Serve China 2007 Reflection

From total strangers to close friends within 14 days. This is what 21 of us have managed to do. This serve trip has given me the opportunity to work with 20 exraordinary youths each unique in their own special way. I'm honoured and delighted to be part of Serve China 2007. The many activities that we had together will leave a lasting imprint for the rest of my life. The fun that we had and the joy that we experienced from our interaction with the kids at Bo Ai School in Suzhou together with the sense of achievement that we had after we construct a garden at Hua Mu Home in Shanghai are things that I will always remember. In addition, I've had a deeper insight into kids with cerebal palsy. They are just like any other kids and they have the perserverence needed in order to overcome the many obstacles placed upon them in life.

Both our teacher-in-charge Mrs Koh and Mr Lim have put in great efforts in making this serve trip possible. At first, I thought they were strict and unapproachable after my initial contact with them at the selection interview session. However, during the trip all this misconceptions had been corrected. They are fun and friendly. Plus they really took great care of us just like their own kids making sure everyone was safe and healthy. Unfortunately for many of us who fell sick, the experience of falling sick in foreign soil was indeed something not very nice but it was somehow lessen by the concern from our tutors. In addition, at one of our post-trip gathering at Fish & Co, Mr Lim was so generous that he paid the tab for all of us. We were really greatful for that although we were the one "instigating" him to foot the bill albeit in a jokingly manner at first and we really felt bad as the bill was not cheap.

In conclusion, this serve trip has broadened my horizon on the Chinese culture and the joy simplicity brings to people. From the small acts that we had done for the kids at Bo Ai and how they had enjoyed themselves in our company is an unforgettable experience. Chinese people treat their guests with respect and they were friendly and sincere. In fact, I wouldn't mind accepting a posting to China later on in my career if I were to be given the chance.

To all my Serve China 2007 friends, I wish you all:
All the Best!

Take care,
TH