It’s funny how quickly perceptions and attitudes can change when one recognizes that the end of something is in sight. At least, that’s the impression us teachers had while observing our TIS team in what would be their final day at Ban Houay-On. Despite the day seemingly starting in its usual manner – our 7 AM meditation and yoga session, followed by a homestay breakfast – our arrival at the worksite was met with a genuinely greater initiative and desire to complete as much of the eco-dormitory as possible prior to our departure. The kids exhibited an incredible work ethic, and some even embraced leadership roles, ensuring jobs were doled out and cycled through fairly. And above it all, morale was at a notable high all day with evident positivity and humor from everyone. An incredible feat considering the especially sore muscles, bothersome blisters, smoky haze and dust-filled air, in addition to the sweltering heat. Most concerning, Mr. Dunn had somehow managed to run out of coffee AND also found himself needing to outrun a gaggle of local children intending to scare him. Nonetheless, an unwavering sense of positivity and pragmatism prevailed.

Perhaps our shift in attitude was a byproduct of the reflections from the night before. Maybe it was a matter of the quicker we get this done, the quicker we get to rest (a common tactic of high school students… typically at the cost of quality). Or, more likely, the shared sentiment that in a short 24 hours, we would no longer be at Ban Houay-On, contributing to an inspiring cause with our friends, and fostering meaningful relationships with the village children. In light of the latter, Vinh, our World Organization co-leader, went so far as to say he’s never seen students on a service trip manage to connect with the local children the way ours have. This was especially highlighted in the post-work activity session with the local children. It didn’t matter if they were playing soccer, frisbee, volleyball, chilled on the swing set, or drew pictures; a quick look around the play area clearly suggested that time together was all that mattered – for both the community’s kids as well as our own.

In the absolute rarest of occurrences that a student on our trip didn’t manage to make a meaningful connection with the kids or the task at hand, it would have been difficult to not be absolutely blown away by the Basi Ceremony coordinated in our honor by the community to commemorate our time in the village. Having been provided sarongs and sashes, we were ushered into the local community hall, whereby we participated in the ceremony itself by being blessed by the many elders and children of the community who simultaneously went to tie strings around our wrists. We were then provided with a communal meal, before joining the local children in one of their traditional games (which resulted in several teachers and students tripping over themselves much to the amusement of their peers and the observant community). Needless to say, it was a powerful experience, and one that will surely not be forgotten by any of our group for some time to come.

Ultimately, the TIS teachers and World Volunteer staff all agreed that we should be exceedingly proud of everything we’ve accomplished and learned in our four short days on site. If today is any indication, our TIS team will undoubtedly be returning to Macao with a greater understanding of the world around them, an increase sense of compassion and empathy, and a flourishing willingness to continue taking on greater risks.

**there have been problems uploading the photos for today, so they will be uploaded at a later point in time**