Project sparkle @ vietnam had been memorable.

I went in thinking that I might not click with my teammates, but I came out of it making friends, and I wish to believe, lasting ones. I will miss them all. My dearest xinxin mummy and my dearest friends who took care of me when I fell sick just 3 days after the project started.

Teaching the young sewing workers who are only 15-17yrs old really make me treasure what I have had in sg. At 15-17yrs old, I was blissfully studying, advancing in the direction that I want. But at this age, they are working really hard the whole day, churning out pants and shirts. And yet, through it all, they have that innocence, and the love and zest for life. What do we have? Coloured blinds.

I will miss their laughter, the kind that is wild and abandoned. Loud and clear, with that sparkle in the eyes. None of those guarded ones that I often see.

Of course, nothing could beat teaching the young ones at Le Dinh Chinh. The kids are so simple and so easily contented, that you cant help but fall in love with all of them. yes, theres a language barrier, they babbled in Vietnamese and I could only look at them, smile and hug them, and with that, they laugh, giggled and pulled you along with them to wherever they wish to go. They asked for autographs, they played with your cameras, they asked you to join them in hopscotch and chapteh, they gave kisses on the cheeks, they slap your butts, they played hide and seek and derived pleasure in playing 5 on 1 scissors paper stone. Leaving the school was the hardest. Seeing the fruits of our hard work, white walls, blue windows and doors, clean classrooms, tears and laughters on the children’s faces, that was the most satisfying, and the memories will stay in my heart. Toujours.

Been back for 4 days now. Still recovering, but painfully slow. I still need the second dose of hep a and b jab. But I guess that will have to wait till im well and kicking.

I wish. Life is simpler. I wish I don’t have to make decisions. I wish that I could stay in Vietnam with my son and my daughter. I wish I don’t have to stand on the road, and wonder when the car will crash into me. I cant decide to run forward or backward from the road. this time, its too important for me to run away. I had always ran. Away from cars, away from problems, away from unpleasant things. But in this case, I have no idea how to stop the car. if I could, I would. Its hurting now, even before/without the crash. I fear. Fear for the moment when I feel the impact. Because im not sure if I can recover. then i have that crazy urge, to just sit down in a daze and let the tears fall. for the things, people, and happenings i missed, and will miss.

All or none...

all or none.

Marjorie Holmes

What feeling is so nice as a child's hand in yours? So small, so soft and warm, like a kitten huddling in the shelter of your clasp.