reflections after the trip!

This trip has really been an enriching and meaningful trip for me! My initial purpose of participating in this was solely to gain experience and enjoy myself. Service was never one of my main reasons. But after this trip my opinion totally changed, service is actually something so meaningful and fulfiling. Besides this trip made me appreciate what i have now, we are fortunate to have all these material wealth and yet people here are complaining about what they don't have. Its really amazing how people over there can lead such a simple lifestyle yet there are many times happier than the people over here. I remembered there was once when our group had a discussion on whether our appearance over there was a good or bad thing. They say that the people are content with their lives, so why should we let them know what they don't have as compared to other people? Doesn't this just make them unhappy? Perhaps this is true, but somehow i feel that we should open them up and let them know more about the world outside. The decision lies in themsleves.
Another thing i will not forget is the sanitary conditions over there! Especially the toilets! oh my, when i first step into the toilet i was totally gross out and i really wondered why i am here to self torture myself. Back then i so wanted to be home. But as the days went by, we got used to it and in retrospect it wasn't that bad after all.Because of that, i have learnt to be more adaptable to suituations. There are many instances when things might appear very unfavourable, but as long as you look on the bright side, it will somehow turn out well.
Personally, the best take back for me is the friendship fostered over there. We were a group of loose sand as what Ms Koh claimed but after this trip we were a lot more bonded! The company of friends over there was great. Still remembered that night when sye yuet was ill, there were many people who was concerned for here and tried to do anything to help out. and another time was that Ms Koh wasn't feeling well, and guess what? The whole team of us actually tried to cheer her up by singing the song that she composed for us. haha! Ms koh, aren't you touched by what we did? We are such nice kids!! Also, i got to know the teachers better, Mr Chueng is always so funny, Ms Fong is just another bimbo!!haha, and not forgetting Ms koh who is so passionate and dedicated to this trip. In order to attend this trip, i gave up the chance to participate in a climbing competition which was actually a great sacrifice for me because i love climbing. And Ms koh asked me if i ever regret doing so, so here i would like to say i never regretted doing so and in fact i am glad i made this choice. So anyway, all good things have to come to an end and this is the end of such a wonderful trip that i will always remember for life. A great thanks to all OCIP-ians and the 3 great teachers for giving me such a wonderful experience! you all will always be remembered by me!!

dearest jesalyn