CHAPTER FOUR
IE Squash , Tennis and Drama ( Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam ) The trip provided the group with the opportunity to interact and form important bonds with the locals in Vietnam . We got out of Vietnam , enlightened about the lifestyle and practices that go on in this country .
We learnt some important lessons on the journey . To quote the Drama boys , “ The sweet , the spicy , they all still work in chilli .” Although the quote is vague , it is emblematic of how , regardless of who you may be or what your background is , we must still accept one another . Chilli is typically known to be spicy . Yet , when commingled with a sweet flavour , it supplements its taste . Just like how both variations of chilli taste good , we should also readily accept others regardless of their identity as a basic principle .
The Tennis boys also had an insightful discourse from this outing . In their words , “ Our parents are our farmers ”. With the activity of farming itself requiring a compassion to nurture the plants , it relates to how parents readily accept the responsibility of caring for their children as they grow . The Tennis team left the place , with a vivid understanding of this .
“ Since nature helps us , we must also help nature ”. This was the Squash team ’ s main takeaway from the farming experience on Day 3 . This experience was one which provided many insights into theirs , and farmers ’ livelihoods . Farmers are essentially our lifeblood , since they are the ones doing the onerous labour for our sake . However , they could only do this through caring and nurturing their own crops .
IE Guitar Ensemble and St . John ’ s Brigade ( Bangkok , Thailand ) The main essence of our trip was in serving the local school in a village of Kanchanaburi , Nongkhaokowitthayakhom School . Constrained by the barrier , we tried our best to get to know them through ice-breaker games and simple English and Thai language . Little by little , we managed to communicate and had an enjoyable time learning Thai songs and basic weaving techniques while they picked up basic first-aid skills and basic English . Under the sweltering sun , our students also painted a basketball court . As Koon Wei Pheng , ( ML302 ) from GE noted , “ We are one , but we are many - we served because we believed that one can truly perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to His care . Our actions were small , our time was short but our impact was powerful .” Our little acts of service goes a long way to bring joy and happiness to the Thai students .
Towards the end of the trip , we felt a strong bond with the Thai students . We forged new friendships and had a fun time with the students . Many echoed what Brendan Cheang Zhao Rong , ( LE302 ) from SJB remarked , “ We learned that service is a two-way exchange . Service enriches us by giving us fulfilment in our lives and it also empowers the people we help by motivating them to continue this ripple of kindness .” Indeed , the local community may not be the most educated but they are the people with the biggest hearts .
Giving the basketball court a fresh coat of paint
At the war remnants museum
At the Cu Chi Tunnels SJB cadets showing how to overcome choking
88 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION