In this last month of the year, we naturally want to look back on the year.
At such times, my favorite phrase, "Once-in-a-lifetime encounter," comes to mind.
That each and every life is irreplaceable. That everyone has their own unique talents. Every encounter with various people and things always has some meaning. I think about these things vaguely
We, YMCA Global Kindergarten, have been supported by the warmth of many parents, met many unique and talented children, and gathered a diverse group of teachers and staff, and have progressed step by step.
The path we have taken as a school has not always been smooth sailing. Sometimes we have lost our way, sometimes we have been caught in mud, and more than once we have been so exhausted that we thought we would never be able to walk again. And yet, strangely enough, at the end of the day, a ray of hope or a helping hand was always given to us from somewhere. At such times, I realize that we are kept alive by a great presence, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude.
As YGK is a small school, the children and their parents spend three to four years with the same group of friends. They play, fight, make up, get angry, laugh, cry, worry, rejoice, encourage, and be encouraged. What a wonderful and blessed thing it is to have friends with whom we can share feelings and memories.
From time to time, graduate students drop by, or we receive messages from parents or guardians reporting on their children’s recent situation. When this happens, I feel a warm feeling from the bottom of my heart.
Just the other day, one of our graduates, who is now in the 10th grade, gave us a visit. She happily told me that she and her classmates had gotten together and that they were all doing their best in their respective places. I am happy to see that even after graduation, they continue to be connected as important friends, and I am dazzled by the way they are strongly spreading their wings out into the wide world.
I pray that the coming year will keep everyone safe and healthy and strengthen our bonds.