Continue Learning during the Pandemic
Joy during the Pandemic
Vivan Choi – Paper Folding Class
Before the pandemic, I often felt that there was never enough time to do what I wanted to do. On week days, I went out for coffee with friends in the mornings. After long chats with them, it was already way past noon by the time I got home. On weekends, I saw my children and grandchildren and enjoyed their company. Time really flew by very quickly.
However, after the snowstorm at the end of February and the severe pandemic, all the Community Service activities of North York (Chinese) Baptist Church were suspended. At first, we thought that it would be very difficult to pass time. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, starting with the use of WhatsApp by our Paper Folding Class instructors Mr. and Mrs. Lee, our learning has never been interrupted. At the end of April, with the help and patience of the committee members of Community Services, we were taught how to use the Internet platform in order to continue to participate in different classes, including Baduanjin, Praise Dance and Sing Along. Thanks to the great efforts of all the teachers, our days are still full and meaningful. Everything is so unpredictable in the midst of this pandemic, but we can still cherish our friendships.
Windfall
Grace Ho – Sing Along Class
I officially joined the NYCBC community activities in January 2019. I enjoyed the activities very much, and got to know many retirees. In conversations and interactions with them, I inadvertently learned the art of life from them.
Just as I was becoming really happy to be one of them, all the activities were suddenly stopped in early March 2020 due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking back, while the doors to many places were closed, it turned out that there were quite a few windows opening wonderfully! Many voluntary service groups, Christian institutions, and even leading universities held free online lectures. There were also many free online concerts by world-renowned singers. Even more attractive were the famous stage operas which we rarely have the chance to enjoy were available to be watched online for free. Life at home can be so rich with lots of varieties. I was particularly excited when NYCBC reopened Community Services. The instructors now run classes online such as exercise, singing and many other interest classes. We are able to enjoy the activities every Thursday again.
Thank God, when the door was closed, many small windows were opened for us! We are convinced that no matter what the situation is, when we pay close attention, we will discover God's work!
Enriched Life and Life is Rich
Stephen Li - Baduanjin & Calligraphy classes
I still remember last year when I stepped down from the plane, put away my luggage and went straight to North York (Chinese) Baptist Church to register for its Community Service program. With excitement I participated in that day’s activities. One week later I was really thrilled to hear that I was admitted into the Calligraphy Class. I thought I have put away calligraphy for the last fifty years since coming to Canada, I wondered whether I would have the courage to face this challenge. I went to pick up the supplies that I needed for class. On the first class, I spread out my stationeries and started to write. A lady classmate next to me told me that the instructor had suggested that beginners should start with a calligraphy style called “ti” (official script), which I did not know as a new kid on the block. The class representative immediately gave me some samples of that calligraphy style. When the other classmates heard me say that I would try my best, they smiled. So, I kept practicing that style for four weeks, after which the instructor told me that I had captured the skill already and could then start to try the “kai” (regular script) style. I was so happy that I could revisit the calligraphy style that I did in high school.
My instructor gave me positive feedback and encouraged me to continue working hard, and I really feel good about my progress. Originally it was my plan to participate in the Community Service Christmas celebration, but unfortunately, I was unable to join because of travel. My instructor told me that I could still participate in the calligraphy exhibition in that event. I could submit my work beforehand and he would critique it, which I did in November. That way I was still able to contribute towards the exhibit. However, since the start of COVID-19 in mid-March, all the activities of Community Services have had to stop. All we can do now is to stay home and enjoy whatever we do.