Live Life Now

Hi, this is V Sumardi. I've been writing this blog for years and am very excited to tell the world about my life, dreams, struggles, and motivation. Scroll down to see more and ask me some questions for more fun stories!

[kiddo-oscar]

Checking in to old posts and realize dang time flies..

in year 2020 i'm now a 24 years old clueless adult. Still as clueless as i was back in 2012, nothing much changes i guess?

the covid-19 is real! Gosh.. if u told me in 2012 than in 2020 there will be a huge pandemic that changes everyone life, probably i'll tell you to shut up and don't make such a lie. But its super real.. interesting right?

[kiddo-oscar]

Understanding Grief

As i just finished reading A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, i do want to share a story about grief from my own experience. Though i have watched, and read hundreds of sad story that ended with one character has to died; i have never experience grief myself. Not until at the beginning of this year, on January 21, 2018; that Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Boston Time when i received a phone call from my parents saying that my grandmother has just passed away. 

Few days before i already knew that she was indeed in a critical situation where they were only a slight chance that she will recover. As a grand daughter, who is is Boston and not even on her side while she was on her deathbed, gave me huge agony and sorrow. Knowing that if bad things happened you won’t be there to send her off to her resting place. As i remembered how we have spent so much time together, and how she always there for me, i just don’t want to lose her. I prayed and prayed for miracle to happen and she will be just fine, just like when i left her last September. 

C.S. Lewis portrayal of grief is something that i can totally related to. The way he can’t seems to function well without his wife, his sorrow, his confusion, and his thought about questioning God and His decisions. But i think he is luckier than me, as he was there by her side on her last days. 

Few days before she left, we supposed to have a phone call together, but i did not pick up the call due to my schedules at school. Have i know that it will be the last time that we might talk, i’ll choose her over my school for sure. But what is done is done and nothing i can do about it, right?

Right after getting the news, i should say life seems blurry for a period of time. I still do my routine, but my mind seems to wander somewhere else. As if my mind still cannot comprehend that she is no longer in the same earth as i am, breathing the same air and looking at the same sky. We can no longer telling each other secrets and asking for what to cook for lunch. Though i try to pretend to be okay, for the sake of convenience (i really don’t want people to ask me if i was okay, although i’m pretty sure that they have seen my swollen eyes those few days), i know i don’t. Every night for the first few weeks i fall asleep while crying and waking up just to find my pillow is soaked with tears and another day has gone by. 

My biggest fears of losing someone is to be the only person who bears the memories, to be the only one who knows our little secrets. What if as the time goes by i started to forget how she look? or her sound? little details that i used to know will started to fade away in exchange? Or perhaps i started to mixed up reality and imagination of her that i have in my mind? 

When people say “Time will heal all wound” i always believe that it will, but in the case of separation through death, can it heal? Because nothing can change the fact that she is no longer here and whatever i do will not change anything. Time cannot bring her back and all we have are the past memories that we treasure inside the little mind of mine. 

I remembered i prayed so hard, so sincere more than i’ve ever did before. I prayed for healing, and miracle that perhaps the good God will listen and heal her completely. So my reaction when it did not go the way i asked Him, i blamed Him, hated Him, i blatantly said,” You’re not as good as You said You are and I hate You. You took her away from me, when i told You not to.” Then i stopped praying at all. 

Few days later, i encounter a sort of thought. In my prayers i have always said,”Thy will be done” that may His way be done in my life. But when things happened not in my favor, i often get mad and blame Him for everything, just like this time. I do ask for her healing, but what if it’s not the best for her? what if there is perhaps greater things that He wanted her to do? what if she indeed has finished her job on Earth and it’s time to reconcile with Him?

My parents once told me,”She is in a better place now”. Sometimes i wonder if it’s true, but i really hope it is. All i can do now is to embrace all the memories that we have together and that’s what i am still learning to do. To let her go, but hold on to the memories. 

I still remember how proud she was during my graduation photoshoot with her last year, her smile, and the way she told me i did a good job. And this time, she won’t be there to see me waving my master’s degree diploma, but i will dedicated my achievement for her this time. This is for you, nai. Wherever you are, I hope you’re proud of what I have done. I love you and I miss you so much.

With love,

Your grand daughter. 

[kiddo-oscar]

Tips and Tricks to Live in Boston as a Student

When I first knew that I am going to Boston, one of the thing that worry me the most is the expenses. Many people said that living in Boston is expensive. From food, accommodation, transportation, and many more. But, as I have lived here in Boston for a few months, I realize that it is not expensive if you know where to go and how to get things cheaper.

1. Accommodations

A good place to stay is a must for everyone because most of the time that we have will be spent in where we live. For students, there are many choices from studio apartment, shared apartments, and homestays.

Studio Apartment: The average rent price of studio apartment (own apartment) is quite high ranging from $1800-$3500 per month, depends on the locations. Other disadvantages from having an apartment is that you have to buy all of your own furniture, bed, and other house appliances which then upon your graduation you have to sell everything back.

Shared apartments are one of Hult students’ favorite where usually 3-4 Hult students live together in a apartment, which lower the monthly rent expenses also get to know other people better. The average price per person in the shared apartment usually range from $600-$1300 which is much cheaper than the studio apartments.

Homestay: other options that are not that popular yet is the homestay. Homestay is where you rent a private room in a person house, but shares kitchen and bathroom. The advantages of staying in a homestay is that you don’t have to buy any furniture like an apartment because the owner has provided everything. So you can just come with your luggage and when you leave you can just left without having to do anything. The typical price for a homestay in Boston is from $800-$1000.

2. Transportations

Boston is one of the cities in United States that encourage their residence to use public transportations. Rather than using Uber, or driving around the city; students choose to use ‘T’ or ‘Train’ to travel around Boston. Beside ‘T’, there are also buses that travel around the city which is cheaper that using an Uber. ‘T’ also have weekly or monthly passes that allows us to use those mode of transportation for unlimited time during the week or month. For weekly passes it cost $21.25 and for monthly passes it cost $84.50. Although Uber can be a very convenient transportation, but considering the cost, T can be one of the alternative solution when you want to save up some money.

3. Shopping

There are many shopping avenues in Boston, ranging from the luxurious brand at Simon Place South End, Newbury Streets, to outlets at Assembly Rows. But one of the best way to shop there are during holiday seasons or certain days’ event such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, New Year, and Veteran’s Days. During those days, stores typically give out discount ranging from 15% to 75% which of course save up our moneys.

4. Groceries and Home Goods

Everyone need food, and of course to save money we have to cook rather than going out to eat. Before going to the store, you can make a list of the things to buy so that you can save time, reduce confusion and buy the things that you actually need. Buying groceries and home goods in bulk also prove to save us in many ways. Buying in bulk means we don’t have to go shop often, which also save the transportations fee if the grocery store is not close to where we live. In addition, we always have the tendency of impulse buying and by reducing the frequency of going out to the stores we can reduce the unnecessary things that we usually buy.

Those four things, although seems ordinary and simple but can actually save us a lot especially when we have a tight budget. Considering us, as international students cannot work in the United States during out program, we lose our inflow of income that we usually have when we were working. Therefore, through those simple steps we can reduce the living expenses and possibly can save more to do things that we want to do.

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Things to do and places to visit in Boston!

Studying in Boston is a privilege, with more than 600,000 people living in the area and more than 30% of them being scholars. Boston has a long history in architecture, culture, and many more. It is also a very diverse city, where you can find Chinatown, Little Italy, and many other places that give different vibes apart from that of Downtown Boston. As a student, and also a hardcore traveler, I do spend most of my weekends visiting Boston’s iconic places to maximize my studying experience at Hult Boston Campus. Based on my experiences and of course, the local favorites, here are the top 8 things to do and visit in Boston! 1.         Watch Red Sox Games at Fenway Park Fenway Park, the house of Boston Red Sox, the MLB team and pride of Boston. Fenway Park is one of the most visited places in Boston. You could see Red Sox fans all around the area, merchandises, stores with the Red Sox logo, and many more. But, the best part is to watch Red Sox games live with some friends. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 2.         Walk the Freedom Trail The trail is approximately a 2.5-mile-walk through Downtown Boston, surrounded by historical buildings that are full of different stories. It also passes through 16 significant locations that are connected to the American Independence. You can create your own self-guided tour, or join the local tour at www.freedomtrail.org for planning your trip and viewing the schedules available. 3.         Shop and Dine at Faneuil Hall Faneuil Hall was built by Peter Faneuil back in 1740. The ground floor of the building is designated for market stalls, and the upper floor for council chamber. Besides the Hall, there is also the Marketplace that includes three long halls (Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market). The three halls are occupied by shops, restaurants, and exhibitions. During the day, there are be street performers, and buskers doing shows in the square around the markets. For the store directory, visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com. 4.         Take a Duck Tour One of the fun and easy ways to travel around Boston is by taking the duck tour. The duck tour departs from three different locations, and it will bring you around the city for 80 minutes. From Prudential Tower to TD Garden to Boston Commons, there are more than 30 popular places that you could visit from the Duck Tours. For more information, visit www.bostonducktours.com. 5.         Study in the Boston Public Library The iconic Boston Public Library can be your next favorite studying spot. The popular Bates Hall, which somewhat portrayed the Hogwarts’ Hall, will bring back those fictional wizard experience, as if you’re a part of it. The Library’s garden is also worth a try, especially during the warmer days. 6.         Walk around the Charles River Esplanade The walking path around Charles River which separates Boston from Cambridge is known as the Esplanade. The three-mile leafy path is one of the best jogging or running tracks in Boston. You’ll pass playgrounds, marshes, and places to rent sailboats. The track starts from Museum of Science to Boston University area. 7.         Kayaking at the Charles River During the summer or early fall season, the kayaking activity is one of the best things to do in Boston. Doing activities with friends or seeing the city landscape from the River, is truly a memorable experience. The Kayaking rental area is located around the Charles River Esplanade. 8.         Shop at Newbury Street An eight-block shopping avenue are heavens for a shopaholic. From  market stores such as Urban Outfitters, to the higher-end stores like Marc Jacobs and Chanel, Newbury Street has it all. As the holiday season has started, it’s a good way to start on the holiday shopping as soon as possible at Newbury Street with many brands that you will absolutely love.

[kiddo-oscar]

What Every International Student Should Know about the United States Job Search?

On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, Mr. Dan Beaudry, an expert and author of “Power Ties: The International Student’s Guide to Finding a Job in the United States,” came to Boston, MA to share his skills to the Hult students.

Mr. Beaudry started his talk by stating the issue that every international student has and will have: the work permit. The sponsorship and visa are the first and biggest barriers that every international student will have in finding a job in the United States. But, he said that there is a way for us international students to tackle those obstacles.

First, let’s know the truth about sponsorship and finding jobs:

Some companies have a policy against sponsoring work visas because:

they are already drowning in job applications, 

they don’t want to spend time and money, 

they fear losing the visa lottery.

But, those same companies will often sponsor a visa anyway because they cannot find the skills.

Then, after graduation and having finished up your OPT, how do you get an H-1B visa?

- Talk to managers, Networks, ERP; they can be advocates to help you in getting a visa;

- Do not focus on the HR and recruiter;

- There is the hidden job market (70% of the entire job market):

Most jobs are filled without advertisements

Which is through referrals

Cheaper, reliable, faster

So, the way to tackle the sponsorship and visa barriers is through informational interviews. 

Informational interview is networking with someone by asking questions that could lead to further conversations and relationship. It can be done face-to-face, or even through LinkedIn.

Informational interviews can help you:

- On how to network

- Become the “silver bullet” of job search

You gather information from inside

Conveying to that person you are trying to get a job

Transform me-vs-the-world to one-on-and one conversations

Allow you temporarily to change the world of jobs seekers

- However, don’t ask for a job

- This will make you stand out from others.

Mr. Dan Beaudry suggested to us, international students should try and go for small companies and startups rather than focus on big companies because compared to large companies, not many people go after them. Also, they have no policies against sponsorship. He said, “Give someone a reason to want you till they don’t care about your visa and sponsorship. If you hear about the visa sponsor don’t take it as a final word.” Mr. Dan Beaudry has given so many insightful advice to all of us, and remember there is no such thing as too early in networking. So, get out of your comfort zone and start networking!

[kiddo-oscar]

How to Choose the Right Business School for You?

Choosing the right business school can open so many opportunities, gain tremendous experience, and many more. But how can you know which one is the right fit for you? Here are some tips and advices based on my own personal experience:

• First, find what you really want from a school. Why is this important? It is because you will spend your days or even years here, so you need to think wisely. You can make a list of the pros and cons of each school, from the reputations, programs, price, student diversity and many more. Then rank them in the order of its importance to you. By doing so, you’ll be able to narrow down your school choices and be the right fit for it.

• Second, visit some campus that you’re interested to. Visiting potential campus is an exciting experience, where you not only can see the campus physically but also engage with other potential students, getting know where the important places are, and of course more information about the business programs. 

• Third, foresee yourself after the program ended. What do you think you will be after graduated from the school? How much changes are you expected, and how will it increase your value? Can it help you to get your dream jobs? 

• Fourth, practical vs. theory. Business is not only about knowing the concept of economics, or accounting. But, experiencing real life business problem through the courses that you have. So, consider how much practicality that you want and need compare to the theory that will be though by the professor in the courses. 

• Fifth, check for financial aids. Going to school, undergraduate or graduate is expensive. But trust me its worth it. For me, I’ll use the term long-term investment. Knowledge is expensive but it will stick with you forever, and of course it can help you to be a better person than what you used to be. However, in order to reduce the pain of paying a lot, many schools offer financial aids to their students through scholarship program, loans, tuition grants, graduate assistant program and many more. 

• Sixth, compromising and prioritizing Well, there is no such thing as a perfect school where it has exactly all your needs and wants. So, compromise things and try to prioritize one thing over the other in choosing your future school. This decision making process will be the most stressful steps, so try to talk to your parents and ask for their insight, or ask some students from the school that you want how they think about their current school. 

So, that’s it my tips to find the right business school. I’ve been through all of this process and finally I’ve found mine. Out of many other business school around United States, I have chosen Hult International Business School for my master’s degree program in International Business. Why I chose Hult? 

First, what I really want from a school is the student diversity and the power of networking. So, Hult is the best choice for it. There are more than 100 countries are represented in each campus, which means that you will have friends from all other the world gather in a place. Then, Hult also offers many scholarship programs from future students that excel in their respective field. Last, Hult is not a perfect school and as I mention there is no perfect school.

 I do not try to find the best school, but only the right one for me, where I can develop skills and networking at the same time. That’s it! It’s quite a long post, but I truly think that this probably will help many of you in deciding schools in the future. So, my suggestion is to find a school that fit you best is better than choose the best school in the world. 

[kiddo-oscar]

(How to) A Guide to Study in the United States of America.

What a interesting topic, isn’t it? Especially for all of you who are currently in senior high school, and have a dream to go to United States for your university here is your smart guide!

First step, how to apply?

Agent/Educational Advisors

Agent/Educational Advisors are people that experts in finding schools and have connections here and there. They can help you in finding requirements and documents that you need to submit an application. They can also give you some recommendation about university that they seem suitable for you based on your preferences and ability. 

You, Yourself, and Yes you can!

If you want to apply to certain university, and you know particular major that interest you, you can apply by yourself. It is not a hard thing to do, as long as you have the time to check on all the documents that are needed for the application, and of course, submit it on time. 

Second step, then what?

So, after you apply you know that there are some requirement from the university that you applied for such as TOEFL and SAT exam result. Study hard, and get a great score in both. Typically for a common university, scoring 85 in a TOEFL exam can get you in, but for the IVY LEAGUE school perhaps you need to have at least 90 and above, and if you could get more than 100 will be better!

Third step, write your essay!

All university will typically require at least 1 essay for the undergraduate student. The topic can be vary from How to describe yourself? What’s your strength and weakness? What is your biggest achievement? Why do you choose this program? And many more. Remember that there is a deadline for this, so do not procrastinate. 

Fourth step, submit your application.

Once you finished your essay, and submit your TOEFL and SAT result; you are almost done. There are some documents that the university will require you to submit such as a copy of passport, school transcript, graduation diploma, and other legal documents. After all of those are collected, you can submit your application. Most school have an online application platform, so no paper hassle, just click upload documents and submit. 

Fifth step, you got accepted!

Congratulations, by this point you are almost an undergraduate student of a university in USA. But, there are things that you need to have before flying to USA. So, let’s continue preparing yourself.

Sixth step, Visa and I-20!

After receiving your acceptance letter, the university will asked you to make your student visa (usually F-1) and they will send you an I-20 (immigration form). Then you need to make an appointment with the US Embassy in your home country for an interview. There are certain documents that they need to grant you visa, such as financial support (how you will pay your school bill, and who will pay?), passport, acceptance letter, and many more. Each country has different requirement so check it before you make an appointment. During the interview, answer to their question just like a normal conversation, don’t panic and you will be fine.

Seventh step, you got your visa! Yeah!

Now you can say that you are officially an upcoming undergraduate student! Congratulations again! Now its time to pack up and book the flight to USA! Remember, US have 4 seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) so prepare some winter clothing. Although not every states will have a heavy snowy winter, almost all states will have a quite cold winter with temperature below 10 Celsius or 50 Fahrenheit. You can check flight tickets from KAYAK, PRICELINE, MOMONDO.

Last step, counting days to your new adventure in USA! Let’s have some fun facts about USA:

- Consist of 50 states and not only California and New York. 

- Boston is not only consist of Harvard and MIT, there are many other great schools too.

- Americans are friendly, they smile a lot, and very helpful even to strangers. 

- USA Independence Day is on July 4th! 

- USA use miles instead of kilometers, and inch instead of centimeters. For weights USA use pounds instead of kilograms. 

Have fun searching around for universities, and hope that this guide will help anyone who would like to study in the USA.

-V.Sumardi-

[kiddo-oscar]

Moving to the unknown

Hi this is Valen again. Today is the day where i finally move to Boston and leave Pensacola for my studies. Leaving friends, and family is not an easy task for me as all those memories and moments that we shared together are unforgettable. I don't even know if i'll find good friends up there in Boston. 

 Moving to Boston is also another leap of faith and adventure that i choose to take this time. If you asked me how i can ended up in Boston, i'll be honest and tell you that it is only by God's grace and His own plan for me. 

When i was a freshman i always wanted to go to UK for my master's degree and i've contacted some education advisors to help me enter those universities. I've been holding on to my UK's dream for 3 years until my senior year's winter break. I went back home to Medan, and met my mom's friend who used to be my education advisor that also help me to come to PCC. He then told me that it is better to stay in the US than the UK for masters. 

Well, i accept his opinion but i still hold on to my UK plan. But then many things happen, such as the Manchester bombing issue, London shooting, and other political and economic problems in the UK and EU makes my parents change their mind and it also change my mind. Of course as parents you want your children to study at a safe environment right? So, those UK dream then gone. 

Next, after discussing it back and forth finally i agree to take my master's degree in the US. But where and what? I don't know. It's my senior year and I don't know a thing about graduate school in the US because i've been focusing only in the UK area. So, i need to start from zero and find those programs that will suit me best. 

 Fast forward, i've found some school that sparks my interest and those are USC, Ohio State University, U Mass Boston, Hult International Business School, and Seattle University. All those university are excel in their business program and have different business style. They all required good grades, résumé, interview, essay and all those other things. I truly want to finish all their application processes and get accepted right? But then it is during my midterm exam and i also have many working schedule. So i truly stressed out and frustrated with myself. Maybe this is the turning point of everything, i started to pray to God and let Him help me to choose what's the best for me. 

All those schools are good, but paying for all the application fees will be such a waste of money right? Although i try to finish all of the paperwork that they needed, i still cannot finish all of those except for one school, Hult International Business School. I finished their application and interviewed by them, and by the end of November they already accepted me as a graduate student. Of course i'm so happy about it. It is Boston, and it is a graduate school. Although i don't know anyone, and anything about Boston, i'm glad that God has brought me there and I believe God must have His own reason for sending me to Boston. 

 Truth be told, Hult's program is actually really suits me well. Where they offer me the Master of International Business degree with a dual program of Master in Finance degree. I love Finance and by learning International Business i can learn even more about the global economic and business culture. So it's a win-win solution for me. Next, leaving Pensacola is a really hard thing for me. I have family, and friends that have been there for me since my day 1 and i cannot imagine my life without their presence. 

Although we have only know each other for 2-3 years but what we have are much more that ordinary friendship have. It's more like family, sisterhood type of thing. I know i'm not that clingy type, but having a thought of leaving them behind and will be all alone in Boston is really bothering me. 

 But then, life must go on right? And that's what i'm going to do. Jump into the airplane and move to Boston. Learn, live, and adjust well there. Will try to find and earn some good friends, attend good church, find good community that will help me to grow to be an even better person. 

 That is my life report for now. Will keep you updated even more soon. Thank you very much for reading. Please keep me on your prayers and may I be the KID that you always want me to be. Have a nice day. 

Yours sincerely, 

V.Sumardi

[kiddo-oscar]

Little Braver Now

Hi, it's me again. And yeah after few months or years, i'm back. Today is the day where i'm flying back from Indonesia to United States. My summer in Indonesia has been great, and i'm really sad to leave. This summer break has been the best of my life as it really bring a real change in me. Well, you know i'm kind of the introverted to strangers right? And i'm not close to only few people. So, this summer i finally meet quite many friends. I met my junior high school friends, my college friends, my old teachers and some new people too. After all, i am surprised by myself and my family are quite shocked as well. I used to stay home for a week without meeting anyone unless its urgent. But this time i can go out with friends almost everyday. Yeah.. Meeting with friends help me to learn to listen, speak, and react according to different situation and i kind of like it. Although i still maintain some distance but at least i try to open up a lil bit. Letting people in to our lives are never easy right? But i still give them chances to know me now. Maybe it's because i'm moving to Boston for my master's degree? Maybe i've grown a little bit more than before? Whatever it is, its a good thing for me right? Ah yes, about Boston i'll talk about it soon. I have not been able to write about it yet, and i'll tell that story next time, i promise. After-all, this summer God has taught me yet another wonderful lesson. To learn to be braver than before. To be able to forgive, and open up myself to others. It's not easy but i believe it will bright me to another awesome adventure wherever i go. Thank you for always loving me, I know I did not write for a while, and i apologies for it. Have a great day, everyone. 

Sincerely yours, 

V.Sumardi

[kiddo-oscar]

☃ BEAN ❄️ #chicago #thebean #illinois #chicagoland #insta_chicago #chicagogram #igerschicago #chicagophotographer #chicagobound (at Millenium Park)

[kiddo-oscar]

Cheap Coffee Story

Today, i have this thought that i would like to share: So, nowadays the “don’t judge challenge” is very popular. Everyone seems excited to join those kind of challenge for many reasons. However, as in my perspective, i don’t see any usage of this challenge. If the “ice bucket challenge” were to support and fight the ALS disease it is cool. I mean, we join to raise fund for research or have fun with ice pouring over your head. If they said that the “don’t judge challenge” was to support people to don’t judge the book by its cover how’s that? It sounds cool.. I think. In contrary, i don’t feel like the implementation of the challenge makes any different. It is not supposed to be “don’t judge the book from its cover” but “appreciate yourself and be grateful for who you are”. I mean what is the point of trying to look different (put some marker’s dot on your face to make pimples, fake mustache, specs, or else) just for fun, and like in a glimpse turn into another awesome person like. Well, what if for real you have that appearance (pimples, dark skins, wear spectacles, etc) then does it means that you’re ugly? No! In my opinion, nowadays generation tend to think that good looks is what matters, more than anything else. If you have good looks, people will appreciate you more and you’ll be loved, and if you’re ugly then no one will accept you in the society. So, young people please.. Please love yourself, have faith in yourself, believe in yourself, learn to accept who you are for what you are. No matter what other people think about you, you’re unique and special for who you are. Each and everyone of us is beautiful in its own way. I’ll tell you a secret spell, said it in your heart. Wherever, whenever you are lack of confidence, say this,“I love you (your name)”.

So, that’s my cheap coffee story of the day. My thought while having my coffee break. No offense to anyone, or anything, just a lil kid perspective. Peace!

[kiddo-oscar]

Last June, i went to visit Mount Bromo. It is located on East Java province in Indonesia. Mount Bromo itself is still an active volcano and its last eruption was in January 2011. I will tell you about my journey by expounding the photos that i have taken while i was there. 1) it was taken at Lava View Lodge Hotel at Probolinggo, East Java during sunset. I truly recommended this hotel as it has a good both sunrise and sunset of mount Bromo, not only view but it also has a good accommodation and friendly staffs. 2) my family and i strolled around the hotel to find a good spot to capture mount Bromo's sunset moment. 3) we woke up at 3 to catch the 3.30 a.m. jeep and drove up to the "View Point Penanjakan" area to see the sunrise. Mount Bromo's sunrise moment is the climax of all Bromo's journey. At the view point area, you'll see lot of people have been waiting for this moment and their euphoria after watching it. 4) it is a photo of me in front of those jeeps that parked along the road near the view point area. 5) around 6 a.m. we continued our journey to the Savannah Hillside. The savannah is located at the foothill of mount Bromo. 6) next, to climb up mount bromo it is way easier to travel by horse as it can save you an hour than walking. The cost of a horse ride is $10 each. 7) it is me again, in front of mount Bromo's crater. To climb up to see the crater, we must climb approximately 250 staircase to the top. There are some rest area along the way, so no worries. 8) My dad, me, and my sister! Three of us has travelled all around Mount Bromo and would like to visit again in upcoming event!! A photo with our jeep! 9) this is a photo of Mount Bromo that i took after the sunrise. As you can see, actually there are 3 mountains that are lining up. The front one is Mount Batok, then Mount Bromo, and the tallest one is Mount Semeru (the highest mountain in Java Island) 10) i am so thankful and grateful for this opportunity to be able to see how amazing God's creations. He once again teach me to see the world in a different perspective and i love it. Last, i would like to thank www.bromotour.com for supplying great guides, jeeps, and accommodation during our short stay! 

-V.Sumardi-

[kiddo-oscar]

Skyhigh! 📷 #probolinggo #hypebeast #mountbromo #vsco #vscocam #tourdejava #eastjava

[kiddo-oscar]

March in L-O-V-E, not ordinary February tales..

Now playing- LOVE by Frank Sinatra

L- is for the way you look at me O- is for the only one I see V- is very very extraordinary E- is even more than anyone that you adore

Love is all that I can give to you Love is more than just a game for two Two in love can make it Take my heart and please don’t break it Love was made for me and you

Okay, so that is some part of the most popular song by Frank Sinatra besides “Fly Me to the Moon.” Love, is the topic that I would like to bring up today. Yeah, I know March is not that typical month about love.

“It’s suppose to be February.” “You suppose to post it on Valentine’s Day.”

Yeah, I know. I was quite busy back then. However, love is not a limited expression that you can expose only during certain days and time.

As I search through Professor Oxford, I means Oxford English Dictionary, the love word is,“and intense feeling of deep affection.”

The reason I write the topic about LOVE is that because I am in love!!!

“With who? Which guy? Tell me!”

One word for you guys, you’re k-e-p-o… Just kidding..

The truth is, I’m in love with God. Since few weeks ago, I started to realize His loving kindness to me, His mercies and graces amaze me.

God’s love is an unconditional love to me, He love me for who I was, who I am, and who I’ll be. Although I’ve sinned like a hundred, or even thousand times in my life, yet He still love me. And His love begins even when I was in my mother’s womb. God knows me better than I know myself. He knows every single one of my strength and weakness. He acknowledges that I’m His extraordinary child, because everyone is different in his own way. God always there for me, as my Father, best-friend, and Teacher.

Isn’t God amazing?? All of you know the feeling of being loved by someone, either from your life-partner, family or friends. The feeling was amazing, you feel that you’re wanted, worthy and blessed.

I recognize that God has love me so much and I need to at least pay Him back. Therefore, I decided to love Him more and more now. I realize that my love won’t be as great as His love to me, but at least I can prove that He is worthy for me.

When people ask me, what God love is? I can simply answer them,“God love is unconditionally to me.”

Hence, my fellow reader please realize how great and big and deep is our God’s love to each and everyone of us! So, let’s learn to love Him more and more!!

To God be the Glory!!!

-V.Sumardi-

[kiddo-oscar]

Have a little faith, shall we???

Today, I would like to bring a topic which is FAITH!!!

What do you know about faith? And what do you think is faith?

According to Commentary Old New Testament Vol. II, Faith is,”Substantiates promises of God which we hope for, as future in fulfillment, making them present realities to us”.

What does the definition means to us then?

Faith is perceiving unseen realities.

Perceiving unseen realities means that we believe, even though we can not see it, or even touch it. For faith is untangible thing, just like services that offer by humans, you can not touch a service, but you can feel it. An example of this issue is, Abraham, the father of faith. Abraham was told by God to leave his kindreds, family, city, friends, and follow God without knowing where God will leads him to. However, Abraham have faith in God, even though he does not know where he will go but he keeps following God. He has not see the promise land, yet he still believe, right? That act of believing is a sample of faith.

Faith is submission to God

Faith is total dependence upon God, and believe on His plan for our lifes. Besides faith is also obeyed God's will. How can we be dependent yet obey God at the same time? It is simple.

We depends on God, as we know and realize that we can do nothing without His help. So, we obey God's will as it is the solution for our every problems.

Faith is rewarded by God

About this issue, I have my personal experience about God's rewarded me for my faith. Few years ago, when I was 13 years old. I know, I am so young that time. However, on that age I started to have a dream to study abroad for my bachelor degree and I just do not know why, but I always want to go to States. Therefore, I kept praying to God that He will help me to realize my dream. 

At that time, my friends and teachers always tell me that I am a dreamer, and that my dream is unrational dream for a young kid. On the contrary, my church pastor always encourage me and told me that I was different from my peers, and asked me to keep on praying for my dream and have faith in it that God will fulfill my dream. I prayed for almost 4 years, when at last 2 years ago I got an acceptance letters from 2 colleges in States, and I realize that God really has answered my prayers. Not to be boastful, but I realize that it will not be happen if I were not have a faith in my dream and keep praying about it to God. As the result, now here I am, a sophomore year college student in Florida, USA. It is a reward from God for my faithfullness.

I do believe that faith has its own magical way to amaze us. God's plan for us is always beyong our expectation, He always exceeds our expectation. Our God is an Almighty God that will always have the best plan for our life. All that we need to do is just surrender all our problems, and our lifes to Him, and keep have faith in Him. One day, I believe that one by one, our dreams, or our problems, or anything that we have been prayed about will be answered by God in miraculous way.

My friends, from right now Let's us have a little faith!!!

-V.Sumardi-

[kiddo-oscar]

Good bye 2014, thank you for everything. Hi 2015, let's work together!

Hi everyone!! Happy New Year 2015!!! 2014 has passed.. I'm so grateful for everything that i've been through in the 2014. 2014 is a special year for me, from I came to USA for the first time, I got in to college in Florida, I celebrated my 18th Birthday, my first summer in New York and Boston. Not only those but also I could spend my December of 2014 in Orlando, Atlanta, and Gatlinburg. 2014 has given me a lot of opportunity. It taught me lot of new things, all the troubles that i've been through has make me grew even better and I can be a better me in the future. Thank you 2014 for being such a great year for me. A year where one by one my dreams came true, a year when God has shown me His plan for my life, a year that gave me lot of love and care. Now, it's almost 2015 here in Atlanta! I'll celebrate my New Year with my family and friends!!! How excited it is! My very first New Year celebration in the States!!!! My resolution is that in 2015, i hope that i can grow even better. To be a better person that I can be, follows all God's plan for me, more mature and nigh closer to God... Let's work together everyone!!! Have a great year ahead!! Make some resolution to create a better us.

[kiddo-oscar]

Movie Review: Into the Woods (2014) Disney Production

First, i know this movie when i browsed the youtube videos and found the trailer of "Into the Woods". I found it quite impressive as it has lot of Hollywood A listed stars playing in the movie, such as Anna Kendrick, Meryl Steep, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine and Emily Blunt. Besides that, the rating of "Into the Woods" on imdb is quite amazing with more than 7!!! So, i thought that well its gonna be a really good one... And it's a musical after all... Disney will never disappointed right? Well, the truth is.... Rrrr... Let me tell you, from my perspective as a college student, movie freak and a book worm... This movie begins with a smooth flow as it tells story about several fairy tales that we've seen from the trailer.. Cinderella, Jack and the bean stalk, Rapunzel, and the Little Red Riding Hood.. There is the Baker and his wife too... I don't really know who they really are, which i mean which fairytales are they come from?? My main point is actually this movie is kind of boring for me.. There are some funny part but half of the dialogue is confusing... And well i just don't get what the storyline is all about? What the main point of it?? Overall the songs were nice, and surprisingly funny.. Chris Pine and Johnny Depp sang quite well... Weird isn't it? It's a quite good musical but not a really good plot actually... That's my thought .. Hope it will help to those who want to watch the movie.. -KID-