Saturday, December 6, 2008
( 11:16 PM )
I hate to say goodbyes, but all good things have to come to an end.
We have finally completed our mission in Vietnam after months of preparation work.
I must say it was really a success.
This trip has certainly made me discover more about myself as well as my team mates. Despite meeting with countless obstacles, as a team we were able to react promptly to overcome the barriers and perform to our utmost potential. Like what Mark has mentioned: Adaptability and Flexibility. I think we have all acquired that during the process. In addition, it has allowed me to become more attached to people whom I have already known and understand those whom I seldom exchange words with. Although there were some misunderstandings along the way, I think these trivial matters should be put behind us so as not to destroy the friendship that was created when voice was first formed. Alright, I shall not carry on with such distressing issue.
I will talk about the school first.
Well, I am very delighted with the make-over that we have given to the school walls as well as the courtyard which looked more presentable right now. Being part of the painting team, I seriously think we were awesome! We were given such poor quality of white wash (which isn't white at all) and had to deal with all the cobwebs/spider webs/ants nest and whatever filth that was stuck on the wall which can be quite disgusting at times. Despite all these, we did not protest at all. We even enjoyed and were fighting over to climb the unstable and rusty scaffold. Not forgetting the cementing people, I think it was a laudable effort by you people. To be out under the scotching sun for long hours and getting yourselves real dirty, not only do I admire the Bangladeshi workers but you guys as well! As a whole, I feel we have all learnt to work together by taking initiative to get things done and compromise with each other such that disagreements were reduced to its minimum.
Actually it is quite a pity because we did not get to accomplish most of the activities that were planned for the students due to last minute changes. However, it wasn't a bad thing after all as we have more time to play with those adorable kids at the orphanage.
The orphanage was indeed an eye-opener for me. I never knew that all of us have such fatherly/motherly side of ourselves. We all went bonkers when we first saw those kids and were eager to grab one each. We then start to baby-sit and play with them. Polaroid, origami and simple handy-crafts are what Singaporean children will deem as boring and mundane. However, all these were enough to make them revealed their bright and cheerful side. I am glad that we were able to put a smile on their faces for those two days at least.
I know this is going to sound cliché but still, having gone through this personally it make me realized how fortunate we are to be able to live in a clean and peaceful country and have no worries for tomorrow. It is a blessing to have a wonderful family and a group of fun-loving friends.
To sum up, I must say that this trip was memorable and fulfilling due to the presence of each and everyone (teachers, Mark and everyone else). Our mission may have ended, but we will continue to spread <3 and touch <3s. Ocip alumni, I am definitely in!
P.S. I love my eating khakis! [Janelle, Amanda, Josh, Jon, Ravin & Dickson]
You guys are so full of nonsense and never fail to entertain me with all those lame and dirty jokes.
That is why I am always looking forward to meal times :D
To my bimbo room-mate, Amanda Ler:
We are the craziest room-mates ever. I'll never forget all those bimbo moments with you. Lastly, I think it's time we learn to keep our room NEAT and CLEAN!
Cheers,
Vanessa
(675 words)
