Just finished my second WWOOFing trip in Sorowako, and lying on the hotel bed, the same spot I was in before this journey began. Everything feels like a dream.
I chose the program in Dongi Village because of my interest in local culture, particularly traditional dance, and my desire to understand how teenagers perceive and engage with their heritage. Additionally, I enjoy spending time with children, especially through teaching English and Mandarin.
Although there wasn’t much farming during my stay, it didn’t matter—every day was filled with meaningful activities. What truly amazed me was witnessing the strength and resilience of women like Mama Aldi and Tuti.
While I initially hesitated to call her “Mama Aldi” (as I wanted to address her by her own name), I came to understand that this title reflects her role as a mother and the respect she commands within the community. Mama Aldi dedicated so much of her time to me during my stay in Sorowako. She prepared meals daily, introduced me to local culture, and showed me the breathtaking views of the area. Our conversations revealed her incredible strength and independence—she not only supports her family but also runs her own business, pursuing her passions. Learning English as an adult is no small feat, yet she embraced the challenge with determination. Tuti, too, left a deep impression on me with her hard work and commitment to learning English, striving to make her life more meaningful.
The children in the class were a joy to teach. Over eight days (two weeks), we explored English and Chinese together. Their eagerness to learn a new language was inspiring. I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate they are to have so many opportunities to learn languages like Spanish, French, and Japanese at such a young age. My advice to them: seize these opportunities, explore your interests, and never stop learning. A special thanks to Mama Aldi for her support in making the classes possible.
Aldi, the heart and soul of the program, impressed me with the depth of his thoughts and vision. Through our conversations, I saw how deeply he and his friends care about protecting their hometown’s safety, environment, culture, and vitality. Despite the challenges posed by limited economic development—a issue that extends beyond their village to the entire country and world—they remain committed to creating a better future.
For me, these two weeks in Sorowako were unforgettable. While the natural beauty, especially the stunning lake, left me in awe, it was the connections I made with the people that touched me the most.
Instead of saying goodbye, I chose to say “zaijian” (再见 in Mandarin, meaning “see you again”). I hope our paths will cross once more.