一個家庭的陪伴 A FAMILY ALTOGETHER

 

英文版如下 ENGLISH VERSION IS BELOW

本文將隨時間推進、蕭同學於今夏的成長等，隨時更迭  THIS WORK WILL BE MODIFIED AS TIME GOES BY WIHT MISS HSIAO MOVING AHEAD IN HER LIFE THIS SUMMER

 

給楊媽、美人會長、蕭老闆、及蕭同學的東非行前溫馨提醒

 

 

親愛的諸位：

 

 

首先，非常開心願意預備踏上這趟前往東非的國際利他學習與服務之旅的三位，有勇氣進行這樣的挑戰。

 

 

目前楊媽客廳裡擺放著三大袋已經整理、清洗完成的衣物。這些衣物是許多善心人士捐贈後，再由愛心夥伴們細心篩選、清洗與整理而成，希望能夠在未來送到東非偏遠山區有需要的人手中。我們慢慢地不大希望是用「捐助」的角度談這些物資，而是「贈送」的口吻，讓人知道我們不是「以上對下」，而是「誠摯以對」。

 

 

因此，航空公司行李額度每人有兩件23公斤托運行李，這兩件甚至都可以是密封好的紙箱、而不必是行李箱的情況下，誠摯鼓勵三位能夠各自分擔一部分這些早就已經清洗完畢、由其他女性所捐贈的、我們慣常攜至當地的衣物，將其放入自己的託運行李之中，一同帶往肯亞與坦尚尼亞邊境山區，給予我們所熱切服務的人群來使用。

 

 

或許在我們眼中，一件衣服、一件外套、一件毛衣，看起來只是平凡的、隨手可以丟棄的日用品；然而對當地居民而言，它們卻可能同時具備：

 

一、實用價值

東非高海拔山區早晚溫差極大。

一件保暖衣物，可能代表著一個孩子、一個年僅十幾歲未接受過多教育的小妾(當地人可以一夫多妻，愈有社會地位的人愈不選擇如此，但教育程度低下、貧困者，則仍可能走此路線)，

在寒冷季節中多一分溫暖。

 

 

二、美學價值

人們無論身處世界哪個角落，都有希望自己整潔、美觀、受到尊重的需求。

一件乾淨漂亮的衣服，尤其是從外來人種的手中接過來的，有時候不只是衣服，更是一份被看見、被尊重的感受中，透露出一種經過設計樣式的物事珍視的美學。

 

 

三、情感價值

收到遠方朋友的禮物，本身便是一種善意的傳遞。

 

 

它告訴對方：

「世界的另一端，有人惦記著你。」

 

 

所以，當三位整理這些衣物時，不妨試著想像：

 

這件外套最後會穿在誰身上？

 

這件裙子會不會讓某個女孩開心地微笑？

 

這件襯衫會不會陪伴某位父親工作？

 

 

這些想像，將讓每一件衣物不再只是物品，而是一段即將展開的故事。當我們在呼吸與心跳間照顧別人的心情和生活時，無形之中，我們自己的生活和心情，也將獲得更為優雅的照撫，而這份照撫恰恰來自於我們所認識的、我們所了解的任何神明及宇宙。

 

 

此外，也請大家理解：

國際旅行過程中，海關人員有權開啟行李進行檢查。

 

他們可能詢問：

「這些衣物是做什麼用途？」

 

甚至，

「為什麼攜帶這麼多？」

 

 

因此，建議每位旅客都應了解自己行李中的內容物。

若被詢問，也能夠自然地說明：

這些是整理好的衣物，將用於當地，而非變賣。

 

 

同時，也請大家提前做好分類與打包工作。甚至，可以準備一些紙袋，它們平平的、不占任何空間，但是，可以在送出衣物時用紙袋裝著，代表一份心意。

 

 

誠然，我們不可能面面俱道，但是，我們總可以盡力而為。

 

 

除此之外，我們所要造訪肯亞是全球知名重視環境保護的國家之一，對塑膠廢棄物管理相當嚴格。

 

 

因此，在出發前，大家不妨一起檢查：

哪些衣物適合用什麼樣的方式，以重新整理及打包？

 

 

誠摯建議大家可以把這項工作視為東非行前準備的一部分，甚至是家庭溫暖情流動的一部份，用正向激勵和溫言良語替代任何稍有嫌隙之處，這種包容不是一種虛情假意，而是在真正的服務過程中，服務自己正在朝向高尚而內化的身心靈，讓自己處於一種和緩的態度之中，讓自己感動：

惟有讓自己感動，別人才會為我們而感動，不是嗎?

 

 

正如大家已開始安排：

黃熱病疫苗接種、

瘧疾預防藥物、

旅遊保險、

行程規劃等事項，

整理衣物其實也是認識當地的重要開始。

 

 

而對蕭同學而言，泡芙老師尤其想分享一個觀念：

這趟旅程，不只是一次旅行。它更可能是一個珍貴的人生成長專案，畢竟，未來世界中的競爭，不只是考試成績之間的競爭，更是：

 

誰看過更多世界？

 

誰擁有更多真實經驗？

 

誰能與不同文化的人合作？

 

誰能和緩甚至具有吸引力地講述自己獨特的人生故事？

 

 

因此，也懇請楊媽與楊會長給蕭同學一些空間，請學習放手，讓她在這種自主學習利他服務的過程中，開始領受什麼是

自己去觀察、

自己去拍攝、

自己用影像記錄師長們的行止、

自己去思考等等。

 

 

一個著名的西方作品名為「藍毛衣」，就講述著一位進行大規模人道救援工作、整合全球菁英捐獻資產的美籍人士，如何因為一件她自己小時侯捐獻的藍色毛衣，被成年後到落後地區國家服務的她看見，不知道被幾個人穿過後仍在為當地人士所使用的震撼：初始，她只是捐了一件衣服，最後，她因為看到這件毛衣而觸發自己「必須」採取更大規模的行動，所以她不斷攻讀更好的學位、不斷進入更好的公司，而促成她的獨特使命與視角。

 

 

一反常態的，蕭同學竟然在不到15歲的花樣年華，在別的父母千方百計保護自己的掌上明珠的情況下，要到東非大草原去一趟跨國之旅，而她的旅程竟然如此簡約到是一般旅遊行程的三分之一價位，但她將與當地人群、尤其是和她一樣的年齡層的學生們，在不同文、不同種、迥異的生長背景的情況下交流與互動，姑且不論她在此行出發時的「起點行為」有多麼不一樣，例如當地學生萬萬不可能一天使用3C產品達三至五小時，但她從願意踏上那片土地開始，由於楊媽及父母的支持，甚至楊媽及楊會長親自的陪伴，她都會在領受不同經驗值之下，有不一樣的視野陶冶的、千載難逢的機會。

 

 

因此，或者蕭同學可以從這三袋衣物開始。

拍攝每袋衣物、記錄奶奶/外婆與媽媽整理衣物的過程。

拍攝行前準備。

記錄旅程中的每一個細節。

 

 

再者，一如之前讓蕭同學看到的國內著名的天下雜誌所載，很多人可以運用AI進行更精準的「個人演化」般，由於今日的大家都運用著社交媒體溝通，網路上面如今許多人工智慧工具都能協助年輕人學習：

如何整理照片、

如何剪輯影片、

如何加入旁白、

如何製作紀錄短片。

 

 

如果蕭小姐願意投入此方面的學習，

未來她完全有機會把這些珍貴素材整理成屬於自己的作品集。

在申請學校時，

比起一張考卷及成績單，正如楊媽所預料，

一部記錄自己跨文化學習與服務歷程的影片，

往往更能展現一個年輕人的觀察力、創造力與世界觀。

 

 

最後，還有一個較為私人的觀察。

關於蕭小姐日前在聚會中短暫停留後選擇離開，

我認為未必代表她不喜歡現場的人。

有時候，年輕人在面對充滿理想、故事與人生經驗的大人們時，

反而會感受到一種距離感。

尤其當成人世界存在一些她尚未理解或尚未認同的複雜、甚至反差甚大的高低不同情緒時，

她可能選擇安靜退開，而不是表達反對。

這未必是冷漠。

有時候只是成長過程中的觀察與沉澱。

也因此，更值得給她一些探索世界與探索自己的空間。

 

 

祝福三位行前準備愉快、旅途平安，

謝謝蕭老闆對於家中三位女性的全力支持，

更謝謝楊媽及楊會長無與倫比的愛心與活力，相信並且更加期待這些匯聚大家的愛心而來的衣物，最終會像那件藍毛衣般，能夠成為蕭同學自身生命中謙恭有禮的亮點，也成為許多東非家庭生命中的溫暖故事。

 

 

Suggested MLA References 本文參考文獻

Erikson, Erik H. Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W. Norton, 1968.

Frankl, Viktor E. Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.

Kolb, David A. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. 2nd ed., Pearson Education, 2015.

Neimeyer, Robert A. Meaning Reconstruction and the Experience of Loss. American Psychological Association, 2001.

Walsh, Froma. Strengthening Family Resilience. 3rd ed., Guilford Press, 2016.

Youniss, James, and Miranda Yates. Community Service and Social Responsibility in Youth. University of Chicago Press, 1997.

Novogratz, Jacqueline. The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World. Rodale, 2009.

 

 

 

Dear All,

First of all, I am truly delighted that the three ladies among you are preparing to embark upon this learning and service journey to East Africa. It takes courage to step outside one's familiar surroundings and embrace such an experience, and that courage itself is already worth celebrating.

At present, three large bags of carefully sorted and freshly washed clothing are sitting in the living room. These items were generously donated by kind-hearted individuals and have since been thoughtfully selected, cleaned, and organized by compassionate volunteers. Our hope is that one day they will reach people in need in the remote mountainous regions of East Africa.

Over time, we have become less inclined to speak of these items as "charitable donations." Instead, we prefer to describe them as "gifts." Such a choice of words reminds us that this is not an interaction from "those above" to "those below," but rather one based upon mutual respect, sincerity, and human connection.

Since each traveler is entitled to two checked bags of up to 23 kilograms each—and these checked items can even be securely sealed cardboard boxes rather than suitcases—we would sincerely encourage each of you to carry a portion of these already-cleaned garments donated by other women. Together, we can bring them to the mountainous communities along the Kenya-Tanzania border and share them with the people whom we hope to serve.

Perhaps in our own lives, a shirt, a jacket, or a sweater appears to be nothing more than an ordinary item that can easily be replaced or discarded. Yet for many local residents, these same items may hold several important forms of value.

1. Practical Value

Temperatures in the high-altitude regions of East Africa can fluctuate dramatically between day and night.

A warm sweater may mean comfort and protection for a child.

It may also mean warmth for a teenage girl with limited educational opportunities, perhaps living in circumstances very different from those we know. While social conditions vary greatly across East Africa, poverty and limited access to education can still shape many aspects of daily life.

A single garment can make a meaningful difference during a cold season.

2. Aesthetic Value

Regardless of where people live in the world, everyone hopes to feel clean, dignified, presentable, and respected.

Receiving a beautiful, well-maintained piece of clothing from someone of another culture is often about far more than the item itself.

It may represent recognition.

It may communicate respect.

It may convey the message that someone cared enough to choose, clean, prepare, and share something thoughtfully designed and treasured.

3. Emotional Value

Receiving a gift from a friend living thousands of miles away is itself an act of kindness.

It quietly tells another human being:

"Someone on the other side of the world is thinking about you."

Therefore, as you help sort these garments, perhaps take a moment to imagine:

Who will eventually wear this jacket?

Will this dress bring a smile to a young girl's face?

Will this shirt accompany a father as he works to support his family?

Such reflections transform every item from a mere possession into the beginning of a story.

When we care for the lives and feelings of others between each breath and heartbeat, we often discover that our own lives are gently cared for in return. That care may come from the divine, from the universe, or from whatever higher force each of us understands and believes in.

Customs, Packing, and Responsible Preparation

Please also remember that customs officers have the authority to inspect luggage during international travel.

They may ask:

"What are these clothes for?"

Or even:

"Why are you carrying so many?"

For this reason, every traveler should understand what is inside their luggage.

If asked, you can comfortably explain that these are carefully prepared garments intended for local use rather than resale.

It may also be worthwhile to bring a supply of paper bags. They are lightweight, take up very little space, and can be used when presenting clothing as gifts, adding an extra touch of care and respect.

Of course, we cannot anticipate every circumstance.

But we can always strive to prepare thoughtfully.

Environmental Awareness

Kenya is widely known for its strong commitment to environmental protection and its strict policies regarding plastic waste.

Before departure, it may be worthwhile for everyone to review the packing process together:

Which garments should be folded?

Which should be compressed?

Which should be repacked?

How can they be presented in the most practical and environmentally responsible way?

I would encourage everyone to view this task as part of the East African preparation process—and perhaps even as part of the warm flow of family life itself.

In this process, let positive encouragement and kind words replace any small misunderstandings or tensions.

Such patience is not insincerity.

Rather, it is a way of cultivating the best version of ourselves through service.

As we learn to serve others, we are also quietly refining our own minds, hearts, and spirits.

After all, only when we ourselves are genuinely moved can we hope to move others.

A Special Note for Miss Hsiao

Miss Hsiao, I would especially like to share one thought with you.

This journey is not merely a trip.

It may become one of the most valuable personal development projects of your life.

The future world will not be shaped solely by examination scores.

Increasingly, opportunities will belong to those who can answer questions such as:

Who has seen more of the world?

Who possesses genuine life experience?

Who can work across cultures?

Who can tell their own story with grace, authenticity, and impact?

For this reason, I would gently encourage Yang Ma and Chairperson Yang to allow Miss Hsiao some space.

Let her observe.

Let her photograph.

Let her document the actions and experiences of her elders.

Let her think independently.

Let her discover the world through her own eyes.

The Story of The Blue Sweater

One famous book, The Blue Sweater, tells the story of a woman deeply involved in international humanitarian work.

As an adult working in a developing country, she was astonished to discover a blue sweater she herself had donated as a child. Somehow, after passing through many hands, it was still being worn and used.

What began as the simple donation of one sweater ultimately inspired her life's mission.

It motivated her to pursue further education, enter influential organizations, and dedicate herself to addressing poverty on a much larger scale.

A single item unexpectedly changed the trajectory of her life.

A Rare Opportunity

Remarkably, before the age of fifteen, Miss Hsiao will have the opportunity to travel across continents to East Africa.

At an age when many parents understandably seek to shelter and protect their children, she will be stepping into a vastly different world.

She will meet students her own age.

She will encounter different cultures, languages, traditions, and daily realities.

Many local students will have experiences entirely different from her own.

Some may have limited access to technology.

Some may face challenges unimaginable to young people elsewhere.

Because of the support of Yang Ma, her parents, and the direct companionship of Yang Ma and Chairperson Yang, Miss Hsiao will be offered a truly rare opportunity to broaden her perspective and deepen her understanding of humanity.

Building a Portfolio for the Future

Perhaps the journey can begin with these three bags of clothing.

Photograph them.

Document the sorting process.

Record Grandma and Mom preparing the items.

Capture the vaccinations, the packing, the planning, and every detail of the journey itself.

As many modern publications have noted, artificial intelligence is increasingly helping individuals engage in personal growth and self-development.

Today, numerous AI-powered tools can help young people learn:

How to organize photographs;

How to edit videos;

How to add narration;

How to create documentaries and digital storytelling projects.

If Miss Hsiao chooses to explore these skills, she may one day transform these experiences into a meaningful portfolio.

When applying to schools in the future, a thoughtfully produced video documenting cross-cultural learning and service experiences may reveal far more about a young person's creativity, observation, initiative, and worldview than a test score alone.

One Final Observation

Finally, I would like to share a personal observation.

Regarding Miss Hsiao's decision to leave the gathering after spending a short time there, I do not believe it necessarily means she disliked the people present.

Sometimes, when young people find themselves surrounded by adults discussing ideals, life experiences, and grand visions, they may feel unexpectedly distant from the conversation.

Particularly when the adult world contains complexities, contradictions, and emotional undercurrents that they do not yet fully understand—or perhaps do not entirely agree with—they may choose quiet withdrawal rather than open disagreement.

Such behavior should not automatically be interpreted as indifference.

Often, it is simply part of growing up.

Part of observing.

Part of reflecting.

And perhaps for that reason, she deserves the freedom and space to continue exploring both the world around her and the person she is becoming.

I wish all of you joy in your preparations and safety throughout your journey.

Thank you, Mr. Hsiao, for your wholehearted support of the three remarkable women in your family.

And thank you, Yang Ma and Chairperson Yang, for your extraordinary kindness, energy, and willingness to serve.

May these garments, gathered through the generosity of many caring people, ultimately become like that blue sweater—small items carrying great meaning, bringing warmth to East African families while becoming cherished memories and humble highlights in Miss Hsiao's own life journey.

One factual note: if this letter is actually sent, I would recommend softening or removing the specific reference to teenage wives and polygamy, since social realities vary widely across East Africa and such wording can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes. The broader message about educational opportunity, cultural exchange, and human dignity remains strong without that detail.