Thursday, December 4, 2008
( 12:29 PM )
Its about a week since we are back from vietnam. It is definitely a fun and memorable trip for each and everyone of us. It started at the airport playing murderer, and ended back at the airport.(:
The first 4 days at the school was great. Tiring, but meaningful. We white-washed the walls, painted them, and painted a mural on it. Cemented the floor, cleared their drains. It was disgusting, but our guys feared nothing. I really learnt alot on this trip. Eileen was explaining to us about why the drainage in Vietnam was so bad. We are very lucky to be living in Singapore, where we have transparent leaders.
We spent the next 2 days back at Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), at an orphanage. The kids there were very cute. Slightly better than those at Batam, these kids were easier to get along with.(: We spent the 2 days playing with them, renovated their library and built a toy corner for them, we also painted a mural in one of their classrooms. I really enjoyed my 2 days here alot. I also realised, how fortunate most Singaporeans are. Firstly, from the food those orphans ate. Their lunch was just bread with diluted curry sauce, while we get KFC delivery. i really wanted to share the food with them,let them try KFC for once. But there was definitely not enough for everyone. Secondly, all the orphans, and even the ladies taking care of the orphans, were all very fascinated and excited when we gave them a photo taken with a Polaroid camera. Some of the adults asked me to help them take a few more pictures so they could keep. But since i did not own the camera,i rejected them, leaving them in great disappointment. I felt really bad at that time, i really felt that i did not do enough for them, i want to do more for them. Unlike us, who practically carry a camera with us wherever we go(our handphones), and camwhoring almost everywhere, these people are not as fortunate as us.
I really think we could be have been more prepared for this trip. But since this trip is already over, we can only prepare for a better trip next time. I believe we as seniors of OCIP should have a dialogue session with the next OCIP bach before their trip. Share our experiences with them, give a short briefing on the type of donation items they should concentrate on bringing(e.g. more Polaroid Camera Films). And enable them to be more prepared on what to expect on their trip, as no matter which country the next bach will be visiting, the needs of these unfortunate would some what be similar.
Overall, the trip was great!The laughter and joy we all shared. Even the 3 kids, Nathan,Gladys and Justin who were not part of our OCIP family but joined us on this trip were great. They really put in alot of effort and sweat, giving their all helping those unfortunates. Great work guys(:
Lastly, may the spirit of OCIP VOICE live on forever!(:
Cheers,
Ian
