Voices

The times we shared. The times we had at 翻身九义校 (Fan Shen Jiu Yi Xiao)

2 weeks. 14 days.

Only 14 days yet the bonds forged go much deeper.

To be honest, I didn't expect goodbye to be that hard. I never expected 唐虹 (Tang Hong) to come crying to me, telling us not to leave, I never expected tears to roll down my cheeks as I rode out of the school.

Perhaps it was the hospitality by the teachers; or the time spent with the children; or the laborious construction work; or the 插秧 (padi transplanting) session; or the sincere conversations we had. The list could go on and on and on...

No.

It was just those moments. It was because we have removed any remaining barriers that stood between us and the locals. We were them and they were us. There was no boundary. We did what they did and they shared their best with us. For that I am grateful. It was also because our team had a united vision despite seemingly divided and strained voices. We all wanted something simple yet impossible to achieve - to bring happiness...forever.

We may not have achieved the impossible aim, but I will always remember the footsteps I have left in their lives and the footsteps they have left in mine. 应该走前人走过的路，但我们跟应该做前人，为他们开路。(It's easy to follow the paths trotted out by our ancestors, but do not stop there. Venture out and open new routes for others.) We may not have brought them eternal happiness but we brought them something else that is precious. Hope.

"罗杨写：

威瀚哥，你太夸我了。其实，我只是一个不爱劳动的成员。但因为有你夸我，我一定会尽力学习的。

我只想说一声谢谢您威瀚哥。"

(Luo Yang wrote:
Dear Wei Han, you praise me far too much. I am actually pretty lazy. However, I will work hard from now because of the praises you rain on me.
I just wish to say...Thank you.")

I have hope too. Maybe one day I will get to see the kids again in person. Maybe one day I will get to go on another YEP to 翻身九义校. (Fan Shen Jiu Yi Xiao ) But for now, i will keep that hope in my heart. For now, i will rely on emails, snail mails and QQ.

One lap is done. The next has not begun. The team will reunite for the local community service project and then we may go our separate ways. But who knows? Maybe one day we will see the children again as a team. Until then, I will safeguard the hope in my heart.

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