home away from home...

“A great power comes with a great responsibility.”

I’m not sure who originally says this sentence.

Though I remember Peter Parker’s (= Spiderman) uncle says this just before he is being murdered by a group of burglar...
Ok, I know, it’s a bit digressing from what I’m trying to say.

Anyway, the point is: There’s a thing called the balance of nature.

An example to ponder about...
For me and many other students who are privileged to study abroad, to experience foreign cultures, to leave in advanced countries; there are consequences and responsibilities that come along.

Once my friend said: “Those who are blessed academically (usually) need to leave their beloved family and motherland”.
I guess (believe me, I’m not a self-conceited person), I am one of those who are blessed academically.
And yes, I need to leave my dear family and motherland to study and work in a land so far away.
A land that I personally call ‘A home away from home’...

I remember discussing with some of my friends about what do each one of us prefers: Superfluous-and-Stray or Sufficient-and-Stay.
(Hey, I’m good in coming up with catchy names. Hehehehe)
Then, we give an almost similar response; a very humane one.
All of us (me and my friends) are grateful for being so blessed and to enjoy many opportunities only few can experience.
All of us are sad about being so far from people whom we love and places/cultures we are familiar with...

Then, we proceed to discuss about which one (out of the two options) that we choose.
We all give different responses.
I personally think that it’s not a choice.
It’s a gift.
A gift (=blessing) from the Almighty God.
A gift comes with a list of responsibilities and (unfortunately) does not come with a manual/user-guide.

People who are classified in the category/group of Superfluous-and-Stray and Sufficient-and-Stay both have their own privileges and responsibilities.

Each group has its own roles in the society.
Each group contributes differently to its surrounding and community.
But, they (the two groups) are interlinked and intertwined.
One shall not survive or exist without the other.
Thus, people who come from different groups must respect one another.
It’s a MUST, not a suggestion.

Imagine that all students from Indonesia study and/or work abroad.
Who will run the government, institutions, organisations, agencies and companies in Indonesia?
There won’t be anything running inside the country.
No school activity, no bank transaction, no medical action. Nothing!

But also imagine that no student from Indonesia studies or works abroad.
Who will bring new/advance technologies?
Who will bring in a new perspective about the world?
Who will transfer knowledge and philosophy from more advanced countries?
Who will promote Indonesia overseas?

So, we need each other.
And I, who are studying abroad now, not in any way see myself as someone who is higher/smarter/more important than my fellow Indonesian who serve in Indonesia.

Sheila
-who are away from home-