Smile Train Donation at Adni

Today.

Today has been long. And since days begin at 12am, there is where I shall start.

But we shall backtrack a little. The day before, I submitted a letter to the headmaster of my secondary school, asking for permission if I can run a Donation Drive for the Smile Train. I got the approval with the help of my brother. Thanks Safi:) I asked if I can give a speech during the next day's morning assembly and also open a booth with a donation box plus the banner where everyone can sign on after donating.

So, at 12am, I was doing the donation box. (I don't know HOW it can take so long but I finally finished it at 1am.) I went downstairs for a break and ended up having a sharing session with my brother until 230am talking about the purpose of life. When I finally dozed off to sleep at 3am (yes, I slept at 3am), I was still apprehensive because I have not yet practiced my speech. At 5am, I awoke and remembered that I have to go to Cyberjaya to pick up the banner which I left at my apartment. I fell back asleep a few times until 5:45am when my dad said "Alia, we have to go now." After only having ONE sleep cycle, I got into the car like a zombie carrying my script. We reached back in KL at 7am, and I was just in time to get ready by 720am which was the time we had to shoot off to school. And that was just the start.

Assembly began at 8am. I gave my speech; but I have to be truthful and say that was not my complete best. To be honest, I lost the structure in my head halfway. I really honestly wish I could have given my ultimate best. I felt so bad after that because I did not do my audience justice by giving a speech less awesome than what I can normally deliver- with passion, conviction and confidence.

But Mashallah, Ustaz Muallimin and Teacher Fatin must have overlooked it because they announced that they were very proud of what I'm doing. Mostly, I just felt so touched that EVERYONE was being extremely supportive and telling me to keep up the work and effort. Teacher Selina said: Alia, you're doing such a gracious work. One guy even donated thrice (I'm sorry, I don't know your name, kind sir)! It was just such an amazing sight; people practically queuing to donate! Truthfully, sometimes I feel a little unsure actually ASKING people for money, it does make me rethink What exactly am I doing? But when I see the generous hearts and warm gestures, it teaches me: People are kindhearted when it comes to charity. It's what you can feel -a truly heartfelt feeling- only if you are running that donation drive.

Perhaps one of the most surprising things people hear would be the flight to Kerala; the other answer which always receives another surprised reaction is when I say, "It's my personal project.":)

Admittedly, I was tired, I was hungry, a little cranky from lack of sleep and loss of mental coordination- but when my mom came at 130pm and said, "Your banner is filled up!", that completely changed my mood and brightened my day:)

Alhamdulillah, the total amount from Adni was a WHOOPING RM 537.93 (I even got SGD, USD and Baht!). So, a huge HUGE thanks from me to all teachers, staff and students of Adni! You all have been extremely wonderful!

No words, absolutely NO WORDS can express the ultimate joy I feel. And that's because the best news have yet to come! Here goes:

In total with the previous donation, it's a total of RM 822.93! I was already jumping with joy and screaming out: It's ALMOST reached the cost of ONE FULL SURGERY! (RM 843.47) When my brothers said: Alia, we want to donate. (Of course, not at the same time). They added RM 73 and the total now is RM 895.93!!! I. Couldn't. Breathe.

When I first started out, they said aim low. Aim for RM 400+ (cost of half a surgery). But after today, I achieved something I never thought I could! I felt so intoxicated.

I feel really really really happy that more and more people know about it, more and more people donate to it. At the same time though, I feel that the amanah is getting heavier and heavier each time... It's not over yet. Get your feet back on earth, Alia. Another 114 days til Kerala.

Til then, please pray for me that every step will be guided by Allah.