Although reading is not an important aspect of tribal life, storytelling is like the children’s second language. For children, books are the most direct and simplest way to learn. Using picture books to tell stories, children can connect with main characters who share similar backgrounds as them, allowing stories to strongly resonate with the children. 

 As we slowly opened the children’s hearts through reading with them, the children obtained both knowledge and happiness. They even excitedly shared their own invented stories for us to listen. I was beaming with joy, because through my small contribution, the children fell in love with reading. After every reading session, the children would send us off saying, “Bye sister. Thank you for reading with us. We will miss you.” Just these few words were enough to touch all of our hearts, making this whole trip all the more worth it. 

    As written on the homepage of TRMPC’s website, “If you only play the role of a moved bystander, you will find that in the end there will be fewer and fewer things that can move you.” Indeed, I believe that we possess the power to touch the lives of ourselves and others. To not leave any regrets in my youth, I was moved to action.