Report_2005

Leave Out Footprints John Chen

Going to China to see the work that was going on was something new and different for me. For the last year, I have been seeing pictures of these children, their schools, and sometimes their lifestyles. To me they were all just pictures, pieces of paper with colors and people. Going and seeing how some of these people lived their lives, having a first-hand account of their lifestyle and culture is like having all those pictures come to life.
It seemed that throughout the trip, we spent most of the time traveling. We were always driving from place to place in a truck, or walking up to a school. It seemed that maybe some of the troubles were not worth it, that maybe all the hardships that we endured were excessive. Often times, the hotels that we stayed in were unclean. But in the end, after seeing the kids and the difference that we were making, it all seemed worth it. There is not a single act that comes to mind, that could outshine the feeling that I got when I was handing candy out to the children, or engaging in some conversation with one of our guides. The whole experience is just one big adventure, where almost everyone wants to make you feel welcome. Everywhere we went we were welcomed by masses of people, always wanting to thank us for our work. It seemed that all of China knew who we were and what we been doing. I can even recall the amount of times that we were welcomed and given one ceremony or another. The cultures of the places that we went were by far the most astounding. Everywhere we were not, ceremonies and welcomes varied. The colorful clothing and the different styles of dances were absolutely mesmerizing. Some places you would see people playing instruments as high as and tall as the musicians and other places you would see women wearing jewelry that seemed to weigh more than them. Everywhere we went we were welcomes with pen arms?
I can recall times when I would have conversations with the local people my age (15) just to find out how their lives are in comparison to mine. Most of the people there would stop going to school at around the age of thirteen and start working, just to help provide for their families. It astounded me that there was a need for this, especially since growing up, I have never had to think about problems with money or worry about where my next meal is coming from. Some of these people would sleep where they work, and pull 36-hour shifts at a time. It then became clear to me why we were putting so much effort into charity work. Other than the fact that much of China is uneducated and that If educated, they could become the strongest work force in the world but also that a lot of these people lived lives that are so very harsh. I grew up listening to stories about how my parents grew up, about how hard it was for them and how hard they had to work to get to where they are now, but I never gave it a second thought. To me it was just another way for them to admonish me and tell me about how lucky I have it. But to me it really did not matter, how could they expect me to sympathize with them when I have not been through anything like anyone else in the world. Well, not I have a first-hand observation, even if I have never been through it, at least now, I have an idea of what its like for them.
The help that we give is appreciated so deeply that I do not think the people that we help can even really convey their gratitude, not only are we giving them an education, but we are giving them a future, an education is the best foundation for anything, whether it be money, power or even something as simple as day-to-day life, but what matters most is that they have this foundation, and this is our chance to give them one and make a difference in the world, to leave out footprints through time, so to speak.