Sometimes this phrase is overused. But it really means a lot more than just the most common way to show concern for your friends. Especially when old friends I know from YV ask me how am I, I always feel very happy and blessed to have friends who really care.

However, amidst all the tough challenges that come by, there are always people standing strong and resilient. I cannot imagine how Derrick, from the 3rd episode of “P.S. I’m sorry” encouraged himself for 4, 5 years to keep going, pick up skills and do well in work to prove to his father that he has changed and is no longer the old him who doesn’t give know his priorities. And it was so touching to see how Alex Lim, in the 2nd episode, really bucked up when his principal gave him the last chance to prove himself after he was sent to the Boy’s Home.  With only 3 months to prepare for N levels then, he topped the school at the exam. He just received the Stars of Shine award from MCYS and is active in working with teens, sharing his life story.

So many people, struggle so much to survive, to become a better person. They meet with obstacles, lack of opportunities. And when they finally realise the better route to take, they didn’t let anything stop them. They grow to be persons with remarkable spirit. But why, why is it that there is just as many people doing the reverse? Not valuing all that they have. Escape from all their responsibilities. Choosing to do the wrong things. Letting their loved ones down. And not respecting themselves. Why do they end up enjoying sinful indulgence, or doing foolish irrational things? Why can’t they exert more control over their principles, their values? And hold true to what they care and believe in? Do they even know what they really care and hold close to their hearts?

I guess I’m so right. This is a test. Such a real test.

I think after the TF training, I am super duper sure that I didn’t make the wrong choice to continue volunteering here. Ther concept is always the same, we do things, make mistakes, we share, brainstorm, care for one another, grow and finally inspire new volunteers to keep going. It stuck me that the feeling at ACE is the same as all the other volunteering experiences I enjoyed when I was having this really long chat with Alicia. It was long, but totally nice and heartwarming. It is the same thing I go through with YV peeps, we chat over our lives, what we believe in, what changes we hope to see, what do we treasure in life, what else we want to do in our lives… It’s really amazing, the way we forge and maintain our friendships. Even an inital intern who was supposed to help with admin stuff, get infected to feel the same as we do and enjoy the whole process with us, I think we are seriously amazing people who do amazing things.

Despite feeling like shit about straining my injuried ankles from all the shit load walking at ECP, I was really very very happy to go through another SVC activity. Daniel reminded me of my weakness when I was sharing about how distracted I am about like problems and loopholes we are facing. Honestly, I was having alot of difficulties concentrating on observing every little thing I could at training, making mental notes about them, and thinking of solutions calmly. I never know how to make small steps and not worry over little things. Cos I always get emotionally involved in every little problem I notice, I get too overwhelmed with the whole load of issues in front of me, and can never be able to solve them to my fullest ability. Haha, even though I was reminded of my old long weakness, it stills feels good to have an old friend sharing things close to our hearts. (:

These 2 days simply reassured me that I am right to stay on. I just knew that there was more to this. Everytime I returned with doubts, I always go home with a bag load of things to take away. Even if things turn out to be a complete failure, they can never take away my friends I know from volunteering, who can last me one lifetime.