two eyes, two ears.

I’ve been doing volunteering works for as long as I could remember. even before I understand the meaning of “volunteering” itself. I’ve been instructing traditional musical group for years, teaching poor kids for months, being ambassadors in several local cultural events, working effortfully with several student organizational bodies, offering helps to some charity events, even just passing all my knowledges.. for years. and I’ve been doing all that regardless of money and time. I’ve been doing it all for free.

I do watch movies as well as do the outings as a large part of my social life. I do smile and laugh a lot and do some stupid things along with my besties. but still, for me, having a real social life means spending my time for humanity. I mean, in the presence of other millions unlucky beings in the whole world, how could such lucky ones like us not having this tickling thing inside our hearts, whispering us to go make the best out of ourselves towards, at least—if not humanity, our own communities?

one big, surprising thing did happen here, in the UK, when I first arousing my intention to go on a volunteering program. it was a simple question.. a least expected one.

“why do you want to do something unpaid?”

and still I have no answer for it. I mean, must there be a reason for doing just a simple, right thing?

…

and now I’m sitting here with a coffee in my windowsill.. trying to figure out some things from a different perspective. recalling my memories.

…

several years ago, in one of those youth-struggling moments in which I can barely remember, an old friend once told me this certain thing regarding money, which I did not really understand well at that time. “you see,” he said, “when people begin to understand money, when they begin doing things for money, then nothing will remain the same.”

“the bond between a paid worker with his employer might be just as strong.. but it’s just basically a matter of money. take the money out from the worker, take the worker’s right to receive money, or just when the employer gone to a bankruptcy.. it will all be gone. the bond will just be gone.”

“but look at us now,” he continued, “look at the bond we’ve made. look at how the bond between you and I will never be broken down.”

I looked at him, partly confused. “that’s because you and I are doing things in which we believe in. do you believe in what we’re doing now, Kepi?”

I nodded. without a doubt. “then nothing will ever tear our bond apart.” he smiled.

…

now that I recall it over and over and over again, it was when I did those volunteering things I did gain most of my confidence, strong willingness towards everything, hardworking-ness, and these excessive energy within myself. in short, volunteering life shaped up my whole being.

I was raised this way in my early youth age and I am very grateful for it. I am very grateful for everyone I passed and for everything I encountered in my early journey. only God knows how much I owe myself to you.

…

he read my questioning mind and answered my deep, buried curiosity. “you know you’ll never get any money for doing anything here.” he looked at me deeply, “but someday, somehow you’ll find out how your hard works will very much improve your life and how it will always make a better you.”

…

and, apparently, he was right. I owe you my life for that, buddy. if only you knew. :)