in 1989 ~ 1990s,
…i had the chance to live in the US – in a small vibrant city of Wichita Falls – with its location is in Texas, many would assumed that i live around the cowboys era fufufufu ~ – but…its totally different than what people imagine…

Wichita Falls,
the town where i spent my most memorable childhood – i was fortunate to have my Elementary there – even only for a while.
the town where my family and me had been living – my Dad was getting his degree in Midwestern State University while my Mom is working as the librarian in my school.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School ~
is the school where i went to when i was in the US.
is the place where i was forced to speak *please note that the little lady in red were only able to say “yes” and “no”.
as well as…the moment when i was well-proud of myself – i may not be able to utter the language but i was able to get along very well with my fellow classmates ~ i do still remember some names ~ Camille, Allan, Debra, Kenji, Ashley, Oliver and Lauren.
Camille and Allan would be the two that was really close to me – i was sad when i had to say “farewell” *again…please note that this little lady back then can’t say a proper farewell*

Then…
the unforgettable teacher eveeeeeer, Ms. Lisa Parks,
she was…AWESOME! i can’t express this feeling in any other way – I can’t speak a word of English, but she was so patient and showed me one by one what is the english word for this…for this…
My third word in English that i was able to say was “can” (meaning: able to) then followed with “rain” LOL! *this little lady just didn’t eager to learn huh?*

Then…
years goes by…so quick ~

Lately…well within these years, I’ve been looking for her *my former teacher* ~ but I didn’t know where to start…
Well, i tried to browse for the Ben Franklin Elem’s website – found it – then i emailed the School Principal …yet, nothing ~ the results was none…
next…i went thru the Social Media – such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google ~ yet none… *lately, this young lady just had a thought…ahh she should be married by now – so, she might use her husband’s family name ~ yet…how do i know his nameee?*

Its been some years…until 5 days ago,
when i had nothing to do…my fingers was just suddenly typed the Ben Franklin’s website and looking at each teachers’ profile!

UNTIL…i found Ms. Penny! She has been teaching in Ben Franklin for 29 years now *so, with my fingers…i counted back…ah! she should be there when i studied in Ben Franklin!…yatta!*
her email stated on the website…emailed her …telling her why i sent her a sudden email along with my academic reports and the withdrawal form lalalala ~ *yes, i’m still keeping those! my takaramono [means: treasure]*

the next day…ding ding…*an email came in*
it was from Mrs. Penny and she gave me Ms. Lisa’s email address!!
i was beyooooooond happy!
i just want to tell her everything! yet…at the moment i composed the email – i was stuck! LOL! *doki doki*
so…i sent her a medium length of email – telling her how i am right now and sent her some pictures of mine 🙂
and yesterday ~ she REPLIED! 🙂 she told me that she still remembers me and she still keep a picture of my with my Indonesian clothes…* i was totally into tears!*
even after 26 YEARS!!! 🙂

next!
i really want to find some friends of mine back then ~ especially Camille and Allan!

…i’m just walking some steps back to the past ~ my childhood…the treasured one!

kiss & peace,
~ A.Ionapuspa