Just came back from the land of tax-free chocolate, hence there is a very happy and satisfied Kaede back on her favorite bed with her favorite dog. Albeit a little worn out and sick of buses, I'm really glad I had the opportunity to lead in yet another AFS mid-term orientation camp.

The experience earned within these precious few days have always been inspiring and life enriching.

This camp in particular gave me both very high hopes and pride but at the same time I was clouded with dejection at some points. At times I wonder why do I bother with the sacrifices,. Suffering through two psycho bus driver's attempt to kill us all, motion-sickness and spending the holidays working. This camp was one of those times that my questions were answered. =) After one of the sessions where we discussed about their stay with their respective host families, one came up to me. With a huge sigh of relief that student thanked me for being a supportive volunteer that cleared the worries which was burdening to the mind.

With just that smile of gratitude my tireness became so much more bearable, for being able to touch another person's life in a positive way is a reward in itself. =)

Because every exchange student will experience ups and down in their program. That I can always relate. I had both a terrific and the most terrible time in my exchange to Japan, so much so that I hated my host family for so long. Time plus alot of soul searching had helped me find the grace to forgive them in my heart. I just don't communicate with them anymore =/ Back then, I didn't have any volunteers to hear me out during my bleak moments, let alone provide the sense of refuge and support I had desperately seeked. This is probably the primary reason why I volunteer back home with AFS Malaysia. I want to be a source of back up for the students on exchange here, for them to know they can find help should they ever need any, that they will never be alone in this foreign land.

Sometimes, being a camp leader, or a volunteer can be real tough balance. Often we try so hard, not really expecting much in return as we are mostly returnees who had been there, done that and loved it. I derive gratification from seeing these enthusiastic youths grow up with maturity and understanding the importance of intercultural-ism. To be a friend to the students is of course important, but it is also always equally important to know when to stamp your foot down and hold your ground as a leader. But because they always expect more of the former and hate the latter the most, most volunteer's sincere dedications and sacrifices goes to waste. Unnoticed, unappreciated, condemned. It is heartbreaking, to see all that effort, all that passion and high hopes melt into dissapointment to have the meaning of being on an exchange completely ignored. Worst to see when some clearly never stood to benefit a thing here, wasting a year's worth of time that can never be regained back.

Only by realizing that no one culture is ever superior than another that we can be rid of ethnocentrism indefinitely. One day we will have world peace, then all these civil war and nuclear war and terrorist war nonsense can finally come to an end. (And idiots stop chopping down the forests!) One can only wish the students realize the monumental impact of their participation here with AFS and make the best out of life.

Anyway.

I believe that despite all that crap we toil through while living in Malaysia, corrupted political system, dysfunctional education system, unreliable transportation system and the tidak apa mentality of citizens, Malaysia has alot to offer and to teach. A different perspective into life and the diversity of culture here. The Malaysians could probably learn a thing or two from them as well. Just by volunteering alone I have learnt so much about Malaysia, ironically enough through the eyes of these foreign students.

There are gems of jewels amongst us, I am glad to have been able to take a peek at them, giving them the needed polish once in a while.