Spirit of Resilience
by Cindy Au
On the very first day of Workcamp, our journey was quickly tested by unexpected challenges. Our bus driver, confronted with treacherous terrain, muddy landslides, and waist-deep puddles, considered turning back. By day’s end, he was ready to quit. Yet to our deep gratitude, he returned the next morning and every morning after, with growing confidence and mastery, skillfully navigating the rugged path ahead.
Every day, during our long and bumpy bus rides to the school site, I found myself often wondering what is it that keeps us all coming back, year after year?
This year’s Workcamp was one of the toughest I’ve experienced. We faced heavy rain, scorching sun, relentless bugs, and viral sore throats. But in the face of it all, what stood out to me was the spirit of resilience.
I watched as our playground team pushed through every obstacle, sunburned and soaked, yet determined to finish their project in just a few days. I think of Bao, a young teammate who deeply scraped his shin falling from a scaffold but still came back the next day, with a smile, to work and later play a friendly soccer match with the locals.
Not once did I hear anyone complain. Instead, our team filled the air with laughter, songs, and kind words. Long bus rides became moments of connection, filled with karaoke, games, and shared stories. What could have felt like hardship turned into joy because of the people beside me.
What kept us going was something bigger than ourselves: a shared vision of a brighter future for the children here. From the very first day, we saw their excitement as they stepped into the new classrooms, a beautiful space we had helped bring to life. Many of them even joined us, brushes in hand, eager to add their colors to the walls. Their energy and commitment were inspiring, a rare sight I’ve seldom seen elsewhere. I hope this school will continue to stand as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the power of education and resilience for a community where many children’s learning journeys are cut short by economic hardship.
Beyond the bricks and paint, this Workcamp experience reminded me how powerful a shared purpose can be. We leaned on each other, supported one another, and celebrated each team’s success as our own. That sense of unity, of true community, is what keeps me coming back, year after year.
Despite the heat, the bugs, and the long hours, I return because of the children, and because of this incredible team. My Workcamp family has given me so much: hope, strength, love, and a deeper sense of purpose. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
