We were a group of 14 - from different backgrounds, age groups and job functions – who made our way to a project, not really knowing what to expect or what will be awaiting us.

In three and a half days, we completed a house. All of us had no previous building experiences. Yet, in the short time, my team members took up shovels in a series of back-breaking exercises; formed human chains to move sand, mud, gravel and bricks; laid bricks to build up the walls; and underwent the laborious task of mixing cement.

I am proud to be one of the members of the Citi Slickers team. Our aim was to build a house. But what we learnt that it was not just about the house. It was also about friendship and fellowship.

When we visited a Thai orphanage, we found that language was not a barrier when we played chess and soccer with the kids on a hot and sunny afternoon. Although we didn't know much about the Thai culture, we made friends, sang Thai songs and even learnt to dance a traditional dance with our Thai hosts (amidst a lot of laughter!).

We might have raised more than $20,000 to give them a house. But they have given us so much more. They've shown us what true hospitality is, which is something to be treasured in this dog-eatdog world that we're accustomed to. If you are thinking of embarking on a GV project, just do it! It will be a journey of self-discovery, which you will always cherish for the rest of your life!

by Violet Lim (Team Leader)