From November 17th to 23rd, the Grade 10 Lasallian Catholic Youth students of St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJI International), Singapore, embarked on their first mission trip to La Salle Bamboo School in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand. This journey was a remarkable opportunity for students to connect with fellow Lasallians, witness the Lasallian educational mission in action, and reflect on their roles as members of a global Lasallian family.
The trip’s purpose was multifaceted. It aimed to help students build meaningful relationships with other Lasallians, understand and respond to the real needs of the community, and experience firsthand the mission of providing quality human and Christian education, especially to those on the peripheries. Additionally, it encouraged participants to grow in self-awareness, deepen their relationship with God, and witness His presence in their encounters.
By the end of the mission trip, students were tasked with creating a service learning plan and proposing a long-term partnership between La Salle Bamboo School and SJI International to ensure the continuation of learning and service.
Here’s a heartfelt reflection from one of the student participants, Marie Kinze, which beautifully encapsulates the spirit of this transformative experience.
During the Bamboo School Mission Trip, I learned and experienced so many things—about service, resilience and the Lasallian mission. Yet, what stood out to me the most was the love shared by the children at the Bamboo School in Sangkhlaburi. Their warmth and joy, despite the challenges they face, left a lasting impact on me and reshaped my understanding of connection, gratitude and community.
From the moment we arrived, the children greeted us with an openness that was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the language barrier, they were eager to express their love—through never-ending hugs, jumping on us, putting flowers in our hair, covering our faces in stickers and offering us whatever they had. Their genuine excitement to connect with us reminded me that love is a universal language, transcending all boundaries. It didn’t matter that we came from different backgrounds or spoke different languages; in their eyes, we were family, brought together by the shared values of faith, service and community that define the Lasallian spirit.
The children’s enthusiasm during our activities—whether it was the mushroom project, playing games, or simply spending time together—showed their hunger for connection and their readiness to give so much of themselves. Every hug, every laugh and every attempt to communicate reinforced the truth that we are called to see one another as brothers and sisters in the Lasallian spirit.
Their openness inspired me to reflect on myself. Before this trip, I often found it difficult to open up to others, keeping my emotions and thoughts to myself. However, the children’s ability to give and receive love so freely encouraged me to do the same. Slowly, I found myself opening up—not only to my peers on the trip but also to God. Through our nightly reflections and quiet moments of prayer, I felt my faith deepening. I began to see God’s presence in the love the children shared, in the support of my peers, and in the simple yet profound joy of being part of this mission.
Even in moments of stillness, like sitting together after playing around or walking with them through their village to their home, I was struck by their openness and generosity. They reminded me that love is not about material possessions or perfect circumstances; it’s about sharing your heart with others. They lived out the Lasallian value of community in a way that was pure and unfiltered, creating a space where we could all feel connected and cared for.
This trip was a powerful reflection of the Lasallian mission in action—a mission to touch hearts, build relationships, and foster a sense of belonging. The children’s capacity for love reminded me that we are never alone. As Lasallians, we are one global family, united in our shared purpose of bringing light and hope into the world.
I return from the Bamboo School not just with memories, but with a renewed sense of what it means to live out the Lasallian values in my own life. This experience has inspired me to approach the world with greater compassion, gratitude, and openness, and to continue deepening my faith and commitment to serving others.
