the pandemic.

That’s all dear my heart words, I am looking forward of your sharing about e-learning session activities. I can’t wait get it. 

Your classmate,

   Echan Wale

Rori Witu (As Ngadanese Traditional Hunting)

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Rori Witu or To'o Lako  (As Soa Tribe traditional hunting)

photo insert taken from www.Google.com

The traditional hunting  (Rori Witu) is an annual ritual for Soa tribe. It is the local culture of Ngada Regency especially in Soa sub – district still came down to this day. The traditional hunting activities were usually placed in the calendar cycles based on the local culture system of the local agriculture. This tradition was closely related to people’s beliefs ritual existence being ability wild animal like board (Hui) or deer (Kogha) that can be damaging for all plants that venture into the local communities to fulfillment their daily needs. This ceremony will be held every year as an annual ceremony. 

The indigenous hunting tradition in Soa included several villages namely Mengeruda (Witu Menge), Lo’a (Witu Lo’a) Seso (Witu Welu) and also Libunio village (Witu Nio). This traditional hunting carried out in accordance with the local – based of the lunar calendar. It was usually carried out from June to October in the year. The traditional hunting was held of each village with have the different time. The traditional hunting activity was determined by the local leaders (Mori Raghu/Rawu Witu) in accordance with the lunar calendar customs. The traditional hunting had some equipment such as spear (Tuba), barbed spear (Bhou) or like a sword (Sodi). The barbed spear shaped like a fishhook.

The hunters usually came from all communities of Soa would do hunting and were not restricted to either children and adults. They   usually hunted by using horses (Zara) or on foot. In its effort to obtain the bluish animals the dogs were always accompany the hunters. All the dogs were deployed to search the boars or deer (Hui no’o Kogha). The hunters were always scrambling by each other, so that no one is getting a whole body of an animal but they had partly such as the head, feet, or hands etc. The hunters scrambled the animals to show their knight stronger. Not all the hunters got the animals if they did not strength to scramble with the other hunters. But, it was always do in hospitality and the spirit of brotherhood. 

In every villages, the stages of the traditional hunting (Rori Witu) in general were common but some of steps are different such the stages of the ritual at night until the next day will do the hunting.
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In Soa district of Ngada Regency, one village conducted the traditional hunting was Libunio village. Libunio is one of a local tribe. In Libunio village had two main traditional ceremonies such traditional boxing (Sagi Adha) and also traditional hunting as known (Rori Witu Nio). There were several stages that became a series of major ritual that must be held before the implementation of the indigenous hunting. Rori Witu Nio started with cooking the rice beans (Ka Nika Lebha). Lebha was a kind of bean as cooked with rice as an opening meal before the traditional hunting day. The next day was continued with the ritual of Pau.  The Pau ceremony was a ritual in which was of Nio tribal communities (Suku Nio). It was the time that forbidden to carry out agricultural activities such as cutting the trees, or burning of the garden. People who were trespassed the rule will be penalized by the local leader. A few days later, all adults (male) go looking for the shrimps (Ko Kuza) is called (Heza) ritual. After that, the next day was followed by the (Bato) ritual. It was the ritual of eating shrimps. A further ceremony was (Sina Oro) as the ritual to prepare a segment of bamboo that had been cleaned to be dipped in the river. 

If everything was prepared well then, continued with (Bhore Tua). At the night, where the next day will do the hunting, the local leader (Mori Raghu Witu) held the ritual of Pepu. The Pepu ritual was conducted as last preparation of the traditional hunting day. The local leaders asked the rice of bamboo (Mama Toke), and collected the ginger (Pai Lea). The ginger was used to treat that hunters got wound as the traditional medicines. All the things were distributed to the girls who was who completed the ceremony of initiation into adulthood customary (Kiki Ngi’i/Bu’e Muzi) who participated in the day of traditional hunting.  The girls will redeem the existing bush meat on the hunters. In Pepu ritual was also the Mori Raghu prayed and pleaded to the ancestors and the forest watchman in order to collect the deer or boars (Pai Nitu Kogha no’o Hui) in the places that the hunters conducted the traditional hunting. The Pepu ritual was also to prohibit to all the tribal community were not to wash their face, or oiling their hair especially on the first day of hunting.  

When all phases as the series of the indigenous ritual before hunting has been carried out, finally the time of the hunting has come. The Mori Raghu and members gather in the center of village (Kisa Nua) doing the hunt commencement ceremony and marching toward the firebox place (Saka Api) by the traditional singing.  Arriving the Saka Api place, the fire arose by swiped (Pake Zoze) of the dried bamboo (Bheto Rogho) and alang – alang (Keri). This ignited a fire that has been used as a source of fire that used to burn the forest as the place to hunt. The traditional hunting conducted for three days. The hunters did not return to their village but lived in resting area (Loka) during the hunting took place. Returning from the hunting areas, the hunters sang the traditional singing. The meat as their hunting’s got to eat together with the family members of Nio tribal community and its blood smeared on Beso or the point of Mori Raghu (Basa Beso Mori Raghu). 

By Siprianus Wara

 (Adapted from an interview resulted with Bapak Adrianus Rato as one of the local leader of Libunio village on June, 2017)

Reba (As Ngadanese Thanksgiving Celebration)

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Reba

Reba was one of the most important harvest ceremonies that held annually in Ngadanese culture. It was to express gratitude towards the ancestors for the past year and asking for a fortune of the new-year. In the villages, the people usually were preparing the sacrifices. The Reba ceremony used to evaluate everything about life of the society in the previous year is that have been undertaken by the Ngadanese local culture. The community asked the suggestions to the religious and the traditional leaders to be able to live better in the new -year. 

Reba was scheduled and executed according to the local calendar. Therefore, it did not have a great time in the national calendar. Reba was usually held around the month; such as in Sada was held in early of December, in Doka, 25 km from Bajawa go on middle of December and also in Bena-Tiworiwu, Aimere. On January is held in Nage-Dariwali and also in Aimere, Wogo – Ratogesa, Golewa, Langa or Beiposo-Wawowae and also held in Bajawa. Reba ceremony also conducted in February were in Nenowea in Jerebu’u, Mangulewa or Turekisa Sobo in Golewa, and also in Gisi-  Golewa. The Reba ceremony started with “Bhui Loka”. It was as the initial part of the Reba ceremony, where a scared place in the village was ritually cleansed and sacrifice animals were given to the ancestors. For the ceremony, all the families such as the family members (Ana Sa’o), tribe members (Ana Suku), village members (Ulu Eko) have gathered in the main village as the traditional village.  

The ceremony held on three days in this village with houses representing of each clan. Several sacrifices of pigs and chickens are carried out at the many ancestral shrines in the village. After “Bhui Loka” every family returned to their clan’s house to conduct some ceremonies. The families got together in the inner part of house where they cooked meals in their daily life. At that moment, the family members discussed and plan for the next year agenda such as, whether any renovations have to be done on the house, the cleaning and maintenance ancestral shrines, or even upcoming weddings. After sunset, the village elder meets by a tall bamboo pole where they will perform the ritual of “Dheke Reba” until the crack of dawn. 

In Dheke Reba time, all guests came and joined into their family. The dancers and the ceremony participants who had to go on until the morning hours in was a good spirit. The local liquor was served as well as three additional meals. These meals also initiated “Ka Maki Reba”, it was the mass fast, which was to last until the next night. The ceremony includes ritual practices, dance and perform the traditional music and singing called (O Uwi). The dancing was seen as a means to connect to the earth through feet pounding on and on and express the people’s longing for the best harvest. At the end the third day all the rituals are sealed by “Dhoi” is a farewell ceremony for the families that must returned to their village, so ancestors could protected them on the way home. So that was the series of the Reba ceremony were ended. 

(Adapted from idahnyaflores.blogspot.co.id)

Bombardom (As Ngadanese Traditional Music Instrument)

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Bombardom

Bombardom is a traditional wind instrument in Ngada Regency that still exists until today’s modern generation. The Bombardom made of two types of bamboo in the local language is called Peri and Ila. Bamboos that are large (Peri) serves accommodate the air and small bamboo (Ila) function blowing air. Sound bamboo container made in two forms namely measuring 75 centimeters long and the short 53 centimeters. While bamboo blower noise (Ila) seven centimeters longer than the size of a large bamboo. The hole on large diameter of bamboo is about five centimeters. The Bombardom produces two types of sound those are baritone and soprano. 

The Bombardom is a musical instrument inherited from the ancient time until now. Since the last decades as a companion instrument to other instruments such as flute or Foy doa. In the days, the Bombardom is not familiar with modern instruments. The Bombardom is into a musical instrument that is always used by the community to accompany the songs in any event, for example during a visit by government officials to villages. Bombardom also used as a musical instrument in a prospective marriage partner before heading to church and greet after the return of the church. 

The Bombardom raw material is bamboo types of elves and small bamboo (Ila). These plants are still many in the region. The Tolelela village is a village as make the Bombardom musical instrument. On average people in the village are already skilled blew the Bombardom. Todays’ generation try to maintain and preserve the musical instrument Bombardom so as not eroded by the impact of globalization. Therefore, with the development of increasingly rapid technology along come the modern musical instruments of Bombardom. To make the traditional musical instruments exist, the local government have program to preserve the culture, a lot of parties or organizations began exploring the potential of culture and seek to revive the traditional musicals endangered. 

The Bombardom  is as the traditional admusical instrument with the community and traditional music lovers in Ngada is still survive especially in Jerebu’u sub-district. This community was ever got feel satisfied and proud of Bombardom MURI registered number 7091/R.MURI/IX/2015. The MURI record in a festival woodwind Bombardom involving participants in over 500 people that have popularized Bombardom to the whole world. 

(Adapted from http://tenyjehanas.blogspot.co.id/2016/02/alat - musik - tradisional-bombardom_.html)

By Siprianus Wara

Dero Dance

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Dero Dance

Dero dance is a kind of traditional dance from Ngada especially in Soa indigenous community. Dero dance is a mass dance with movement of the art, and will become more alive if accomplished by traditional and modern music.

It is a popular dance as one comes from Soa sub-district in Ngada Regency.  The dance aims to honor the ancestors, to give thanks for the harvest, and build a strong fraternal bond. Dero usual danced at Sagi customary or traditional indigenous boxing. The people is to join hands to form a circle and then move together – equal right and left backward and then forward to the music. It dance is easy to learn or practice with the elastic body movement.  The Dero dance is usually performed in the night the before the Sagi (traditional-boxing day). The dancers can come from within the village or outside the village. To dance Dero can use the custom clothing for the men (Nai Ragi) and women (Kodo Do’i). The dance accompanied with the traditional singing.

Nowadays, every person can dance Dero using the modern instruments and movements can be varied. It can be performed in is a formal or informal events such as in wedding party, thanks giving day or the government visiting in a village. The dancers can come from teens, or adults. (Adapted from: http://triofriend.blogspot.co.id/2014_11_01_arch.)

Tips for Improving Our English Speaking Skill

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Repost from account of Atif Mehmood

18 top tips for improving your English

1. Watch television and films in English

2. Read English books/newspapers
3. Label things in your house
4. Make notes of new vocabulary
5. Surround yourself with English speakers
6. Figure out your best time to learn
7. Listen to British and American music
8. Language swap
9. Practise English whenever you can
10. Record yourself and your lesson
11. Get a good bilingual dictionary
12. Learn English idioms and phrasal verbs
13. Write every day
14. Tell you teacher what you want to learn
15. Remember your mistakes
16. Put yourself into difficult situations
17. Change the language on your social media or smartphone
18. Be realistic

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1. Watch television and films in English

 Not only do Britain and the USA produce some of the best TV shows and films in the world, but you can learn English whilst watching them. If you’re still getting to grips with the language at any level (from beginner to upper intermediate) then it’s worth putting the English subtitles on so that you can read along and listen at the same time.

You can also listen to English radio stations and find plenty of listening sources on the internet. Another idea would be to put English subtitles on films or television programmes from your own country so that you can read along with them in English and make the translations as you go.

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2. Read English books/newspapers

Reading is a great way of practising your English in your own time. You can take one word at a time at your own pace, without your teacher peering over your shoulder. If you’re studying at a beginner to intermediate level, pick up a children’s book where the language will be easier than an adult book.

Newspapers are also worth reading. Not only can you improve your English but you’ll learn about local and national goings on, which can be handy when communicating with native speakers. Free newspapers and magazines, as well as tabloid-style newspapers which use more basic language, are perhaps better for low level speakers.

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3. Label things in your house

This is a quick and cheap way of improving your knowledge of the vocabulary of everyday items in your home. All you need to do is buy a pack of labels and then write the name of items in your home on them, such as phone, window, mirror etc. Every time you use these objects you’ll read the word and embed it into your memory. This is great for low level learners.

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4. Make notes of new vocabulary

1. Whenever you learn a new word, whether in the classroom or when you’re out and about, make sure you make a note of it. Whenever you have some free time, you can practise what you’ve learned. You could even do this on your phone so you needn’t carry around a notebook with you. 

It’s also worth making a note of the translation into your own language and any unusual phonological aspects of the word.

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5. Surround yourself with English speakers

If you just spend your time outside of the classroom with people from your own country, you’ll miss out on a big chance to practise English. If you try to befriend other English speakers, you’ll be forced into speaking the English language. You’ll also pick up things like slang and conversational English that you’re unlikely to learn in the classroom.

If you struggle to find English speakers, at least try and spend time with people off your course that are from countries other than your own. This way, you will still have to speak English.
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6. Figure out your best time to learn

Are you a morning or afternoon person? If you can work out when your brain is at its sharpest then you should cram in your language learning at this time. Some people work best first thing in the morning and switch off after lunchtime, while for others it takes a while to get going every day.

Think about when you function best and plan your learning to suit this. For example, there’s no point taking lessons that run late into the night when you’re likely to easily lose concentration.

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7. Listen to British and American music

In addition to watching films and TV, listening to music is another great and fun way of improving your grasp of a language. There’s an almost endless amount of music out there to choose from, with most tracks having lyrics easily available online.

You could listen to a song a day and read the lyrics along to it. If you come across any language that you don’t understand then research it. If you’re at a low level then perhaps go for some slower folk, country or acoustic music, which often has lyrics that are slower and easier to understand.

Once you’re feeling more confident you could go for some rap music, which is generally a lot quicker and harder to understand.

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8. Language swap

In addition to learning English in class, you could find somebody who is keen to learn your own language and exchange information with them. Being able to speak a language is a gift and, whatever your mother tongue, there will be somebody out there that wants to learn it.

You can meet up and give each other work, swap knowledge and help each other progress. This is a great way of continuing your learning outside of the classroom while also saving money.

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9. Practise English whenever you can

It’s incredibly important that you don’t leave your English learning inside the classroom. Make an effort to go to the library and study your notes, read and write in English, and speak to English nationals and other English speakers.

When you’re in bed at night, look over your English notes from the day and try to memorise some vocabulary as you’re falling asleep. The first thing you do in the morning while you’re eating your cereal could be to learn a couple of new words. Make sure you never escape learning.

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10. Record yourself and your lesson

Make the most of the recorder on your smartphone and practise pronunciation. This is a good way of learning pronunciation because you might know it when you first hear it then forget it later.

Although your teacher might not like you to do this, and you should always get their permission, it can be useful to record lessons. As you travel home or fall asleep you can listen to it. It’s a great way to revise the information and practise listening, as well as nail down some pronunciation.

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11. Get a good bilingual dictionary

A bilingual dictionary is your best friend while you’re learning English. However, beware that a lot of dictionaries out there have numerous mistakes and mistranslations. Do some research and spend a bit of extra money on the best dictionary you can find.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that a number of online translators and electronic dictionaries on smartphones can be quite poor. Teachers will find it very obvious if you simply put something through a translator – it’s normally literally translated which doesn’t always work.

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12. Learn English idioms and phrasal verbs

There are a number of aspects of the English language that you’re not always going to find in an academic course book. Things like idioms and phrasal verbs are extremely common in everyday English conversations.

If you manage to learn these then you’ll find it much easier to talk and understand conversations with native speakers. Although this is not the kind of language you’re likely to use in an academic essay, it’s arguably just as important to you.


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13. Write every day

Writing is a great way of using new vocabulary and getting your head around grammar. Try and write something every day using new words and grammar that you’ve learned. Even if it’s only a few sentences, it’s very important to get into the habit of doing this.

It’s also a good way of comparing your progress as you improve your knowledge of the English language. If you have access to English speaking friends or a teacher, you could ask them to look over your writing and give you some pointers.


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14. Tell you teacher what you want to learn

If you’re learning English in a language school or getting private lessons, you might not always be learning what you want. However, it can be difficult for your teacher to know exactly what you want to learn unless you tell them. So if you think that they’re giving you too much writing and not enough pronunciation, for example, then you should tell them. They’ll be pleased with the feedback.


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15. Remember your mistakes

You will make mistakes, there’s no denying it. Chances are that you’ll make the same mistakes over and over again. Next time that you’re corrected by a teacher, whether this is written or orally, you should make a note of your mistakes.

Perhaps you forget when to use the correct article or you get the past simple and present perfect tenses mixed up? Make a note of this and work on your mistakes.

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16. Put yourself into difficult situations

If you search out situations where you must speak, read and listen that are outside of your comfort zone, you’ll be forced into using the English language. This can be one of the best ways to learn English because you really focus on what you’re saying and it gets you used to uncomfortable situations.

Try and order some food at a restaurant, speak to someone at a tourist information centre or just start chatting to a native speaker in a bar. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Getting something wrong is actually a great way of understanding why it works a certain way.

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17. Change the language on your social media or smartphone

Have you ever accidentally changed the language on a device or on a website and then struggled to get it back again? We’ve all been there before. However, this can actually be a good way of learning an additional language. If you turn your Facebook, Twitter and smartphone settings to ‘English’ then you can continue to learn the language while you’re communicating with friends.

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18. Be realistic

It’s extremely common for language learners to want to better their English at an unrealistic pace. Set yourself objectives but be genuine in what you can achieve. Your teacher is just there to tell you things and practise with you for a few hours a day. It’s your job to remember and correctly use what you are taught.

You cannot expect to just turn up to class for a few weeks and be able to speak the language. You must engage in lots of work outside of class and use your brain as much as possible.

"Firman Telah Menjelma Menjadi Manusia dan Tinggal di Tengah-tengah Kita"

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

"Firman telah menjadi manusia, dan diam di antara kita. Semua orang yang menerima Dia diberinya kuasa menjadi anak-anak Allah".

Bpk/ibu saudara/i yang terkasih dalam Kristus Yesus.

Dikisahkan dalam mitologi Romawi (mitologi artinya sistem kepercayaan kuno) ada seorang dewa yang mungkin kita tidak pernah dengar yaitu Dewa Janus. Ciri dewa Janus yaitu manusia yang memiliki dua wajah: wajah di bagian depan kepala dan juga di bagian belakang kepalanya. Dalam penanggalan kalender Masehi, bahwa bulan Januari adalah bulan yang berada persis di awal tahun dan berada di akhir tahun sesudah bulan Desember. Maka nama Dewa Janus dijadikan nama sebuah bulan yakni bulan Januari. 

Bapak/ibu saudara/i terkasih dalam Tuhan,

Ciri bermuka dua pada pribadi dewa Janus bukan seperti halnya ungkapan yang kita ketahui; di mana orang yang bermuka dua berarti orang itu lain di depan lain di belakang. Bermuka dua di sini memiliki makna bahwa rentangan sebelas bulan yang lalu dan sebelas bulan yang  akan datang merupakan kisah perjalanan hidup yang harus kita jalani dalam satu tahun. Kita hendaknya selalu merefleksikan setiap perjalanan hidup kita baik yang telah kita lalui sepanjang tahun yang lalu, dan juga apa niat dan rencana kita pada satu tahun ke depannya atau di tahun yang baru. 

Malam ini, merupakan momen yang sangat berahmat bagi kita semua. Entah kita sadar atau tidak bahwa Tuhan tidak saja memberikan kita kesempatan untuk berkumpul bersama anggota Komunitas Umat Basis, dan lingkungan kita. Namun, Tuhan selalu memberikan waktu terindah bagi hidup kita, entah apa dan bagaimana keadaan dan peran kita masing-masing, baik sebagai orang tua atau anak-anak, baik sebagai suami, atau isteri, baik sebagai tokoh adat, tokoh masyarakat, agama atau sebagai pejabat pemerintah, pendidik atau juga sebagai Fungsionaris pastoral, kita semua terpanggil dan diutus di tengah tata dunia ini.  Tuhan  senantiasa memberikan kita waktu untuk  mensyukuri setiap peristiwa hidup yang kita terima, baik dalam suka maupun duka, baik dalam kegagalan atau pun keberhasilan, tertawa atau menangis, ada waktu untuk bersyukur. semuanya itu ada waktunya masing-masing.

Bpk/ibu saudara/i yang terkasih dalam Tuhan,

Malam hari ini, melalui pewartaan Rasul Yohanes bahwa, inilah waktu yg terakhir bagi kita, dan akan muncul banyak anti Kristus dan mereka itu datang dari antara kita. Dan  lebih lanjut penginjil Yohanes, yang diperdengarkan kepada kita semua bahwa, Firman telah menjadi manusia dan diam di tengah-tengah kita.  Rasul Yohanes dan Penginjil Yohanes mau menunjukan suatu pernyataan sikap iman yang tegas dan penuh makna bahwa Kristus sang Sabda yang telah menjadi manusia adalah suatu peristiwa inkarnasi: Allah menjadi Manusia. Yesus tidak meninggikan tentang ke Allahan diriNya sebagai putra Allah, namun Tuhan menjelma menjadi manusia yang lahir di kandang hina sebagai wujud penyerahan diriNya secara total atas kehendak Bapa demi penghapusan dosa dan hidup kekal bagi kita manusia berdosa. Terang itu telah ada di dalam dunia dan dunia yg dijadikan-Nya tidak mengenalnya. Kita seringkali lupa tentang keberadaan diri kita sebagai CiptaanNya. Kita tidak menyadari akan karya agung Allah dalam hidup kita masing-masing. Kita seringkali mengandalkan Tuhan di kala kita tertimpa musibah dan kegagalan. Kita seringkali hanya mengeluh akan kenyataan hidup yang kita alami namun kita lupa bahwa apa yang kita terima merupakan anugerah terindah dari Tuhan yang patut kita syukuri.

Bapak/Ibu saudara/i yang dikasihi Tuhan,

Bapak suci Paus Fransiskus dalam kunjungannya ke Asia tepatnya di Doha Qatar pada bulan Oktober lalu, ada semacam konferensi bersama dengan para pemuka agama-agama lain di dunia, mengeluarkan suatu seruan bersama terkait dengan pesan perdamaian di seluruh dunia yakni "Hiduplah sebagai sahabat bagi semua orang". Perdamain dunia akan tercipta jika ada damai dalam keluarga. Dan ini dijadikan tema dan pesan Natal tahun 2019 bagi gereja Katolik di seluruh dunia. Seruan ini mengandung makna mendalam bagi para pemimpin agama dan negara di dunia  di mana terdegadrasinya nilai-nilai kemanusiaan. timbulnya konflik dikarenakan perbedaan bahasa, ras, suku, agama, dan golongan. Bagi Paus Fransiskus di usianya yang ke 83 saat ini, Beliau tetap melakukan kunjungan ke seluruh benua dan negara-negara yang sedang konflik untuk meyerukan bahwa perbedaan bukan penghalang bagi terciptanya kehidupan yang harmonis sehingga, perdamaian di seluruh dunia terutama terciptanya damai dalam hati kita masing-masing.

Bapak/ibu, saudara/i terkasih dalam Tuhan,

Ada bebrapa pertanyaan refleksi bagi kita  yang hadir malam ini. Apa sesungguhnya pesan natal dan perayaan akhir tahun 2019 bagi kita? Apakah semuanya hanyalah peristiwa tahunan yang dirayakan secara bergantian dari satu KUB ke KUB lain? Atau hanya sebagai ajang berkumpul membuka lembaran tahun yang baru?. Apakah kita sudah menjadi terang bagi orang lain, atau kita masih diselimuti suasana kegelapan di hati kita? Tentu saja kita memaknai dengan cara kita masing-masing. Namun satu hal yang perlu kita sadar dalam iman bahwa  Allah senantiasa menyapa kita dengan cara dan perantara yang berbeda.  Terpenting dari kita, adalah kesediaan untuk menyambut Kristus Sang Emanuel, Allah beserta kita, agar hidup kita diliputi terang sabda dan kebenaran dari Allah yang dianugerahkan kepada kita sekalian melalui kelahiran PutraNya Tuhan kita Yesus Kristus. 

Bapak/ibu saudari/i sekalian, umat beriman yang terkasih dalam Tuhan,

Sekali lagi, marilah pada perayaan akhir tahun ini, semoga momen ini  dapat menjadikan kita sebagai pribadi yang selalu bersyukur, dan kita hendaknya, menjadi sahabat bagi semua orang, baik dalam keluarga, KUB, lingkungan, dan stasi, serta paroki kita. Sehingga sukacita kelahiran Kristus Juruselamat kita menjadi penuh, dan kita boleh songsong tahun baru 2020 dengan hati riang dan penuh berkat.

Selamat Pesta Natal 2019 dan Bahagia menyambut Tahun Baru 2020, semoga sukacita natal senantiasa menyertai kita sekalian. Tuhan Yesus Memberkati, Amin.

Tugasoki Ende, 31 Desember 2019
       

Bagiku Hari Ini Merupakan Pesta St.Siprianus Bukan Stefanus

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Foto insert: Koleksi Pribadi

Hari ini tepatnya 26 Desember gereja  sejagat merayakan pesta St. Stefanus yang dikenal sebagai martir pertama dalam tradisi gereja Katolik. Momen bersejarah nan penuh makna ini pun lahirlah seorang bayi mungil di sebuah kampung kecil tepatnya di dusun Tugasoki Desa Ekoae Kecamatan Wewaria Kabupaten Ende. Peristiwa kelahiran pada 36 tahun yang silam tentu menghadirkan sukacita berlimpah bagi keluarganya.

Kelahiran bayi mungil yang lahir pada hari ini merupakan kabar gembira untuk mengenang kembali bagaimana peristiwa kehidupan yang dialaminya. Seraya menyatakan syukur dan pujian bagi Tuhan maka kelahiran dipandang sebagai anugerah terindah yang patut disyukuri dalam hidup ini. Karena kelahiran merupakan sebuah wujud dan buah dari cinta dan kasih sebagai awal dari kehidupan baru.

Peristiwa kelahiran bayi yang dialami oleh keluarga tentu saja memiliki  nama yang harus disematkan kepada seorang bayi. Pemberian nama bayi biasanya didasarkan pada  kalender liturgi sesuai amanat gereja agar anak tersebut menjiwai santo atau santa sebagai pelindungnya (patron saint). Namun berbeda dengan peristiwa hari ini. Walau tidak sesuai dengan nama santo dalam kalender liturgi gereja Katolik tetapi momen kelahiran tetap membawa kedamaian bagi keluarganya apalagi sedang diwarnai dengan suasana gemerlapnya natal Kristus Sang Emanuel yang lahir di tengah-tengah kita.

Nama bayi yang lahir hari ini adalah Siprianus bukan Stefanus. Sekali lagi, pemberian nama Siprianus sebetulnya tidaklah tepat karena tanggal 26 Desember dalam kalender liturgi, gereja Katolik merayakan pesta St. Stefanus. Sedangkan peringatan St. Siprianus dan St. Kornelius jatuh pada tanggal 16 September. Namun, apa boleh dikata nama itu telah dimeterai melalui sakramen permandian yang merupakan peristiwa inisiasi menjadi anggota gereja umat Allah yang kudus Katolik dn apostolik.

Kedua Orang tua memberikannya nama Siprianus tentu memiliki alasan. Sebenarnya, alasannya cukup sederhana, di mana nama Stefanus di kampung kecil itu cukup banyak, maka nama Stefanus diganti dengan Siprianus. Teringat pada suatu senja, tepatnya di hari natal ke dua pada 26 Desember beberapa tahun silam, di kala anak itu beranjak dewasa. Ia pun bertanya dalam bahasa daerah Ende Lio, 'Bapa, ta apa aku na naja Siprianus iwa si Stefanus'? artiya 'Bapak, mengapa nama saya Siprianus bukan Stefanus?..."Dema naja kau Stefanus berarti 'naja pai kau Fanu' tapi Naja kau nebu na Siprianu iwa si Stefanu' kalau namamu Stefanus berarti nama panggilnya Fanu, tapi sekarang namamu itu Siprianus jadi disapa Nus, Kata seorang Bapak yang merupakan ayah dari bayi itu dengan aksen bahasa Lio yang selalu menghilangkan huruf terakhir dari kata yang diucapkannya. 

Sambil tersenyum anak itu pun menjawab, "oh ya...Santo pelindung saya  adalah Siprianus bukan Stefanus". Maka hari ini merupakan hari kelahiranku, walau umat sejagat memperingati St. Stefanus namun aku tetap merayakan hari kelahiranku dengan pelindung St. Siprianus. "Aku harus memaknai hari ini sebagai momen bersejarah dalam iman akan rahmat kelahiran dan kehidupan yang telah aku terima" tandas anak itu. "Mulai hari ini juga, engkau perlu menyadari bahwa Peristiwa kematian St. Stefanus menjadi peristiwa kehidupan bagimu" tegas Bapak dari anak itu. Sekali lagi, selamat merayakan hari kelahiranmu SIPRIANUS, sehingga nama kamu bukan STEFANUS. 

Catatan lepas di hari kelahiranku, Siprianus Wara
#26Desember1983
#36

Selamat merayakan Pesta St. Stefanus Martir pertama, Damai Kristus menyertai kita sekalian. Hiduplah sebagai sahabat bagi semua orang!

Peringkat UN SMA Di NTT Tahun 2019

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Repost Data UN 2019

PERINGKAT UN SMA YANG MENYELENGGARAKAN UNBK BERDASARKAN NILAI RATA-RATA SEKOLAH:

1. SMA SEMINARI PIUS XII KISOL
2. SMA SEMINARI ST.YOH. BERKHMANS TODABELU
3. SMA DIAN HARAPAN KUPANG
4. SMAK ST.KLAUS WERANG
5. SMA SWASTA SEMINARI LALIAN
6. SMA SEMINARI MARIA BUNDA SEGALA BANGSA
7. SMA KRISTEN 2 KUPANG
8. SMA NUSA CENDANA INTERNATIONAL PLUS
9. SMAK SEMINARI SANTO YOHANES PAULUS II LABUAN BAJO
10. SMA ST.KLAUS KUWU
11. SMA SWASTA KATOLIK SYURADIKARA
12. SMA KRISTEN MERCUSUAR KUPANG
13. SMA SWASTA REGINA PACIS BAJAWA
14. SMA KATOLIK GIOVANNI KUPANG
15. SMAS SEMINARI SAN DOMINGGO
16. SMAN 2 POCO RANAKA
17. SMAK ST.FRANSISKUS XAVERIUS
18. SMA KRISTEN GENERASI UNGGUL
19. SMTK KASIH KARUNIA
20. SMA SWASTA DIAKUI SEMINARI ST. RAFAEL
21. SMA NEGERI 1 LANGKE REMBONG
22. SMAK SURIA ATAMBUA
23. SMA KATOLIK ST. TERESIA DANGA
24. SMA KRISTEN TUNAS BANGSA KUPANG
25. SMAK FIDES QUAERENS INTELLECTUM
26. SMAK FRATER MAUMERE
27. SMA KATOLIK FRATERAN NDAO
28. SMA KRISTEN PANDHEGA JAYA
29. SMA NEGERI 3 KUPANG
30. SMA NEGERI 1 ATAMBUA
31. SMA NEGERI 1 MAUMERE
32. SMAK FRATERAN PODOR
33. SMA PGRI GELEKAT LEWO - BORU
34. SMA NEGERI 1 LARANTUKA
35. SMA NEGERI 1 WAINGAPU
36. SMAK ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA
37. MA AL' BARA'AH CROWERIAN
38. SMA KATOLIK ANDALURI
39. SMA KRISTEN CITRA BANGSA
40. SMAN 1 NUBATUKAN
41. SMA SETIA BAKTI
42. SMA NEGERI 1 ENDE
43. SMA NEGERI 1 KEFAMENANU
44. SMA SEMINARI SINAR BUANA
45. SMA NEGERI 2 KOMODO
46. SMA SWASTA KATOLIK DIAKUI BHAKTYARSA
47. SMA NEGERI 1 BAJAWA
48. SMA NEGERI 1 KUWUS
49. SMA NEGERI 1 AESESA
50. SMA SWASTA FRATER DON BOSCO LEWOLEBA

Pengulangan Merupakan Pola Belajar Paling Dahsyat

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Foto ilustrasi: koleksi pribadi

Belajar merupakan suatu usaha yang dimanipulasi agar mencapai suatu target tertentu. Ada sebuah adagium tua dalam bahasa Latin yang berbunyi " Repetitio est mater studiorum" dapat diterjemahkan secara harafiah yakni 'pengulangan merupakan ibu yang baik dalam belajar'. Ini merupakan hal yang tidak dapat dipungkiri oleh setiap orang yang pernah dan sedang menjalani suatu proses yakni apa yang kita sebut belajar. Pengulangan merupakan suatu kekuatan yang dasyat dalam belajar (the power of repetition).

Pola pengulangan dalam belajar juga merupakan suatu cara sederhana yang dapat dilakukan baik secara perorangan (individual) atau pun  kegiatan belajar secara berkelompok (learning community). Ada banyak cara orang dapat belajar dengan pendekatan pola pengulangan. Hal demikian banyak dan bahkan selalu dilakukan oleh para siswa/i, baik pada jenjang pendidikan dasar, menengah bahkan di level pendidikan tinggi. 

Kegiatan pengulangan dalam belajar saat ini merupakan pola belajar paling banyak digandrungi terutama di jenjang pendidikan menengah seperti SMP, SMA/SMAK. Alasannya sebagai masa persiapan baik pada Ujian Sekolah Berstandar Nasional (USBN) atau Ujian Nasional (UN). Ini bisa menjadi suatu kebiasaan dan terbukti sebagai cara efektif agar pengusaan materi pembelajaran terus diasah agar para siswa/i bisa menyelesaikan soal-soal pada saat ujian.

Pola pengulangan dalam belajar berkorelasi positif terhadap prestasi  belajar siswa. Hal ini telah diakui oleh para guru di berbagai jenjang pendidikan. Mengapa demikian? Ya, karena pola pengulangan dalam belajar terus digalakan dan dilakukan hingga saat ini. 

Ada beberapa bentuk pengulangan dalam belajar;

a. Kegiatan belajar tambahan pada sore hari. Kegiatan mereview materi belajar biasanya dilakukan pada sore atau malam hari, selain jam reguler pada pagi hari. Kegiatan ini lebih menekankan pada kisi-kisi bahan ujian (blue print) baik USBN atau UN pada tahun berjalan atau membedah materi ujian empat atau lima tahun terakhir yang pada prinsipnya tetap menganut pola pengulangan.

b. Pelaksanaan kegiatan evaluasi atau try out (TO) secara maraton. Kegiatan TO pada prinsipnya merupakan kegiatan mengevaluasi materi pembelajaran baik dari kelas sebelumnya atau juga materi-materi ujian hasil analisis dari bapak ibu guru mata pelajaran yang merujuk pada Standar Kompetensi Kelulusan (SKL) yang dapat dijadikan sebagai acuan atau pedoman untuk mempersiapan para siswa/i dalam mengahadapi USBN atau UN pada tahun pelajaran tersebut. 

c. Adanya pola pengelompokan sesuai prestasi belajar siswa.Pengelompokan peserta didik sesuai dengan tingkat kemampuan penguasaan materi merupakan salah satu bentuk pola pengulangan belajar, di mana para siswa/i yang sebelumnya berasal dari kelas besar, dan menjalani jam belajar tambahan yang mencapai hasil belajarnya masih rendah maka dikelompokanlah sesuai kemampuannya. Kelompok belajar dalam grup yang lebih kecil ini sebetulnya memiliki tujuan yang sama agar siswa/i lebih fokus pada materi yang belum dipahami secara baik. Ini juga merupakan satu pola pengulangan dalam belajar.

***

Dari pola pengulangan belajar di atas menunjukan bahwa adanya perubahan paradigma berpikir di mana pengulangan merupakan pola belajar yang hanya dilakukan siswa untuk menghafal (memorize) materi pembelajaran. Para siswa tidak diarahkan untuk berpikir kritis dan analitis. Maka pola pengulangan yang tengah dijalani dan bisa dikatakan diwariskan secara turun temurun bisa saja ditinjau kembali. Hal ini bisa saja bertentangan dengan gagasan brilian Mendikbud Nadim Anwar Makarim yang menerapkan empat program pokok kebijakan pendidikan "Merdeka Belajar" meliputi Ujian Sekolah Berstandar Nasional (USBN), Ujian Nasional (UN), di mana ujian 2021 menjadi assessmen Kompetensi Minimum dan survei Karakter yang terdiri dari kemampuan bernalar menggunakan bahasa (literasi), kemampuan bernalar menggunakan matematika (numerasi) dan pengguatan pendidikan karakter. Pendasarannya bahwa pola pengulangan lebih berorientasi kemampuan siswa untuk menghafal bukan bernalar maka penggluasaan terhadap konsep dan pemecahan masalah menajdi rendah. (Sumber, 408/sipres/A5.3/XII/2019.

oleh Siprianus Wara

Prinsip Pembelajaran Abad 21

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano
Repost dari LP3SI
#BerbagiInformasi @DearDosenIndonesia

4 Prinsip Pokok Pembelajaran Abad ke-21

Empat prinsip pokok pembelajaran abad ke 21 yang digagas Jennifer Nichols tersebut dapat dijelaskan dan dikembangkan seperti berikut ini:

1.  Instruction should be student-centered

Pengembangan pembelajaran seyogyanya menggunakan pendekatan pembelajaran yang berpusat pada peserta didik. Peserta didik ditempatkan sebagai subyek pembelajaran yang secara aktif mengembangkan minat dan potensi yang dimilikinya.

Peserta didik tidak lagi dituntut untuk mendengarkan dan menghafal materi pelajaran yang diberikan dosen, tetapi berupaya mengkonstruksi pengetahuan dan keterampilannya, sesuai dengan kapasitas dan tingkat perkembangan berfikirnya, sambil diajak berkontribusi untuk memecahkan masalah-masalah nyata yang terjadi di masyarakat.

Pembelajaran berpusat pada peserta didik bukan berarti dosen menyerahkan kontrol belajar kepada peserta didik sepenuhnya. Intervensi dosen masih tetap diperlukan. Dosen berperan sebagai fasilitator yang berupaya membantu mengaitkan pengetahuan awal (prior knowledge) yang telah dimiliki peserta didik dengan informasi baru yang akan dipelajarinya.

Memberi kesempatan peserta didik untuk belajar sesuai dengan cara dan gaya belajarnya masing-masing dan mendorong peserta didik untuk bertanggung jawab atas proses belajar yang dilakukannya.  Selain itu, dosen juga berperan sebagai pembimbing, yang berupaya membantu peserta didik ketika menemukan kesulitan dalam proses mengkonstruksi pengetahuan dan keterampilannya.

2. Education should be collaborative

Siswa harus dibelajarkan untuk bisa berkolaborasi dengan orang lain. Berkolaborasi dengan orang-orang yang berbeda dalam latar budaya dan nilai-nilai yang dianutnya. Dalam menggali informasi dan membangun makna, peserta didik perlu didorong untuk bisa berkolaborasi dengan teman-teman di kelasnya. Dalam mengerjakan suatu proyek, peserta didik perlu dibelajarkan bagaimana menghargai kekuatan dan talenta setiap orang serta bagaimana mengambil peran dan menyesuaikan diri secara tepat dengan mereka.

Begitu juga, kampus (termasuk di dalamnya dosen) seyogyanya dapat bekerja sama dengan lembaga, institusi, perusahaan, industri lainnya di berbagai belahan dunia untuk saling berbagi informasi dan penglaman tentang praktik dan metode pembelajaran yang telah dikembangkannya. Kemudian, mereka bersedia melakukan perubahan metode pembelajarannya agar menjadi lebih baik.

3. Learning should have context

Pembelajaran tidak akan banyak berarti jika tidak memberi dampak terhadap kehidupan didik di luar kampus. Oleh karena itu, materi pelajaran perlu dikaitkan dengan kehidupan sehari-hari didik. Dosen mengembangkan metode pembelajaran yang memungkinkan peserta didik terhubung dengan dunia nyata (real word).

Dosen membantu peserta didik agar dapat menemukan nilai, makna dan keyakinan atas apa yang sedang dipelajarinya serta dapat mengaplikasikan dalam kehidupan sehari-harinya. Dosen melakukan penilaian kinerja peserta didik yang dikaitkan dengan dunia nyata.

4. Schools should be integrated with society

Dalam upaya mempersiapkan peserta didik menjadi warga negara yang bertanggung jawab, perguruan tinggi-kampus seyogyanya dapat memfasilitasi peserta didik untuk terlibat dalam lingkungan sosialnya. Misalnya, mengadakan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat, dimana peserta didik dapat belajar mengambil peran dan melakukan aktivitas tertentu dalam lingkungan sosial.

Peserta didik  dapat dilibatkan dalam berbagai pengembangan program yang ada di masyarakat, seperti: program kesehatan, pendidikan, lingkungan hidup, dan sebagainya. Selain itu, peserta didik perlu diajak pula mengunjungi panti-panti asuhan untuk melatih kepekaan empati dan kepedulian sosialnya.

Dengan kekuatan teknologi dan internet, peserta didik saat ini bisa berbuat lebih banyak lagi. Ruang gerak sosial peserta didik tidak lagi hanya di sekitar kampus atau tempat tinggalnya, tapi dapat menjangkau lapisan masyarakat yang ada di berbagai belahan dunia. Pendidikan perlu membantu peserta didik menjadi warga digital yang bertanggung jawab.

Sumber:

Dikembangkan dari: Jennifer Nichols (2013). 4  Essential of 21st Century Learning

Refleksi:

Untuk menterjemahkan prinsip-prinsip pembelajaran di atas ke dalam praktik tentu bukan hal yang mudah. Tetapi itulah tantangan nyata dunia pendidikan kita saat ini, yang suka atau tidak suka kita harus sanggup menghadapinya.

Consultative Council of Private Education of East Nusa Tengggara Province Held A Festival for SMA/SMK Level on 7-9 November 2019

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

Photo Insert: The Winners of Competition

The Consultative Council of Private Education of East Nusa Tenggara Province held various competitions such as; English Grammar Quiz Competition, Singing contest, Traditional dance, and the Speech competition for SMA/SMK level of East Nusa Tenggara Province.

The main theme of event is "Private Education In East Nusa Tenggara Supports the Tourism Development as the Prime Mover in Tourism Developing Sector". This event is the way on how the students aware of tourism potency as a Breakthrough in developing tourism destination places in NTT.

The head of steering committee, Fr. Kornelis Usboko stated "This is the second years event" Each year there were more enthusiastic of private school to take place in this event".

This is the annual event which be held as the responsibility of private education to support the program of Governor in tourism sector. The Chairman of the Consultative Council of Private Education, Winston Neil Rondo said " Learning is not just of you have done all the subjects in a period of time but on how to apply whether you have learnt on the real context of its learning".

 Therefore, the students are the agent of change have a big portion to promote the tourism spots and  also be the mover of its tourism sector.

The event took place on three days such from 7 to 9 November 2019 at Komodo Ball Room of DPD office. The participants come from 30 Senior High Schools from Timor, and Flores islands.

Furthermore, the Senator of DPD of NTT Miss Maria Hanafe stated that education is an institution have a main role especially the private education in NTT. "Let's be a part of brilliant issue on tourism development to get the better life" she said. This program related to  master plan of Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia that East Nusa Tenggara is as 1 of "New Indonesia Tourism Territory".

The event began with an Education Seminar for students, teachers, and also education supervisors. The result of competition showed that the contestant from SMAK Regina Pacis Bajawa as the first winner on singing contest was Agnes Patricia Lay Padang and also Prudensia Fiolenta Koli got the third place on speech contest. In the other hand, English Grammar Quiz Competition eliminated on quarter final.

By Siprianus Wara 

Photo Insert by Rocky/RNT; Recis Bajawa Squad on Festival SMA/SMK 2019

   

VOXRATEWATI.Com. By Wara Cypriano

#RepostDariSahabatKatolik

INSPIRASI HARI INI (Nasehat Rohani dari Mother Teresa)

• Beberapa sahabat dalam hidupmu, hadir sebagai berkat dan sebagian lagi berperan memberi sebuah pelajaran dan pengalaman berharga dalam hidupmu

• JIka anda ingin mengobah dunia, mulailah dari rumah dan keluarga anda

• Tuhan tidak meminta untuk menjadi orang hebat, sukses. Ia meminta kita untuk selalu mencoba dan beriman

• Jika anda asyik menghakimi sesama berarti anda tidak akan punya kesempatan untuk mengasihinya dan anda akan menyia-nyiakan waktu yang sangat berharga itu.

• Lakukanlah sesuatu (kasih) kepada orang lain bukan melihat siapa mereka (kaya, berpangkat) yang kelak bisa membalasnya kepadamu tetapi terutama karena kamu yang ingin tulus ikhlas melakukannya

• Kemarin telah berlalu (memori), Besok belum kenyataan (impian). Kita harus memiliki hari ini. Isilah dengan kasih.

• Setiap kali kita senyum kepada sesama, itu adalah aksi kasih dan persembahan berharga. Itu adalah amal yang sangat indah.

• Sebarkanlah kasih kemanapun anda pergi.

• Jika kita tidak mampu memberi makan ribuan orang (kasih) pergilah dan berilah satu orang saja.

• Warnailah hidupmu dengan doa, senyum dan bersyukur senantiasa.

• Tidak semua kita mampu melakukan hal besar tetapi kita semua mampu melakukan hal kecil dengan cinta yang besar.