22nd August was a special day for some of the members from Varada Effort, as most of us (except for Yeng Yeng) were not there in TCV Suja during the shawl distribution last December. We could only see from the pictures that Yeng Yeng sent us to share the joy. Now eight months later, Lay Beng and I were able to time the visit to TCV Suja with the teaching from Geshe Dorji Damdul in Deer Park Institute together. We were so excited by the thought that we were able to meet the children at long last.
Together with another 12 Singaporeans who were also attending the teaching, plus our dear Geshe la and Dr. Barry we set off to TCV that late afternoon. Of course we also did not forget to ask our dear Tibetan friends Tenzin and Jigme to purchase 1,800 sets of candies and snacks to bring along for all the children there.
In 5 taxis off we went in the rain. When we reached the school, the headmaster was already waiting for us. Delicious Tibetan snacks and tea were offered to us. After a brief introduction about TCV, off we went to the school hall as the children were all ready to perform for us with the new musical instruments that they have purchased with the money we donated. They started by singing the 50th Anniversary Song of TCV composed by Geshe Dorji Damdul. This was supposed to be a surprise item for Geshe la since we had wanted him to be our guest of honor. Originally, Geshe la was not willing to attend, as he had to prepare lessons for us during his free time. So in the end, I had to let the cat out of the bag by telling him that the children have been practicing the song really hard ever since the day they knew we were coming. They would be very disappointed. That was something which Geshe la could not refuse. On hearing the song, I think all of us were somehow emotional about this even we did not understand word for word the meaning. But I myself and Lay Beng ( I could see from the corner of my eyes), were having moisture in our eyes and trying to control them from rolling down onto our faces.
More performance items followed and they were truly a lovely bunch. Geshe la also gave a very powerful speech to the students to encourage them and also to remind them on preserving their culture. At the end, I was glad that I managed to gain back my composure by giving a short thank you speech in English and Tibetan ( a real challenge for me). I hope through this trip, more Singaporeans are aware of the plight of these children and extend their hands out to help them in whatever way they can.
~ Rita
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