Final Days

Hey team,

Dedicated to the SiChuan Team.

I spent the last few days in brief solitude trying to contain the memories of what happened on our trip to Sichuan. We had a handful of reunions and they were all great. Seeing friends again brought joy to my face. It was so good to see everyone again. This is the last day for a lot of those friends leaving, heading back to Toronto. Some have already left but they still live inside our memories. Pictures have captured every moment of our last week together and I only wish we had more time to make more memories.

Even though I said that I have regretted coming to this trip and leaving home, I can now say that this was the best decision that I made. I do not regret coming because I have made so many connections with everyone here especially the music team. From Alfred's queer and quirky awkward bursts of unimaginative sayings and movements to Kenix's emotional tears and flexible yoga weird dancing; from Mandy's charismatic and caring personality to Kitty's passionate and kind words; and to Desmond's talented songs, egotistical and somewhat charming personality are only a few things that I can be grateful for.

Without Jacky and Nicole's leadership and organization, there wouldn't have been a show or trip that ran as smoothly as it did. Without Andrew, Vivian, Teddy, Victor, Sookit and Dr. Choi, there wouldn't have been a trip in the first place. Without Joseph, Una, ChrisB, Fiona, Purple, Adonian, Karen and Gabriel, we wouldn't have had the amazing pictures and videos we have now. Without Duk Sing sok sok and Wing Tai sok sok, there wouldn't have been leaders keeping our reigns tight and keeping us on track. Without the different workshops from Arts and Crafts to Adventure, there wouldn't have been anything for us to do with the kids. Without the many, MANY other people who i didn't mention, there wouldn't be anything. Without the bus drivers, sound dudes, travel and tour guides, we'd all be where we were 3 weeks ago minding our own business. So many memories that last forever that will never go away.

Even though we had little time with the students, the time we spent was enough for them. I wish we could spend more one-on-one time with them all to help them out, to let those tears fall that have been held up for months, to let them know there are others out there that care for each and every one of them.

It took my team 8 debriefing sessions to get to a result where we all agree that we have finally debriefed. However, we still have our reunions to start and yesterday was not only our last debrief as a team but our first reunion. Though we were missing a third of the team, they were still with us in spirit. Kitty even had the decency to call us from Toronto which was amazing!

I have had so many good memories and meeting new faces. Inspirational words, motivational speeches, admiral presentations, loving friends, kind reflections and joyous appreciations are only a start to the beginning of something more. The gains of friendship and fellowship, stewardship and mentorship, leadership and kinship are all blessings and I had the privilege to experience it all firsthand.

Thank you all for being such wonderful people. A bright and hopeful future awaits you all. God bless each and every one of you forever and a day.

Brian Li. In response to SiChuan June '09