That's Life!

Ten years ago, on an arid water tank, a big article was posted: water..water..water. Although it was only repeated word, it was more a poetic phrase that reflects the screams of powerless people to get clean water. That was the condition of Mount Kidul, Yogyakarta when I went there. I participated in a homestay program which was conducted by my school. Mount Kidul was very dry indeed. I had no wonder why many people are dramatized it. This long-lasting drought has made the emergence of cynicism for Mount Kidul people. Never shower, drink rain water, and shower with cattle in the lake is how people would picture about life at Mount Kidul. Nevertheless, I think Mount Kidul has its own splendor, a dignity which can be proud of.

I stayed at Mr. Tono’s house during my stay. I didn't ask how old Mr. Tono was but I guess he was around 50. His wrinkled cheeks and muscular shoulders showed how much he had struggled. He lived only with his wife and worked as a teacher at a school nearby. His house was very humble. A 5x4 meters woven bamboo hut. The floor was still soiled. He only had one room in his house. It could be used as living room, dining room and also kitchen at the same time. At the corner of this room, there was a woven bamboo mat for us to sleep on.

Despite of all the disadvantages at Mount Kidul, there was something miraculous and spiritual. There were peace, wisdom and happiness in such a simple life. They greet each other, worked mutually altogether, being considerate to others, and very grateful for what they have. Mr. Tono told me about how his ducks could lay up to 3 eggs each day and how all the eggs were hatched. He said that it was very rare to have them all hatched. That’s the magic of simple life. In such a disadvantage situation, they showed me advantages. They taught me how happiness is only about living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. No matter what people said, in my eyes Mount Kidul is one of the richest places in the world.