Yes, that is the reason why I was absent for the last couple of days. I was out of Singapore for awhile with some of my schoolmates. If you follow me on Instagram, you will know. The trip was really worthwhile, I would say.
It was refreshing. I really wanted to get out of the city and enjoy what nature has really provided. That moment when I simply wanted the fresh unpolluted air, breathing in the strong nature essences, take a break from noises that wears me out. I could find them at Kota Kinabalu, fortunately. I have traveled to KK a few times now, partly because a relative of mine works there. I was not exactly appreciative of its nature the first few times I visited, because excusably, I was still a child then. However, with the amount of workload received each day, and the repetition of routines gone through as I grow older, I feel the urge to "stop" for awhile and replenish my energy level. Hence, escaping to somewhere magnificent; someplace where tall buildings and bright lights are 'far away'.
Really hope I could keep this relaxed mood up even after things get tougher, when you know..after turning into an official adult (which will be ten times harder obviously).
Anyways, lets get back to the School's Overseas Trip before things go out of track.
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The teachers provided students with booklets to do reflections each day (which for. me...I did crap). I was thinking of writing my heartfelt words here on CP instead *insert laughter* (so me).
The main motive for us to go to KK was to conduct lessons in a school far off the main city area; a countryside or village on a hilltop. We are also there to play a part in creating stairs (in between a really steep slope) and painting the library walls. The whole experience was something new for me.
Lets start off with interaction. The kids there speak something else, that is totally far off from English. Hence, my classmates and I had difficulty communicating with them at first. However, as time gradually passed by, we somehow get the hymn of what we all are trying to tell each other. We tried translating and playing with words, using hand signs and real life objects to direct at something. Also, "Smiling is the bomb, it brings out a special bond." I find that by smiling, we are actually connecting with people.
From here on, I am going to just list out things I learnt from those kids:
1) Enthusiasm. Bored or uninterested, the kids we taught did not show it at all. While we were sort of "struggling" with conducting an English lesson for them, they patiently waited and still.. engaged in it. Tried their best to be responsive and cheerful. Very admirable learning attitude, indeed.
2) Hardworking nature. Some of them in class have the chance to go real far, because of having a successor's mind. Despite having difficulties in their work, they tried their best to overcome it by listening to what one of a higher authority had to say. By this, they are creating a plaform to improve and enhance their range of knowledge. They have that intuitive mind because I saw them thinking among themselves till they came to a conclusion, and got something right.
3) Good peer pressure. They can be playful, laugh at their friends, joke around. But one thing is for sure: they mean no harm. Its just kids being kids, we say. Something that amazed me from one of these kiddos is that he knew when to stop talking and pay attention. He directed his friend (table partner) to do the same to as well; which is to not get distracted by irrelevant commotion at the back. Of course, the friend listened to him. I give my full respect for that.
4) Teamwork. "We're all each others' Team, and you know.. - Lorde".
It was only when we played Football on the muddy grounds did I see how united the kids were. Yes, they were not quite ready to form a mixed team at first, but they did not complain either. Instead, they gave it their all when they played. When somebody hit someone, those kids helped. The one that got sort of "hit" did not just stand there and cry. Instead, the match went on.
5) Appreciative. In the littlest of things they have, they see the joy, the light. They displayed out that contentment they had within...and I totally felt the vibes from some of them. I was giving out sweets and gifts to kids from the class I was teaching, and most of them gave out that sweet smile and said a word of thanks. How pleasant. And warm. Their happiness is contagious!
Five things and already so much to learn from. Those kids are so inspirational and amazing.
Now that I see the need to end the "essay" here, I am going to upload some photos. Do scroll down.
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| If you see closely, you'll see poop hehehe. Not that you're going to see anyway. |
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| My favorite photo, a thing about darkness and light from my hotel room. |
Lets proceed on by showing pictures of the school!
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| "Knowledge is Power", |
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| While we were conducting Art & Craft lessons. And I probably sucked at origami I say. |
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Alright those were the photos I felt like posting.
Have a fruitful day all!
Loves,
CP
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