A Journey into Joy and Peace: 2nd Charity Art ~ On the Opening Night, 16 MAY 2010

Joy and Peace to All!

Thank you everyone for making this 2nd charity art auction and exhibition a success. There is a beautiful connection among each and every one of us.

I used to think that giving and sharing as very difficult because I could not afford to give away any money as I was always short of it. I used to equate charity as giving in terms of monetary and material value. I never realized that my time and skills could be so precious to others. Then it dawned upon me when I experienced and learnt about this lesson of unconditional giving from my beloved late grandma. We can’t buy true and pure love and care, even if we had a million dollars to spare.

Have you ever wondered, “Where is Cambodia or Siem Reap? Do you know how backward it is? Do you think about how it is like to live in utter poverty? The scenes of barefooted school children, dirt covered children’s faces peeping out from bare huts they call home, street vending children living at the mercy of organized syndicates, poor fishermen families living frugally eking out a living from the sea………..the list goes on. Such heart wrenching scenes have left a deep impression in my heart and mind. I feel a strong connection to the young children who spend their time picking up scrap boxes and cans, or selling souvenirs on the streets instead of being in school. Their round innocent eyes, bare feet and tiny frames, constantly haunt my mind.

How many of them have the opportunity to be educated? Do these innocent children see any future ahead of them? In fact, I feel that most for the children who have no chance of education will have a difficult future.

When I saw the reality of poverty, my emotions stirred and my eyes welled up. “ I had to do something.” Our sense of gratitude gradually wears off when we become more and more obsessed with material pursuit. We become indifferent to others………… Although the scenes from my stay are not all extremely moving, but they were sufficient enough to change the way I see things and my attitude towards others.

I would like to help the children to study, to learn English, to have a better opportunity to explore their talents... By teaching the underprivileged Cambodian children art, I have learnt a lot from them - living a simple life , to be happy and contented, and most important to treasure the good and happy life I am blessed with.

By walking this journey together, you too have helped a child towards a brighter future, you have helped a family rise above poverty and most of all shared the blessings you have received with another living being.