Service Trip to Geoje Has a Genuine Impact on Team Members

Written by Grace Kim

Upon the bus pulling up to the main gate, the welcoming sign of “Welcome 서울용산국제학교 Yongsan International School of Seoul” caught the attention of the students. Many of the members were fatigued from the long bus journey, making the sight even more fitting for their need to recharge.

The purpose of this journey to Geoje was driven by a shared goal among the YISS students: to serve the residents of 애광원 (Aikwangwon). Aikwangwon, translated as ‘The Garden of Love and Brightness,’ is an institution dedicated to providing a safe environment for individuals with varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities. The center is designed to ensure they receive the proper education and preparation to potentially integrate into the local community.

The Geoje team embarked on what they thought would be a regular service trip, but it unfolded into a profoundly eye-opening experience. Initially, students mostly kept to themselves while doing the well-thought-out tasks the staff had planned. After a nice hour of gardening, students moved on to some art projects with chosen residents of the 민들레집 (Dandelion House) and 애광원 (Aikwangwon). The students quickly immersed themselves in their roles and participated with enthusiasm and determination, which was deeply moving. Each and every person was determined to serve to the best of their abilities. Even if the activity was physically and emotionally challenging, students were willing to open their hearts and arms to embrace these individuals.

Before being able to wholeheartedly jump into our recreational activities, the students had to overcome some obstacles, particularly in communication. Some hesitated to interact with the residents due to uncertainty about how to approach them and the best way to initiate. However, as time passed, bonds were forged not only with the residents of Aikwangwon, but also among the students themselves.

This pushed many to reach out first and, in doing so, found the special, unique ways the residents were trying to communicate. Physical touch was one of them. Going to Geoje helped students understand that service trips were not about being productive and doing chores. Instead, they witnessed the significant impact of what may seem to be smaller things, such as spending quality time talking about the weather, going on walks, and nurturing relationships. Laughter and smiles from the residents illuminated how much the time spent together meant to them, which made a lasting impression on each team member. Moments such as accompanying 진주씨 to a convenience store for a meal became a cherished memory for some students, evoking similar sentiments of gratitude and compassion.

In addition, the students were deeply moved by the unwavering kindness and dedication of the caregivers. Despite caring for residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the staff exhibited incredible tenderness and patience with residents. Witnessing this, students expressed how this underscored the profound depth of compassion and love within the institution and its staff.

In retrospect, the essence of this service trip was not merely completing tasks or visiting places; it was about the connections forged, lessons learned, and the enduring impact on everyone involved. Every moment was embraced with gratitude, leaving indelible impressions that will resonate for years to come among the participants of this transformative journey.