Bonsai!

This was actually my first MAD project (and theoretically should have been posted first), but I've waited until Bonsai meetings were mostly over, since it is an on-going project.

Since I have been told that I'm good with kids, I jumped at the chance to use essentially playing with one kid for 30-40 minutes a week as a MAD option.

After some training-like sessions with Mr. Quick and Mrs. Kadow, I was paired with Joey Shultz. At the first meetings, it was awkward, no doubt about that. But Mr. Quick warned ua beforehand. His friend didn't leave Joey, and I didn't have the heart to turn him away; it was awkward enough as it is. I gave some board game options, and Joey picked connect four, which wasn't exactly a 3-player game, but we made it work. I tried to make conversation with Joey, but we always ended up talking about the game. It was a little weird at first, but soon I got to know him better.

He is a very fun-loving boy, and he especially likes playing tag, spinning tops, and transformers, which is exactly what I would be expecting from an elementary student. He is very funny and I have thuroughly enjoyed my time with him.

Salvation Army

When I first put on the money-collecting bag and began to find a spot to stand, I was very shy because I didn’t know Cantonese. My friends tried to teach me a Cantonese phrase. But after two awkward attempts, I decided that the bag showed what I wanted and smile and a kind approach would get the message across.

It was a good feeling when the people donated – even a few coins –, and especially when they looked me in the eye and smiled, or donated without me even prompting. I felt hurt and kind of insulted when people glared at me or just brushed past me without even acknowledging that I am there. Sometimes it was difficult because at every turn I saw people who already had the stickers or looked really grouchy or busy. But some of the grouchy-looking people donated, which shows not to judge a book by it’s cover.

This experience has really showed me the other side of the story. I feel really bad for every time I have ignored a volunteer or not donated. I always hoped that they would not approach me because it would be awkward. But now I realize it is just as awkward for them as it is for me, and they have to do this multiple times per day.

I sold two-and-a-half pages of stickers. Some of my friends sold five or even six pages of stickers, but I am content with what I sold because I really stepped out of my comfort zone and I think I did well for a foreigner.

Coastal Clean-Up | October 15 2010

I had done this "Coastal Clean-Up" once, -the year before- so I knew exactly what I was getting into. The trip was pretty much the same as the year before, but it was much more fun going with my friends. I feel lucky having this as a MAD project option, because I had lots of fun while helping the Earth.

When we started cleaning, the first thing that struck me was how strange and diverse the garbage was. There were gloves, bottles, buckets, plastic bags, socks, cigarettes, cups, chopsticks, and even part of a chair. Where did all of this come from? Did the people who tossed it give it a second thought? I know I don't when I toss things in the bin, but what about people on boats? Do they think about it? Do they even know?

It was quite crazy how much garbage there was on the beach. I don't remember the exact amount of garbage we picked up, but I know it was several pounds. Now that I think about it, it really baffles me how much trash is in our oceans. We collected several pounds of junk just on the surface of one beach. I cannot imagine how much rubbish is under the ocean, floating around!

After doing some research, I found this mass of garbage in the ocean called the "Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch", which is just what it sounds like. Located in the Pacific, this is the world's largest landfill: it's the size of Texas. After reading the article on Wikipedia, the Pacific Ocean Patch really broke my heart. It has had some terrible effects on wildlife too. Some of the plastics end up being eaten, which is obviously toxic to the animal. Research says that the debris affects at least 267 species worldwide, including humans, since we eat some sea-creatures.

I don't think I can fully wrap my head around this. God has put us in charge of His magnificent creation and we have taken complete advantage of and taken for granted this wonderful gift. To know I was part of a team that made a difference for wildlife, the earth, and human life makes me very proud and happy that I can give back. It was only for a couple of hours, but I know we made a big difference.