I heard one of the most beautiful lines for the day. A new friend, after visiting a Goducate Center asked over lunch, ”Let’s get you the stationery that you need later.”
I have always had reservations about taking in visitors to our centers. One, they could be too fuzzy and might just waste our time. Second, they could be bored people needing a short change of scenery and wanted to see tourist’s spots instead. Three, sure they could be touched by the plight of the kids, buy them some stuff to help but really more to make themselves feel good. After they go back to where they come from, they will all forget about us.
But not this team. When we were limited by the vehicles that we had, they squeezed in-and how squeezed in-leaves me shaking my head and smiling each time I remember it. My friend who owns the car told me later he was watching the tires each time saying to himself, “don’t burst, don’t make problems now, please, please…”
The genuine interest to know and somehow understand why we are doing this is written all over and we could feel it. And they are easy to please. Simple, rustic food makes them relax-it was contagious!
I look at our kampong friends, I share their pride. They were honored that guests from a different land stepped on their soil, much more inside their humble dwellings.
To our guests it could just be one short, simple visit. To the kampong children it’s different. It’s like seeing another world. A tiny seed bursting in their minds popping out many questions. Where did they come from…how to get there….they liked my song…. Why are they so happy….why they smile always….
Visiting is like reading a book. It opens up a different world. When it was time to buy stationeries, my friend was joined by two other friends. Our children got the pencils and crayons and exercise notebooks. And we got our sunblocks.
We were blessed. They were our first visitors. I have a feeling they will not forget.
to be continued
nice project. nice facilities!