I have been here in Ocean Sky Chan Monastery for almost a year now. At the start of our advanced class, I was asked to be the class coordinator. I was very reluctant to accept it, not sure if I would be able to give my time. I was also asked if I wanted to try to volunteer as a Bodhi Star assistant teacher (AT). Then, knowing that the Mandarin class would also be on Sunday, I thought, “why not also sign-up?”
All those commitments, plus the fact that I just got a new job and had other side projects, would have been a very crazy idea back then.
But being here now for the completion ceremony, I could say these past three months have been the most fulfilling so far in my journey here at Ocean Sky.
The experience has taught me to be grateful to all the volunteers that give their time, effort, and talent to the monastery. Before, I didn’t really mind the volunteers that much. I was just satisfied to receive. Being a volunteer opened my mind and heart to be grateful and appreciative to all the people that make Ocean Sky run.
As a new volunteer, I felt humbled and learned patience especially from the elder volunteers. Whether it’s teaching the Bodhi Star kids or playing the Wooden Fish during the Heart Sutra or teaching Mandarin, the volunteers are very good and very patient with the juniors. Thank you!
Lastly, by becoming a volunteer, I have felt closer to the people at the monastery. The volunteers, the students, the other coordinators, kids, Shifus, they have become friends and family. I hope to be with them more in the next decade of Ocean Sky.
I have only been with Ocean Sky for less than a year. But without a doubt, I will definitely continue to support the monastery as I go along my journey. Amitofo!