Student Council service trip to Yun Nan, China (1)

The 4^th Student Council of ACS (International) decided that, as an act of service to the greater global community and a step forward within ACS (International)’s student group efforts, we would embark on a service-based trip to Yun Nan, China from 23 to 29 November 2008. Our main purpose for this trip was to visit a village and school far inland Yun Nan, to educate students aged 7 to 12 and help in the construction of a new basketball court. Specifically, the 9 of us wished to address issues pertaining to personal hygiene such as dental care, and we wished to further teach the English language, both within and beyond the syllabus.

Through this trip, I have learnt that it is in the moments of distress in which we find our true inner-selves. Our limits are trampled upon, directing us out of our comfort zone into an unfamiliar and malicious world. It is in these moments where we discover our infinite being, where maybe we weren’t who we thought we were. For each of us, it is a revelation in our own time.

We’ve been placed, willingly or not, but most definitely helplessly, into surroundings crowding with unfamiliarity; pushing our senses, engaging us in conversations or feelings we would not otherwise or even come close to partake in. Indefinitely, it’s all a part of the ride of life. We couldn’t possibly know whether we’ll find ourselves a happily ever after, or an album of storms brewing. In every sense of it, we may fill our hearts with the utmost quality of distaste and irritation. We could even shun from the warmth the sunlight brings only so we can endure the peace and comfort of sleep for a mere instant longer. But is this all there is? Could there be answers hidden in corners we dare not look in? Could we find ourselves in time, if we only take a small step of faith? Could there be a new found glory, a new love, beyond our doorstep, or beneath the soles of our feet? Step out, reach out, and call out. If not now, when?

This simple trip to China has taught me that there is truly more to life than what lies at our doorstep. I have learnt that something apparently so simple in our eyes may make a world of difference to someone else. China has proven itself immensely that it is a challenge for each of us. No doubt difficulty lies at each dawn and dusk, but it is a choice we have to make – how would we choose to take on this hurdle? Some may wither away in their fear to leave their comfort zone, afraid of what is buried beneath their very own skin. Others crave adventure and deliver every ounce of energy at their own free will. For myself, I yearn for experience; I wish to encounter genuine happiness, each time unique in its own way. I would give whatever I can just to have someone else benefit. Yet, I still struggle to step out of the boat with a free heart. I find an especially high barrier in the lack of efficient communication between the children and myself. At times, I am even submerged, drowning in a sea of trials, helpless. However, with the short time spent in YunNan, I craved and developed a greater determination to be a better being on this planet. Hopefully, that was enough to prove myself to the children that there is a brighter light within each of us.