Magical April (continue...)

It is surreal. Period.
Cold breeze, the sun, spring smell, dollar bills, store-keeper greets 'How are you.' I strangely feel just like at 'home'. It is always good to be back here in the States. Washington, Illinois, Minnesota, or California, wherever we go, it is different yet the same. It is the right place to be individualist, escape from those 'kepo' questions. It is nice to be alone for a while. What's even better about it, because I am not entirely alone. I am blessed to have good friends, to meet new friendly people, to be with a nice companion during this trip.

Arch Diose of Chicago

I arrived here on April 16th, in the morning. I passed the immigration smoother than I thought. It was only 3 minutes process. I did not need to prove any more documents. I was a bit worried about the immigration, just because in 2013, I got a hold. I needed to wait for an hour an a half in the immigration room, and it was not fun at all. This time was smooth. I got a little problem checking in at the hotel. But, hail to the hospitality school (it was a hospitality school who sponsored my accommodation), they know the word 'hospitality' really well. They solved it in a minute, and I had so much fun in the schools I visited. People were nice, and I got to say hi to everyone. Here is the thing. For most Western people ( I think more American, in this context), they don't have a particular attitude to give a name card, unlike Asians, where we usually give out name cards with both hands. For those (Americans) who have dealt a lot with Asians will do the same. It is just daring to see those lol. I know I just caught on small details that probably not really appealing for you.I just found it fascinating.

Book of Mormon

For the fun part, I had a multiple visit to the Bean. It is just a stupid steel shaped like a bean, but I just love it, and never get sick of it. Especially when you have good companions with you. The skyscrapers are new and old hand in hand. I fell in love with Chicago at the first sight. I visited this city in March 2011. It was a very short trip, was only about several hours, not even a day. On top of that, there was some unfortunate events happened that made me 'galau' even more in my senior year. NONETHELESS, I figured that I love the city, and promised myself to go back, to experience it for real, so I could not remember the bad thing happened before. And yes! It's answered. I had so much fun, I had enough sun in the weekend to see the city clearly. I had friends coming down from Minnesota. I finally had a chance to watch musical for the first time in my life, and I could confirm that I am a fan of musical. You guys have to watch Book of Mormon. It was hilarious!!!

the Bean

I am overwhelmed for all these things that are happening. It is a blessing indeed. I am blessed, you don't know how grateful I am.It is too much till I don't know how to express my gratitude. One more thing that makes my April is even more magical. 2 days before my departure, a new announcement came. We are not going to Maine as planned, we detour to..... *drumrollllllll* WASHINGTON DC! My dream place. Ah! I have told many people that I want to go to DC! and here it is, in front of my eyes. I am just overwhelmed.We will have a chance to go to the Monuments and the White House.

In contrary, I am a bit afraid because everything is just so perfect. BUT! I decide to just accept everything with gratitude. As my papo said, just give thanks before you even get the thing that you want. Thus, here I am, say Thank You every single day, and do good. Yap, do good.


In the end of the day, I feel I am well-fitted here. I don't want to leave. Do you think I take things for granted? Maybe.

Sweetest Handjajas

Ah 'home'. Where is home anyway? There have been so many places that I have lived, but only in the place I feel accepted, I call it home. I found home when I met my friends, D'Handjajas. I felt like home when I talked to my super CA, Katie on the phone. Home, where I can do whatever I want and not feeling watched. But, lastly, home is where I grew up. Where I could meet papo and Gassing and Echong. Laughed with my cousins, or simply had a meal in my rented room in Surabaya. So, where is 'home' anyway?














Breathe Chen, breathe...
Enjoy every beat of it.

Tomorrow, we'll be flying to DC, and I don't want to leave Chicago.

Hey Chi-town, I am mad about you... ;)
Could I promise myself to go back to you someday?

On this trip, you cure my heartache, you make me feel loved! I couldn't ask for more.
Thank you

Love
CVB