October, 28th, 2005. Happiness and joy spread thorough the hall. All ADS awardees felt confident to finish their EAP course. It looked like there’s nothing to consider hereafter. “We are coming Australia”. Me too. My lips always created a confident smile and forgot that we had to end a memorable friendship among all ADS students. Honestly, I never imagined I could spend one part of my time interacting with many friends from various backgrounds.
Discussion or even a small chat could go interestingly when it moved from topic to topic. In a minute we debated about religion, and changed subsequently to politic. It’s not an end when we had to adjust it to economic or democracy as well. It’s a kind of experience I’d never gotten in my previous environment. I still believed that Alimin, my farmer friend, will dedicate his life for cultivating his land rather than wasting his time in talking such a topic that is not related with farming directly. Even Toyib, a teacher, will be much likely to use his time in preparing his subject to teach his high school students rather than confused by political intrigues. It’s true that sharing my time with them playing cards was an unforgettable moment, but it’s also true that one side of my brain needs (another) refreshment.
Sunday night, 19.33 pm, January, 8th, 2006. My mobile ring shocked me from my fantasy. Well, I filled that day with daydreaming. My success still has a trace in my happiness and it gives me a guarantee that my study will go smoothly. Early November I shouted loudly expressing my joy finding that my IELTS score was 7. Seven, man! It’s more than enough to pass the minimum score required by my favorite university. And God doesn’t stop his mercy to acknowledge me that University of Melbourne has offered an unconditional scholarship due to my one additional semester in Master of Geographic Information Technology. “You only need to wait the formal letter of acceptance”, one of ADS officer said. Thank God! After that, I spent my time with many activities preparing my departure, January, 7th, 2006 initially. I have even scheduled my beginning activities in that dream city. My blind proud has pushed me to answer confidently if someone asked my departure time. Ugh … the ring gave consciousness as well as when my doctor judged me that I have possibility to get tuberculosis. The sky was falling down realizing I should defer my study. How a pity I am!
“How are you, pal? Don’t think it too much. Don’t bring it to your deepest hearth. You don’t depart this time but you will.” Ah… their sentence has worsened my wound instead of curing the bruise. However I must show my respect to their concern, “I’m good, dude! Farewell my friend, be careful and don’t forget … you have family left.” I voiced that wise talk while I tried hard to find the bright side of my postponement. “We’ll wait you in OZ soon and welcome your arrival in the airport.” Ha..ha..ha, it sounded relieved. People have plan, but the Almighty will determine. And anyway I must accept whatever he gives. Is there a lesson behind his decision, isn’t there?
