前輩子我是隻蠶寶寶?! Were I A Silkworm In My Previous Life?!
作者記事
此篇以萬字計的文章，拜一些前輩的照料，於台灣景秀麗之處鳥語花香中成就
從開始書寫至完成，大約費時十二個鐘頭，中間必須挪出時間與國際友人討論非洲服務事宜，加上必須完成的此地任務、以及(如文中所指)搭機的行前準備等等，使本文在緊鑼密鼓的血脈賁張中完工。
本文記於2025非洲行前，預計下回能再作文分享，應該在今年度第三季，於非洲現場服務工作暫時告一段落，並且舉辦過分享活動之後。
Writer’s
Note:
This piece of work counted more than 10,000 words in total. It is written before my departure from Taiwan to Kenya, thanks to a group of elderly who take good care of me, at a beautiful piece of land, for a local project they would like me to host. It is estimated the next work will be resulted in the third quarter of 2025, after my on-site tasks in east Africa are completed, and after an event of the sharing of “East Africa in 2025” is held in Taiwan.
This article takes me about 12 hours to complete. In between, discussions were made cross straits related to this journey to east Africa mentioned in the work. At the same time, I need to prepare for the show to be hosted by me. All the details need to tap to the precise timing; hence, I am writing this piece of work with much enthusiasm, as usual, I guess, with simiar intensive time frame and a bit paced tempo :)
Prelude前言
第一次看到這句西藏俗諺「耐心能使桑葉變成絲」，不是非常理解，尤其身處功利社會面對諸多競爭及壓力，對於這句話中藏傳佛教系統裡關於「心靈轉化」的慈善之心的陶冶、利他之心得以延展之種種可能，一無所知；但是，自從多年前在東非探索其他人士於「耕種蔬果」上的可能，爾後與當地一群—據這些遊牧民族出身者的說法「是Hope激發我們這些人一起來關心我們的窮苦國民」—有志之士邊合作此項目邊運行其他助益當地事宜，一塊僅僅二十坪左右的土地實驗栽種蔬果後，至今變成至少五、六千坪栽種了南瓜、甘蔗、當地特有菠菜、酪梨、百香果、柑橘類水果、地瓜葉、香菜、高麗菜、及日本人稱呼是為「神奇之木」辣木等多種蔬菜水果的空間，不但使得以自給自足成為可能，還可與當地低收入戶分享，亦能販售變現後，目前的我則慢慢比較能夠體會一顆種子埋在土壤裡面，其所需成長時間，以及種子在不同天候狀況下的耐受力。
When
I first saw a Tibetan proverb, “Patience can transform mulberry leaves into
silk,” I could not understand the essence of the words that much, esp. I was in
a very modern society where capitalism and competitions are ubiquitous. I,
therefore, was quite naïve about the possibilities towards mind transformations
embedded in such a sentence derived from the Tibetan culture. After many years
of explorations with the nomadic group, Massai, in East Africa, however, I have
realized more about the fact of such a sentence after the middle class in East
Africa have worked with me to grow all sorts of vegetables and fruits from a
quarter of a plot to many acres making the locals more self-sufficient and the
land sustainable. Currently, I understand more about how seeds grow at
different places, as well as their resilience towards different climatic
changes.
當我們站在東非那片廣大的開墾地之上，當遊牧民族出身的當地有力人士與我在風中談話，說及「Hope，我們很贊同妳早先說過的話，我們不能一直固守我們的牛隻羊群，我們必須做出改變，而這樣的開墾行動力，就是我們企圖進化我們的生活模式的第一步」時，我的內心五味雜陳：
In
east Africa, while standing on that vast piece of land being cultivated, the
original nomadic middle class mentioned to me,
“Hope,
what you have said is really true, that as the nomadic, we should change our
lifestyle with the goats and cattle only. We have to adapt to the
changes of time. This piece of land cultivated is the first step for our
evolution.”
原來，我所說的話，連這些東非當地的中產階級也真的聽進去了……
At
the moment, I was quite touched and stunned, aware that they have heeded my words, even the
well-established middle class in east Africa.
原來，只要願意試驗，起初僅僅是讓牛隻羊群漫步、看似毫無經濟價值的土地，我們也能發現其可以耕種的可能……
From
such an experimental stage, we can learn that the piece of land for goats and
cattle to roam can also grow a variety of crops for sale, for self-application,
and for the disadvantaged to enjoy.
所以我學習到，人不必小瞧自己的可能，人也不必劃地自限。
As a
result, I have learned we need not to belittle ourselves; moreover, we must keep
expanding our horizons.
當然，我也從自己的角度，清楚看見自己不斷轉化的過程，這是由於從不同時期所結識的各種年齡層與中外學生們的分析中，我才恍然大悟—
初始，我是一位在學生心目中嚴厲的教師；
接著，我變成眾所週知的溫和教師；
近幾年，我已經變成學生眼中「超愛搞笑」的教學者。
Certainly,
I have learned that I can be revolutionized: according to students whom I have exposed
to at different stages of my life, I used to be, at the beginning, stern and
serious, later, refined and gentle, and most recent (counted by years),
extremely humorous.
是的，這些轉變正是任何人的心性都柔軟到可以轉化的具體寫照。而就這樣的優質發展趨勢來講，我到底還會怎樣繼續轉變下去呢? 這是個令我自己著迷的疑問，因為我非常清楚自己的轉變曲線仍然持續上揚當中!!!
Indeed,
these changes are solid proofs any mindset can be altered! From such tendency
in positive variations, how will I keep changing for the better? This is a
charming question, isn’t it? I am very clear that my changes are still open
chapters to be crafted!!!
自然，現在的我比較能夠想像「耐心能使桑葉變成絲」指的，是當一棵桑樹所長出的桑葉餵食了蠶，蠶又必須花多久的時間成蛹，接著引發出的一連串抽絲剝繭的歷程……等等。
Naturally,
I can imagine “Patience can transform mulberry leaves into silk” means the
silkworms will digest mulberry leaves. After some time, silkworms will become
cocoons for mankind to extract into fabrics with silk and so on.
事實上，每一個嶄新的日子，我都在與這句「耐心能使桑葉變成絲」的西藏俗諺肩並肩而行，因為我所進行的每一個單項課題，都必須投注以絕對的全神貫注，尤其在無人為「一位(在最初開始執行相關事宜乃身為二十多歲)年輕女性單獨率先進行國際服務計畫」設下任何框架或者SOP(標準操作流程)的情況之下，我必須硬著頭皮衝破無數困難重重關卡，讓更多人群及物種得以過上更為理想的生活的目標，成為任何阻撓都無法撼動的、我的日常。
In
truth, for every brand new day, I am walking side by side with this every
sentence “Patience can transform mulberry leaves into silk,” for every single
task needs to be strengthened by my full attention, especially under the zero
framework and/or SOP (standard operation procedure) for “a young lady beginning
international humanitarian projects by herself.” (This is based upon the fact my self-initiated international projects began in my late 20s or so.) In such circumstances, I need
to be firm that whatever I am going through, making more individuals and
species lead better lives should be my daily norms.
故而，當很多人問我：「妳上輩子是不是非洲人」的同時，我會暗自思忖：
「呵呵~~~上輩子我應該是隻蠶寶寶吧~~~」
That
is why when people ask me “Were you African in your previous life,” I tend to
think that
“Yeah,
yeah, yeah, I was actually a silkworm reincarnated as Hope!”
民宿 Accommodation Here In Taiwan
此刻，非洲行前，我應邀前往台灣一處風麗之處，主辦單位替我安排了一個面對如詩如畫的庭園景色及秀麗山巒的住處，我的工作是於在地的一個重要的場合中擔任主持人，面對來自於台灣四面八方、乃至於世界其他國度的精英團隊，把串場工作做好，使賓主盡歡。
At
present, I am invited to stay at a scenic spot in Taiwan for an event I will
have to host so that people from everywhere inside and outside Taiwan will be
happily entertained. I am privileged to enjoy such treatment simply due to
things I am skillful at, identical to my works in areas of teaching, translation,
broadcast, etc. which can bring me income for my work in the humanitarian
projects internationally.
僅僅只要如此這般運行我所擅長之事，一如我的其他工作範疇，例如教學、例如譯文、例如播音等等，就可以得到這樣的禮遇，總讓我在有更多經費得以抑注國際工作的同時，感佩造物主的神奇化育，尤其這一次不但必須為我安排極度適切的當地住宿環境，使我在行前仍得以安心與國際人士討論相關赴非細節，以及如眼下般安心創作文字書寫內容，尤有甚者，當地耆老甚至具體以捐助的行動力，襄贊我在落後地區的服務工作……
Grateful
as I am to the Creator’s arrangement, I find that when I am here, I can both
write and discuss with my foreign counterparts about issues to be handled in
those remote regions in developing nations. Even more amazing is I am sponsored
by those older generations from this region who would like to financially
assist my tasks oversesas.
就是這份天地間對我的厚愛，使我不得不將服務工作做到盡善盡美，尤其在最近的一次國際服務工作歷程分享與討論的過程中，我因為對應熱心的贊助人士相關提問，而提及：
「在東非與中產階級、社會地位崇高人士的合作已經多年，並已確認型態，由於人脈及物力建全，在財力許可的情況下，將(以土地萬坪計)朝向廣大範圍建設多角社區服務中心方向而行，此類中心將有技術/技藝學習、老弱照護、特教生教育、動物保育、植物栽培、商品設計及銷售等吸引外企、各國人士共襄盛舉的功能；而時至今日，在東南亞所經營之合作規模，與在東非所經營之合作規模雷同，將時常處在因地制宜、因人制宜等現況考量而調整其對應法門」時，在座人士幾乎有些瞠目結舌。
Due to
this love given to me by the Universe, I have all the motivations to make my
humanitarian efforts better. During one of the presentations recently,
responding to some heartwarming donation proposals, I stated,
“In
east Africa where our collaborations are quite healthy, we expect to build community
center(s) where learning skills, taking care of the vulnerable and old,
teaching the physically and mentally disadvantaged, sheltering the orphaned
animals, cultivating plants, designing and selling products and so on are
practiced to attract investments and efforts from everywhere. Up to this
moment, service work of mine in southeast Asia can be with the same magnitude,
suited to be adjusted depending on the situations.”
眾人應該是難以想像我的行動及背後的願景圖像，何以生成、茁壯；事實是，我自己也無法想像「從無息借貸現金給貧窮落後地區人口」開始，甚至面對呆帳重重的情況，在地人士觀察到我永遠沒有對自己及他人抑注的種種經費「石沉大海」而腦羞成怒，我自己則在前路險阻的情況下，不斷運用各種手法激勵當地貧困地帶居民的種種可能，而使得在極為偏遠地區有像當地人口中「近似皇宮」般、相對於一般當地人所居住的牛糞所建造的磚瓦房舍之興建；
All
those listening to me were speechless, perhaps based on the fact that it is
difficult to picture how strangely consolidated my actions and future prospect
in this matter are, certainly not how my dreams become mature through the
years. The fact is, I cannot imagine, either, how I never feel frustrated when
projects in east Africa have not worked out, like the zero-interest friendly
loan task for groups after groups there never truly worked out, and yet, still,
I managed to find ways to encourage the locals to try other methods for their financial well-being so that
houses, according to the locals, “that look like palaces” could be built,
contrasting to the cow-dung constructed huts which the locals normally live.
固然，我也沒有辦法在初始想像這些行動會促成有良善之心的先進國家及地區不同膚色的人士，與我同赴落後地點進行深入了解、運行相關服務工事，而使這些參與者因著他們自身的不同(性別、年齡、宗教、種族、教育等)背景，而如他們所言「淨化與進化」他們己身，從而成為他們自己口中「更好的人」，更加敢於追夢、更加前景無限。
Of course,
I have never envisioned people from different backgrounds from different parts
of the world, with all those projects we have done together, can make these
participants, in their own words, “Become Better Persons” who are more daring
in chasing their dreams with more future prospects.
我的國際工事，於焉實在蘊釀著許多無法具體逐一交待的事項，其箇中原因倒不是由於「機密」、更也並非「藏私」，而是就像台灣從農業社會轉型到工商業社會、從發展中國家變成先進國度般，除了並非每個人都有餘裕閱讀或者觀賞台灣發展史，身為台灣的一份子的我們，更不容易和他人交待清楚任何一個年代當中的任何細節，舉凡我自己的先祖和所有當時在民國三十八年左右，從中國大陸乘船「逃難」來到台灣的個人或者家庭，當年如何居住於許許多多學校教室之中……對比今日我的學生工作於台灣的地標型建築之中，好比101、新建之大型醫療院所、政府機關在整修後的古蹟辦公等，我們的發展及成就並非三言兩語能夠交待清楚，而我們的成就及發展除了「奇蹟」二字，尚且包涵著胼手胝足的勤奮努力、和無以計數的各種協助。
My
international projects, as a result, are with hidden stories not because they
are confidential nor I would like to hide things away from the others, but
because when things have shaped themselves through the years, it is not very
much an easy task to describe scenes from the scratch anymore.
是以，這些因為我而開啟的國際工事，也有著這樣的圖騰：其絕絕對對並非單一個體所能成就，而是諸多人士的攜手並進和互相幫忙，使其榮景日漸成型。
The outcome
as we see today would not be anyone’s achievement only—it is a joint effort
requiring many individuals’ participation.
回到台灣的場景……進到此間民宿時，老闆娘提及：
「他們跟我說妳是藝術家!!!」
When
I just arrived at this accommodation, owner of this place told me that
“I
was informed you are an artist.”
因為無法從他人的角度來觀看自己，所以我無法體會這些為了我而感動的人，究竟看到我的什麼成份，但如果人生真的有品牌，我想我這個「不務正業」之人的品牌，應該經營得還算得體?!由我所起頭的這番國際工事，確然就是在一只無邊無際的大幅畫布上作畫的過程，猶如接受了我成為他們的教學者，而使我得以在他們的靈魂布景之上揮灑，而使得這些學習者徹頭徹尾發生轉變的學生般。
As I
cannot see myself from the others’ viewpoint, I cannot really decipher how
those who are touched by me are impressed. Nonetheless, if we each of us has
our own, personal branding, I guess mine has become very different when I started
to paint on a canvas without any graph in mind; this process has enabled me to
literally ignite my own passion as well as those students of mine who have
spent considerable amount of time with me so that they experience their
life-long complete changes, too.
PACKING 整裝待發
打包如果是為了自己、為了身邊所愛之人，或許比較簡單，這麼說是由於當要前往落後國度的貧困地區時，當行李屬於一般航空的托運行李及上機行李的範疇，而非廉價航空的托運計費時，關於要攜帶什麼東西，變得極需審慎評估。
When
we pack, if we are packing for ourselves or those loved ones around us, the
assignment may not be that tough. I express this since to pack things for those
in the developing nations when normal airlines are taken, not those budget air
allowing no baggage to be checked in unless paid, to ponder about what to
bring can be very worthy considering.
這裡面還得計算現有的空間得以「裝盛」的捐贈物資，外加計算出可以到場協助的人員，以及將原本收集捐贈物資的地點必須退還等等的種種考慮—當然，這其中包含我在去年就已經由於「學習已到一個深度」而計畫妥當、今年年初就提出的「離開公校系統實驗階段」的方案，導致我那原本可以收納不同來源捐贈物資的偌大教室必須重整歸零。
During
this entire procedure, I often need to access those donated items, counting
those who will go overseas with me to a foreign nation, like this time, to
Kenya, and the place by my side where donated items are collected will be useful or not in
the future. In the case of this year, based on the fact I have resigned the
post of working in the public schools system, a plan drafted later in 2024, issued
early in 2025, and realized in the middle of 2025 after my experimental
learning stage in returning back to such a system to face the younger
generations have enabled me to learn so much and brought me so much joy, I needed
to vacate the entire space of the classroom where many collected donated
resources used to sit.
在這個必須重整歸零的教室裡面，愛心人士捐贈的項目繁多，除了已經被今年將一同前往赴非的愛心人士取走的衣物用品，尚有其他種種，這裡面尚且包含我對自己的統整，那種從過去久久至今的審視，哪些筆記、哪些文章、哪些學生們寫給我的卡片該捨該整……等等。
In that
space where I must make decisions upon which to pack, which to send to whom,
and what to throw away, let alone students’ notes to me, their happiness and
praises for me and so on, it took me considerable amount of time to make the
next move.
來得及留下影像的熱心公益人士捐贈了物資
雖然整理下來耗時費力，但由於所思考的方位清晰，清理的過程及整理完畢之後，仍舊平靜如昔。
It is
time-consuming to be sure, but with my clear-headed notion, I am peaceful
during and after the process.
於是，「打包」也可以成為一種心態型式上的「整理」；這意昧著把一切波折去蕪存菁，繼續把最美好的自己留給這個世界。
In the
end, to pack can be a psychological organization, which is about discarding all
the unnecessary whereas the best part of me can be devoted to the world in a
continuous fashion.
妳是笨蛋!!! You Are A Fool!!!
自己認為是美好的，不見得別人也要如此認為。
What we believe to be beautiful may not be appealing to the others.
有人覺得我放著鐵飯碗不捧，是傻子。
Some
people deem me foolish as I do not choose to work as a public servant, and
others believe my giving up to be a flight attendant is nonsense.
有人覺得我不當空姊在世界飛來飛去，很笨。
有人覺得我讓自己「再」去教中、小學生，是愚蠢。
Some
feel my decision to teach the high school and elementary school students in
Taiwan is stupid, while the others regard my giving away the time, energy, and
finance to the needed is unintelligent.
有人認為我可以前程似錦，但卻把大部份時間奉獻給義務工作，荒腔走板。
有人認為我進行義務工作的方式既無效率亦無前瞻性，敗筆處處。
There
are those who view my ways of conducting my humanitarian projects worldwide to
be inefficient and fruitless, with failures here and there.
在這所有不同聲音自各處齊發、朝我猶如亂箭飛來的同時，我往往也不驚不懼—
我的信念是這世上沒有簡單的事，只有願意做的事，而良善就是啟動一切的根本所在；
有這樣的根本，雖然看似有勇無謀，但根本上或者只是勇者無懼而已。
When
all these negative forces shoot me like arrows aiming at and flying towards me,
I am still quite serene. My belief is that nothing is easy in the world—it is
merely the kind, willing heart that can penetrate scary obstacles; with such
belief as the foundation, though things can look aimless, it is actually the
brave-hearted fighting the win-win-win battles.
領導者的高度 Leadership Quality
「領導者的視野和角度非常重要。」有人在點出我是位領導者時，這樣跟我說過。
Someone
used to state “The vision and angle of a leader is very vital.” At the moment of our conversation, this person pointed
out that I am a leader.
「在國際服務的過程裡，我沒有想過要當什麼領導者呀!」記得我曾這樣回應。
“I
never would like to be a leader in my international projects.” I remember I
retorted back.
只是，生命裡面的定數，不會讓人得以逃避所該經手之事—
承蒙善心人士的協助，我們所辦理的國際服務分享活動，這次在一個不算太大的辦公區域舉行，參與的人次雖然不多，卻似乎更加擁有某種號召力，使得在現場的人士意欲馬上出錢出力……
Never
would I anticipate that years later, there are roles I need to face no matter I
like them or not. Thanks to the assistance of those who are benevolent, a
sharing event of the service projects was held at a medium sized company. Despite
of the limited amount of individuals present that day, the force of this event
drove the kind of actions from the participants to join force or to contribute
financially almost right away.
是什麼造成一些優質人士一而再、再而三的出錢出力呢? 我總這樣捫心自問。
Frequently
I need to ask myself “What have resulted these people to wish to take actions
both physically and financially?”
在這次的活動中，一位我相當敬重的女性公校校長在會後如此說著：
「我發現Hope妳是個領頭羊耶! 妳有自己的發想、執行，還有人願意跟隨! 妳什麼星座的?!」
During
this specific event, a female principal whom I have respected so much said the
following words to me.
“Hope,
I discover you are truly a leader who has your own plans, execution
capabilities and with people who like to follow you. What is your zodiac sign?!”
我不斷回想這許多年來，那許許多多不論以行動力、物力、或財力默默支援著這些助人之事的人們，以及不同世界裡面我的目光所及之地景與風情，只能說在義務服務的環節裡，或許每個人都有其「信仰」，這樣的信仰也許真的可以成為某種有效的助力，翻轉視野和可能的走向。
Constantly
I recall those many pictures of a variety of people who have provided their
time, efforts, and finance to these categories I have emphasized upon. The only
thing I can describe is that in the modes of voluntary, humanitarian actions,
perhaps everyone is faithful in what he or she is doing. Along the journeys,
these faiths can, in return, become catalysts enlarging people’s worldviews and
possible directions.
一如大家所觀察，鮮少有人如我這般，自早期便以一位形隻影單的女性的立場，前往相對(十分)貧困(每人每日生活人均一美元以下)的地區多年，從而與當地人士打成一片，並且使得在地的中產階級和我一起「潦落去」，而具體針對貧窮人口產生轉變。當已經與我到國外服務多次、愛心滿滿的成員不下一次提及：
「很想再去看看，只是因為現在的時間和工作使得自己無法成行……」
或者
「真的很想再去見識見識老師妳口中那種植蔬果的五、六千坪土地是什麼樣子……」時，
在如此這般的魔幻時刻，我會清楚覺察到這些曾經到過當地的人們，對當地有多少思念，以及那些未曾抵達當地的人，對漫步在草原上的動物群的想像，又是怎樣的情懷。
Just
like what the others have observed, that globally, few cases are like that of
mine, with a female single-handed journeying into the remote and poor regions where
people live averagely under 1USD per person per day, with the same female
enabling the local middle-class to work with her for the betterment of their own,
impoverished countrymen whom they had not really thought about caring… when
people who have journeyed with me to these poor regions have mentioned
repeatedly,
“If
it’s not due to my current work and limited amount of time, I would like to
visit there again.”
Or “I’d
like to personally see how it is like to have acres of land cultivated there.”
At such
magical moments, I would clearly observe how much these people who have been
there have missed those places where they have been. Equally, I can simply depict
how much those who have not been there would like to visit there some day. Likewise,
I can fathom how much they would like to help by financially “investing” those
whom I have worked with simply due to such people’s fragility would not allow
them to travel afar.
我想起一些成人學生們在與我上課的過程當中所提及的：
「我們身邊很多人，什麼事情都要抱怨，老師妳卻不會，甚至被別人冷嘲熱諷，老師妳也好像不痛不癢，老師妳覺得這是不是因為妳的國際服務工作做多了，吃很多苦，所以針對人言可畏這種事情，抵抗力特別好?!」
I
can recall some adult students of mine who have mentioned in my classes,
“There
are many around us who complain about every single thing. Teacher Hope, you are
the total opposite. You are not even defeated when bad words attack you. Is it
because you have done things voluntarily for so many years at exotic places that you have seen it all, and that you do not mind what the others’ opinions are?”
此種論調讓我想起我那些私底下與我坦承「與Hope妳的私交最好」的外籍同仁們當中，一位曾說過—
在台灣的文化裡面，大家都要求一致，所以人們不敢和別人不一樣，和我們西方人這種強調獨立精神的方式，大相逕庭。
These
words remind me of some of my foreign friends’ words, especially the one who claims
we’re very close in friendly terms. According to this person, in Taiwan, people
follow rules and norms; they do not dare to be different or independent.
「可是Hope妳不一樣，妳不但和別人不一樣，而且妳做的事情不單單是不一樣而已，同時還是讓人家敬重的好事，是那些追求做自己的、我們這些西方人也很少會投注時間的做事角度與眼界，這點使妳非常不同……」
“Hope,
in this context, you are different. What you do are not just unique but
helpful, something for people to pay respect to you, something those who would
like to be different, like in my culture, would not do. This quality makes you very, very different…”
做正確的、做好事的我，只是做著既正直又良善的事，亦並不期待別人尊敬我。只是我想到在最近一次談論落後地區事宜的同時，在座人士發出了這樣的聲音：
I do
not wish to earn the others’ respect; I am simply doing things that are
righteous and altruistic. At another occasion, there are some other people
voicing “I want to see my children grow and be responsible.”
「我不希望自己的孩子永遠只是孩子，他們應該學習承擔責任」；
「我不要自己的孩子只是等我的那份遺產，像台灣很多新生的一代、我們的下一代這樣；我希望自己在有生之年，(一起和老師妳)做些有意義的事」；
“I
hope my children are not merely waiting for my legacy, like most people in
Taiwan right now. I hope that during the time when I am still alive, I can do
something meaningful.”
「那些情緒不佳的人、沒有找到生命方向的人，我建議他們更是該敞開心胸透過Hope老師妳去了解這個世界，除了理解這個世界，也理解他們自己，而不是四處逛街購物、拍照或自拍、走馬看花」；
“I
suggest those who are emotional, depressed, aimless, hostile… to look at the
world through Teacher Hope so that they can know more truths about this world,
about themselves, instead of traveling aimlessly, going shopping, taking photos
etc.”
「在台灣，人們覺得英語是應付考試而已，但正是這樣的觀點使那些英語程度不佳者，常常原地打轉。其實英語是要活用的，用了之後才知道英語的使用方法像國語、台語、任何一種語言，只有千變萬化可言!!!」
“In
our world, people feel that English learning is merely about passing the tests,
an assumption making those who are inferior in English abilities suffer from their fpoor English proficiency forever. In reality, English as a language is alive. It must be utilized.
After the application, one can then realize that English can be used in many
ways linguistically!"
Opportunities to Change轉變的契機
「我們的孩子很自我中心，又一天到晚滿嘴的追名逐利……」在另一個討論會中，幾位家長這樣跟我說。
At a
meeting, several parents told me “Our kids are self-centered. What they talk about
is money, fame, and so forth.”
我想了想之後說：「我們每個人或許一開始都是如此見利忘義，但透過教化的力量，我們可以選擇良善之舉，我們可以用自己的身教影響孩子，我們也可以讓自己的生命發光發熱。」
Thinking
for a moment, I pointed out “We are all like that initially, I believe;
nevertheless, it is through the power of education and cultivation that people
are changed to be better. We can affect our future generations through what we
do. Equally, we can also ignite others’ lives by kindling our own.”
一些家長點了點頭後說：「老師，我們也很擔心孩子交到壞朋友……那些和您在國外服務過的學生，他們看來怎麼都那麼正面、英文也變得更好了?」
Some
parents nodded. They expressed “Teacher Hope, we worry that our kids can make
bad friends. Can you share with us how come those who have worked with you for
those international projects become more positive and fluent in English?”
「哈~~~他們不是沒有碰過麻煩事，只是他們在視野變得寬廣的同時，也學會了轉化自己的內心；更重要的，是他們在服務的過程中所結交的朋友們，和他們的為人處事同質性比較高，久而久之大家整體牽動的就是一種待人接物的默契，包括更加重視孝道，也是其中一環。
“Oh,
definitely they have encountered troubles. It is only that as their visions become
more sophisticated, they have learned to alternate their inner voices through
better ways. More importantly, during the process of their linking with the
others, they learn from these others who are also intelligent and generous. After
some time, such students' EQ improves, including their compassion towards their parents!
至於英語，真正使用過、而非照本宣科的英語，總是會讓人在能力上更為精進!!!」
In
terms of English as a foreign language, when people utilize this language in
real settings, their English proficiency can no doubt improve.”
如何能夠像那些外籍人士所言：做自己、但是做的是好事、而風生水起好運來形成處處逢源，實在是值得深思的課題。
How do
we really become what the foreigners have stated, that we can truly be
ourselves, do good things, and form the others’ willingness to converge around
us? These are matters of significance to be evaluated.
在我的每一程行腳結束，我都會發現下一程的風景更加迷人的過程裡面，我開始深刻體會，自己所進行的國際服務對很多不熟悉這種行程的人而言，其實只是一種重新看待國際旅程的方式罷了，我們在這種用不同的視角審視國際旅途的方式中，用包裝式行程和自助旅行都涵蓋了的概念，融合與當地(落後)村落居民真實互動的這一塊，因為缺少華麗的包裝，因為有當地人士給我們的包容，我們的旅費於是可以變成原來同樣行程所費的三分之一或者二分之一。
In
my journeys, for every step taken, I would always find the next step or stop is
with sceneries that are even more picturesque. It is from this observation that
I become aware that for those who are unaware of the details entailed in such
humanitarian, international trips, another angle is to merely view a journey
with a renewed vision combining elements of packaged tour and the backpacking style,
peppered with ingredients from knowing a bit more about the locals. Budget-wise,
things can be just 1/3 or 1/2 of a packaged tour or the backpacking style since
the locals are now so familiar with people going with me that they help us to
avoid over-spending.
到最後，我們所換來的可能不再只是到此一遊的拍照留念，而是更多如同先前曾與我抵達這些世上不同角落的人的心聲般的觸動：
Eventually,
what we have traded by donating our time and efforts may not be a mere
taking-some-photos-to-prove-we’re-here, but the aspirations to return for more
inspirations and energy.
想再回去看看的觸動。
而我發現，轉變的契機正巧來自於那想回去看看的觸動；這些觸動所啟笛的模式，使人敢於走向未知、勇於與人溝通、期待自己成為形成他人轉變的那鼓力量。
Then,
I find that the opportunities for anyone to be more different and better are from the craving or inclination to visit the places again. From these
cravings and inclinations which act like catalysts rekindling the mindsets
embracing the unknown and the unfamiliar, individuals are brave enough to
communicate with more people, expecting him/her to be the very person making
the impact.
Conclusion結語
很多人說被我真正長年教過的學生，都變得跟我很像，不論在能力、行為模式、氣度等等之上，我無法不苟同耳濡目染，我也無法否認物以類聚，不過我更加深信的是當一個人的心態被調整成為良善模式、當一個人的潛力被開發到極致時，不走上康莊大道都非常困難。
Many
people have mentioned that those who spend a lot of time with me have
become like me, whether it’s their accomplishments and temperaments… I cannot
disagree with this; on the contrary, what I believe to ring even more true
would be when a person’s potentials are uncovered, when a person’s benevolence
is understood to be bottomless, it is not hard at all for such a person to walk on paths filled
with sunshine and hope.
目前在台灣的民宿所處位置於二樓，看出去的幾畦不同菜圃不知是在東非「二期」開發土地的幾分之幾，我不知道未來在我所服務的區塊，還會有「幾」期這樣的土地、為多少人所發展、以及使得多少人的生計得以改善，不過，我想或許這次在東非，我可以做個試驗：
把在這裡超過一樓的景緻與東非當地的中產階級分享，而後，我很好奇的，是必須經過幾年時間，東非如此郊區的當地中產階級，會開始興建起他們已經愈來愈先進的房舍的二樓及三樓……
Currently,
the accommodation where I situate is on the second floor. I can see those
vegetation and fruits grown are about a certain percentage compared to the “Second
Phase” of the cultivated land in east Africa where I cannot predict, at this
moment, how many other phases we will altogether experience to benefit how many
more livelihood of people and species in the days to come. Still, I may do a
little experiment this year when I am in East Africa: I would like to inform those
living in the suburban, rural regions but are middle class what it is like to view
the land from a higher perspective, like on the second floor or so, and see how
much time it will take for the local middle class to build a second or third
floor in their houses. Or, how long it will take for them to construct edifices
that are more modern and that are with a few stories high.
畢竟，去年我曾經如此被告知：
「我們在這裡興建的房子前面舖的這一大片草皮，是因為你們這些外國人很喜歡露營，相信Hope妳帶來的人在未來一定會非常享受這塊草地的!!!」
After
all, I was informed last year when I visited,
“We
have built this house with this lavishly green pasture at the front since
foreigners like you really enjoy camping. We trust that those who are brought
by you in the future will truly enjoy this camp site!”
而上面這個說法的產生，是我在客氣地詢問了他們：
「為何既然已經興建了美崙美奐的新房舍後，還要把洗澡間蓋在室外?!明明已經有把這些設備接到室內的工法及能力了，不是嗎?」
The
reason why the above-mentioned were in our discussion was the outcome of my
question,
“Why
is it that you have had the capability to build the large new house, that you
apparently can direct the crew to establish the bathroom inside the house, that
you would still want to produce the outdoor bathroom?”
身為中產階級的當地地主很驕傲地說：
「這都是為了妳會繼續帶人來而著眼的，大家都露營的話，誰還有那個閒工夫到室內去洗澡及如廁呢? 當然要放在室外呀!!!我們也是要習慣這樣的不便呀，來者是客嘛!!!」
Proudly,
the middle-class owner of the land and huge house answered by stating “These
are for the purposes of those visitors coming to visit us brought by you in the
future! When everyone enjoys camping, who would like to use the indoor
bathrooms? We of course would have to put up with our bathrooms outdoors!!!”
我很想問：
「是由於過去我們曾到這裡來的人員，(因為要自己從室外取水到室內，繁瑣程度令人傻眼而)喜歡在室外洗澡，所以你們覺得我們統統喜歡在室外如此這般嗎?!」
What
I would like to ask would be
“Was
it because someone coming here with me in the past enjoyed taking a shower
outside so that you believe all of us ‘FOREIGNERS’ enjoy doing so outdoors?!”
當然，我把想放聲大笑的衝動吞了回去，而當地人從我小小的眼睛和沒有什麼表情的表情，果然無法探得我不想潑他們冷水的念頭。
Honestly,
I am a lady with proper upbringing; certainly I would not disgrace anyone by any unhealthy, rude language. Swallowing my laughter, thinking it might be too
offensive, I kept chatting with the owner for other matters. From my much
smaller eyes and unaltered facial expressions, the locals would never forecast
what I was thinking, fortunately.
顯而易見的，是身為「不是外國人」的東非中產階級人士，當然不是非常理解「外國人」有程度上的不同，「很多」外國人並不喜歡在硬邦邦的平地上露營、不愛冒被各種蟲類侵擾的風險等等等等，不過，依照我不喜歡當場掃人興的性格，我想，用另一種「我們可以嚐試興建有樓層的房子」來「轉變」一下觀點，也未嚐不是樂事一椿?!
To those middle class in east Africa who are certainly the locals, not the foreigners on their land, it is absolutely obvious that from this one example, it is not easy for them to precisely see through our behavioral patterns. How do you explain to them that while there are foreigners who enjoy camping, there are also those who cannot bear with such “tortures?”
The bottom line is, through the years, how is it possible that I have born with all these culture shocks which I cannot even begin to describe? Subsequently, I have decided to shut my mouth for some time, which leads to my most recent and amusing inspiration after staying at this accommodation in Taiwan this time, that by viewing the land from a higher angle, instead of flying which is so costly and too high that one cannot even see clearly whose land is whose, why don’t we just wait and see whether a two or three story architecture will be generated in the days to come?
Perhaps
it will be one of our MULTI-PURPOSED COMMUNITY CENTERS mentioned aforementioned?!
Afterwards—
Exhilarating Responses
After the Most Recent Sharing Event Resulted The Chinese Words Below
後記—
本次分享活動舉辦完成後，由於當日反應極度踴躍而書寫如下中文
The part with YELLOW background color would be the only part in this entire work where English is omitted.
幫助人、助益地球的永續
本來就是每個人都可以進一份心力的事情
沒有說哪個服務項目特別厲害、哪一處人群或物種比較需要協助
而是即便我們真心誠意將手邊的工作做好、人際關係打點得當
就像其中一位參與者有感而發：
「願意來聽聽非洲的故事、就是做好事」
所有的講述、問題、討論都很精彩
心中充滿無限的感恩和續航力的時候
許多負面的經驗值最後只是轉化內心的視野而決定事情的正面負面與否而已
尤其
當同行學生可以精準分析出多年前的觀察「關於獎學金的發放，晧璞老師會全盤了解，不是只有詢問學生本身、也會詢問學校上上下下的教職員、還會家庭訪問……」時
我會覺得國際服務不是作散財童子而已
而是透過如同這些分享者所提到的、經驗的歷練
而使原本的服務種子產生無遠弗屆的影響
謝謝許多人士給予的正面回應與積極鼓勵
這些令人感動的吉光片羽
能夠徹底顛覆旅遊的初衷
也能夠形成將經費交代給晧璞運用的前輩們的心意
無所折損
我自己的生命一路以來落英繽紛
實在要感謝全宇宙給我的強大信念和無比的力量！
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