Today, the Grade 4 went on a field trip to the Water Treatment Plant in Bach Ninh, Vietnam. It was organized by Lutz and Landriati and the teachers helped coordinate.

I’d like to share with you what I learned in our field trip: Basically, the water cycle goes like this

We did a lot of walking and the students listened to a number of group discussions. It was a big day. It included stops at the water treatment plant, raw sewerage sites and also construction sites - all valuable parts of the trip. But kids being kids, they were tired. Of course, the teachers and parents were there to support them and encourage them with words like, “Only two stops to go” or ”Guess where we’re going next! A construction site where they’re putting in all the big pipes for the sewerage system!” and “This is our last stop and then it’s home time.” 

We were there to remind the students to “Soldier On! (for the sake of learning)”.  It made me appreciate my role in educating the children. Children need and deserve someone there to encourage them that even though things are not going easy, we must keep going because in the end, these things are for your own good.

But it made me think about the struggles that sometimes adults have to face. We also get tired. We also need someone or something there to encourage us to keep going. As we approach the end of our first term, I can’t help but appreciate the school breaks we have. I know that some people say that teachers get too many holidays. And teachers are quick to say that the students need some time off. But honestly speaking, teachers need some time off too - to rest, to rejuvinate our minds and bodies and prepare for another term of (fun and) learning. 

As I was thinking about this, I realized how difficult it could be for someone who doesn’t have anyone or anything that can encourge them to get through the difficult times. What if someone is tired? Maybe even fed-up of life? Who can be there to give a helping hand? Family, I guess. They’re always there to listen and support. Friends, perhaps. As long as troubled person doesn’t think that what he’s going through is uniquely his/her own experience and his family and friends won’t understand.

Who do we turn to when we are at the lowest of lows? Who can we count on when we hit rock-bottom? Personally, I think we turn to a Higher Power.

(I can almost hear the song, “Yahweh I know you are near” - one of my favorite church songs at the St Francis Church in Lourdes School Mandaluyong. ) 

Today, I learned a little something about what it means to have faith.

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