The last year 2022, was a Very Dynamic Year for me. Why? Because most of my wishes for 2021 came true that year. I had a dream in 2021: to go to Yogyakarta somehow to get there. I can only hope, and may God grant it, right?

It's incomplete to tell my pleasure without the process, so enjoy my story! Starting from selecting the Riau Islands Youth Choir members, I was enthusiastic about participating because a Church Choir Party (PESPARAWI) will be held in Yogyakarta. Of course, this is a great opportunity.

I immediately went to the selection place and followed the selection. Thank God everything went well. I've tried my best. May God do the rest.

When I was in The Selection

About a month after the selection, I finally got the results. OF COURSE! I PASSED! THANK GOD! I'M GOING TO YOGYAKARTA! Remember to update my parents and friends about this happy news. Finally, my dream came true after a long time.

A week after the announcement broke, we finally started our inaugural meeting to discuss our obligations as participants and how to optimize our performance, especially for the rehearsal we will carry out regularly. Our rehearsal takes about 5 months. I entered in the voice of the Soprano.

Me and My Sopran 1

Every training I undergo, I feel delighted and amazed as if I can't believe I joined the representative team of Riau Islands Province, which is so great and will compete nationally. Long story short, finally, the day of departure arrived. YOGYAKARTA, I'M COMING! Right on Monday, June 20, 2022, from Hang Nadim Airport. We depart about 1.5 hours to Soekarno Hatta Airport. Then continue transit to Yogyakarta International Airport for about 45 minutes.

My team on the Way to Innside by Melia Hotel

Arriving at the airport, we continued the journey to the hotel for 3 hours. It was tiring but fun because we saw new scenery in Yogyakarta on the way. While in Yogyakarta, we didn't go anywhere because we had to take care of our health to avoid the COVID-19 virus. All day before we perform, we rehearse to bring the best results. 

June 24, 2022, will be the day for us to perform. It feels so stressful! Finally, after months we prepared it. We will put on our best performance. Indeed all just for the glory of God's name! We were already preparing from 4 am because I participated in 2 categories. I had to prepare the next costume so that I was ready to wear it after the first performance was over. The makeup I use is also tried to last a long time until later. After we prepare, we remember to warm up so that our voices stay calm. 

We're ready! Finally, we went to Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta and performed at FBS UNY Performance Hall. The 3 songs we performed were S'gala yang Bernafas Pujilah Tuhan, Haleluya, and Elijah Rock. After performing our best in the Youth Choir category, we returned to the hotel to prepare ourselves to perform in the following category: Nusantara Church Music. 

You can also see us in this video!

Check this Out!

Ready! We returned to the next place, at Gadjah Mada University, precisely Grha Sabha Pramana. There are 2 songs that we perform and are happy. 

Ready part 2

That's how I feel with my friends because we struggled for over 5 months. I was also delighted my 2 high school friends who studied in Jogja and Semarang, Gabryel and Maria, watched me from the stands! In the evening, we went to the same place to watch and support the performance of Church Pop Music. A tiring day but very memorable for all of us.

Maria and Gaby Supported Me

VACATION!

The next day, it was time for us to take a vacation! Hooray!! Our first destination was to go to Prambanan Temple. We enjoyed our trip together with the Children's Choir. On the way, we sang, we repeated our songs to liven up the atmosphere inside the bus. Arriving at our destination, we visited the temple area and took pictures together. Remember, we also bought souvenirs for our family in Batam.

Take a Picture Behind the Temple

The next destination is Mount Merapi in Central Java. Unfortunately, I did not participate because suddenly, my head was dizzy and maybe already exhausted. It's sad because my friends are having fun and I must rest. But that's okay. Finally, we returned to Yogyakarta to buy souvenirs. I brought Bakpia Pathok 25 and Jogja keychain. After buying souvenirs, we walked to Malioboro, enjoying our last night in Yogyakarta. It doesn't feel like tomorrow we will return to Batam.

We returned to the hotel and rested for only a few hours because we had to go to Yogyakarta International Airport. I enjoy every trip home by looking at the scenery outside the bus while hoping that one day I will return here for a vacation with my family. Arriving at the airport, we checked in tickets, had breakfast, boarded the plane, and departed for Soekarno Hatta Airport. When we got there, we waited for transit to Batam. Thank God my friends and I arrived safely. Amazing trip. I can learn from this experience that when we have a strong desire for something, coupled with effort and prayer, surrendering all our efforts to God will surely answer our prayer sooner or later. Believe It.

Arrived in Batam