Sarah L. blog, April 5

Service Learning and Cultural Exchange

We started the day with a thoughtful discussion about the meaning of service learning, which prepared us well for the service work ahead of us. We discussed what constitutes as service work, and came to the consensus that service learning is an exchange of cultures—and that service work should be centered around what the local community would like us to do, rather than what we think is helpful to them. We agreed that service isn’t merely doing manual labor (because a lot of times the locals can do it WAY better and quicker than us), but also learning about the customs, traditions, language, and food of the community we are serving and providing ours as well. Akal and I really enjoy teaching our little siblings English after dinner, usually through reading them children’s books and helping with English homework (of course it’s not just service but also spending time with them as family). But let’s get back to what our group did today.

We spent a fruitful morning planting beans, ginger, beets, trees, and watering watermelons. It was fascinating to learn how to plant, from setting the ginger into the dirt to placing layers of soil and fertilizer on top. Right before lunch, we were taught how to dig up bamboo roots from deep in the ground, and each surprised our families with a large one (they were thrilled and very proud).

A quick glimpse into the life of Akal and me in our homestay…

Our laundry machine was broken, so Nara’s mother was incredibly kind to lend us their machine to use. However, we washed some of our clothes in the communal washing area where fresh spring water from Sanbaishan mountain flowed through. It was difficult at first, but our grandma taught us how to scrub properly to maximize efficiency and cleanliness and we got the hang of it quickly. Nara’s mom was shocked when we told them that most Americans wash their clothes around once a week, because here they wash their clothes as soon as they wear them for a day!

Back to the group…

After a delicious and fulfilling lunch, we walked to the neighboring village to get black glutinous rice. We walked into an RV resting parking lot, where many people from all around China were visiting on vacation. We noticed that although camping, the people were still cooking food as if they were in their own homes, like making dumplings or frying vegetables in a pan instead of boiling instant ramen. We also got ice cream/drinks from a local convenience store!!! Then we walked back and had a great rest of the night at our respective homestays.

Nara showed up to our homestay with Spot It and Uno, and we taught our siblings (2 younger sisters, 1 younger brother) how to play. We also watched Akal braid her hair, and our youngest sister helped her hold up the mirror as she braided.

Everyday has been a super fun adventure, and we are ALL pumped to make more memories and do more service learning!! <333    <3 = heart