Our centers in Sabah was visited by Australians!
This Australian Chinese family was planning for a holiday at Hong Kong but later changed their mind to explore Sabah. They were able to see the proboscis monkeys and the flora and fauna of the jungle at the Labuk Bay and the Rainforest Discovery Center. Then they went on an adventure, that is visiting our literacy centers, walking on mud, riding a sampan and crossing a footbridge.
Our teachers are always encouraged when someone takes interest in their work and visits them.
Tom, the head of the family shared to our volunteers that love means giving. The way that they are giving their love in teaching these less fortunate children is what the world needs, he said. Pauline his wife, shared a true story about the housemaid who took care of his dad in old age. That time, the housemaid could not read nor write and had to ask someone to fill up immigration form. But this person instead of helping, took advantage of her by charging rm50 for his services. She also has to ask someone to interpret for her each time she receives mail from home. Later she learned to calculate, read and write taught by Pauline’s old Dad. I believe this sharing affirmed the value of what our teachers are doing.
The most fun though was when their two daughters Mel and Sarah made a presentation about Australia, their food, the fashion there, and the animals that are found there. They taught our teachers English in Australian accent and Australian slang. It was so fun! When it was time to say goodbye, they taught them the slang expression for goodbye. But our teachers said, no, we don’t want to say goodbye, teach us how to say, come again!
The fun and high spirits brought by this visit cannot be dampened by the rains which kept on pouring. Hoo roo!
