On April 25-26, 2025, I participated in a joint recollection for classes X and XI at YPPK Adhi Luhur High School. This activity aimed to reflect on life, deepen relationships with God, and strengthen friendships. I enjoyed staying overnight at school, but some of my friends didn’t. I also felt less enthusiastic because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to work with my younger siblings.
In this recollection, I was part of a group of 9 students. My task was to bring a pot for cooking, and we had to prepare our food and drink. At first, I was anxious because no one was willing to bring a stove, but when I arrived at school, it turned out that a friend had already brought a stove.
The theme of this year’s recollection was “Stepping Together on the Path of Hope.” In the first session, Fr. Yohanes Adrianto Dwi Mulyono, S.J., spoke about “The Story of Victory.” He explained that victory is not only about achievement. He explained that victory is not only about big achievements but also about small achievements, such as making peace with the past or controlling emotions. I also reflected on my small achievements, such as fighting laziness to continue experimenting and becoming more diligent in worship. I now actively attend church services after joining catechism and becoming a member of the Young Members Fellowship (PAM).
In the second session, we learned about failure. Failure happens when a plan doesn’t work, and this often makes people feel discouraged. However, some make it a motivation to strive harder. I once failed to overcome laziness, but I tried to fight back by doing various activities. I also failed in math, which made me disappointed, but I focused on other subjects that I was better at.
The third session was about self-improvement. I want to reduce the time I spend on my cell phone and try to make up for it with activities outside the home. In the fourth session, we watched “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” a movie that teaches about courage and persistence to achieve a better life. After watching, we were given time to contemplate around Le Cocq College with candles. That night, candles were the only source of light and company. I felt at peace while writing, even though the candle almost died in the wind. After our reflections, we gathered to pray together before retiring to the classroom, where I had a hard time falling asleep but was eventually able to sleep soundly.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, we woke up at 4:30 am to cook breakfast and change clothes for the outdoor activities. We received different missions with envelopes containing locations and tasks. My group had to go to “Kampung Harapan” to find a place of worship, draw it, and sing two Easter songs. We were confused by the directions but eventually found the Bethel Church of Pondok Daud. We got help to draw and sing the songs.
We shared our experiences about going on a mission in the hall. There were various destinations, such as Nabire Beach, Nutrition Park, and others. Some people were supposed to go to Al Falah Mosque but failed because the mission was difficult. I am happy to be able to receive special missions and learn to carry them out. Although not all missions are easy, trying with all your heart is important. Sharing stories is also important so that others can learn.
From this recollection, I learned about cooperation, togetherness, and motivation. I didn’t expect this recollection to be so much fun and to get to know my younger siblings and classmates. At first, I was skeptical about my group, thinking that group 11 would not be cohesive, but it turned out that they were fun and reliable, especially in cooking. I experienced various feelings, such as happy and sad, but also gained many new experiences. This recollection made me respect myself and others more and not prejudge them before getting to know them.
Contributor: Gracia Tawa Buntu- YPPK Adhi Luhur High School
