20080809 Jack - A Grateful Finale

To start the end, a long sigh…the entire 2008 China Trip is about to be over in a few hours. I just want to take this time to sum up the wonderful days we had in Ka.li, a fading, yet sweet memory.

The first day we arrived in China, I honestly couldn’t believe the fact that I’m actually going to teach English. Having only four years of English study, my confidence was a little limited. Yet when I saw the kids, when I gazed into their iridescent eyes, all my worries dispersed.

Three has always been my favorite number, so when it came to choosing classes, I did not hesitate. It turned out be a great choice, for everyone in Team Badminton were way beyond my expectation, they were polite, respectful, but most dominantly, extremely smart. In fact, all of the students in this English Camp can become the elites and foundations of our world if given the opportunity, so I would like to pr.y to G. to give them the Fruit of the Sp.rit during their walk on this Earth.

Our first day of class is now a misty veil, but I do remember how impressed I was by my students. Although there are parts that they do not understand (especially the map exercise on day one), they are all so diligent and focused, not one pair of eyes looked away from us, not one noise can be heard when we spoke.

On the other hand, the party on the second last day and the Finale is still alive and jumping, for I was so touched by my students-- they sang out their hearts, their love for us. And their tears, are pearls I will always treasure in my heart. It has become one of my everlasting, indescribable memories that changed me in innumerable ways. First of all, this memory showed my how blessed I am to have such a high quality life, with my own room, my own computer; How blessed I am to have a great school, great friends, a great family, and best of all, the greatest Love of all. Secondly, this experience renewed my strength. After seeing how diligent the students are in the “Class of Hope” despite their harsh conditions, I am truly ashamed of how lazy I’ve been. I now see myself as a slacker who’s been procrastinating and wasting time as if it matters not. I pr.y that G. will take me into his hands, for although I failed him more than one thousand times, I pr.y that he will take control of my heart and my soul, let justice and praise become my embrace, let the cry of my heart be pleasing him, for his light is everlasting, it’s never ending, it will shine when ALL else fades!

I also thank the L.rd for giving the students hope and joy. They are all facing some problems and obstacle, yet by his grace they are able to carry on; they are able to put on the sweet smile on their face. Their tears took away the veil, and their hearts became crystal clear; hurt, but not scarred, for they the wounds were healed by the Ultimate Love.

I will forever remember the students in Ka.li, and will always keep them in my pr.yers.

Now I would like to thank each member of our 2008 China team individually, starting with:


Nhat: You’ve been such a great leader! All the planning and preparing must have been stressful, not to mention all the responsibilities you carry on your shoulders, simple words can not express my appreciation. Without you, we couldn’t have so successfully complete the trip; without you we couldn’t have had the chance to jot down the life-changing experience we had; without you the students couldn’t have been so happy. I would like to apologize for the times when I’ve been rude and impatient, maybe it’s the lack of sleep, or perhaps sin, but whatever the reason, I ask for your’s and G.‘s forgiveness.

Andy: It’s been a great pleasure to be your co-teacher! I don’t know what I could have done without your help. Your energy and enthusiasm can not be replaced. Your perfect English is what I lack as a teacher; Your pronunciation is flawless and your enunciation crystal clear. But I thank you most for giving the entire team so much laughter and joy. Even during the depressing times, you’ve always managed to lighten up the ones around you/ You are truly the Salt& Light for the people around you.

King Alfred & Queen Alsie: thank you guys so much for taking care of us! Without you we couldn’t have had so wonderful meals and accommodations. You were always so caring, so kind, always giving us wise advices (although sometimes we foolishly ignore).
A Big THANK YOU to the King and Queen!

George: I will thank you on the phone buddy, since I think you will prefer that. 

Albert: It’s such a privilege to have the best GPS in the world with us ( one that does not lead us into rivers..), we would have been like a headless fly without your help! You have no idea how glad I was when you accepted Chr.st, and how glad I was when your faith in G. grew through your answered pr.yers. Continue to walk in the Light, and you will become a great person (you already are one, but you have the protential to go a lot further into the richness of life. Just try to wake up next time I set the alarm ok?

Nathaniel: Thank you for being such a great friend! Your humbleness and humility is truly amazing, something I lack. You always have a smile on your lips no matter what others say, you have a heart of Wisdom that’s beyond everyone else on the team, a great friend indeed. My deepest appreciation to you! ( Thank you for teaching me rip sticking )

Jonathan: The youngest member of our team, yet you are so poised, so smart, and full of Wisdom. These days with you have been the most joyful time! You are also so good at chess and double spit, a great master at “Bang” too! You are among the few of us who can “Bang” in every possible way possible. Thank you for teaching me rip sticking too . You are, like Nat, a great friend that I will always treasure!

Shirley: It’s a pity that we didn’t get to work together that often. But thank you for giving us wake up calls, and the medicine that worked like a charm. Like Nhat said, thank you for helping with the preparation and translations. I sometimes get stuck, but you are always there to help. A sincere thank you.


Stephen: Such a great teacher you are! Although you didn’t use much translation, you managed to teach your class through actions and creative thinking, truly admirable. Thank you for teaching “This Is the Day” and “ I ‘ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy”, and presenting such meaningful multi-medias. I’m 120% sure that your presentations have changed not only the students’ hearts, but also those of us in the team as well. Thank you for having such a kind heart to teach these students in China even though you are from a different country. My deepest appreciation.

Merilyn: Like Stephen, I would like to thank you for giving up your time to teach and care for these students in china even though you are from a completely different country. You’ve always been so nice to everyone. And your contributions to our planning have been invaluable. Hope to meet you and Stephen again, G. Bless.

Now I would like to thank all who sponsored us, without you this trip would not have been possible at all. Special thanks to Grant and Tracy Ho, Calvin and Elizabeth Quan, Tracy Kwan, Matthew Au, Keith Ly, Lam Family, Kong Family and my pastor, Jeff McMillan. Thank you so much for giving us the spiritual and financial support, we truly appreciate it. ( Please forgive me if I miss spell you name.)

Last but not the least, I would like to give all my thanks to G., who provided, protected, encouraged, and loved us. All my praise to you L.rd, from the deepest chamber of my heart.

This sentence will be the conclusion to my official journaling on this trip, thanks for reading.