Sending Our Eldest to a Boarding School Near Mount Merbabu

1: It was a bittersweet journey, traveling six hours from our village to bring our eldest son to his new home at the pesantren.

2: His two younger sisters came along, excited for the trip and curious to see what lay ahead.

3: As we arrived, the cool and fresh mountain air greeted us—a stark contrast to the warmth of our home village.

4: The pesantren was nestled in a quiet, peaceful area under the majestic Mount Merbabu, surrounded by lush greenery.

5: The girls couldn’t contain their joy, running around and marveling at the beauty of the mountains.

6: While they explored, I watched my son take in his new environment with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

7: The serenity of the place reassured us that this was the right decision, a space where he could learn and grow in peace.

8: We shared a final meal together before saying goodbye, cherishing the closeness of family in those last moments.

9: As we drove back home, the girls chatted about how much they loved the trip, while my heart lingered on the son we had left behind.

10: It was a day filled with emotions—pride, hope, and a tinge of sadness—but also gratitude for the opportunity to give him the best start for his future.