Recount Text About same thing i did as SMW

My Experience

I attend church at Santa Odilia, Jl. Cicadas Ps. II No.45, Cikutra, Kec. Cibeunying Kidul, Bandung City, West
Java 40124, Indonesia. I usually come as a regular member of the congregation, someone who quietly joins
the Mass without taking part in any special ministry. Sometimes people ask me why I don’t participate in
the altar server program, especially since many of my friends are involved. Honestly, the main reason is
simple—I often feel too lazy and unmotivated to join the altar server activities, especially because it requires
commitment, discipline, and regular practice. Even so, that doesn’t stop me from serving others in my own way,
just like Mother Mary teaches us through her kindness and humility.(O)

Before the Saint Mary Ways (SMW) activity even began, I had already experienced a few simple acts of service.
One of the earliest forms of service I remember was donating my belongings to people in need. On one of my
birthdays—though I don’t remember exactly which—I received many gifts from my family, friends, relatives,
grandparents, and parents. I still remember how excited I felt when opening the presents one by one. It made me
feel loved, appreciated, and very happy. I used the gifts I received, played with them, and even shared some of the
toys with my friends. We spent the whole afternoon playing together until it was time to go home, and seeing my
friends happy made me feel even happier.(E)

A few years later, when I had grown older, those gifts didn’t feel as important to me anymore. Many of them
were still in good condition, but I barely used them. One day, my mother suggested that instead of letting them
sit unused, I could donate some of the toys and items to children who needed them more. I thought about it for a
moment and realized that she was right—someone else could find real joy and comfort in the things I no longer
used. So I agreed. I don’t remember exactly where we went to donate the items, but it wasn’t far from my house.
I carried my toys, books, and several other things, and we gave them directly to people in need.(E)

I still remember some of the people we met. There was a mother with young children who couldn’t afford to
buy toys. There were others who needed food, clothes, or even just small items that could make their daily life a
bit easier. Giving away my things felt surprisingly meaningful. Instead of feeling sad for losing them, I felt
relieved and happy knowing that someone else could enjoy them.(E)

After donating, I began to understand something important—there are many people out there who truly need help.

Before that day, I had never realized how many families struggled just to meet basic needs. Seeing children who

were excited to receive something simple like a used toy opened my eyes. Honestly, I didn’t expect the situation to

be that overwhelming. I felt a mix of emotions: surprise, sadness, and gratitude. Sad because I saw how hard life

could be for others, but grateful because I realized how fortunate I was. I had food, clothing, a safe home, and a

family who cared for me—things that I had taken for granted for so long.(E)

That experience slowly changed the way I saw the world. I started to understand that kindness doesn’t have to
be big or expensive. Even small actions, like giving away things we don’t use anymore, can make a real difference
in someone’s life. Since then, I have tried to commit myself to helping others whenever I can, whether through
school programs like SMW, or personal acts of generosity at home or in my community. It taught me that serving
others isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being willing.(R)