When I see you smile

I would like to elaborate on Weizhong's comments about being able to displayin exaggerating actions around the residents.

As volunteers, we are not only teachers to them. Rather, we play the roles of siblings which they never have. So in a way, we should convey joy through happiness. These are the times we can really let ourselves loose and enjoy one anothers' company. We are there to spread joy. Not act like their discipline masters or whatever, although a certain level of sterness has to be there.

Nevertheless, let me put it this way - would you rather have a brother who wears a face of a stern lecturer all the time, or a brother who tries to make you smile every now and then?

Being social rejects, our trainees have, in one way or another, suffered loneliness and sadness. You can really see their sweet and innocent-looking smiles whenever you appear. Through them, you can never spot a hint of pretentious smiles from them ever.

Be it towards trainees, fellow volunteers or even the people around us, if we make the effort to reach out and make others smile, we are making evrybody's day worthwhile. Don't be afraid to display your true feelings.

In volunteering, we don't just teach the IDs. In fact, we learn from them also.

loneLEE