iProject - Commitment of Hearts




Sunday, 25 March 2007

Fulfilling, memorable and emotional

After months and months of planning for the trip, raising funds and such, it wasn’t long before my friends and I gathered at the airport excitedly waiting to hop on the plane. The moment we touch down on Hanoi, we were greeted by the cool climate, the kind of temperature that we would dream of having in Singapore. Haha.

We were full of excitement and were confident of what we had planned and prepared for the kids. We were quite sure that the kids and the iProject team would learn and enjoy the six days of commitment, and sure enough we did.

I was with the arts and crafts group. Every night, we would decide on the activities to do with the kids on the next day. The kids had painting and drawing lessons and origami ‘lessons’ where we had to learn from them instead of us teaching them. At the end of the lesson, they would have something such as pencils and notebooks to bring back as souvenirs. This small little gesture left a smile on their face for the day and as long as I can remember and it occurred to me how easily contented they are. Often, such things are always within our reach and we or at least I took them for granted.

They are also very punctual for classes (something that is a rarity in our school). The moment the drum was struck to signal the start of lessons, they would stop whatever they are doing and make their way for their classes. The kids’ perseverance is also something that is commendable. I remembered that the kids were asked to draw their school and Shieh Fang was this boy’s facilitator or something. He insisted in completing the drawing even though it was time for games and very intent in completing his drawing. Shieh Fang and I were like in admiration for the small little guy.

The food that they had was simple, no fried chickens and such. Their methods of cooking were restricted to stir-frying and steaming. They are easily satisfied as long as they have something to eat and wear.

All in all, I enjoyed thoroughly from the morning van ride with my ‘flowers’ and our ‘grass’ manager Mr Lim, to the construction, to the arts and crafts lessons. This trip certainly taught me the beauty of simplicity, the art of perseverance and concentration. The friendships bonded with my members and with the children. The majority of us were even thinking of going back at the end of the year. I am sure all the iProject members had a very fulfilling, memorable and emotional trip. :) cheers!!!

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