During these 9 months of my time in Kechara I have learnt so many things and experience that I would say that what I have written would not even have covered all my feelings.

Some of the things that I have picked up along the way would be firstly how to show caring and be concern for others not just by words but, through actions. I have learnt this through the constant sighting of how Rinpoche treats all of us. Doting us, constantly feeding us, buying us things, and even sponsoring us when we do not have the money. We are the ones that should be offering items and everything to Rinpoche, but instead, Rinpoche has used Rinpoche’s personal money to sponsor us, making sure that we are alright and feel loved. Rinpoche even treats all the foreigner workers the same. Giving them money or items for them to not miss home, making them feel at home while they are away in another country. Or even buying groceries for the people at KFR because they may not have the time or money to go buy groceries or go eat nice and expensive food.

Secondly would be the spirit of helping others in anyway that we can. It really amazes me how my dharma siblings would volunteer to help the others when they see that they need help with what they are handling despite of their own busy schedules. Through this it shows me that there is no extend on what we can and cannot do. If we can help others to lighten their load or their minds, we should do so. I believe that this is very important as it helps us to learn compassion and eventually let us help anyone or any being that we see on the road.

Thirdly, I have learnt to control my emotions much better. Although there is still a lot of room for improvement, but as compared to nine months ago, I believe that I have improved. I am able to control my tears and my temper better before speaking to another person. Not tearing half way through the conversation or even losing my temper. I also got to know that how our emotions are being steered are all based on how we choose the situation to be. This is very important as it helped me a lot with the communication with my parents, making them trust me more. I also thank Rinpoche and all my dharma brothers and sisters for the constant teasing. As through these, it not only allows me to know what is wrong with me, but also helped me to curb that anger that I would have when others say things about me.

Fourthly, which I think I improve most on is how to handle my parents using the different ways or methods that they prefer me to be like. Making use of different methods to get things and problems solved. I have learnt so much not only from Rinpoche, but also Su Ming. Through the small talks on whatsapp, calls, and everything that helped me understand so many more things, and how to get things done.

Fifth, being able to multi-task. I am now able to have a few things on my mind at the same time. I would not lose track of things and I know how to prioritize things. On what should be done first and how I should set timelines to meet them better.

Sixth, the ability to be more independent, helping or serving others even before I am being asked to do so. I did not notice this has became a habitual thing that I would do till the other day when my father say brought it up. He said that after my training at Kechara, I would always stand up and serve others, and even run to help carry things on my own without having others to ask me. To even help carry things when I already have many bags in my hands and look as though I need help myself, but I would still go over to help others.

Next, would be how I control my facial expressions better, especially when I am tired. This is also brought up to my notice by my parents. They say that I would not show a black face when I am being asked to do something that involves doing many things that I dislike. And that whenever I am tired, I would still push myself, not showing any signs of tired at all. I think this is very good as I am able to present myself better.

I am also able to speak to others better. Being able to strike conversation in the most awkward situations. I would just talk like nobody’s business and be annoying to the rest of the people. Making others tolerate my (annoying) voice. Hehe! I think this is also anther very good skill as that I would be able to present myself to others in different ways. Although I still have a long way to go learning up on what I should be sharing and what I should not be sharing at times. But I feel that I have improved a lot from that shy girl that would not even talk to anyone on the table if I do not know them, to this annoying person that would not shut her mouth.

During this time, not only did my knowledge towards dharma has increased drastically, but the knowledge towards paranormal activities has increased as well. Rinpoche, I will continue to be hardworking and learn up different things. At the same time I would still do my research about paranormal activities, and consult Rinpoche whenever I am in doubt.

Through all these knowledge and different methods I have learnt to protect myself, I noticed that I am no longer as afraid of sprits and ghosts as I used to be anymore. I am still afraid, but I know that no matter where I am, when I visualize Rinpoche and protector, I will be protected and I am safe. Thank you Rinpoche for teaching me this, and constantly reminding me so that it goes into my think skull.

Last but not least, I have also learnt to let go of some of my attachments (food, my family, enjoyments, sleep). I would not take priority to all these items as much. Especially towards my parents as I used to hold what they say of very high importance, and if I do not achieve what is expected of them, I will feel as though I have let them down and would feel depressed for a long period of time. But during my time in Kechara, I have got to know that things will always change, and by not being able to get one thing, it may not be a bad news. There would definitely be something that suits me more that would come.

I have learnt to let go of so much that I would be able to function in ways that I have never knew that I would be able to do so. Achieving so much more that I would have not been able to do so if I continued to stay in my comfort zone.

Thank you Rinpoche for always helping me to push myself, allowing me to know that I can achieve so much more that I thought I can. I would also like to thank all my Dharma family members for helping me along the way as well. Guiding me towards the correct direction all the while. Not letting me sway even for a moment.

These are only the few basic things that can be seen obviously. There are definitely more points that cannot be described in words. I really enjoyed my time at Kechara, and I am missing every moment of it now. Thank you so much Rinpoche for the constant teachings even when Rinpoche is away.

Lastly, I would like to thank Rinpoche for letting me intern at Tsem Ladrang during this period of time, even allowing me to extend my internship. It has really helped me a lot. I cannot thank enough for all that is done for me. I really love my Dharma family and my one and only Dharma Daddy (Rinpoche)!

From VT

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Dear VT,

You are always welcome to Kechara anytime. I did enjoy having you too. You are a strong, loyal, loving and intelligent person. I know you will benefit a lot of people because the dharma in you is so strong. I am so glad you had your parents permission to be with us to learn, study, grow and contribute. I am happy about that. You set a very good example for many other young people too. You are a good person and don’t you let that slip. You take care of yourself and don’t be with people who make you think otherwise.

You are in my prayers and I care about you very much. Don’t ever forget that.

Tsem Rinpoche